Everything I always wanted in a VCR
Written: Jul 31 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Good picture quality, reliable
Cons: Mono sound
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| basilisk4's Full Review: Panasonic PV-8400 VHS VCR |
Okay, so I'm not one of those people that is going to buy a $500 VCR anyway, but I still want one that delivers great picture and sound quality as well as excellent reliability. The Panasonic PV-8400 has certainly met and exceeded my expectations.
I bought my PV-8400 new and in the original factory packaging from one of the more reputable (relatively speaking) vendors on eBay about 15 months ago for about $120. I had seen this particular model advertised for about $150-170 in major electronics stores. I also knew Panasonic products to be typically of good quality, and I needed a VCR.
Having read a few of the reviews on various VCRs here on Epinions and elsewhere, I have seen that people have some strange uses for VCRs. At any rate, I have no idea what some people use their VCRs for, but all I expect to be able to do with mine are two main things:
1. Tape shows from TV.
2. Watch those shows or rented movies.
Obviously, it should not require an expensive VCR to fill my needs. For most of the time that I've had my VCR, I've been taping 3 to 4 hour-long shows per week for my girlfriend, because I have cable and she elects not to pay for it when I can tape her shows for her. :P Over hundreds of recordings, my VCR has been perfect. The recording timer is easy to program and provides many useful options, as well as all of the features that one would expect (such as an excellent on-screen display which works in three languages). The timer also stays set even when the power goes out, which is extremely useful if you're like me and have 3 or 4 shows set to record. I have had the power go out for several hours, and my PV-8400 still retained the timer information.
The VCR can autoprogram its channels properly, and it can also find the exact time and date on its own. It manipulates videocassettes gently, slowing towards the end of a rewind or fast-forward so as not to damage the tape. Finally, the universal remote that comes with this VCR has been extremely useful to me -- in fact, it's now my primary remote. This remote has controls for the VCR itself, a television, a cable box, and a DSS receiver or satellite dish. The remote works with most models of TVs and cable boxes, and I had no problems synchronizing it to mine.
Overall, I have to say that the Panasonic PV-8400 is an excellent choice for the average video-watcher. It's a 4-Head VHS VCR, which is the standard choice for most homes these days. A possible downside is that it only delivers mono quality sound, but this will make little difference to most people. With a good home audio system, you'll hardly know the difference. This is a great product for the money, and I would surely recommend it to my friends.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
basilisk4
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 - Top 500 |
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Location: Atlanta, GA
Reviews written: 233
Trusted by: 214 members
About Me:
Soon-to-be married 26-year-old lawyer who likes electronics, computers, and cars.
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