JVC HM-DH30000U DVHS VCR

Pros: Great HDTV picture and acceptable HDTV MPEG decoder to playback HDTV recordings.
Cons: No DVI/HDMI output, no HDTV tuner, and fragile build quality.

I am now getting great results using this VCR but it required being shipped back to JVC to get the free firmware upgrade offered for all that need it. This model is now discontinued and has been replaced by the JVC HM-DH40000U which is reputably more ...

Pros: Recording capabilities via DVHS and S-Video look as good as quality DVD.
Cons: Not able to record digital cable HD signals via Scientific Atlanta cable boxes.

I do not have one of these units (yet), but I felt it pertinent to pass along the following:

According to Scientific Atlanta, their cable boxes (which are used by many cable companies) do not currently have the ability to send HD or any other signals from the 1394 output on the cable boxes. The software that works with their boxes (via your cable provider) has yet to be developed to allow this capability.

Best to check with both your cable company and the manufacturer of the cable box in your home for 1394 output capability and compatibility.

An individual with whom I have corresponded indicates the JVC unit is worthwhile, as it's recording capabilities with DVHS tapes with S-Video input are as good a playing back a quality DVD. So, on that basis, you might consider buying the unit, even if true HD recording is problematical.

Pros: Nice features except for the lack of a 1394 output.
Cons: Lacks a digital out and the recalls.

This is a nice unit except for one major flaw the 1394 Firewire Output does not exist only an input for copying from a digital camcorder.

There is no way to get a digital image out of this device and into a computer for editing or out any other way out except via an analog "S" for a composite output.

Plus they list several problems that they "have discovered" that they will fix if you return it to them and do without the unit for several weeks.