JVC HR-S9600U Super VHS VCR
excellent picture quality, sluggish tape transport
I bought this VCR to replace my 10-year old trusty Sony VCR. Unfortunately, Sony no longer offered a VCR which allowed adjustment of audio levels during record ...<br />Overall, I've been pleased with this VCR after 3 years of ownership. The picture quality is OUTSTANDING, and the digital noise reduction is fantastic. At the time, JVC was the only manufacturer offering this feature - since then Sony and others have introduced similar features.<br />I only have 2 complaints with the model:<br />1) The tape transport mechanism is VERY sluggish and imprecise. When you hit STOP the tape \\"slides\\" for a few seconds before it actually stops. Same with PLAY, etc. Certainly NOT the dead-stop response that Sony VCRs offer. Apparently, this is a standard design flaw with all JVC VCRs. (I have not tested their latest models)<br />2) The cable box control does not allow channels greater than 199. Perhaps in 1999 when this VCR was released, that was acceptable. Today with the advent of Digital cable and satellite, you I can no longer use it to control my recording. (interestingly enough, my \\"lower end\\" Sony VCR which I purchased at the same time as this unit DOES allow channels up to 999)