High Quality at a Reasonable Price
Written: May 02 '02 (Updated May 03 '02)
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Pros: Can provide up to 400 lines of resolution in s-vhs mode
Cons: Tapes recorded in s-vhs will not be playable on regular vhs vcrs.
The Bottom Line: If you want high quality pictues from a VCR, your best option is s-vhs. The Mitsubishi provides that and more.
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| petergaryr's Full Review: Mitsubishi HS-U776 VCR |
I recently purchased a Mitsubishi widescreen RPTV (Model 55809, reviewed elsewhere on Epinions). It can produce spectacular results when coupled with high quality video sources. It produces terrible results with marginal signals. One such terrible signal was from a very old VCR that I had connected to it. With the current state of uncertainty concerning copyright protection for high definition sources, and the high price of HD VCRs, I started to look for at least a temporary solution to time shifting.
I knew I wanted an s-vhs VCR since that format has the potential of recording up to 400 lines of resolution when used with the appropriate tape (rather pricey s-vhs tape that sells for up to $11 a cassette).
My first attempt was the JVC HR-S2901U, currently selling for $129 at Circuit City. I returned it within a week due to the unwatchable vertical jitter.
The Mitsubishi HS-U776 was its replacement. It is not the most expensive s-vhs VCR on the market, but price isn't everything. It features full s-vhs and s-et recording (you can record ALMOST s-vhs quality on a standard High Grade vhs tape).
It includes the almost standard VCR Plus3 that can control a cable box. This feature is great for the programming challenged. Just find the appropriate VCR Plus code in the newspaper or TV Guide, punch it in and you are done (almost). The first time you punch in a VCR Plus code for a station you haven't previously used, you may have to adjust the channel number to align with your current channel lineup. For the more adventurous, there is the standard manual programming capability (up to 8 programs).
It will find the current time from a PBS station and set the clock automatically: a nice feature if you have occasional power losses.
The remote control is well thought out and has a nice backlight that will illuminate the keys in the dark at the push of a button. It comes pre-set to control Mitsubishi TVs, but can be re-programmed for a variety of other brands.
When a new tape is inserted, a feature called PerfecTape engages to analyze the quality of the tape and sets recording parameters accordingly.
It also features digital tracking that adjust for optimum playback with a variety of tapes. If you don't like its tracking choice, it is easily overridden.
The counter shows elapsed time in hours, minutes and seconds: very handy for finding favorite parts of a movie.
For best results, use the s-video connection (assuming, of course that your Monitor has an s-video in). There are also convenient inputs on the front panel so you can easily connect another VCR for dubbing purposes.
Finally, there is a convenient One Touch recording feature that allows you to set a timed recording instantly if you suddenly decide you just have to have a copy of what you are currently watching.
Using s-vhs tape, and when connected to a high quality monitor, this is the best VHS quality you can get until full HD recording becomes a reasonable, cost effective alternative (maybe 3-4 years from now).
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 229
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Epinions.com ID:
petergaryr
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Location: St. Johns, FL
Reviews written: 78
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Have worked as a DJ, Consultant, Instructor, Course developer,Web Designer & vocalist in band.
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