Sharp VC-A588U VHS VCR
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- VCR Type: VHS
- Number of Video Heads: 4
- Audio: Mono
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Sharp? You betcha...
Pros
High-speed rewind, easy set-up, easy programming
Cons
No stereo, no S-Video
Recommended it?
Yes
When our Toshiba 4-head VCR decided to quit tracking, and the Go-Video Dual (8mm and VHS) deck decided that it wouldn't keep a tape inside, we knew it was time to shop for a new VCR.
I found the Sharp VC-A588 on sale for $99, and after looking at the feature list I knew it would work for us.
Setting the VCR up is no problem at all - just put it in "Auto," and it will self-detect all available channels, as well as setting its own clock if the sync signal is available (if you have an antenna or cable, this should work - it doesn't work with digital TV signals like People's Choice or DSS).
The VCR supports the VCRPlus format, so you can record your shows simply by programming the VCR with the six-digit VCRPlus code found in your TV Guide.
I have yet to find a tape on which this deck won't track. Even my seven-year-old taped-from-TV copy of "The Martian Chronicles" looks good!
Freeze-frame and slow-motion work *very* well, giving frame-by-frame views with very little "jitter".
You can rewind a two-hour tape in a minute or so - the VCR will automatically kick the rewind or fast-forward into high gear if you've stopped the tape before hitting the button (this is to prevent you from going into high-speed while in playback mode, which could conceivably damage the tape.)
The on-screen menu system makes programming very easy, should your local TV signal be lacking in the information that the VCR uses to set itself up.
The VCR has the standard audio and video RCA inputs and outputs, as well as dual coaxial connections for antenna input and output. It does not have S-Video connections or stereo input or output. The 588U adds those.
Overall, Sharp makes good equipment. While lacking that certain cachet that a "higher-end" VCR might offer, I believe Sharp to offer *excellent* value for the money.
I found the Sharp VC-A588 on sale for $99, and after looking at the feature list I knew it would work for us.
Setting the VCR up is no problem at all - just put it in "Auto," and it will self-detect all available channels, as well as setting its own clock if the sync signal is available (if you have an antenna or cable, this should work - it doesn't work with digital TV signals like People's Choice or DSS).
The VCR supports the VCRPlus format, so you can record your shows simply by programming the VCR with the six-digit VCRPlus code found in your TV Guide.
I have yet to find a tape on which this deck won't track. Even my seven-year-old taped-from-TV copy of "The Martian Chronicles" looks good!
Freeze-frame and slow-motion work *very* well, giving frame-by-frame views with very little "jitter".
You can rewind a two-hour tape in a minute or so - the VCR will automatically kick the rewind or fast-forward into high gear if you've stopped the tape before hitting the button (this is to prevent you from going into high-speed while in playback mode, which could conceivably damage the tape.)
The on-screen menu system makes programming very easy, should your local TV signal be lacking in the information that the VCR uses to set itself up.
The VCR has the standard audio and video RCA inputs and outputs, as well as dual coaxial connections for antenna input and output. It does not have S-Video connections or stereo input or output. The 588U adds those.
Overall, Sharp makes good equipment. While lacking that certain cachet that a "higher-end" VCR might offer, I believe Sharp to offer *excellent* value for the money.
