JVC HR-VP650 VHS VCR
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- VCR Type: VHS
- Number of Video Heads: 4
- Audio: Hi-Fi Stereo
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JVC VP650U = Just Vunderful Cee?
Pros
Small, Inexpensive, Works well
Cons
The Remote; Front Not Easy To Read
Recommended it?
Yes
In the past I've always tried to purchase VCRs of the same brand as my television, thinking that was the way to have them run more smoothly. I had owned Zeniths before, but a couple years ago was told that they were being 'phased out'. before I had access to Epinions, where I now do my research.> A couple years ago I needed to replace my television and decided to do an upgrade on my VCR at the same time since it was quite old. I was introduced to the JVC VP650U at that time.
First off, you have to understand that while I enjoy electronic gadgets, it takes me awhile to understand how to get them to work. That statement is null and void should the gadgets we are speaking of simply have an on and off switch. I don't mean to imply that I'm completely electronically challenged, just not a pro (by any means).
The Look
One of the things that impressed me about this VCR is the size and weight. As with most things of this era, it is quite a change from my old one. It is 13 1/2" W x 10" D x 3" tall. I have a coffee table book that is almost as big. The design is very sleek and modern looking. While the LCD display is large and easy to read, I do find that most of the control buttons are too close together (with tiny writing) to be easy to use. If the room you are in has little light, you can forget about finding the button you want easily. However, should you have problems with the remote (or just can't find it), you can do most anything from the front. Buttons include: Power, Rewind, Fast Forward, Play, Menu, Channel (up & down), Record, Stop/Eject, and Pause. Also included on the front are Audio/Video Input/Output connectors, which is a great addition. (I've never used them, but just knowing I don't have to dig around the back, is wonderful.)
The remote control is somewhat crazy. There are control buttons for everything, most of which many will not use. They include the usual Power, TV/VCR, Fast Forward, Rewind, Numbers (1-0), Channel (up & down), Stop, Play, Pause, Menu, plus a host of others. If using the remote for starting, stopping, pausing, rewinding, or any of the normal things, it is okay for a remote. These buttons are located in a sensible manner. However, there are so many other buttons on the remote that pressing one can cause hitting another at the same time. I can't count how many times I've changed channels or hit the menu button by mistake. (Usually I eye the cat and try to place blame.)
Also, this remote doesn't work well in concert with other equipment. You must use the remote that comes with the VCR when in use. They claim it's compatible with other brands, but that is only if you hold down a corresponding button on the JVC remote. Lastly, I have a problem with the fact that the buttons are not backlit. Again, I suppose this is a lighting issue, but let's face it, not all of us have brightly lit rooms or even wish to be in one while watching television.
The Works
I admit that my last VCR was old; close to 10 years I believe. This could be why I am happy with the way this unit works. I have gotten into the habit of buying previously viewed (and some new) tapes to enlarge my VHS library. Since I have no idea how misused some of the tapes are, I could be setting myself up. But as of yet, I have only had one problem. One night I settled in to watch a movie I had my heart set on for some time. Shortly after the credits, it began flickering with a wide 'snow stream' in the middle of the screen. This would linger for a minute or so and then return to normal. After this happen about three times (and I was about to give up on watching the movie), the words "Auto Picture" flashed and it corrected itself. I've gone back and watched the movie again since that time, and the problem never arose. Did the VCR 'fix' the tape? I don't know, but it sure seems like it. This is the only time that the auto-tracking was needed and it worked very well.
This unit makes movies look and sound wonderful. I was really able to put it to the test when bought The Matrix. I have the Special Edition tape, which includes some out-takes and behind-the-scene footage. I am able to pause it and read the small and light colored text that accompanies the video. I could never do that with my old VCR. What I am looking forward to seeing with this unit is the video my sister took of Europe this year. The way she holds a camera should be a very good test.
P.S.
On another note, I have moved a couple of times since purchasing this product and even with the 1200 mile jostling of my last move, the unit is in perfect condition!
First off, you have to understand that while I enjoy electronic gadgets, it takes me awhile to understand how to get them to work. That statement is null and void should the gadgets we are speaking of simply have an on and off switch. I don't mean to imply that I'm completely electronically challenged, just not a pro (by any means).
The Look
One of the things that impressed me about this VCR is the size and weight. As with most things of this era, it is quite a change from my old one. It is 13 1/2" W x 10" D x 3" tall. I have a coffee table book that is almost as big. The design is very sleek and modern looking. While the LCD display is large and easy to read, I do find that most of the control buttons are too close together (with tiny writing) to be easy to use. If the room you are in has little light, you can forget about finding the button you want easily. However, should you have problems with the remote (or just can't find it), you can do most anything from the front. Buttons include: Power, Rewind, Fast Forward, Play, Menu, Channel (up & down), Record, Stop/Eject, and Pause. Also included on the front are Audio/Video Input/Output connectors, which is a great addition. (I've never used them, but just knowing I don't have to dig around the back, is wonderful.)
The remote control is somewhat crazy. There are control buttons for everything, most of which many will not use. They include the usual Power, TV/VCR, Fast Forward, Rewind, Numbers (1-0), Channel (up & down), Stop, Play, Pause, Menu, plus a host of others. If using the remote for starting, stopping, pausing, rewinding, or any of the normal things, it is okay for a remote. These buttons are located in a sensible manner. However, there are so many other buttons on the remote that pressing one can cause hitting another at the same time. I can't count how many times I've changed channels or hit the menu button by mistake. (Usually I eye the cat and try to place blame.)
Also, this remote doesn't work well in concert with other equipment. You must use the remote that comes with the VCR when in use. They claim it's compatible with other brands, but that is only if you hold down a corresponding button on the JVC remote. Lastly, I have a problem with the fact that the buttons are not backlit. Again, I suppose this is a lighting issue, but let's face it, not all of us have brightly lit rooms or even wish to be in one while watching television.
The Works
I admit that my last VCR was old; close to 10 years I believe. This could be why I am happy with the way this unit works. I have gotten into the habit of buying previously viewed (and some new) tapes to enlarge my VHS library. Since I have no idea how misused some of the tapes are, I could be setting myself up. But as of yet, I have only had one problem. One night I settled in to watch a movie I had my heart set on for some time. Shortly after the credits, it began flickering with a wide 'snow stream' in the middle of the screen. This would linger for a minute or so and then return to normal. After this happen about three times (and I was about to give up on watching the movie), the words "Auto Picture" flashed and it corrected itself. I've gone back and watched the movie again since that time, and the problem never arose. Did the VCR 'fix' the tape? I don't know, but it sure seems like it. This is the only time that the auto-tracking was needed and it worked very well.
This unit makes movies look and sound wonderful. I was really able to put it to the test when bought The Matrix. I have the Special Edition tape, which includes some out-takes and behind-the-scene footage. I am able to pause it and read the small and light colored text that accompanies the video. I could never do that with my old VCR. What I am looking forward to seeing with this unit is the video my sister took of Europe this year. The way she holds a camera should be a very good test.
P.S.
On another note, I have moved a couple of times since purchasing this product and even with the 1200 mile jostling of my last move, the unit is in perfect condition!
