Help Deciding on VCR

[generallee]

Hi,

I currently use a JVC HMDH40000U HDTV D-VHS VCR for capturing. I'm considering a Panasonic AG-MD835P medical-grade VCR http://catalog2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ModelDetail?storeId=11201&cata...5&displayTab=O

So, two questions: 1. Is my current VCR a P.O.S., or is it worth keeping and using either as a primary or backup deck. 2. Is the Panasonic as good as it looks spec wise?

The seller is asking $495 for the Panasonic, which is fine with me. But, if my deck is a good one and the Panasonic is just hype, maybe I should use the money for other, more necessary equipment, i.e., a procamp, detailer, etc.?

Thanks,

Bob

[generallee]

Bump

[orsetto]

If your JVC 40000 is the DVHS model, you already have about as good as you can find in a VCR for dubbing VHS to digital formats. The 40000 has a refined transport mechanism as well as noise reduction and TBC circuits to smooth image imperfections (these tend to be buried in setup menus, if your picture looks grainy with blotchy color then dig thru the menus to activate the DNR/TBC which may be named something goofy like "DigiPure").

Unless you enjoy sampling unusual VCRs and the Panasonic is affordable (well under $300) don't waste your money. "Medical Grade" means one of two things:

1. Overpriced scam VCR put in a laboratory-looking cabinet so naive doctors and predatory medical supply companies can make a killing. Many "medical" models were nothing more than a $100 consumer VCR guts housed in a $2000 chassis.

2. Specialty VCR designed with very stable/accurate time lapse and/or frame by frame recording capability, for documenting tests, surgeries and lab processes. The "compact" models like this Panasonic were based off equally overpriced "studio" models sold to post-production houses with unlimited budgets. They all look much better than they actually perform: the high price paid was for (at the time) astronomically expensive computer console connections, necessary for remote/automated lab and studio operation.

Neither feature is of any earthly use for normal video playback in the home or dubbing tapes to digital, and these are otherwise very ordinary VCRs not as good as your JVC. Since you already have one of the best JVC vcrs you can buy, there aren't many options out there that would not be lesser or barely equal quality. If you have a great variety of tapes recorded on different VCRs, you may find it worthwhile to acquire a Panasonic AG1980 or AG5710. These were semi-pro industrial models with video cleaning circuits similar to JVC, however they use a somewhat different approach to the circuit design and have a different transport. Many of us with huge VHS libraries find it beneficial to own both a high-end JVC and one of these Panasonics: they are just different enough to be complementary (tapes that have trouble on one often play better on the other). BTW, only difference between Panasonic AG1980 and AG5710 is the 5710 lacks a tuner or remote control receiver. The 5710 is virtually unknown outside of broadcast circles so can often be found cheaper than the popular AG1980.

$495 is way too much for the medical Panasonic, its TBC/DNR features are matched or exceeded by the far more common and cheaper AG1980 or AG5710 which sell used for $200 or so in good condition (and are easily repaired/adjusted). If the medical vcr is in absolutely flawless mint condition, and the seller gives you a no-questions-asked evaluation period, and you can afford the premium cost, it might be worth it. But that price is very high for a unit that would now be very difficult and expensive to service. I'd probably pass on it.

[generallee]

Boy, that is really great news! Thank you!

You saved me $500 on something that wouldn't have added any value to my setup. With what i currently have on order, I think I'll have all I'll need for a while now.

Thanks again!

Bob