Purchase a cd burner instead.
Written: May 22 '02 (Updated May 22 '02)
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Pros: s-video is convenient, S-VHS ET gives you a nice picture
Cons: Build quality questionable, VHS is bulky, cannot loan out tapes
The Bottom Line: Make the change to burning discs on your computer instead. However, this VCR might be functional for a person who is unwilling to change to a newwer format.
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| hottyson's Full Review: JVC HR-S3800 S-VHS VCR |
Why I purchased the JVC HR-S3800U S-VHS VCR:
I needed a good VCR to record DVDs. The HR-S3800U has S-VHS ET to record S-VHS format to regular VHS tapes. Also, my laserdisc player, Xbox, DVD player all have have s-video connections. Lucky me, the HR-S3800U also has s-video connections. No more constantly switching my TV between video and s-video when watching a VHS tape.
JVC HR-S3800U S-VHS VCR Recommendation:
Most people should not purchase the HR-S3800U for three reasons. One, build quality is questionable. I am currently on my second HR-S3800U. My first one had some problems but I returned it to Costco and recently found a used one for cheap.
Two, S-VHS ET is great technology but you can only play back in S-VHS ET friendly VCRs so others cannot borrow tapes recorded in S-VHS ET.
Three, VHS is no longer your only option. Using a computer to burn copies on CDRs or DVDRs is becoming commonplace and will play fine on computers and newer DVD players. CDR discs are ten cents each and you can fit most full-length movies on two CDRs. I would never get mad if someone never returned a twenty cent movie that I loaned them. Besides cost, you may also appreciate having two tiny discs per movie instead of an enormous bulky tape collection that always needs to be rewound.
JVC HR-S3800U S-VHS VCR Operation:
My first HR-S3800U had a few quirks. The remote control would always revert to VCR # 2 as default when I removed the batteries. So, I could not control the VCR until I reprogrammed it. The door had to be manually flipped up or the tape would jamb against the door and not eject. The shuttle dial on the face of the VCR did not function. This was not too much of a problem as I used the remote control for every operation.
My second HR-S3800U has been trouble free. S-VHS ET looks better than VHS. You lose a lot of the snow artifacts. I still love the fact that I no longer have to flip the TV between video and s-video.
Recommended:
No
Amount Paid (US$): $70 used
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Epinions.com ID:
hottyson
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Reviews written: 7
Trusted by: 0 members
About Me:
Obsessed with audio gear, movies, food and girls.
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