Is there an easy to use vcr?

Get a VCR with "VCR+". Have you ever noticed the six digit numbers in the TV listings in the newspaper or TV Guide? They are the VCR+ numbers. You just enter those six numbers on the remote and it automatically programs the VCR for you.

They also automatically update the clock time if the power goes out. The time and the VCR+ updates are broadcast in the PBS TV signal.

wow Sean I'm glad I read this - I was about ready to try that Super JVC, but first & foremost the wife primarily needs to be able to use it to tape her soaps (ugh).

Sean--Good to know it's not just me who got a little too fascinated with a piece of electronics and bought it without performing "due diligence," so to speak! ;-) (My God!! $400 for the JBL Harmony, piece pf junk glorified alarm clock! Aaarggh!!!!)

Bob, my partner at work ( Dan ) also has an S-VHS machine. From what i can recall, he's pretty happy with his. I'll try to find out the specifics and let you know.

As far as the JVC goes, not only is the programming less than fun and the manual not very easy to follow, it also uses some funky "remote sensor" that you have to put in front of the cable box / satellite receiver in order to do auto turn-on, etc... I don't remember the specifics as i gave up on trying to get it to work. It was / is a total joke. Sean
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It is as I feared. The present generation of designers cannot achieve an easy-to-use vcr. They probably also work on gps systems for cars and may have had something to do with Windows 98. The 10 year old Sony, formerly owned by Rphsvc, was apparently the peak and it is no more. Anyway, thanks for all the comments.