JVC HR-S3800U SVHS machine... even you can afford one!
Written: Jul 14 '01
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Pros: Super VHS, Hi-Fi, excellent tracking, Super VHS ET mode, cheap!, 400+ lines of resolution
Cons: SVHS tape is still expensive, EP record and playback problems, HR-S3900U out already.
The Bottom Line: If you're looking for a Hi-Fi 4 Head VHS VCR, why not step up to SVHS? Very affordable VCR that provides for great playback and recording and SVHS.
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| yusakugo's Full Review: JVC HR-S3800 S-VHS VCR |
I've adopted the S-VHS standard for over 8 years now. I have one of the first JVC S-VHS decks that were produced, the HR-S7200 deck. Unfortunately, these decks were very expensive at that time and if that deck ever broke down, I couldn't afford to purchase another S-VHS or repair. Just a year ago, I bought my first SVHS backup deck... the JVC HR-S3600U unit and wrote a review on that (link below... just copy and paste it)
http://yusakugo.epinions.com/elec-review-7F4E-6ED21D0-393C81D9-prod6
I was very happy with the performance of this deck. Actually, I've bought quite a number of JVC decks for either myself or my family over the last 11 years... (13 decks by JVC and 3 from Panasonic)
While browsing through the J&R online catalog, I noted that the JVC HR-S3800U unit was selling for a mere $129.99! My brother was getting sick and tired of not being able to watch my laserdisc-to-SVHS ET mode tapes so it was time to buy another SVHS deck. I couldn't say no when I calculated my final price (I tell you how I paid about $110 at the end of all this).
Now, why do I want SVHS deck? I take my video very seriously... my collection consists mostly of tapes imported from other countries since they are not available in the US yet, and the majority of it is anime (japanese animation) and come from an LD or DVD source. I need excellent tracking features, high resolution, and since alot of the tapes in my collection are recorded on S-VHS tape, I need at least S-VHS Quasi-playback.
SVHS ET mode
This particular unit is capable of S-VHS ET mode. What is that you ask? The ability of a VCR to record well above 240 lines of resolution on regular VHS tape. This means sharper and clearer pictures to the viewer on capable TV sets. You will notice the difference especially if you have a high quality cable connection or digital TV source! So at least you don't have to buy expensive S-VHS tape (although you don't get the full 400-420 lines of resolution from pure S-VHS!).
More Features
This VCR has S-Video output, Movie Advance, Active Video Calibration (VCR constantly adjusts the tracking for "optimal" video output), the afore mentioned S-VHS ET mode, VCR Plus+, Cable Box 3 Control, Instant Timer Recording, Automatic Satellite Programing, Child Lock, a multi-brand remote control that you don't need to program the VCR and can control your TV and a second VCR (even if it is another JVC!). However, you lose the Jog dial on the front of the machine that was present on my 3600 unit. It doesn't make much of a difference in performance with the buttons instead of a jog dial, but I'm used to a jog dial and miss that feature on the 3800. You also get S-Video inputs on the rear of the machine and the front of the machine (just like the 3600 and JVC's current SVHS line). To select where the input is coming from, choose channel F-1 for the front input or R-1 for the rear input.
Tracking is also excellent, as with most S-VHS machines I've played with. I played a tape which had moderate tracking problems (subtitles were unreadable, slightly blurred picture) on several VCR machines, but on my older S-VHS JVC and the 3600 deck, the picture was mostly clean (I could easily read the subtitles and the blur was reduced considerably).
Recently, I tired recording in EP mode and was surprised at the quality. It was pretty much average for a JVC VCR. Playback was also somewhat problematic. Where these tapes would play fine on my HR-S7200 unit, there were problems on the 3600 and 3800 units. Static lines were present at times. A few times, the picture blurred out a bit... just for a few seconds.
The remote on the 3800 unit now lights up but is rather difficult to use versus my 3600 remote. The 3600 remote had a sliding switch to pick device (TV, VCR, or Cable box) to control. The 3800 unit requires you to press the TV button and the other button (like power) at the same time! It is rather annoying.
Programming the VCR overall was a breeze... but I've been using JVC VCRs for over 10 years 8 years now. The VCR allows up to 10 programs for recording. You tell it when by highlighting the time section and pressing in the numbers. The channel that you are recording should have been added into your VCR though.
I've never had problems with the Plug and Play automatic clock setter. I should warn you that many reviews on the 3600 and 3800 and even the 3900 have mentioned problems (both on epinions and magazine sources). Maybe I've been lucky so far with my JVC VCRs.
You do get indexing features and the pleasant instant review feature.
I don't use the cable box/eye controller... so I don't know how well this feature works.
The AV Compulink works well... makes deck to deck recording very easy (assuming you have another JVC deck with AV Compulink as well!)
Overall
I bought this JVC SVHS unit from J&R online with Flooz bought through a American Express Corporate Platinum card ($300 annual fee and the card belongs to my father). This gave me a 20% discount on buying Flooz. Now, I also purchased the item through ebates.com for the 2 or 3% rebate (I can't remember the exact rebate percentage). This means that the VCR cost me $129 - 20% = $103 + S&H minus another $2-3 from ebates. Not a bad deal at all! Note that you can buy Flooz for 10% off with other American Express cards at this time.
Why not buy a SVHS deck? The cost is lower than some high end regular VHS decks. You get excellent recording and playback for a mere $110-$140! You also get SVHS recording and playback as well as SVHS-ET recording and playback. This is almost too good to be true... But it is! If you're looking for a VHS deck, be sure to look this up!
Read my Ebates.com review here (cut and paste again!)
http://yusakugo.epinions.com/content_11868081796
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 110
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Epinions.com ID:
yusakugo
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Member: Rich Go
Location: Somewhere in the NorthEast
Reviews written: 399
Trusted by: 495 members
About Me:
Losing Sleep and Lacking Time... sigh...
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