Easy-to-install/use VCR
Written: Nov 11 '99
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: easy to use/set-up
Cons: one more thing I need to dust <G>
|
|
|
| ETorrey's Full Review: Philips VRA431AT VCR |
The VCR I purchased a few months ago (on sale) may not be the latest thing out there, but it works for me. And, if my experience with this Philips Magnavox product is any indication of the quality of the rest of their products, then I can highly recommend Philips Magnavox to you.
I bought my Philips Magnavox video cassette recorder (VRA431AT) a few months ago. I had been using a Mitsubishi VCR that I had purchased back in grad school – oh, 16 years ago…about! (So, obviously I am not a “latest electronics” guru.)
The Philips Magnavox VCR is a 4-head VCR with VCR Plus+ capabilities (you can set it to record using those fun little codes printed in your TV listings – which saves having to figure start/stop times). However, if you like setting start/stop times, you still can. <grin>
Well, I got the new VCR home, unwrapped it, plugged it in, followed the set-up routine outlined in the manual… and it runs GREAT! Very simple and absolutely no problems.
I guess it is so simple because almost everything is automatic. The VCR features automatic channel setup, clock setting with time zone, head cleaner, tracking adjustment, and operations features (record, play, etc.). It still amazes me (little things amaze me) how the clock resets itself after power failures and for daylight savings time, etc. (I love having one less clock that needs to be reset.)
The most confusing part was hooking the right lines into the back of the TV, my cable converter box, and the VCR… and I seemed to handle this without much difficulty. Then, I sat back on the sofa with the universal remote (provided) and set up all the rest of the functions. (Gotta give credit to whoever came up with the universal remote idea… he/she has saved me so much space on my end table, I can actually set a drink down there now.)
I went through Automatic Channel Setup. (6 easy steps, including Step 6 which just said “Wait for a few minutes while the VCR sets up the channels.”) Next came setting the clock (4 steps). Language selection – English/Espanol (6 steps). Setting the remote to operate a TV (6 steps). Setting the remote to operate a cable box (6 steps). And I was in business and ready to roll. All-in-all, it took about 20 minutes – TOPS!
One thing to note… the owner’s manual is VERY complete and easy to follow. (It is well written and has very clear drawings, in case you have trouble following the text.) As an example, just for the “hookup” portion there are instructions for: Hookups Without a Cable Box, Hookups With a Cable Box, and Hookups With a Stereo TV.
As far a quality of play goes, it is great. So far, everything is clear and clean. I am still having some trouble trying to figure out how to watch one show and tape another one… but I think that is “my” problem and not a problem with the VCR. (Something to do with how my cable is connected, etc.)
Recommended:
Yes
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
ETorrey
|
|
Location: Atlanta, GA
Reviews written: 27
Trusted by: 5 members
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.