What do I really need?
May 17 '00 (Updated Jun 12 '00)
Buying a VCR can be a slightly overwhelming problem, what with all of the different companies out there, each with a whole line of VCRs. Which one is right for you? Before you even go shopping for a VCR, you should ask yourself three questions.
1) How much are you going to spend on this VCR? This is important, as it will help you narrow the field, as well as keeping the salesmen at the store from herding you to the more expensive models. This factor is also important in answering the other two questions.
2) What do you need this VCR for? This question also effects the other two questions. IF you are only going to use it for the occasional weekend movie rental, then you shouldn't put too much money into it, or be looking for one with too many features. If you are going to use it everyday, for both recording and movie watching, you may want to look for a few more features, as well as being willing to plunk down more money for it. If you are considering buying two VCRs so that you can copy home videos, you might want to consider a dual deck VCR as opposed to two separate ones.
3) What features do you want/need in your new VCR? Think hard about this one, as this is one of the main features that separates one VCR from another. You should think about whether you need all of the bells and whistles. Do you really need to be able to slow down the picture to one frame a second? Do you really only need the basic functions, and a programmable record clock? Think long and hard about this one. If you are just using this VCR to watch videos, then you don't really need a programmable record clock (although most VCRs come with one anyway). If you enjoy watching movies in the dark, you will probably want to think about one with a remote where the buttons light up. Although don't make the decision on the remotes alone. If a VCR has everything that you need except for a certain remote function, don't worry about it, but instead, look into a universal remote.
When you are looking around at all the options, be warned about the feature to price ratio. If a VCR has low price and many, many features, it usually means that the quality of the VCR is pretty bad. You have to expect this, as the companies that make the VCRs are out to make a profit. Thus, if they add a lot of features, chances are they will make it up by decreasing the quality of the product and it's parts. So be warned, and if you go shopping in a store, don't let a sales person sweet-talk you into buying a low quality VCR.
It is usually a good idea to look into a VCR before you buy it. This means reading about it in consumer guides, or reading other peoples opinions about it. E-pinions are a powerful tool, and you can get great feedback from other consumers like you. You should also look for one with a good warranty. This insures that if something does go wrong, that the company/store will take credit for it, and either repair or replace the troubled machine.
Overall, know exactly what you want when you enter the store. When you get there, don't be swayed by the advertisements for best VCR or other such nonsense. Be wary of salespeople as well, they are usually only interested in commissions, and as such, will steer you towards the most expensive VCR, or one that the store wants to get rid of as quickly as possible. If you do go in knowing exactly what you want, you will have a much quicker and a much more pleasant shopping experience, as well as a VCR that suits your needs.
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Epinions.com ID:
DJC750
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Member: Daniel
Location: New York, New York
Reviews written: 37
Trusted by: 4 members
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