Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
This machin is one of the more advanced consumer-type VCRs with features such as variable playback speeds and flying erase head, which are unfortunately not found anymore in competing brands. It also has SVHS-ET recording and can control some (but not all) satellite receivers, but it lacks commercial advance. The purpose of some of its fine-adjustment modes for recording and playback is not clear, and they have little or no effect on the picture quality. Playback suffers from a bright half line at the bottom of the picture, which is visible (and annoying) if the TV set is (properly) adjusted to show the full picture without overscan. The machine's major weakness turned out to be an extreme sensitivity towards power line surges, one of which killed it for good. It was not running at the time. There is an internal fuse, which did not blow and did not protect the machine. Two Panasonic VCRs were unaffected. The JVC guarantee does not cover damage due to power line surges.

Strengths:
SVHS-ET variable forward and reverse playback speeds flying erase head satellite receiver control

Weaknesses:
sensitivity to power line surges visible bright line at bottom of picture no commercial advance

Similar Products Used:
Pansonic various models

Price Paid:  $180.00 from Crutchfield.com

Summary:
Great quality: record in SVHS mode on regular VHS tapes. I even recorded some DVD onto my regular high grade VHS tapes and the quality is amazing. Granted that DVD is still superior. But to get the resolution from VHS, I am very very happy.

Strengths:
Feature packed, SVHS mode on VHS tapes, well designed, great price, S-video out, top quality.

Weaknesses:
Poor remote design.

Similar Products Used:
sony - sucks. Panasonic - good.

Price Paid:  $200.00 from cruchfield

Summary:
This is the second Jvc Ive bought the fist one I bought back in 1992 still working not one problem with it. Well in all those years the models just keep getting cheaper in construction material. The one I just bought has a case made of mostley plastic. Don't get me wrong its works just great. I'm taking VHS home movies that are 16 years old and playing them on this machine and they look perfect. I'm recording them to a Phillips DVD recorder. I would buy again.

Strengths:
Picture SVHS S-video

Weaknesses:
Case

Similar Products Used:
Sony