Panasonic PV-S4566 SVHS VCR How good is it? What are specs?

[rijir2001]

I have this VCR and I haven't a clue what the specs for the machine are. I can't find anything on the net.

I'm wondering if it is a decent machine for use in capturing. Any help appreciated.

[rijir2001]

Anyone?

[Krispy Kritter]

As you already know, there isn't anything on the net. Panasonic doesn't even have any info listed on their website.

So you are just left testing it yourself. There are only a few models known to have excellent video output (out of production models), aside from those, everyone just uses what they have on hand. I don't know what specs or info you are wanting to learn. Simply hooking it up and using/testing it will provide all of the info you would need.

[ntscuser]

I have this VCR and I haven't a clue what the specs for the machine are. I can't find anything on the net.

I'm wondering if it is a decent machine for use in capturing. Any help appreciated.

[rant mode]This a bit of an off-topic rant but I have a Panasonic S-VHS machine - a former top-of-the-range NV-HS950B - and as supplied the picture was terrible. Returning the machine to two different main service agents made no difference. Both claimed the machine was "working to spec". One had even replaced the head drum assembly for no good reason. The problem turned out to be a misadjusted playback control, a simple screwdriver adjustment if you know where to look.

My point is it probably makes a bigger difference how each machine is individually adjusted rather than its model number or specification and these days you would be very lucky to find anyone who even knows how to make adjustments to an S-VHS machine[/end rant]

[rijir2001]

This machine was given to me and I never knew even what its cost was. It seems to do decent captures. I was just wondering if it could be one of those cheap low quality SVHS decks that were sold all over once that SVHS-ET technology came out. It doesn't state that. But you never know. I emailed Panasonic when I got it and they said they don't have such a model. Go figure. Idiots!!

[ntscuser]

This machine was given to me and I never knew even what its cost was. It seems to do decent captures. I was just wondering if it could be one of those cheap low quality SVHS decks that were sold all over once that SVHS-ET technology came out.

That wouldn't make a lot of difference. The basic spec of any S-VHS machine is pretty much the same as any other, the only differences are in build quality and editing features. A friend has a pair of post-ET era Panasonic machines and he is perfectly happy with them. Just don't go using VHS blanks in an S-VHS machine and expect the same results. Beware also that some "S-VHS" blanks (eg Maxell) are just regular VHS tape sold in an S-VHS cassette.

[rijir2001]

I'll only be using it for playback. I have a Pyro AV Link that I just had a formware upgrade on. Now I just need an inexpensive TBC and I'll be all set.

[ntscuser]

I'll only be using it for playback. I have a Pyro AV Link that I just had a formware upgrade on. Now I just need an inexpensive TBC and I'll be all set.

Panasonic DVD recorders have a built-in TBC which is extremely good. The only drawback is that you'll need an external image stabiliser if the tape is copy protected in any way.