Need advice on which old VCR to buy...

[tonyp2]

I can get my hands on a Sony SLV-690HF, a Mitsubishi U69, or a Mits U110. I'm looking to use it for VHS playback as part of a convert to DVD setup. All (I am told) work with no problems at all. Which should I get?

[tlegion]

Unless these units are free, just buy a new vcr. If you get one of these and there is any problem whatsoever, the cost for a repair center to evaluate the unit would be almost equivalent to just buying a new unit. At least with a new unit, you would get at least a years warranty. A new hi-fi vcr costs $80 or so. A new S-VHS vcr costs $130.

If you do get one of these, you better hope that there is a manual and remote included because you'll have a hard time finding them at the manufacturer's site.

[tonyp2]

I hear you, tlegion, but from the impression I get a lot of people think the new VCRs of any make (especialy the cheap ones) are absolute cr@p. That, and that I can get any of these for next to nothing. OTOH, if I can get a good VHS transport for less than $100 (all I'll be using it for is to run my old stuff) I may consider it. Would you have any recommendations?

[BrainStorm69]

tonyp, if those are your choices, I'd go with the HS-U69 if it's in good shape. It is an S-VHS deck that has s-video out for a bit better picture, and was close to if not the top of Mitsubishi's vcr line when new. The Sony might be ok, but it is only VHS, and does not have an "edit" setting as part of its features (minimizes picture degradation during capturing). The HS-U110 I really don't know much about, but I don't believe it is S-VHS and I think it's one of Mitsubishi's lower end models.

[tonyp2]

Thanks Brain. Yes, I think you're right about the U110; it's not SVHS. The reason I am considering the Sony is that I know where it's coming from (good shape, low hours) and that I already have a 770HF, which has very nice tape playback. So I already have a bias for that series of Sony machines.

[BrainStorm69]

Thanks Brain. Yes, I think you're right about the U110; it's not SVHS. The reason I am considering the Sony is that I know where it's coming from (good shape, low hours) and that I already have a 770HF, which has very nice tape playback. So I already have a bias for that series of Sony machines.

The 690 should actually have a picture very similar to your 770. I believe they both use the same video heads (the replacement video head is the same for both models) and have basically the same features. The 690 is a couple of years newer than your 770 (1993 vs. 1995).

Given that fact, I'd try the HS-U69 just to see if it's any better. If not, you can always use your 770 can't you?

[tonyp2]

Ah, if only I could. The 770 is in "don't take it away from this TV" mode, so I have to get a another for my capture use. I decided to go with the SLV-690HF. My friend should be dropping it off early next week.

[FulciLives]

Look for a 6-head Toshiba on eBay.

That was the best VCR ever made ... well at least on a consumer grade level.

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

[tonyp2]

I actually have a 6 head Toshiba (it's permanently connected to another TV). It's quite good, but on standard VHS material I'm not sure I see a significant improvment over my other SLV-770HF. But I do believe they're both nice machines.

[FulciLives]

I actually have a 6 head Toshiba (it's permanently connected to another TV). It's quite good, but on standard VHS material I'm not sure I see a significant improvment over my other SLV-770HF. But I do believe they're both nice machines.

You have BAD eyes if you can't see the difference between a 6-head Toshiba and a crappy ass Sony.

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

P.S.
Take a look at this thread:

https://www.videohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=228269

[tonyp2]

Well, I don't want to get into an argument, but I took Sample 7 (a Sony which is in the same family as my 770HF) and the Tosh M784 sample (I have a M782) and looked at them side by side in Photoshop. The Tosh definitely brings out more detail in the girl's hair and sweater, but the letters on the front page of the paper come across a little odd next to the Sony. I would not categorize the difference between the two as night and day.