A Videophille's Dream
Written: Mar 12 '04
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Pros: Remarkable video, audio and build quality.
Cons: Lacks certain creature comforts.
The Bottom Line: If you are a real HT nut or videophille get them while you can. Last of the true "pro-sumer" VCRs.
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| mjarve's Full Review: Panasonic AG-1970 VCR |
I recently purchased a Panasonic AG-1970 off of eBay for $75.00+ s/h. It had severely clogged video heads, but was otherwise in fine condition. I have to admit, I have something of a VCR fetish, taking great pride in owning and maintaining older model VCRs, particularly late 1980’s – early 1990’s models. This is actually the newest VCR I use on a routine basis.
The Good
This model is geared toward the videophille (on the consumer end) and the “paid amateur”. It lacks the creature comforts (On Screen Display (OSD), VCR Plus, etc.) that a typical mass market consumer VCR would have. On the other hand, although it has BNC composite video connectors and an edit control jack, it lacks many of the other connections and features found on truly pro video equipment. That said it lies right in between. For consumer features, it has a wireless remote, TV tuner, programmable timer, front AV jacks, and an auto head cleaner (the effectiveness of which is questionable). On the pro side, it features a Time Base Corrector (TBC), flying erase head, extensive Jog and Shuttle control, true SuperVHS (not the make-believe SVHS-ET), BNC composite video connectors, extensive front panel controls, audio record level controls, edit controller port, and very high grade components throughout. This deck is obviously made to last a lifetime (with proper care).
This is a very high quality deck, much more so than even current “high-end” consumer decks. The tape transport is machined out of high grade aluminum instead of folded sheet metal, and the transport uses gears and fiber reinforced toothed belts instead of smooth rubber belts. The use of high quality discrete components instead of cheap ICs ensures maximum audio and video integrity. The deck is reasonably simple to operate, and the remote, although sparse, allows access to the major operations.
There is a newer version of this deck as well. The AG-1980 is almost an identikit, save for native 16:9 video format support, and the ability to play the hi-fi audio and linear audio simultaneously from different audio output jacks (for having three-track audio?). However, for the money (the AG-1970 is typically $200-$500 less expensive), I’d go with the AG-1970.
The Bad
For a deck that is otherwise consumer friendly, it lacks certain amenities that I have taken for granted. Remember the old days (when dinosaurs still roamed the Earth) when the On Screen Display was not yet invented? No? Then this deck will bring it all back. Although it is relatively simple to program, you do have to do it from the front panel with out any sort of intuitive menu to turn to for help. Granted, the circuitry required for an OSD could compromise the video quality, but it could at least allow you to choose whether to use one or not. Partly due (no doubt) to the lack of an OSD, the remote is incredibly simple. With only 22 buttons, of which all but 7 are hidden behind a sliding door, even a true novice could operate it. However, two of the buttons change function depending on what “mode” the deck is in, and are not clearly labeled.
The Ugly
Nothing about this deck is so poorly designed as to call it ugly.
One Sentence Summary
Perfect for the aspiring videophille.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 75
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Epinions.com ID:
mjarve
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Reviews written: 5
Trusted by: 0 members
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