Price Paid:  $230.00 from Frys

Summary:
I purchased the "top of the line" VCR from Mitsubishi because I had returned 2 other brand VCR''''''''''''''''s for distored recording on standard VHS. I found this VCR has the same problem. I have 2 other VCRs on the system and tried the same connections I am using on this unit. Both VCR''''''''''''''''s taped well. After recording a tape in the SLP speed, there are color bars running through the picture: most distinct in dark scenes. I don''''''''''''''''t know if this is due to the increased copyguard coding in the VCR, but I am taping from cable TV. There is a common thread between the 3 VCR''''''''''''''''s. All 3 had the same problem and all 3 were made in Malaysia. After I return this VCR, I am going to purchase one not made in Malaysia to see if that VCR has the same problem. If it does, then I will look for a used VCR because the noise problem apparently would have originated from the added copyguard coding in the new VCR''''''''''''''''s. One would think that a top of the line VCR would be able to tape in slp halfway decent.

Strengths:
Plays back tapes well that are not recorded on this machine

Weaknesses:
Poor standard VHS recording

Similar Products Used:
Panasonic, Quasar, Mitsubishi VCR''''''''''''''''s

Price Paid:  $229.00 from Good Guys

Summary:
I must have tried five different VCR's different brands and models in this price range. All recorded excellent in Super VHS mode. However, I was disapointed with the S-ET mode. None, except the Mitsubishi, had a decent picture.
I had stayed away from the Mitsubishi as I did not care for the looks of the unit. However, performance counts and after it was in my cabinet I really turned out not to be an issue.
I paid full retail, something I do not typically do. However, this is one but I don't regret. Record quality is excellent regardless of the type of tape used.

Strengths:
Record quality in all formats

Weaknesses:
None

Similar Products Used:
JVC 3800 JVC 4600