SVHS? (1 Viewer)

[Alan Ross]

My 10 year old JVC VCR died last weekend, so I need to get a new VCR. I am thinking of getting a SVHS machine for extra resolution. The last VCR was used mostly with a 31" monitor, the new one will be used with a 61" RPTV and a front projector. I don't own a camcoder, so editing facilities are not important. The VCR will be used mostly for time shifting and occasional archiving. I would like to keep the price under $400, the lower the better. I belive my choses are JVC, Mitsubishi, Panasonic and Sharp.

So, I'd like to know if there is a clear "best buy" out there? Also, is there a picture quality difference between, say JVC's HR-S3900U, HR-S5900U, HR-S7900U and HR-S9900U or is the difference mainly in features?

Any help is appreciated since it's been 10 years since I shopped for a VCR.

 

[Keith_G]

Alan,

I can easily recommend the JVC HRS7*** series, as I have used a 7600 for a year now doing time-shift and archive.

I use SHVS tape (not modified VHS) and have had no loss of tape quality.

The built-in buffer/Jitter-reduction cleans up noisy recordings quite nicely and stabilizes the picture very well (even on some poor cable broadcasts).

Looks like the JVC 7900 is around the $250 mark.

Or consider the Tivo/Replay route...but that's outside your price when you include programming fees.

Keith

 

[Parker Clack]

I second the recommendation for a Replay TV or Tivo especially since you are going to be using it primarily for time shifting. While you are out looking for a VCR take a look at the Tivo and Replay TV units.

Parker

 

[Alan Ross]

Thanks Keith and Parker, I will probably get a satellite receiver with Tivo, but I still need a VCR. I have a small collection of tapes I'd like to watch again. Also, my ex-wife frequently asks me to record stuff for her (technofobia), and I am too nice to refuse

 

[Marc Rochkind]

One more comment. Some VCRs, such as the JVC HR-S3800U (less than $200 as I recall) can record and playback:

1. VHS on VHS tape

2. Super-VHS ET on VHS tape, and

3. Super-VHS on Super-VHS tape

In addition, presumably it could do #3 on altered-VHS tape, although I haven't tried that.

My results using #2 are lousy, and I've seen similar reports here. But, at only around $6 for a Super-VHS tape, I use it that way mostly.

An advantage of any VCR over a DVR is that you can save the programs for a long time. DVRs fill up eventually.

 

[JohnRice]

Alan,

You're right. Even though the HD recorders are neat, you still will probably want/need a VCR. I expect the folks who were recommending the HD units weren't thinking about that. I think Crutchfield still has the JVC 4800 on closeout for $169. I have a 10 year old Mistubishi that stopped playing and recording S-VHS, so I have been looking around as well. The one thing I noticed is that most models these days don't have manual volume controls. Most of them use ALC, which I don't think I want. The JVC 98/9900 do have manual volume controls. You can get them from etronics for $400 or less delivered, plus it had digital Y/C separation and I imagine the picture is pretty good. Those are the ones I have been leaning toward.

 

[Jay Blair]

I just got a flyer in the mail today from J&R (JandR.com) listing the HR-S9800 for $329.99. This is a great VCR and that is a great price. The flyer was sent to preferred customers, but I would be surprised if they wouldn't give that price to anyone who calls them. The 9800 will give a small video improvement over the 7800/7900 series and has a ghost-reduction tuner for TV viewing. It also has other convenience and editing features (such as jog-shuttle remote). Personally I would avoid the 3000/4000/5000 series players and go with at least the 7800 or higher series. The TBC circuit and digital noise reduction features offer a big boost in picture quality. These VCRs are also DVD friendly (can route DVD player through them to the TV, though they don't eliminate macrovision for making copies).

 

[Don Beverly]

I second what Jay said, I have two s vhs players and the

JVC tuner and filter is superior, especially noticeable

on larger screens, with the money you spent getting into

a nice set, why short yourself with support equipment?

If the budget is tight, look for a 9000 series refurb.