Good, solid quality
Written: Jan 24 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Versatility, Quality Picture and Sound
Cons: Lacks frame by frame, a bit pricey
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| estoke61's Full Review: Panasonic PV-9661 VHS VCR |
No reason to get DVD yet with this...
After my 8 year old Sears LXI four head VCR developed enough problems to warrant it's shutdown, I was on the lookout for a new VCR. After doing some research, I found Panasonic to be a reliable brand through friend advice and through some personal experience. Taking a slight gamble, I decided to go with Panasonic.
I apparently made a good choice. Panasonic's PV-9661 is a good all around stereo 4 head VCR that will be right at home sitting within your TV/VCR cart as it will be sitting within your home theater system rack.
Panasonic incorporated most of the better features of modern VCR's and decided against gimmicky features for the most part. Good plan. The 9661 offers a full size stand up remote, auto/manual tracking, self head cleaning and is VCR plus compatible. But to many, the most important aspect of VCR's is the actual performance of the unit.
Throughout moderate to heavy usage, the Panasonic has held up very well. The on screen menu system is logical and well thought out, for the most part. Even if you don't use VCR plus programming is a very simple step by step procedure. You get a wide range of controls, along with some interesting ones like time stamping and cataloguing the recording by type (drama, comedy, sports, etc.). The fast forwarding and rewinding were very quick, and the digital frontal display is clear and easy to read both night and day. However, among the basic controls on the front pause is missing; you only find it on the remote. This goes hand in hand with a lack of a frame by frame pause feature, but this doesn't detract from the unit's performance unless you do a lot of editing or are a slo-mo replay lover.
The only major disappointment of the unit was its price; since DVD discs are becoming more popular and more commonplace, VHS players are going down in price. However, this Panasonic has not really taken quite the same nosedive as other popular brands such as RCA, Magnavox, and Sharp. But considering the amount of quality that Panasonic brings to the package, maybe it isn't such a bad deal for a product that will last you many years.
If you are just a novice VCR tape watcher, or even someone who wants a good audio visual player for a home theater system, try out Panasonic. The money you spend will be worth it.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
estoke61
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Member: Eric Stokes
Location: Gorham, ME
Reviews written: 54
Trusted by: 42 members
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