Panasonic PV-V4020 4-Head VCR
This is a good value, basic VCR
Not being a TV-o-phile but recording and watching programs infrequently, this VCR does more that I could ever want.  It's a good value, basic feature VCR than performs well.  The remote control is laid out in a satisfactory way, the VCR is relatively easy to program, playback and record are fine.  It has features I won't even use (e.g. VCR Plus recording setup).<br />Initial setup is quite easy as the VCR is programmed to enter this automatically on first use.  The instruction manual is incomplete.  Information is missing, hard to find, and poorly indexed.  Still, it's just a VCR: minimal fiddling answers most questions.  The VCR will playback and record in all of Slow Play, Long Play, and Super Long Play modes (despite comments of earlier reviewer).  This is one of those things that is not explicitly outlined in the accompanying manual so a little trial and error was necessary.<br />As is the trend with electronics, prices are more stable than performance, which increases.  This VCR is better than the $110 Zenith VCR I bought four years ago.  I've also had good luck with a Panasonic VCR in the past that lasted seven years with no maintenance (not so much as head cleaning) before it started to flake out.  <br />I give the product four stars overall as it's in the budget category, without a lot of bells and whistles.  For price and standard features, it rates five stars.