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I'm getting ready to buy a new 27" TV (probably the $550 Sony Wega) and am also considering a new hi-fi VCR to replace a really old Magnavox mono player, as well as a DVD player (first time buyer here). I'm amazed at how inexpensive the VCRs have become (Sylvania hi-fi for $64?). I have also seen some interesting combination machines, e.g., a Samsung player that featured both a hi fi VCR and a DVD player in one box, and a 27" Sharp TV with DVD and VCR built in. Now, I am not a 'videophile' and the system will be for occasional movie watching only. It's not even a home theater per-say, in that the audio will just be run into my two channel setup. Am I crazy to consider investing in the cheap stuff? Is it all crap? Are the combo players worse than the separates? Are there any really great 'bang-for-the-buck' machines I should be looking at?
Thanks so much for your assistance!!
Jon
Follow Ups:
"Am I crazy to consider investing in the cheap stuff?"I think you answered your own question here. You said you are not a videophile and the set up will only be used for occassional movie watching. If that's the case, go on the cheap. It's not all bad, particularly in a non-videophile system. If I were you, I'd go for a cheap VCR/DVD combo and save your money until (if/when) you are ready to make the jump into a system that is more high end.
Just IMHO.
A warning about videorecorders. Of all the components in this home (and that is too many), the videorecorders are the ones that visit the audio clinic the most often. This is not surprising considering their complexity and the number of moving (and wearing) parts to say nothing of the audio & video electronics.Also the tuners can vary a lot in their ability to give a good picture - noticable on smaller than 27" TVs. I've tried a number of brands but have zeroed in on National/Panasonic as the best both for reliability and picture quality. We do a lot of time shifting videotaping here and project on to a 112 inch screen. If the transmitted signal is good then our tapings can look as good, if not better than some of the direct broadcasts.
You claim not to be a videophile but you do not have to be very discriminating to be able to detect a good picture from a fuzzy one.
So, bottom line, choose carefully. That "cheap" videorecorder could cost a lot if it is unreliable.
Good hunting
John
Good point, well taken with regard to reliability!
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