Price Paid:  $375.00 from Circuit City

Summary:
I have had this unit for about 2 years now. It replaced another JVC SVHS unit that was about 4 years old. I've learned not to have vcr's repaired. They never seem to be repaired right, especially after replacing the heads.
This unit records very well at SP, but fairly mediocre at EP speeed. But I never use EP anyway.
Picture quality is great at both regualr and SVHS.
My only complaint concerns the remote. Everything practically must be done using the remote. The menus are so tedious to manuver through. Programming is a chore and prone to mistake. Changing anything becomes a chore to find in the numerous menus. (I also have a Panasonic SVHS model that is 100 percent easier to progam and more can be done from the remote. But the Panasonic's regular vhs preformance is disappointing with it noticeable lack of picture detail as compared to the JVC.) The unit is fairly lightweight as compared to previuos units. So far no problems except for a dead remote. I would recommend the JVC for its picture quality at SP speed in both regular and SVHS modes. And I would buy JVC again. But, I wish they would make the remote bigger and easier to use. Can't have everything.

Weaknesses:
Picture Quality at EP speed. Remote. Navigating the menus.

Similar Products Used:
Panasonic SVHS 7670
Toshiba 784

Summary:
The picture quality on the JVC HR-S5400U is good. Getting Super VHS thrown in for around $160.00 made me buy this refurbished VCR on uBid.

The front a/v inputs are nice, but you need the remote to turn them on or off.
The down side to this VCR is that almost all functions must be programmed from the remote control. This VCR has no TV/VCR or hifi/stereo/R/L buttons. Almost every command must be done through the annoying on screen menu with the remote. The faceplate gave this VCR the appearance of being cheap and light weight.

Strengths:
Picture quality, price

Weaknesses:
Remote, front panel

Similar Products Used:
JVC, Panasonic, Grunding