Boring but still needed: which VHS VCR?

As far as your new VCR and forwards compatibility - fuhgedaboutit.

What you have to do is make sure that there is a way to get a NTSC composite and or SVHS component signal into the new LCD you will select - in other words that the new unit is backwards compatible. You will always need a coax or RCA or S cable to output from the VHS deck. Ain't never gonna change though someone like Rat Shack will make an adapter for sure.

The VHS deck will never get any better then it is - it just is what it is. There is certainly no next-gen technology to look for - evolution pretty much stopped with S-VHS and pre-Tivo programming strategies...

Frankly I have no idea what could possibly keep you watching VHS that far into the future. My advice is to begin a transition to a newer playback medium sooner then later - lots to like in a $200 DVD player and NetFlix... Ease of use, plentiful media, pretty kidproof - like wash with soap and water....

If you have a lot of archival material, look into a DVD writer and burn the tapes to a platter before they deteriorate - half life of a tape is very finite especially if the transport is not regularly maintained (cleaned, de magged) and gentle tape handling is not practiced. Once that little sucker twists up you are SOL

PS to the above. The more I think about it:

#1 - what is holding you to a VHS instead of making a move for less money to a DVD? If you buy one with progressive scan out and HDMI connectors you will be ready for the future

#2 - forego the cable company and get DirectTV with Tivo. When you are ready to get that LCD with HD, upgrade to HD capable.

Net cost - perhaps $500

Ckorody: We already have a dvd player. We use vcr for two reasons. To watch legacy tapes we own (maybe these should be converted to dvd as you say), and to tape certain tv programs. If the latter can be done conveniently and inexpensively with a digital gadget, we might as well ditch the vcr.

What is the least expensive digital solution to for recording about 6 hours worth of programs? I am talking off the air tv, not tivo etc.

Tivo is the one I am familiar with. it is beyond brainless and kind of fun to use. There must be other hard drive based solutions - since we have satellite we just ordered it at the same time. I put a premium Toslink on it and the sound is very good for what it is.