Go Go Gadget – COPY! GoVideo GV6010 Dual Deck VCR
Written: Jun 14 '03
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Pros: On screen programming, 'copy tape', feature, compact design.
Cons: Cheap remote control, expensive to repair.
The Bottom Line: Even with a few breakdowns, the GoVideo 6010 has always delivered crystal clear copies. Easy to program, stacked deck design and great customer service.
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| Freak369's Full Review: Rio Go Video GV6010 VCR |
As I mentioned in my previous Go Video review, we own two dual VCR decks. The GV6010 was the first dual deck that I purchased and, for the most part, it has worked well over the years. There were a few minor issues with tapes getting stuck in the bottom deck and error messages on the display screen but for the amount of use it's been through, it's been a real champ. I started looking for a newer dual deck VCR when this model started showing the tell tale sign that it was on its last leg, it started to rewind films slower, fail to completely eject the tapes and power up / power off on its own. As I said, even with the small minor issues with it, this was heavily used and I more than got my money out of it. When I mentioned that I was thinking about purchasing another dual deck, my oldest son took it upon himself to give me a little encouragement by moving this VCR into his room. Both decks still work, it records a crystal clear picture and copies tapes with the touch of a button.
Features
The main feature of this deck is the ability to copy VHS videocassettes. Unlike the Go Video 6025, this one can only record on the 'B' deck [the lower one] but it will still provide you with crystal clear copies of movies, home videos or recordings from a cable or satellite feed. Both decks will play VHS tapes and both can be operated from the remote control. One thing that this doesn't have is the ability to reinsert the tape via the remote control – something that other GoVideo decks feature. The on screen programming helps walk you through the process of setting up record times and stations, recording speeds and other options such as date stamping. Using the on screen programming can only be done with the remote control that comes with the unit so please make sure that you tale care of it. You can access some of the on screen options through the operations deck but things like tracking adjustment and daily and weekly set ups need to be done through the remote.
The product comes with a video image stabilizer that helps give you top notch copies of video cassettes, home movies, video transfers and DVD to VHS copies. This product is not sold with the intention of overriding any type of copy-guard or copy protection device that may be encoded on to videotapes so please read the information in the user manual about the legal repercussions of copying products that are copyrighted.
Recording Quality
For the most part you'll get perfect copies of videotapes from this GoVideo deck. If you are copying something that has been viewed heavily, you may notice a little grain in the duplicate but the image stabilizer does a good job of cleaning up weak spots. One thing to know about is the 'blue screen', when you are copying a tape the deck will check to make sure that the original tape has something on it and that it is of a high enough quality that it can be copied. Sounds pretty sophisticated doesn't it? There have been a few times when I purchased used movies from Blockbuster and went to make copies of them for the boys. They have a tendency to latch on to a movie and watch it over and over – if I make a copy of it and it gets ruined or eaten by the VCR the original is still safe. One movie I wanted to copy was a documentary on Egyptian civilizations that I picked up for $6.99. I knew that I probably wouldn’t be able to find another copy if the original was destroyed so I tossed it in the GoVideo deck, pressed the 'copy' button and made sure it started to copy correctly. The 'blue screen' appears when the original tape has some type of defect to it, it could be that a section was previously stuck in the VCR heads, has a fold or bend on the tape or that it is blank. In this case, the first few minutes of the tape were crumpled – sort of like an accordion. It was apparent that it had either gotten stuck in someone's VCR or there was a defect with the tape itself.
Remote Control
While the remote is easy to use, it is cheaply made. I purchased a replacement remote about a year after I initially purchased this deck but had to sacrifice some of the options that the original afforded me. One of my biggest complaints about the remote is that it is the only way that you can adjust the tracking. Lose the original remote or have it damaged and you can't adjust the tracking. The unit features automatic tracking adjustments when you insert a tape, but there are some instances when you still need to make a minor adjustment. If you should experience any issues with your remote or it needs to be replaced, you can order a new one from GoVideo through their website or one of their authorized dealers.
