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Boring but still needed: which VHS VCR?

Here is a non-sexy question: My old HS VCR expired, which brand and model should I get (or brands to stay away from!)?

I have already invested in a dvd player, so only VCR is needed. It will be used for watching old tapes (so safe mechanical handling is an issue) and for normal recording and viewing.

My local sources are offering Panasonic 4525, 4624, and *refurbished* Sony N750, N55, N77. Prices are under or around $100 and any differences are not deciding factors. I can also buy inline if something else will make much better sense. Thanks.
aktchi
ghostrider45
449 posts
 
I've always been a fan of JVC VCRs. If you look around you can find a JVC DVHS 3000U or DVHS 4000U inexpensively. These decks do VHS and SVHS as well as digital VHS (480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i). They are built like the older recorders and are probably the last of the breed - DVHS is already dead with blu-ray and HD-DVD on the horizon. Both are superb VHS/SVHS decks with the DVHS as an extra. They feature built in VHF/UHF/Cable tuners and support VCR+.

You can check Agon's sister site Videogon. Sometimes good things show up there.
aktchi OP
274 posts
 
While brooding over what to buy to replace our dead VHS VCR, I became aware of one more consideration.

Presently we have one of the older analog TV's. Within 1-2 years we will probably buy an LCD HDTV. Given the uqality of broadcasts and our cable company, we are likely to continue watching off-air with antenna.

Question: what to I have to look for in the new VCR so it would work with my present TV as well as the future one?
pawlowski6132
592 posts
 
I don't think anyone makes VCRs anymore.
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
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You could also check local tech repair places near where you live. Many times they have VCRs they have cleaned and adjusted; and can give you a small warranty.

On eBay, just avoid the Power Sellers. They really don't know what they are selling. If it powers on, that is working to them.

Find a listing from someone that you can tell that they are just an regular person selling a VCR that they never use anymore, and can vouch that it works properly. Check their feedback.
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palasr
525 posts
 
If you can find a Panasonic AG-1330 commericial VCR, I highly recommend them. Built like a tank, with an excellent quality transport made mostly of metal. Very basic and bare bones - we use them in a university environment where they receive heavy use, and of the over 40 deployed in the field, none has ever been on my bench (aside from someone loading bad tapes into them). The only drawback - they're mono!!

-Richard
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