Video Asylum

Posted by Akouo on August 05, 2001 at 20:51:10

In Reply to: VCR's sure are cheap these day's, RE: JVC S-VHS HR-5900 posted by Jim P on August 05, 2001 at 01:07:32:

I am not going to be able to answer the feature question but I have a short tale to tell.
Four months back I borrowed a freinds Sharp 411 ($60) vcr. Well two months or so ago, I bought a Sony tv and a Panasonic 4861 S-VHS. Then I borrowed my freinds dvd (okay, he is a rich freind and owes me many favours) and did a test (video essentials) between the sharp and the Panasonic. The $220 dollar Panasonic was better then the $60 Sharp. No surprise, but if you are getting regular, non digital signal, in my opinion, you are wasting money because there was not that huge a difference.
From what I read in British and Japanese publications, D-VHS and HD recorders will make S-VHS look like 8-track tapes. Absolutely no comparison.
If you do not have to buy, then don't waste money, the new technologies are out and very close to mass market. I wish I bought the Sharp. Good thing the wife doesn't go on the net.
P.S. Notice how well the new vcr's are made. The industry is making a very disposable vcr, figuring a 1 to 2 year life before the new technologies make vcr's into excellent mouse traps. Think about it. Put some cheese inside and any poor mice that get in are trapped by the door.