SHARP 410U BEST UNIT EVER!!!
Written: Mar 14 '01 (Updated Mar 14 '01)
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Pros: SHARP picture,reception of TV enhanced,FAST rewind
Cons: remote a tiny bit confusing
The Bottom Line: You get what you pay for? NOT! This unit surpasses many others of snobbier names and much higher price tags. The best unit we have ever used!
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| Caprig's Full Review: Sharp VC-A400U VCR |
Even though the model 400 no longer exists, the 410U is the replacement.
This is the best VCR machine we have EVER used.
After owning a very EXPENSIVE Mitsubishi machine (highest rated at the time) which gave us nothing but trouble, it was a relief to pick up this 410U unit for only $69.
There were many things I liked about the Mitsubishi machine, but the things I hated were more. For one, you had to clean the machine almost constantly. After only 2 or 3 tapes, the machine HAD to be cleaned to use it.
I was tired of having to take the machine apart constantly just to swab the dust out of it. The heads were way too sensitive and annoying.
Then the jacks got loose. The reception on the TV (no cable) was slightly better than with just the TV, but not much. We refused to ever pay that much for a VCR again.
After getting this new SHARP, we had compared it to SEVERAL other machines. We took them home and tried them all. The models were JVC, Samsung, Symphony, and Funai.
NOTHING worked as well as the SHARP.
OUR SHARP EXPERIENCE
When we first hooked up our SHARP, it was after having a few other machines to use. We were amazed at the difference. With this VCR, we can pick up TV stations that we NEVER have been able to pick up before (in cities 2+ hours away). No other VCR did that.
The playback was superior to our other snobby model. The sound was even better after recording a program and playing it back. Less warbling than the other machines.
PERFORMANCE FEATURES OF THIS MACHINE
EZ-SETUP Channels and clock are automatically set up for air or cable channels.
S-VHS Quasi Playback (just will not have the higher quality and will not record in that mode)
Double-Azimuth 4-HEADS
Clear Picture System in EP mode(See, I told you!)
HQ System for Better Resolution and Color Reproduction
Multiligual English/Spanish/French
Quick Start with Full Loading Mechanism
1-Year, 8-event Programmable Timer
Simple Recording Timer
Unified Remote Control
Sharp Super Picture (play back is wonderful)
60 seconds Timer Backup
Field-Still/Variable Slow /Frame Advance
Auto Daylight Savings Time Adjustment
Blue Screen Noise Elimination (when nothing is coming in, the screen turns blue and is silent instead of that horrible noise)
Auto Tracking
Digital Program Search (finds the beginning of a recording throughout a tape)
Skip Search Searches for 30 second intervals and then resumes playing.
Instant Replay Reverse video search in 20 second intervals and then resumes play.
Auto Zero Back Quickly finds "0" and stops there.
Recorded Section Auto Repeat Continuallly plays back a recorded section of tape.
Tamper Proof Prevents accidental change of operation mode.
MACHINE CASE SET UP
The case is very streamlined with a sturdy metal frame. The front of the case has a power button, with different red lights in front for indication of each of the following:
POWER
TIMER
VCR (mode)
REC
TAMPER PROOF
REMOTE SENSOR
There is a set button for Sharp Picture.
There is a menu button
There is a round button that has 4 pressure points for PLAY, STOP, RW and FF.
There are buttons for PAUSE and RECORD.
I really like the set up of the front. All are easy to access and use.
The back has a 3-4 channel selector, Audio, Video jacks for IN and OUT.
There is a jack for the antenna if you do not use cable, and the same jack doubles for cable.
This unit comes with a round coaxial cable 3-1/4 ft long.
The 810U has 2 sets of audio jacks for additional sound.
REMOTE CONTROL
There are buttons for every feature described above. My ONLY frustration with this control is that some of the VCR buttons are way at the bottom and some are at the top.
The channel button for the VCR is just a bit too crowded, but not really annoying.
I like the controls very much.
The universal does not work with our Funai television, but does work with most others.
The menu is easy to get to and the setting of all features is easy to accomplish with the remote.
The remote comes with AA batteries.
CLOSING COMMENTS
There are many things we love about this machine. It is a far better machine than our snobby Mitsubishi that we spent a lot of money on.
There are 2 things that stand out far above the others.
1. We have played MANY videos without having to clean the machine yet. The picture is still very clear and works well.
2. The rewind is FAST!!! I have never seen such a fast and sturdy FF and RW system. I can go through an entire 8 hour tape in only a minute or two. It is hard to get used to at first, but we love that.
I would highly recommend this unit to anyone who wants a sturdy unit with a lot of use. This is a fabulous unit and is made very well. The price tag of $69 was fabulous as well.
It surpasses many VHS units of higher prices and snobbier names HANDS DOWN!!!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 69
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Epinions.com ID:
Caprig
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Location: NE US- 2 email me delete REMOVETHIS
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Product-Evaluation/Information-Specialist. Too Busy to Be KIND to Others? You are TOO BUSY.
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