vcrs, do they still exist?

lordmajax · Member Joined: 06 Sep 2003 Location: cape coral

I went to bestbuy.com and ciruitcity.com and there are only 2-3 vcrs available. I was wondering if someone could tell me which vcr is the best: Panasonic PV-V4525S, Sony SLV-N750, or Zenith VC-S442. I was thinking about getting a dvd recorder/player/vhs player all in one combo but I don't know how well those will do. There's also the dvd player/vcr combo. I am just not a fan of combining different technology in one machine. I'm very picky and expect a good picture out of a dvd player. Has anyone had any experience with combos?

Bob W · Member Joined: 19 Feb 2003

I bought a Mitsubishi VCR from my local CircuitCity here in Reno and it works a whole lot better than my expensive JVC so maybe check that out.

Hmm now that I think about it I may have bought the VCR at "The Good Guys" also in Reno.

lordmajax · Member Joined: 06 Sep 2003 Location: cape coral

does anyone have any recommendations for websites so I can check reviews? There's only two for sale at circuit city and best buy.

MOVIEGEEK · Member Joined: 08 Mar 2002 Location: CA,USA

My vote is for a Panasonic or JVC.
www.pricegrabber.com
www.shopping.com
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zoobie · Posted: Jun 20, 2005 17:26

My vote is to stay far away from the low grade consumer junk at bestbuy and circuit city...and the like. There are a few million vcrs on eBay...
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lordsmurf · Posted: Jun 20, 2005 18:35

For a regular VHS unit, Sharp and Sony are great.
Toshiba is too, but I don't think they're made anymore.
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lordmajax · Member Joined: 06 Sep 2003 Location: cape coral

Thanks lordsmurf. I honestly just wanted a good vcr. I think Great and Vcr shouldn't be in the same sentence nowadays. I don't want an old model. Any recommendations for the newest models of Sharp vs. Sony Vcrs.

sanjayk · Member Joined: 31 Jan 2005 Location: India

I think VCR are more of an "archeological find" these days because you dont see them around much. I own two Panasonic VCR, old models, but they are still working fine after many years.
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lordmajax · Member Joined: 06 Sep 2003 Location: cape coral

Sharp and Toshiba are out of the business. I have the options of JVC, Sony, Mitsubishi, and 1 Panasonic model. They are the only highend makers left in the US.

lordmajax · Member Joined: 06 Sep 2003 Location: cape coral

Okay, I have the entire list which consist of 12 models. Here's the list...

Sony SLV-N900, LSV-N750
JVC HR-S2902U, HR-S3902U, HR3912U, HRS5902U, HR5912U, HR-J692U
Panasonic PV-V4525S, PV-V4624S
Mitsubishi HS-U449, HS-U748

Based on the scarce reviews I could find it seems that in order of best to worse it's Mitsubishi, JVC, Sony, Panasonic. Anyone have any comments on any of these vcrs? I need one that is quite. My old Sony is so loud when rewinding or doing anything really.

lordmajax · Member Joined: 06 Sep 2003 Location: cape coral

eliminated JVC HR-J692U based on 15 horrendouse reviews at amazon.com
Now I'm down to 11. Help me out guys.
I have been reading that it is hard to find s-vhs blank tapes nowadays. That means I either have to go with a regular vcr or one that will record s-vhs on regular vhs tapes.

pbhalerao · Member Joined: 22 Aug 2002 Location: India

My Sony SLV-830E purchased in 1995 is still working great. I only have to clean the heads once in a while (6 mths). Never been sent to repairs even once. The remote is acting a bit funny but nothing much to worry about. And I have a lot of VHS colllection.

So yes, VCRs still exist. But VCR sales are dying out. Perhaps many companies will stop making VCRs in the next year or so. Hold on to your VCR. Perhaps in 10 years it will fetch an antique value.
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Blazey · Encoding Joined: 31 Dec 2003 Location: New York

I usually buy from Amazon and they have a decent selection of low end units
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-form/103-7119283-8700640

I am partial to Panasonic VCR's. I have never killed one!!

Bob W · Member Joined: 19 Feb 2003

My vote goes to the Mitsubishi which btw is built like a tank with a steel cover.

lordmajax · Member Joined: 06 Sep 2003 Location: cape coral

I was thinking of getting a s-vhs. However, they seem pointless nowadays don't they. Next, I would prefer it to be silver because all my other electronics are light colored.

samijubal · Member Joined: 25 Jul 2004

Mitsubishi is the only decent quality VCR left. The rest are all cheapos.

lordsmurf · Posted: Jun 23, 2005 18:31

lordsmurf · Posted: Jun 23, 2005 18:32

lordmajax · Member Joined: 06 Sep 2003 Location: cape coral

Okay, so my only options would be a JVC then. If I get a SVHS. Since I want a silve model it would have to be HR-S5912U. Anyone had any experiences with this model?

lordmajax · Member Joined: 06 Sep 2003 Location: cape coral

I don't like how the front panel isn't covered on the jvc though

http://www.jvc.com/product.jsp?modelId=MODL027008&pathId=49&page=1

gshelley61 · Frequent Flyer Joined: 19 May 2004 Location: USA

JVC HR-S7900U, HR-S7800U and HR-S7600U are black.

JVC SR-V101U and SR-V10U are dark gray.

All are S-VHS with TBC/DNR circuit. The 7600 is the best machine of the bunch, but can only be found used.

Other high quality black or dark gray S-VHS machines: Panasonic AG-1970, Panasonic AG-1980, Sony SLV-R1000, Sony SVO-2000

The Panasonic AG-1980 can still be found new, and the Sony SLV-R1000 and SVO-2000 can sometimes be found new in box, too. Big bucks, though.

The two Panasonics have TBC's in them, the Sony's do not.

lordmajax · Member Joined: 06 Sep 2003 Location: cape coral

I don't want black though, just silver.

gshelley61 · Frequent Flyer Joined: 19 May 2004 Location: USA

lordsmurf · Posted: Jun 23, 2005 23:37

I think valuing color over quality of the unit is silly.
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lordmajax · Member Joined: 06 Sep 2003 Location: cape coral

I don't think I'm gonna go with the HR-S9911U. I think I am having reservations about getting a S-VHS because the s-vhs tapes are too expensive for me. Would buying a s-vhs affect in any way the quality of playback or recording on a regular vhs blank tape. Any recommendations for good quality blank tapes?

gshelley61 · Frequent Flyer Joined: 19 May 2004 Location: USA

Most JVC S-VHS units have a feature called S-VHS ET, which allows you to record at S-VHS resolution on standard VHS tapes.

davideck · Preservationist Joined: 03 Feb 2003 Location: USA