Great VCR, If You Can Find It!
Written: Jun 09 '02
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Pros: One hour memory backup for clock; Excellent, usable features
Cons: Limited availability of this model
The Bottom Line: If you can find this available, go for it. Even Sony's online store does not have it.
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| wdsnls's Full Review: Sony SLV-N99 VHS VCR |
The purchase of the Sony SLV-N99 was made to replace a six year old, problem prone Mitsubishi VCR, as my primary VCR.
My main reason for selecting this model was that it has a one hour memory backup for the clock. I presently own the SONY SLV-N50 (2 year old model) which has the one hour backup. The other current models, SLV-N77 and SLV-N88 only have a one minute backup. This feature may be looked upon as unnecessary, when most VCR's, including this model, have an 'auto clock set' feature. My cable system carries no stations that supply this XDS feature for the 'auto clock set'. The two PBS stations carried, did away with this service, due to inaccuracies in the time. I also live in an area where there are many power interruptions and glitches, especially during the summer months. Without a decent amount of time memory for the clock, I would be resetting it every day, sometimes several times a day. See my Epinion on the Toshiba W-622, which I returned and paid the restocking fee of 25%.
I have been thoroughly satisfied with the Sony SLV-N99 which I can also say for my SLV-N50. The setup went smoothly. The VCR Plus+ Gold system 'automatic channel mapping feature', found my cable system and automatically setup the corresponding cable channels and guide channels.
The 'Dial Timer' is another great feature, that should be present on every VCR. I find it very annoying to have to turn on my TV in order to set up the timer for a future recording. This is not necessary with the 'Dial Timer'. Right from the front of the VCR, one can setup up to eight future timed recordings over a thirty day period. Also, the exact times can be entered, not just in 15 or 30 minute increments, as some other VCR's allow. The clock can also be reset using the 'Dial Timer'.
I prefer to keep the VCR's input on one of the 'Line' inputs. This way, when I switch my TV to the 'Video' mode, it displays the blue muted screen and I don't have to contend with the sound in the background when using the 'on screen' menu for the VCR. The SLV-99N has buttons, on both the remote and the VCR, to change these inputs.
The 'Reality Regenerator' feature, is said to restore the picture to its original quality during playback. I could see no difference.
The manual warns you that the 'automatic tracking' may not work for recordings made in the LP mode on other machines. The point I want to make is that the 'manual tracking adjustment' does correct the tracking for the tapes described. The same disclaimer was made for the Toshiba W-622, but the 'manual tracking' adjustment failed to correct the tracking.
The picture quality and sound is excellent. I only run the sound through a stereo TV. The rewinding is smooth and quiet, as is the machine when playing. The remote is comfortable; button positions are convenient. Sony's 'Commercial Pass' feature is the best for going through commercials, as compared to these, so called, 'Commercial Skips', other VCR's have.
My only negative, was the poor availability in finding this model. Every reputable online merchant, showed availability, until you tried to purchase it. Then it became, 'temporarily out of stock'. My usual, online merchant had it back ordered for me for over three weeks. Then it was back ordered for an additional five weeks. I canceled the order and had to drive a distance to purchase it from a store. The price was the same. In fact, by buying from the store and paying the sales tax, it cost me $2.00 less. It paid for my gas! Sadly to say, the online merchant had it in stock, the day after my cancellation.
My final point, which pleasantly surprised me, occurred yesterday. I had a power failure that lasted 70 minutes. When the power returned, the clock had retained its time, RIGHT TO THE SECOND!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 149.99
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Epinions.com ID:
wdsnls
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Location: Palm City, FL USA
Reviews written: 20
Trusted by: 0 members
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