Sony SLV-N500 4-Head Hi-Fi VCR
OK to Get Until You Transition to DVD Recorder
I bought this VCR primarily for the purpose of playing my previously recoded VCR tapes as my original unit (also a Sony) was wearing down after about 10 years of great service.  However, I am finding that this new Sony VCR does not like to play these old tapes if they were recorded in the extended play mode.  I am having a hard time getting the tracking consistently right.  What makes it more difficult is that there are no tracking buttons on the remote, so I actually have to go to the unit for corrections (its good that it gets me off the coach, but it's a hassle).  My old Sony VCR had tracking buttons right on the remote, but unfortunately that remote is broken or I'd try to use it instead.<br />The unit seems to record programs just fine and those programs playback with no problem even in extended play mode.  It's just disappointing that it doesn't like extended play shows that were recorded on other VCRs, even other Sonys (even my third VCR, a very cheap Panasonic, doesn't have any problems).<br />This is probably a decent VCR to have until DVD recorders become a little more affordable.