Advice/feedback needed on S-VHS VCR Purchase

[Radu]

Hi all,

Well, my five year old VCR (JVC HR-VP680U) decided it was time to quit. But I had a very good experience with it, while it lasted.

Actually, there is nothing wrong with the electrical part, a piece of plastic (which, as per Murphy's laws plays a decisive role in the tape transport mechanism) broke, rendering the whole mechanism unusable. All my attempts at repairing it (using various glues, epoxy, etc...) have failed. The damn thing holds a spring inside and as soon as I try to reinstall the spring it breaks again.

Anyway, after some research on the web (price versus functionality) and knowing for a fact that I want an S-VHS machine I came to the following conclusion:

JVC HR-S7800U

Any feedback on this machine is needed and greatly appreciated. Please also post your experience with other machines, if you think it would be a better buy.

Or just simply post condoleances for the old one

Thank you for your time.

[Dr Mordrid]

Definitely go with another JVC SVHS....I have three now and love 'em. Just make sure you get a model that has a TBC (time base corrector) and a decent sized frame buffer.

The S7800U does have a TBC and it also has a 2 meg frame buffer so it certainly meets those criteria. That said I'd probably still look for a 9800U or 9900U on discount somewhere before biting. Besides having higher end features they also have a 4 meg frame buffer.

Dr. Mordrid

[Radu]

Thank you Doc,

I was also very happy with the JVC brand. The old one (though only VHS) had manual Audio Rec Level adjustment. Very handy sometimes.

I found the HR-S7800U for US $199.99 at Crutchfield.com + $11.00 shipping.

The upscale HR-S 9800 or 9900 is about US $400.

Is the extra 2MB frame buffer memory worth double the price ?

[sundog2k]

HR-S9800 vs. HR-S9900?

Hey Doc M....

What is the real difference between the two? I know that the 9900 is the newer version, but I am not seeing alot to justify the cost difference between the two. Since my HR-S4800 bought the farm I am in the market for a replacement.

Thanks!