Panasonic PV-V4524S 4-Head Hi-Fi VCR, Silver
Greatest value for recording
Yes, the world is going digital and VCR's are quickly becoming dinosaurs. In fact, this most likely will be my last one. Why am I buying a new VCR in 2004? Simple, I needed something to record my sports & TV shows and I simply couldn't beat the value of a Hi-Fi VCR.<br /><br />I bought this model at a local retailer for 60$!! Amazon's price (58$) wasn't enough of a discount for me to want to wait for the shipping, sorry amazon. DVR's are nice and easy to use, but I  was not interested in a monthly fee (ranges 60-156$/yr.) DVD recorders are clearly the future, especially those w/ built-in hard drives, but are still way overpriced !! I'll be patient and wait until they come down to earth.<br /><br />I researched VCR's are found a nice Sony model(SLVN750), but it was 20$ more(80$). Sony's have always seemed overpriced. That model was actually the most expensive Hi-Fi VCR I found out there.<br />  Anyways, I've always liked Panasonics and have been satisfied with their products before. In fact, Panasonic is #1 in terms of reliablity for VCR's, they also make reliable DVD players by the way. I won't try to compare the picture between VCRs(analog) and DVDs(digital). I'll just say that the picture is acceptable. The sound from playback on a Hi-Fi(stereo/2 channel)VCR is actually quite good, I was impressed.<br /><br />Make sure you use the RCA(composite) A/V inputs for hook up. I'd actually recommend Monster Cable RCA's - they are spendy yes, but worth it. Panasonic offers a similiar, slighty more expensive model to this one, the #PV-V4624S, the main differences are that one is wider and offers a \\"light tower\\" remote. S-VHS(or Super VHS) machines are nice because they offer higher resolution(and an S-Video out), however they are 3X the price of a Hi-Fi 4 head model and I simply could not justify spending that much on a VCR.<br /><br />Some things I like about this model are it has a very small remote(though boxy designed), commercial skip button (1,2,or 3 min. fast forward)-though it's not placed in an easy to locate/handy area and confusingly labeled \\"CM/ZERO\\". I feel they should've made the record button red to help it stand out more on the remote. It features auto clock set, on-screen programming, energy star, universal remote (for VCR & TV only), memory back-up, front inputs, 1 year warranty(90 day labor).<br /><br />My complaints are: the construction of the sides and back are now plastic instead of metal, guess Panasonic is trying to cut costs. The two included manuals are horrible. Also, I wish this was available in black as all of my other A/V electronics are. Though loud, this thing is incredibly fast at rewinding too! We are talking mere seconds. SP & SLP recording only... what happened to LP mode? Doesn't matter to me, I always use SP mode anyways(better picture & sound).<br /><br /> In closing, VCRs are versatile and still the most inexpensive way to play, record, and keep videos, even in 2004--05! I recommend this product to those also looking for an alternative way to record.an easy to locate/handy area and confusingly labeled \\"CM/ZERO\\". I feel they should've made the record button red to help it stand out more on the remote. It features auto clock set, on-screen programming, energy star, universal remote (for VCR & TV only), memory back-up, front inputs, 1 year warranty(90 day labor).     My complaints are: the construction of the sides and back are now plastic instead of metal, guess Panasonic is trying to cut costs. The two included manuals are horrible. Also, I wish this was available in black as all of my other A/V electronics are. Though loud, this thing is incredibly fast at rewinding too! We are talking mere seconds. SP & SLP recording only... what happened to LP mode? Doesn't matter to me, I always use SP mode anyways(better picture & sound).     In closing, VCRs are versatile and still the most inexpensive way to play, record, and keep videos, even in 2004--05! I recommend this product to those also looking for an alternative way to record.