5 comments about Panasonic DMR-ES30VS DVD Recorder/VCR Combo.

1. Bought this for my dad who loves to record TV shows for viewing later. Setup was easy, the quality of recording very good, and dubbing is awesome. What I am not able to figure out is how to create chapters or add more content to the DVD - I wanted to record TV episodes to DVD and since DVD capacity can hold more than one episode, I wanted to add to the existing DVD - unfortunately, the user manual was not very helpful and everytime I tried, it wiped out my original recording. So my dad started recording to tape, and then transfer to DVD (as a workaround). I guess I need to do more research/playing with this. OVerall, it is a good product, and it was a gift he loves.



2. I purchased this machine to replace my Go Video DVD Vhs recorder which gave me problems from day one. This machine does beautiful copying on tape or dvd disc, and also is wonderful for transferring one to another. It uses several types of disc, which is convenient to the "electronically gifted". The machine has just a few flaws though, for one thing the instruction manuel is one of the most CONFUSING things I have ever read. Also, when transferring from tape to disc, you cannot edit by pausing. The remote control is like most, it has almost too many buttons too close to each other. But this machine DOES make beautiful copies on all speeds,and does not freeze up or distort sound like the Go Video. To finish, if panasonic were to ask me what they could do to improve it, I would only have a few suggestions, all which would just make it EASIER, Not more complex!



3. This thing works well, if you use Panasonic friendly disks (-r,-rw,-ram). I've been able to record TV shows and replay them just fine. The software does the job, which is really the only perk of this DVD recorder.
   
   This DVD recorder burns in some proprietary format, so your disks (-r,-rw) cannot be played on other DVD players (including computer DVD players).
   
   The lack of compatibility with other disk types and DVD players makes this DVD Recorder a bust. If there is something else available, go for it. I guess I'll try to unload it on eBay!



4. I've had my Panasonic DMR 30VS recorder for over a year now, and I'm very satisfied with all of the recordings I've made off of my satellite (Dish)
   network. Dubbing my old VHS tapes to disk has been satisfactory too.
   I'm no techie, and maybe my learning curve was longer than most peoples, but I feel that once you get comfortable with the unit it will do everything you ask it to do. It may not be the quickest or the slickest, or the pricest, but it gets the job done nicely. (For me.) This unit makes my 4th Panasonic product. (2VCRs and 1 CRT TV.) I'm buying a new Panasonic HD (LCD) TV next year. IMO they make a great product.



5. I purchased this mainly to transfer home VCR tapes to DVD. The step by step instructions can be a bit confusing and need to be followed. "It does an excellent job." One drawback - You HAVE to read the manual thoroughly.

2 comments about Sony Professional HVRM15U HDV Record/Playback Deck.

1. This is yet another great product from Sony. It's the perfect follow up of the DSR-16 with its integrated HD support. I spent hours and hours talking to professionals in the field and reading spec sheets and this was the best bang for the buck. Great product and highly recommended. Works great with my Canon XL2 and X1 H1.



2. I replaced my Sony DHR-1000 with this unit because it does both DV and HDV. It functions just fine. It's much smaller that the old unit, it even can be set on it's side so it has a very small footprint. It has no display, it seems that it is just the inner workings of the old unit with the HDV ability. It has the same fan sound, but the old unit was huge and hid a lot of the noise, with this unit, there is nothing to hide the fan. The remote that it comes with is very simple, but it works. It does the job, Sony gets its money for it, but there's not much that will do the DV and HDV off the mini-DV tapes. My reason for getting it was to keep from having to use my camcorders and wearing them out capturing and editing video. The 4 stars rather than 5 is the fact it's a bit noisy, no display and the remote isn't anything like the old DHR-1000. It just does the job.

No comments about Emerson EWV403 4-Head Video Cassette Recorder with On-Screen Programming Display.

1 comments about TDK Electronics DVD+R85ACB25 2.4x Compatible Double Layered DVD Media (25-Pack).

1. Just make sure your DVD writer is as new or newer than a PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-111D and you will be able to use this brand with zero problems. My old NEC 3550A has a 33% success rate with these.

