VCR vs DVD, Your Call
Mar 16 '00
If you ask for an opinion you’ll always get more than one and I’m sure this will be the case on this issue. Each is a different type of media and each has plusses and minuses.
VCR
VCR’s have been around since the 70’s and have steadily improved in programming capabilities as well as picture clarity and sound. They have added stereo sound that is a big improvement of the original models. There is one big advantage to the VCR and that’s the capability to record. We currently have CD-ROM write capability on our computers which is a big advantage over using diskette or hard drive storage. There are, currently, a couple of companies that have developed DVD player/recorders but the price tags are out of sight. These will come down over the next year or so.
Currently there is a wider selection of movies on VHS but that won’t last for long. Each week there are more and more titles coming out on DVD. Remember VHS has had 25+ years lead time. VHS movies and concerts are cheaper by $3 - $5 each, depending on the title. This too will change over time and as demand grows the volume of sales increases and the price goes down (unlike gasoline).
DVD
If you’ve never experienced the quality of a movie played from a good quality DVD player you are in for a treat. The picture quality is incredible due mostly to Digital enhancement. The sound is great because most of the movies have Dolby sound which is even better if you have a Surround Sound system installed. I was also amazed by the technology that allowed the various languages to be used with the movie. It’s really strange watching Lethal Weapon IV in French.
Using DVD also allows you to start and restart your movie in various locations. There are icons at the bottom of your setup screen that let's you start where you want. This makes it easy to go and view those scenes you really liked. Another good feature that comes with most DVD movies is that the theatrical and Television movie trailers are included. These are what you see either on TV when a movie is coming out or what you see in the “Preview of Coming Attractions” before you see the movie in the theater. It’s nice to have these little extras.
Availability
More and more there are DVD’s available in the stores. It has taken a while for them to add this product line, with any real variety of movies, but slowly they are getting more and more different titles and more of the older movies are coming out too. As the discount and warehouse chains stock more movies the prices become more affordable too. There are now DVD mail order clubs like Columbia House which are formatted just like music tape, music CD-ROM, and VHS movie clubs currently out there. The large movie rental stores like Blockbuster carry DVD versions of many movies for rent just like VHS.
Overall
If you can only afford one, DVD or VCR, take a look at why you want the unit. If you will be watching and taping movies then get the VCR if you will only be playing movies then the DVD may look better to you. It’s all up to you and what you need and what you can afford. I have both but I got the VCR first and then the DVD as the prices came down.
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Epinions.com ID:
rfish
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Location: East Hartford, Connecticut
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Enjoys Star Trek, Science Fiction conventions/collecting, gardening(flowers and vegetable), working with the Boy Scouts.
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