What do you think the best VCR is?

[vcruser]

I am curious. What do you think the best VCR for general use is? Do you have a favorite VCR?

[Hoser Rob]

I don't think any of the major serious manufacturers make them anymore, so I'd probably not have a favorite from what you can get new today. They're either refurbishes or cheapo AFAIK.

If you want quality you may be better off looking for a used prosumer one in good shape. And hopefully there's a good tech nearby. With used vcr's it seems to me condition would trump however well it was rated in its day, though you'll find that vcr quality took a nose dive after 2000 or so.

My personal favorite? The first one I got about 30 years ago. I definitely lucked out there. A JVC whose model number I forget, one of the top loaders. Wired remote. Turned out that many pros kept one in their studios/labs. Great picture quality, built like a tank.

[hech54]

My Philips VR1000 was so good when it died I bought a Philips VR1100(both consumer JVC clones). I picked up my VR1100 on Ebay for about $35, then I opened my big mouth now they are going for MUCH more. Great all-around machines with TBC, noise reduction and S-Video out.

I use my Panny consumer NV-HD620(got it for free from a friend) for BIG LP tapes.

[vcruser]

I have a panasonic VCR which happens to be my favorite. It handles EP tapes well, unlike my Sharp and JVC VCR.

[classfour]

Panasonic AG-1980 is pretty nice, but needs some TLC at the shop - new belts, etc..

Have some JVCs that do a good job, just not as good as the panny.

[vcruser]

My Panasonic is a cheap mono 4 head VCR, but it tops even a JVC hifi VCR.