Let's take a Peak...at a Panasonic PV-V4520 VCR
Written: May 03 '01
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Pros: Quality performance, lighted remote, 3-speed recording, affordable
Cons: Noisy rewind/FF
The Bottom Line: The image and sound quality are quite good for a VCR in this price range. It's a great value for your money!
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| canne's Full Review: Panasonic PV-V4520 VHS VCR |
Panasonic has been a trusted name in our home for several years now. After we purchased our first Panasonic VCR about five years ago, we were immediately delighted with our purchase. One of our favorite toys, our Panasonic VCR served us well until it met with a quite unfortunate accident late one night. That's right...Hubby was at it again! This time, he dropped our little black box right on all four of it's heads! Great as it was...there was no way it could have survived such a blow!
Another midnight run to WalMart was definitely in order. When we arrived in the video section, we were faced with floor to ceiling columns of various makes and models...most of which were of absolutely no interest to us. We were on a mission...for a 4-head Panasonic VCR for under a $100. The decision would be fast and easy...if only we could find where they were hidden. At last, we located the very thing we were looking for, pulled out the checkbook and we were on our way!
When we removed our new VCR from it's carton, we were delighted to discover that the model PV-V4520 that we had just purchased had many added/enhanced features that were not available on our previous Panasonic. It was definitely a bargain at $89.95.
We have been using our new Panasonic VCR for approximately 60 days now. I'd like to share with you some of the features that I like best about this unit.
First, set-up was a breeze. When the unit is turned on for the first time, set-up mode is automatically entered. The easy-to-follow manual and the on-screen menu guides you through a very simple step-by-step procedure. Within 15 minutes, our new VCR was programmed and ready for use.
This Panasonic VCR records on three speeds...SP (standard play), LP (long play), and SLP (super long play). With this feature, a T-120 or T-160 VHS tape can be used for 6-8 hours of quality recording. Many other VCRs of this price range and more do not have this ability. When we went on vacation last year, I was able to record 8 hours of my favorite soap operas while we were away. I didn't miss a single episode! I look forward to using this same feature on my new Panasonic VCR again this summer.
The Auto Clock Set automatically sets the date and time on the front panel clock. The Time Zone Adjust feature adjusts the clock to Daylight Savings Time. This feature only works when Auto Clock is set. The clock can also be set manually on this unit.
Timer Recording is extremely easy to use with the PV-V4520 VCR. Simply press program on the remote and follow the 5 easy steps to automatically program up to 8 of your favorite shows. Relax and go on that needed vacation...you can depend on Panasonic to record your favorites while you are away.
The remote, called the Light Tower, is small enough to fit comfortably in your hand...yet, it is uniquely programmed to control most functions on the VCR. With the touch of a button, this remote is back lit for several seconds. It's design allows it to stand beside you on a table. Unlike most VCRs, this one works well even when it is not directly pointed at the VCR. It requires two AA batteries for operation.
One of my favorite features of the Panasonic PV-V4520 is CS or Commercial Skip. With the mere touch of a button on the remote, I can advance in one, two or three minute increments to skip past all those dreadful commercials. I love this feature...it saves me time and allows me to watch only what I want to watch.
Have you ever been in a hurry to record a program and tried to guess if there was enough tape left to record all of your show? Panasonic has solved that problem with the Tape Position Display feature on this VCR. Just plug in the tape, press the Tape Position button on the remote to see exactly how much tape is remaining. The tape position is displayed on an easy to read graph. Never miss that important ending again! Thanks Panasonic.
The VCR Lock feature is especially useful for families with small children. With this feature, all operations except timer record and eject may be suspended. Your child will never accidentally erase over your recorded tape again! This feature is a definite plus!
Panasonic's VCR Plus System is also available on this system. Although I have not used this feature, it allows you to set most items of a timer recording by simply entering a special code number found in TV Guide or selected newspaper TV listings. Sounds like a winner to me!
There are so many great features about the Panasonic PV-V4520 VCR that it's hard to list them all. Here are a few more:
The Advanced Search System allows you to access and scan recordings by the use of index marks. Each time a recording is made, an index mark is placed on the tape. When timer recordings are made, program index and certain information are also included.
The Repeat Play feature allows a tape to be played again and again. Kids love this feature...and Moms do too!
What Kid doesn't like to watch their favorite cartoons over and over!
CONS:
A super rewind and super fast forward would be a definite plus for this VCR.
The rewind/FF of this Panasonic model is somewhat noisier than my previous one.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 89.95
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Epinions.com ID:
canne
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Location: Southern Illinois
Reviews written: 38
Trusted by: 30 members
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