JVC HR-S7900 VHS / S-VHS playback VCR
Out of stock |
Similar in VCRs
- VCR Type: VHS / S-VHS playback
- Number of Video Heads: 6
- Audio: Hi-Fi Stereo
- Overview
-
Reviews
-
Compare Prices
User ReviewRead All Reviews »
Affordable quality S-VHS!
Pros
Excellent price, great features, nice picture, digital noise reduction & TBC
Cons
No jog shuttle on remote, on screen display a bit large
Recommended it?
Yes
The Bottom Line:
A great deal for the price - excellent picture and sound. May not be as durable as older units.
I had to replace an S-VHS deck that I've borrowed from from work for a while, and was on the lookout for a good deck with a great picture, good features, and of course, a reasonable price.
It was not long ago that the "S-VHS" logo on a VCR would immediately raise it into the $500+ price range. Often such models had few benefits over regular models aside from the lucrative S-VHS recording and playback.
It could be argued that the advent of DVD and DV technology has forced the hands of VCR manufacturers who can no longer charge a premium for what is, in essence, a slightly upgraded VHS picture.
At any rate, after reading some reviews online, checking out the manufacturer's websites, and checking out my local TV/Video stores, I decided to settle on the JVC HR-7900U.
The Sony decks were still too expensive, and the JVC units had the same (or better) feature set for at least $100 less.
The digital noise reduction and timebase corrector definately help with aging tapes that need all of the help they can get to stay stable on the screen. There's only so much it can do with a VHS/SVHS quality picture, however it seems to reduce or eliminate the vertical vibrating that plagues so many old tapes.
Regular recording and playback looks great in both VHS and SVHS tapes. There are quite a few options for adjusting picture quality and sharpness through the menu system.
Speaking of menus, the configuration menus are very good, and allow the user to customize the unit's settings to their exact needs and preferences.
There are really only two gripes I have with this unit, neither of which are really "fatal flaws". First, the remote control really needs a jog shuttle - some of the buttons are placed more for asthetic appeal than functional usage. I find Sony's remotes to generally be better in this regard.
The second flaw (in my opinion) is that the onscreen graphics are a bit large for my taste. I'd really prefer something that's smaller and doesn't take up as much screen real-estate.
Fortunately the on-screen display can be disabled with the configuration menu if you prefer to just look at the front of the VCR for the clock/tape position information.
I wouldn't mind having one more rear S-video output and another set of RCA audio jacks, however for the price I'm not complaining!
All in all, for the price, I'm very happy with this unit.
(update - I had the price wrong with the CDN/US conversion, the correct price is now listed)
It was not long ago that the "S-VHS" logo on a VCR would immediately raise it into the $500+ price range. Often such models had few benefits over regular models aside from the lucrative S-VHS recording and playback.
It could be argued that the advent of DVD and DV technology has forced the hands of VCR manufacturers who can no longer charge a premium for what is, in essence, a slightly upgraded VHS picture.
At any rate, after reading some reviews online, checking out the manufacturer's websites, and checking out my local TV/Video stores, I decided to settle on the JVC HR-7900U.
The Sony decks were still too expensive, and the JVC units had the same (or better) feature set for at least $100 less.
The digital noise reduction and timebase corrector definately help with aging tapes that need all of the help they can get to stay stable on the screen. There's only so much it can do with a VHS/SVHS quality picture, however it seems to reduce or eliminate the vertical vibrating that plagues so many old tapes.
Regular recording and playback looks great in both VHS and SVHS tapes. There are quite a few options for adjusting picture quality and sharpness through the menu system.
Speaking of menus, the configuration menus are very good, and allow the user to customize the unit's settings to their exact needs and preferences.
There are really only two gripes I have with this unit, neither of which are really "fatal flaws". First, the remote control really needs a jog shuttle - some of the buttons are placed more for asthetic appeal than functional usage. I find Sony's remotes to generally be better in this regard.
The second flaw (in my opinion) is that the onscreen graphics are a bit large for my taste. I'd really prefer something that's smaller and doesn't take up as much screen real-estate.
Fortunately the on-screen display can be disabled with the configuration menu if you prefer to just look at the front of the VCR for the clock/tape position information.
I wouldn't mind having one more rear S-video output and another set of RCA audio jacks, however for the price I'm not complaining!
All in all, for the price, I'm very happy with this unit.
(update - I had the price wrong with the CDN/US conversion, the correct price is now listed)
