Need VCR recommendations!

[Ajanta]

I have to find a replacement for my VCR which just expired. I
understand that scene has changed greatly in last few years. I would
appreciate recommendations or warnings on brands and models.

FWIW I have a short-list consisting of Sony N750, N55, N77 and
Panasonic 4525S and 4624S. They are in $65-$100 range.

The new machine will be used to watch old tapes and also to record and
later watch TV shows when we must miss the telecast. Besides convenient
programmed recording, and recording and playback quality, safe handling
of tapes is an important consideration.

(One general question, is "refurbished" a good idea in VCR's or not?
I am hesitant because I think they are returns and may have head or
transport wear, but the attraction is that unlike normal "used" they
are manufacturere certified and $69 buys a refurbished model whose new
price might be $129.)

Thank you.

[Although I am crossposting to av groups, I can only check replies on
soc.culture.indian, so please leave that group in.]

[Trevor Wilson]

"Ajanta" > wrote in message
...
>I have to find a replacement for my VCR which just expired. I
> understand that scene has changed greatly in last few years. I would
> appreciate recommendations or warnings on brands and models.
>
> FWIW I have a short-list consisting of Sony N750, N55, N77 and
> Panasonic 4525S and 4624S. They are in $65-$100 range.

**Can't go wrong with a Panasonic, IMO. I've owned most brands on models
(including lots of Sonys) and find the Panas to be quite good, with a good
feature set. In fact, I use mine on 1/3rd speed (to get 12 hours on a 4 hour
tape). At this speed, picture quality is significantly better than long play
DVD and somewhat better than an old VCR operating at normal play. My only
real grumble with the Pana is the cost of new heads. They're so expensive
that you just chuck the machine away and buy a new one.

>
> The new machine will be used to watch old tapes and also to record and
> later watch TV shows when we must miss the telecast. Besides convenient
> programmed recording, and recording and playback quality, safe handling
> of tapes is an important consideration.
>
> (One general question, is "refurbished" a good idea in VCR's or not?

**Bad idea, IMO.


--
Trevor Wilson
www.rageaudio.com.au

[Ajanta]

Trevor Wilson > wrote:

> **Can't go wrong with a Panasonic, IMO. I've owned most brands on models
> (including lots of Sonys) and find the Panas to be quite good, with a good
> feature set. In fact, I use mine on 1/3rd speed (to get 12 hours on a 4 hour
> tape)...

Thanks for the input. I too record at 1/3 speed and it works fine for
most purposes. My ex-VCR was Panasonic, bought around 10 years ago.
So much has changed since then. I can't believe that a company like
Panasonic lists only two VCR models in its official US site.

Would you be kind enough to look at this link and tell me which model
looks more promising (I am technical zero):

http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/vModelList

One can click on individual models and then technical specs etc. Or
should I assume that the one costing $10 more is the better one? :-)

Sony N77 has something called "auto head cleaner". I don't know if that
works but sounded interesting. However, I can only get it *refurbished*
at Sony outlet. For a purely electronic item I wouldn't mind but
hesitate to buy refurbished anything that has moving and rubbing
parts...

> > (One general question, is "refurbished" a good idea in VCR's or not?
>
> **Bad idea, IMO.