Sony SLV-N750 Full Chassis 4-Head Hi-Fi VCR
how I improved picture quality
I have read some \\"disappointed\\" reviews on here. There are a couple things you can try before blaming the VCR itself. I would agree with the suggestion of trying better cables, but I also improved viewing quality by just reducing the sharpness control on my tv. <br /> <br />I purchased the Sony SLV-N750 for a tv in the basement using antenna input. I am restricted to two or three channels where I can get acceptable viewing. I also had to use a couple adapters to convert the antenna for use with a 4 ft. coaxial cable to connect to the VCR.  <br /> <br />Here's what I have experienced. <br /> <br />TIP 1: I achieved a significant improvement by just reducing the sharpness adjustment on my tv set. Increased sharpness actually contributes to harsh and jagged displays. Go figure. <br /> <br />RECORDING/RECEPTION: <br /> <br />The quality is definitely a function of the signal you get. <br /> <br />TIP 2: I achieved another noticeable improvement by replacing the standard 4 ft. coaxial cable I had, with a premium 4 ft cable to the input connection on the VCR. <br /> <br />PLAYBACK: <br /> <br />Play back does not seem to be a problem with older recorded or commercial tapes. <br /> <br />With the two changes above, I am getting reception and recording quality I would say is close, if not equal to, some of the more expensive VCRs I have purchased in the past. <br /> <br />CHEAP PLASTIC: <br /> <br />It does feel cheap. The input panel in the back yields like it could snap off at any minute. But for the price paid, more than satisfactory value. <br /> <br />OTHER COMMENTS: <br /> <br />The default is cable, so if you use antenna input you will need to go in the menus to change it to antenna input, or else you will just see a blue or blank screen. The display showed AUTO as soon as I plugged it in. I guess it was setting up the clock. It has commercial skip which is handy. And it also has manual tracking buttons in case the auto-tracking is not sufficient. <br /> <br />Some have complained about the coast feature as being imprecise during fast rewind or fast forward, but after having gears go bad on older VCRs from sudden stops, it may be a blessing. You can work around this by getting close and search while in play mode.