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I have bought and returned entry-level (CDN$200-270) SVHS VCRs from Panasonic and JVC. Both suffered from mechanical glitches. I know these were fairly cheap models, but they shouldn't be defective 'right-out-of-the-box'. What do I have to spend, or what brand, to get a good-quality, reliable VCR?
Follow Ups:
I just purchased the JVC S7800 from Crutchfield for $200. I can't speak on reliability since it's new, but the picture and even TV reception are much better the the 10 year old RCA I was using (which was an improvement over my previous Sanyo). The 7800 is last years model but is essentially the same as the 7900 and comes with the S-cable in the box for $30-$50 less. Basically, no one is making high-end VCR's anymore except for JVC and a few Panasonics. As far as build quality, my old RCA is definitely heavier and not as "plasticy" as the JVC. Of course the only reasons for a new VCR now is to record off TV of if you have an extensive tape collection that would be price prohibitive to replace with DVD. I bought a new one to get S-quality for TV taping and to use the RCA for stereo output in the bedroom (TV there has no audio ins or outs). JVC's new digital VCR, supposedly wonderful for taping off satellite, is quite pricey, but probably worth it if price no object.
Some years back, it seems all the VCR makers went for lowest cost and quality/durability generally went out the window...thus the $99 name brand VCR. VCRs are probably more mechanically complex than in any other consumer electronics unit, and there's no substitute for accurate tolerances and adequate strength.For example, my Zenith VR3200 (cost over $500 in '86) weighs about 30 lbs and hasn't even hiccuped in 15 years. It seems like everything in it that moves or subject to wear is made of steel or brass. I did take it in to a shop when my son broke a male cable connector on the back a couple years ago. The service guy told me to keep it running as long as I could because later vcrs are generally toast a couple years under normal service. The heads wear out and aren't worth replacing.
If I were you, I'd look for a good buy for a 4-head stereo VCR at one of the big retailers that offer a long term warranty for a few extra bucks at purchase.
I have a JVC HRS3800U and the 3900U is on the way. I am quite happy w/ the 3800U, but have only had it a couple of months.
VCRs are at the end of their life cycle and are basically made very poorly. That said, they should not fail right out of the box. My guess is you bought the vcr from Future Shop, either go to a different branch of future shop or a local TV speciality store that will have the "higher end" S-VHS machines. You could try a Toshiba as well.
Not sure about what you need to spend but our two Panasonoc S-VHS recorders have been reliable. I have heard bad reports re JVC and notice that the recent recorders are getting lighter & lighter -> cost cutting on transformers & other parts.VCRs are very complex but there is no excuse for them being faulty out of the box.
It is worth while to spend a bit more on a model up in the range as the circuitry is pretty minimal -> mediocre video in the entry level models.
Sorry but I cannot recommend anything in nthe current range as it is several years since making a VCR purchase here.
John
Peace at AA
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