Sub $200 VCR.....which one would you recommended? (1 Viewer)

[SteveSpoon]

Am looking for a VCR under 200 dollars. Which one gives the most bang for the buck? A few people seem to like the JVC HR-S7800U; is there something better out there for about the same money? Also, where is a good place to purchase a VCR, Crutchfield, JandR, etc. Thanks for any help.

Steve

 

[AaronD]

Steve,

Most people will probably tell you that the 7800 is the best deal out there right now. It's last years model and that is why it's only $199... I've been happy with mine, but I haven't used any of the other devices in the same class.

I bought mine from crutchfield even though I usually don't buy there because of their high prices. On this though, they are giving a great deal.

-Aaron

 

[Wayne A. Pflughaupt]

VCRs are “high casualty” items, in my experience. I’ve had more VCRs fail over the years as all other components in my system combined.

So personally, Steve, I wouldn’t have a VCR with a list price under $200, since their drive systems are so complex. Don’t expect a cheap one to last very long (have you ever noticed VCR’s ridiculous warranties – 90 days!) unless you just don’t use it a lot.

The best bet, if that’s your budget, is something higher priced at a steep discount, as Aaron suggested.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

 

[SteveSpoon]

I noticed in Crutchfield's latest catalog, the 7800 is not listed (model #'s change as fast as one would change underwear), but they do have the JVC HR-S4800 for $169.00. Ooops, wait a minute; that's last winters catalog. Oh well.

With 3 kids around banging the he$# out of everything, I don't expect the VCR's to last that long anyway.....would the 4800 give me about what the 7800 will? What are the major differences? Thank you.

Steve

 

[AaronD]

Steve,
Most notably the 4800 lacks time base correction and frame memory that are on the 7800. The TBC will help give you a more stable picture, and I've noticed it does help considerably.
The 7800 is still listed on crutchfields website. IMHO, I'd pony up the extra $30 and get the 7800.
Since I've got my 7800 I feel like KeithH and his pitching of SACD gear...
-Aaron

 

[SteveSpoon]

I'm going to make a quick trip out to our local Walmart (stack um' high, stack um' deep, make the downtown merchants weep store) and see if they have the 7800. Just trying to get a feel for my purchase.

I normally don't buy from Crutchfield either on account of their higher (generally) prices, but might just get the 7800 from them. Sounds like a pretty good deal, and I do enjoy their cataologs they send me each quarter. That has to cost them something. Plus, if I have a problem with something, they are real easy to deal with (unlike some of the other stores out there in "virtual land".

I'll keep you posted. Thanks a lot.

Steve

 

[Bill Will]

Steve from what I understand & I could be wrong, JVC has no replacement model for the 7800 so if you want one I would jump on the closeout 7800 price from Crutchfield before there all gone.

 

[AaronD]

Steve,

I also just noticed that crutchfield has some 7800's in their scratch and dent store for $169.95... I bought mine that way and haven't had a problem.

I doubt that you will find the 7800 @ walmart, I've yet to find a real SVHS VCR at any big chain including best buy, CC, and the like.

Good luck!
-Aaron

 

[SteveSpoon]

Oh man, where's that credit card!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[SteveSpoon]

Just got the go-ahead from the boss, so JVC HR-S7800U from Crutchfield is now on the way!! I ordered the scratch and dent unit. Sales guy promised me scratch and dent didn't mean "cement block falling on top". Guy was really nice (although most people are when they are taking your money) and said they would pay for the shipping if I wasn't happy with it. He also gave me free shipping to my doorstep, so I figure I can't lose regardless.

Thanks for all the good help and I'll let ya know what "scratch and dent" really means when it shows up.

This truely is a great forum here. Thanks again.

Steve

 

[AaronD]

Steve,

Congrats on the purchase... I'm sure you'll be happy if the unit is in top shape. Mine was a return, and there was absolutely nothing wrong with it.

Let us know your thoughts.

-Aaron

 

[SteveSpoon]

Thanks a lot. Will post a review when it shows up.

Steve

I do have a question: I have an older 46 inch RCA big screen TV (about 6 years old). Have your typical Panasonic Hi-Fi Stereo (typical 100 dollar job) VCR hooked to the big screen right now (actually, its been a good little player). Here's my question (finally!!): Do you think I'll notice a difference in picture quality with the new JVC? Or does the big screen have only a certain number of horizontal lines of resolution, so having the new VCR which puts out more lines (I think it does, does it??!!) just a mute point? I mean, the big screen can only do so much for picture quality, anyway.........I hope you can understand my question out of that mess. Here's the short question: Will my picture be better with the new VCR??? There, that wasn't so hard to say!!

Thanks a lot.

Steve

 

[Wayne A. Pflughaupt]

Steve,
Are you able to see a difference between a DVD and your old VCR on your TV? I expect you can! Your new JVC has almost twice the resolution as the Panasonic, nearly as good as a DVD.
But again, you only get the high-resoultion picture with tapes recorded in S-VHS. Your old VHS tapes might look somewhat better, but not nearly as good as S-VHS recordings.
I predict you will be so pleased with your new VCR that the Panasonic will be up for sale soon. If you’re like me, once you get used to a high-rez S-VHS picture, it’s painful to look a regular VHS.
Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

 

[Bill Will]

Steve, Yes you will see a difference between VHS & S-VHS. Myself I would not fool around with S-VHS ET though record in S-VHS at SP speed on S-VHS Tapes. Also don't worry about buying a scratch & dent from Crutchfield as one HTF member posted he bought a scratch & dent 7800 & when he got it an RF antenna conntection was broken, called Crutchfield & they din't have any more scratch & dent ones left so they gave him a new one. Crutchfield's prices are on the high side but you could not find a better company to do business with. There like old companies used to be The customer is always right & service with a smile Enjoy your vcr & let us know what you think of it.

 

[SteveSpoon]

I've purchased a few things from Crutchfield thru the years, but would normally purchase elsewhere since as you say, their prices on most things tend to be higher. However, the price on the VCR seems to be decent, and I was starting to get a guilty conscious after receiving so many catalogs from them and not buying anything!!! And as you say, their customer service is one of the best.

My "redo" the basement project is taking longer than I had originally planned, so my gear is scattered half up stairs and half downstairs. The big screen is downstairs (with the Panasonic VCR) and the DVD RV-65 Panasonic is upstairs.........have got to get that downstairs finished to get my stereo stuff back together!!! Plan is to get the basement done and move the rest of the home theater stuff downstairs.

Thanks again for all the help and I'll keep you posted as how things progress.

Steve