No comments about Emerson EWV603 4 Head HIFI Stereo ON-SCREEN MENU Video Player / Recorder (VCR) with 19 Micron Heads.

5 comments about Sylvania 6260VF 4 Head VCR.

1. I have had my VCR a little while now, and I have had no problems. I bought mine on Clearance at Target as an additional VCR for my guest room. I wanted it because it offered Hi-fi output (my old one was mono). This VCR is very similar to the Mono 4 head VCR by emerson sold at Wal-mart, and is identical to the Sanyo VWM-950 sold briefly at wal-mart. So far, I am happy with the performance, and have watched a few movies, even recorded a show. Yes, it is not a top of the line VCR, it feels cheaper and the remote feels the same way. I have a one year old Sony VCR and a 11 year old Panasonic VCR, heavy solid bricks that they are. But, as an extra player, this one was affordable and does its job well for me. Their are more solid VCRs like the sony or toshibas available for anywhere from 15-20 dollars more. Agree, VCR not for Heavy duty use, but good add in if you have mostly DVD's and need a VCR to play a few old VHS tapes.
   Note: I did panic when I noted that the VCR did not have a channel 3 to 4 switch for output. Omaha has a brocast channel 3 that interferes with VCR output. But, sylvania has the answer to that, and it's explaned in the manual. default is channel 3. change the TV to Channel 4, insert a tape into the player and press and hold play for about 10 seconds, and the VCR will automatically change to channel 4. (i'm sure it will work the other way if needed). It cleared my picture up perfectly and I like the VCR so far.



2. I own two of the Sanyo versions of these VCR's. They were manufactured as the SANYO vwm-950, and the Sylvania 6260vd. I have had one of these VCR's for 2 1/2 years now, and one for just over one year. Both are working well, play great, with good picture and sound. I have them fed into my surround sound system, and it is excellent to watch movies with. I highly recommend this vcr for a low cost good output, and reliable way to play your old videos. 4 heads, stereo input and output, easy to set up and use. Check these out, good buy.



3. I got this thing on closeout for about a Ulysses S. Grant. I got it to replace a rather expensive Sony VCR that gave faithful, quality service under heavy, daily usage for at least 5 years. I tried really hard to hate this thing, or find a reason to return; not. I have to admit that it is fully capable, budget VCR with no untoward habits, so I am forced (reluctantly) to give it top rating.
   
   Issue #1
   The menus are hard to set up, the instruction manual only of marginal use, and you will take a lot of trial and error to figure out how to set up the menus. I keep pressing the wrong, doggone button. However, this is not unlike the old Sony, so PAR for this issue.
   
   Issue #2
   Lightweight, plastic, cheap, Made-in-China quality. The footprint of this thing on the shelf is barely half of the Sony. It barely weighs more than a bag of movie theater popcorn. So what else is new? PAR.
   
   Issue #3
   The instruction manual is pretty sketchy. I am still trying to figure out how to use the program-search feature. However, I have yet to ever see a VCR manual that is complete and easy to understand. PAR.
   
   Issue #4
   How long will it last? Judging by the hard, mechanical 'klunk' of the various relays in this VCR, I suspect that it's lifespan is better measured in months rather than years. So what? At the price, I have no problem with just buying another one. Certainly, the 'extended' warranty is a waste of money; when it craps-out, just by another one. BIRDIE.



4. My own vcr finally bit the dust. I was spoiled as it was a no brainer and so easy to operate. You didn't even have to look in the manual for operating. (Magnavox) After calling every store in town and searching the internet I was still not able to find one. I already have a DVD player so only wanted a VCR stand alone. Since they are being fazed out to find one on the market consider yourself lucky. I did manage to find one in Kmart. It was a display model. I asked if they had the manual and the remote and after checking I got the box and all that was inside. Brought it home. Played my tape and it ran fine. Picture quality and sound no complaints either. Tried to record and that passed the test and so I guess for the money its a keeper. As the others mentioned. The front looks okay (no clock) and inside my center blends well. The back is all plastic, remote cheapy looking but no big issue. (who looks at remotes anyway and as long as they work that is all that matters. The setup is the only issues I have as the manual is very vague and what would seem logical isn't. Main purpose was to be able to play my old VHS tapes and to record programs. As long as it doesn't break shortly after purchase I recommend getting this. I did not give it the full five stars due to the instructions and manual. I am persistant and do not take calls to stores as final word. Check yourself. Some clerks will tell you they have no product when there actually is. (either lazy or don't wish to bother checking stock or don't consider display as stock) One store told me they don't sell displays (even if its the only one.....?????) Well I bought a display and that was the only one. I paid 49.99 for mine same prices as on line but those were being sold as refurbished and then you would have to pay shipping so since I did not wish to go more than 50.00 I'm happy.



