Good until it break down which will be sooner than you think
Written: Jan 07 '00 (Updated Jan 13 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Very good video quality
Cons: Quality issues make this unreliable
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| mackeystingray's Full Review: JVC HR-S9600 S-VHS VCR |
I have the previous S-VHS model (9500) of their top of the line VCR, the 9600 which debuted sometime in 99. The only difference between these models is the jog/shuttle which is now also on the deck itself instead of exclusively on the remote control. All internal mechanisms are identical to the previous 9500 model.
This machine has not broken down on me yet but feels like the loading mechanism will fail any day now (my cheap $120 Toshiba has a studier loading mechanism than my $400 JVC). The chassis of the mechanical parts being made of flimsy plastic and pot metal, unlike the VCRs of yesteryear which were made of quality metal. The VCR will and does fail at a very high rate according to VCR repairmen I've talked to as well as opinions expressed on the alt.video.vcr newserver. When your JVC machine does fail (not a matter of if, but when) it will be hell trying to get the machine to be fixed by a JVC technician as JVC does not admit there being a manufacturing flaw in any of their machines and may not repair or replace it, even under warranty (if it's under warranty, try returning it for a refund). If they do take it in for repair, cross your fingers they'll actually fix the problem and expect a long wait (about a couple months).
Perhaps the unreliability has to do with the fact that they have another manufacturer producing their VCRs. There are many reports that the JVC decks crease the top and/or bottom of the tapes, new and used. This suggest that there is a head misalignment but they just can't seem to fix it.
Other than the unreliability issues, it produces superb video and audio playback thanks in part to the TBC (Time Base Correctors). Good for recording from DVDs (non encrypted that is), LDs and any video source that incorporates S-Video.
Overall it's a good machine if you don't plan on using often, but will not withstand the rigors of a videophile using it constantly. For a S-VHS machine that's reliable, I suggest turning to another deck. It may sound stupid, but go by the weight of the machine. More weight=more metal parts=less wear over time=extended reliability. Why would old VCRs last several years while new VCRs last a couple with good behavior? The top of the line S-VHS JVC model should not feel like it will break if you insert your tape.
Recommended:
No
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Epinions.com ID:
mackeystingray
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Member: Mackey Stingray
Location: CA
Reviews written: 46
Trusted by: 10 members
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