Need help choosing a VCR

[xdavidx]

I know this question gets asked alot, but I've spent the last few days searching through the forum and I havent been able to find a straight answer. I was hoping to get some advice on picking a vcr. I will only be using this vcr for transferring old VHS tapes into my ADVC-100 so I can burn them onto DVD, so the only feature I care about is playback quality. I realize that the older model JVC's seem to be the holy grail of VCRs, but I would really prefer to buy something new. After doing some research I've narrowed down my options to this:

JVC HRS-9911
JVC V10U
Panasonic VS4821
Toshiba W808

Am I missing any? I am willing to buy a seperate TBC unit if need be. Like I said, Im looking for the highest quality ouptut. So what do you all suggest?

[Capmaster]

I've had good results with Sony and Panasonic VCRs.

IMO, you will need a TBC and it likely will cost more than the VCR, unless you get a very nice VCR. You might be able to get a budget pseudo-TBC (stabilizer/clarifier) for less money. Some of the JVC VCRs have built-in TBCs, and other brands do too.

I would look through user reviews out on the web for the different models you are looking at.

[FulciLives]

TOSHIBA really fucked up if you asked me

Back in the day they made excellent 6 head Hi-Fi Stereo VHS VCR's that simply blew all other brands out of the water quality wise.

I have two left like that. Had another two that died and yet another that was a cheaper 4 heard model that had excellent recording (like the 6 head models) but horrible playback (NOT like the 6 head models). That 4 head is now dead as well.

So now I'm down to only 2 and the ******* cat pissed on the one and the remote doesn't work for it anymore (I guess some sensor inside fried but otherwise it still works a champ ... just no remote control).

I also have an 8 head Hi-Fi stereo multi-system PAL/NTSC Toshiba that just broke and now the newer multi-system models are only 6 heads

As far as USA models go ... like I said TOSHIBA screwed up ... the only way NOW to get a USA model TOSHIBA VHS VCR is to buy a combo VHS/DVD unit and these are only 4 head so I don't know if they are as good as the old 6 head models or not (I doubt it).

If you can get a slightly used but still working 6 head Toshiba then go for it. Quality is amazing ... blows the piss out of JVC

I have told other people to buy JVC though because everyone says the 9000 series is SO great (stress 9000 series) and afterall you can't buy a decent TOSHIBA anymore ... not brand new in the USA anyways.

My experience with JVC was a 5000 series S-VHS unit. It was OK feature wise. Had flying erase head and some other "editing" tricks like audio dub etc. but no built-in DNR or TBC ... although the quality was good it was not as good as my TOSHIBA ... at least not for regular VHS playback/recording. In fact the TOSHIBA kicks it's ass. I only used the JVC for when I needed to record to S-VHS format.

Oh yes ... my 5000 model broke (bad motor grinding noises inside really bad stuff) after only about 1 year of use ... maybe 1 1/2 at the max. I did use it A LOT but blah it shouldn't have died that quickly ... not for what I paid for it at the time (something like $300 or close to it).

I'm gonna try to fix my old 8 head multi-system Toshiba ... I think the only thing broken is the tape transport loading thingie ... but I have no idea what I'm doing so I might be getting the new 6 head model.

Here is a link to it:

http://www.world-import.com/v-e60.htm

Good Luck with whatever you get!

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

[Bob W]

I had two JVC VCR's with s-video out and both developed problems. What I did was buy a Mitsubishi VCR which has s-video out like the JVC units and it has performed flawlessly so far.

[FulciLives]

I had two JVC VCR's with s-video out and both developed problems. What I did was buy a Mitsubishi VCR which has s-video out like the JVC units and it has performed flawlessly so far.

What model and where can you buy it?

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

[Bob W]

I had two JVC VCR's with s-video out and both developed problems. What I did was buy a Mitsubishi VCR which has s-video out like the JVC units and it has performed flawlessly so far.

What model and where can you buy it?

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

I bought my Mitsubishi VCR at "The Good Guys", but I don't know if they have those stores where you live. They do have a web site.

[lordsmurf]

I have nothing against the JVC SR-V10U. It's never changed much from the 7800-7900 days.

I have "plastics" against the JVC HR-S9911, but that's how everything goes these days, right? Use plastic instead of metal. To me, the 9911 is a glorified 7900 or SR-V10U.

I have issues with TOSHIBA through the years, especially the 6 head ones, never liked the output or reliability.

Stay away from low end JVC 3000-5000 if you can. I have 2 and have patience to deal with their problems. Most people have no patience or knowledge on VCR care and repair.

I still have a SHARP VHS VCR because it has it's moments to shine.