5. Despite the Sam's Club price that made me think it would break in a month, this video player/recorder has now lasted two years of basement kid's movie playing - which during the winter can be daily. The instructions are vague and you have to fuss with it intuitively (I'm not good at this and get frustrated)to make it do some of it's more "complicated" feats, but work it does. For the price, you can't beat it.

1 comments about JVC HR-J7020UM Hi-Fi 6 Head VCR VHS Video Casette Recorder Player 110V / 220V.

1. Been trying to find a stand alone VCR to replace my broken unit I had for many years, it's not an easy task, companies don't make them anymore, only combo units, which I don't need.
   This unit I feel is overpriced at $79.99, it has 6 heads and the ability to play Super VHS, but can't record in Super VHS, so if you don't own any Super VHS tapes, then this feature is wasted. Also has a feature called "Best Picture" which is supposed to give you the clearest video, I found no improvement over my old VCR, in fact my old VCR had much better picture quality.
   Unfortunately since I have many VHS tapes that I watch from time to time, I need a VCR.
   These units will be extinct soon like 8 track, DVR and Tivo is the new generation, that being said, this unit for what it does, should be priced much lower at about 39.99. Not worth the money. In retrospect, I should have purchased a used unit on Ebay.

1 comments about JVC 4-Head HiFi VCR (HR-A592U).

1. This is a no-frills VCR. I wanted a VCR that plays and records VHS tapes and nothing more. This unit does that and does it well. I consider it a great value for the price. I had to supply my own cords for a video connection, but this was the only downside.

5 comments about Sony SLV-N750 Full Chassis 4-Head Hi-Fi VCR.

1. As far as I can tell, this is the last of a dying breed. It does not have all the bells and whistles of previous Sony VCR's, but I consider myself lucky to have found a company that still sells the old fashioned type of VCR. It performs as advertised and has given no problems.



2. The VCR is just what we wanted. Easy to understand and works beautifully. Communicates well with our Sony TV.



3. The item is poorly made in that it has skew problems at the head of tapes, and has been experiencing head clogs much more frequently than my other vcrs. It was brand new when I received it so it must have been
   manufactured poorly. It is also at least half the physical weight of my other vcrs (which are also not very old)
   which is usually an indication of flimsy materials used (plastic instead of metal.)



4. This is my second Sony VCR, the first one got hit by lightning and I had a hard time finding another one. Was so glad you had it available.



5. This VCR looks, plays, and records great. The product description was accurate and delivery was prompt. Realizing that this product is refurbished, I initially had my doubts about making the purchase, but it looks brand new and the quality is great! I would definitely purchase again from this company.

2 comments about Emerson EWV404 4-Head Video Cassette Recorder with On-Screen Programming Display.

1. You have been warned - Stay away or lose your money. This merchant grossly misrepresented this VCR as factory reconditioned, but it was not. The unit was unable to rewind properly (1st use). The unit also will not release my VCR tape (2nd use) so they owe me a new tape as well.



2. PLEASE NOTE: the other reviewer bought a refurbished item. Please don't confuse his bad luck with a previously repaired item, for the quality that this vcr really has.
   
   I have approx 3000 movies on vhs. I wanted something to guarantee watchability in the future, as things go digital. Makes no sense to re-purchase everything I have on vhs. If you are like me, you also purchased another phonograph and needles to ensure you can play your vinyl records too. That aside, you will not be disappointed with the quality (4 heads!) and the user friendly set up. No manual needed. Onscreeen display, and I cannot believe how light this unit is! Size is compact and fits everywhere I have put it so far.
   
   Bottom line, go for it. There is no buyer remorse here.