Copy Feature
As I mentioned earlier, this dual deck has one recordable deck, the bottom one. In some respects this could be seen as a drawback since you can only tape one thing at a time. If you are the least bit absent minded [something I readily admit] you'll be thankful that the top deck doesn't record. This will allow you to watch tapes without having to worry about them accidentally getting copied over. The one touch copy button is great if you are pressed for time and need to copy something when you aren't home. Simply pop a blank tape in the bottom deck, the original in the top, press the button and the deck does all the work for you. It will take about a minute for it to actually start recording and you can monitor the progress through the on screen activity. It will make sure both tape are rewound, adjust the tracking in the original, show the speed of both decks [play and record speed] and eject the tapes when it is done copying. If you need to make adjustments to the record speed or if you want to record several things to one tape, you should use the manual set up instead of the one touch copy tape feature.
Instructions
Our instruction book has seen better days but it is still in one piece – chewed up by the dogs, nibbled on by a curious rabbit and several guinea pigs and used to swat the occasional fly – but still in one piece. Unlike some electronics companies, GoVideo makes their instruction booklets easy to understand, provides a troubleshooting section that covered almost everything and walks you through hooking up the deck and adding other electronics to it. The booklet came packed with the AV cords and warranty card so if you happen to purchase this used, please make sure that you are getting all the items you will need to hook this up and use it. There are a lot of diagrams showing you the back of the unit which helps when you aren't a technically inclined person. If you have any trouble setting it up, you can call the toll free number for assistance.
Warranty
Like most GoVideo decks, this one came with a 90 day warranty against manufacturer defects. If you are purchasing one used or reconditioned you should ask if there is a warranty and what the specifics are before you purchase it. The GoVideo website is a great place to look for bargains and they update their clearance section about once a week. Products purchased through the site do come with a warranty but you would be wise to check the specifics. When I purchased this deck I got the 90 day defect warranty and a one year parts and labor plan. This covered anything internal such as the eject levers, electronics and heads. Sadly, anything that went wrong with it happened well after the year was up. If you purchase a GoVideo product [including Rio and ReplayTV] you will get great customer service, the ability to order accessories directly from them [with their warranty] and technical help when ever you need it. Even though I wasn’t able to take advantage of the warranty GoVideo did direct me to authorized service centers in my area.
Things To Know
You can hook up video game consoles to this using the AV jacks on the front of the deck. You'll have to keep the operations door open while the game is hooked up so be careful that it doesn't get banged or bumped or the door might come off the hinges. There re jacks on the back of the deck to connect your stereo, cable or satellite feed, another VCR deck, DVD player and of course the connection to the television. One of the drawbacks to the stacked dual deck VCRs is that it's a little hard to get to these jacks, especially if you already have other electronics hooked up to it. The best thing to do is to label the cords that are running into the back of the deck so you will know what to disconnect, what needs to be connected to what and what can be removed. You might also want to invest in a good surge protector so your equipment will be protected against power spikes or overloads.
The Bottom Line
I've mentioned the good and the bad about this duck deck VCR but want to mention that when you purchase a GoVideo product you will get great customer service, technical help that anyone will be able to understand and a product that will withstand a lot of wear and tear. With the proper care and maintenance, a GoVideo product will provide you and your family with years of service. When I started looking for a new dual deck VCR I knew that it would be a GoVideo product based on how well the first one [this one] performed. If you are looking for a dual deck VCR I highly suggest the GoVideo brand but suggest you look for the side by side models first since these cost a lot less to have repaired if something should need to be fixed after the warranty expires. The stacked deck models are great if you are short on space but the side-by-side ones can be added to a home entertainment center easier. There are a lot of factors to consider when picking out s dual deck VCR, but one thing is for sure – GoVideo is the brand that I'll pick every time.
GoVideo
7835 E. McClain Drive
Scottsdale, AZ 85260-1732
[480] 998-3400
www.govideo.com
As always, thanks for the visit!
^V^ Freak ^V^
© 2003 Freak369
Other electronics reviews …
Samsung DVD-611 DVD Player
Sonic Blue Go Video GV6025 Dual Deck VCR
One For All 'Video Expert' Universal Remote Control
One For All 'So Easy' Universal Remote Control
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): $249.99
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