What VHS/VCR device do you have?

mariauserinfo wrote on 2/8/2004, 9:53 PM

Greets:
Some clients of mine required the final video edition in a VHS tape.
I have an old VCR but I need a good one with a high quality.
What do you think about sONY SLV-LX700S ?? ($ 100)
Another suggestion (brand/model/cost) is appreciated. Thanks!

Comments

stepfour wrote on 2/8/2004, 10:37 PM

The only thing high-quality in the VCR arena would be a SVHS model. Some of those let you put better quality on standard VHS tapes, that MIGHT be playable in your clients equipment. JVC has some very reasonably priced ones. If SVHS is out of the question, you still might want to seek out some of the better JVC VHS. Good VCRs can be had pretty cheap right now. As for standard VHS, don't be suprised if your old VCR does just as good as a modern replacement. Check somewhere like, www.crutchfield.com and do some reading up. Good luck. Oh, use good quality tapes. That can make a difference.

farss wrote on 2/8/2004, 11:19 PM

I use a JVC SVHS VCR, it does seem to record slightly better quality standard VHS as I'm able to feed it a S-Video signal.
I'm told for best results get a new or second hand pro dubbing machine or any machine that doesn't have LP mode, these write a wider track and a wider track means a little less noise.

The other thing I do like about the JVC is it doesn't rewind the tape too quickly which means the tape is wound evenly, and oh yes it records and plays back PAL and NTSC. It wasn't expensive, sohould get something similar for around USD 200.

craftech wrote on 2/9/2004, 4:18 AM

Most VCR's are becoming scarce, and the ones which are available in the consumer line are generally garbage including the one you mentioned. Moreover, the trend is to produce a combination DVD/VCR which is mostly what is currently available in stores. Virtually all of them have poorly constructed VCR sections.
If you are looking for a VCR with S-video inputs and outputs, the JVC SR-V10U can be found for around $235.95 at Neeman Media.
http://www.neemannmedia.com/OVERSTOCK.htm
Make sure the return policy is decent before you buy a JVC product. That model is part of their "professional" line and it records a nice image.

For a good quality consumer VCR see if you can find any of the older (2 years plus) Panasonic Models. The newer ones are really poor. Same holds true for the Sharp models, although you might find that some of the newer Sharp Models are OK. Careful, because some Sharp models don't display any information on the front of the unit such as RW, FF, SP, etc. You must have it hooked to a TV to read any information.

If you strike out there, buy a SVHS consumer model to record regular VHS. Only because they are still making an attempt at manufacturing consumer SVHS VCR's almost about as well as they used to manufacture regular VCR's. Most of your choices will be JVC so make sure the return policy is decent wherever you buy. See the Crutchfield website or catalog for a quick look at models which are available. This model is good:
http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/features/473179805.
So is the store. Amazon.com sells it for the same price with free shipping and a great return policy. Amazon customer reviews are more reliable than most, so check that before you buy anything. You also may want to look at the bottom shelves in your local Walmart for older Panasonic or Sharp units. Their 90 day return policy is hard to beat. Unfortunately the current models they carry are the poorly made newer ones regardless of brand. Sony models have always been poorly made so if you find an older one, don't buy it.

John