2. home-theater
  3. 1143490696

Boring but still needed: which VHS VCR?

Here is a non-sexy question: My old HS VCR expired, which brand and model should I get (or brands to stay away from!)?

I have already invested in a dvd player, so only VCR is needed. It will be used for watching old tapes (so safe mechanical handling is an issue) and for normal recording and viewing.

My local sources are offering Panasonic 4525, 4624, and *refurbished* Sony N750, N55, N77. Prices are under or around $100 and any differences are not deciding factors. I can also buy inline if something else will make much better sense. Thanks.
aktchi

Showing 2 responses by sugarbrie

sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
None of the VCR's that can be bought new are any good. The build quality is really cheap. If they last a year you will be very lucky. If you use them a lot, then 6 months of use is typical when problems start. The problems are mostly mechanical in the tape mechanism.

You are much better off looking for a used older model in near mint condition on eBay.

For fairly recent Panasonic models look for 4600, 4601, 4602. But then, I have a two Panasonic's that are 15 and 20 years old and they still work fine.
.
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
.
You could also check local tech repair places near where you live. Many times they have VCRs they have cleaned and adjusted; and can give you a small warranty.

On eBay, just avoid the Power Sellers. They really don't know what they are selling. If it powers on, that is working to them.

Find a listing from someone that you can tell that they are just an regular person selling a VCR that they never use anymore, and can vouch that it works properly. Check their feedback.
.
More to discover