Price Paid:  $998.00

Summary:
I used an AG-1970 at my high school, and it performed so well, that I decided to buy the new 1980 model for my home editing projects. Many new additions were added to this model, such as the independent linear in/out terminals, as well as 16:9 wide aspect compatability. As for picture...awesome. The 3D Y/C separation and full field TBC, as well as its DNR circuitry can make even a bad tape look good. Editing has never been easier with the optional AG-A96 8-event edit controller ($400). If you are tired of plastic crap on VCRs, you're in luck. There's nothing chinsy here! The modular power plug is great. It is identical to the cord on your PC (so its easy to replace if you lose it) and it connects and disconnects from the back of the unit so you dont end up with a short in your wire from moving it from place to place. Now for the bad news. The thing worked great for a week until the electronic pars went haywire over the course of 24 hours. Alas, the golden machine began playing Left Audio only, SP tapes began playing in LP mode, and last but not least; the unit continued counting when in the pause mode (the weirdest thing i've ever seen...you should have been there). And in the grand tradition of Panasonic machines, I found later that SLP tapes wouldn't play correctly on my JVC decks, but played fine on my cheap RCA mono machines (huh?!?!). Anyway, the unit is going back to Profeel for a replacement. I hope the next one works for 10 years rather than 10 days! Happy Editing!

Strengths:
Picture quality and durable construction

Weaknesses:
Well, it did only last a week before it died...
Word is that this is not typical.

Similar Products Used:
Panasonic AG-1970 with AG-A96 controller
Panasonic AG-1960
Panasonic AG-1950 with AG-A95 controller

Price Paid:  $1100.00

Summary:
If you want THE best under $1000 VCR, look no further. I have compared this deck against JVC 9500, Mitsubishi legendary U-82, and Sony SLVR-1000 and it wasn't even close. The video is rock solid, vibrant, sharp with minimal noise. The deck even performs better in the comparison when playing 2nd-3rd generation tapes when the full-frame TBC and DNR circuitry really shine. As this deck is geared toward the prosumer market, it is feature-packed, including the ability to adjust audio recording level, picture sharpness level, plus audio dub/insert, though it does not have RS-232 control (you will have to get its cousin, the AG-5710 for that). The deck is solidly built, as it has to withstand the rigour of heavy usage in the professional environment. On the consumer side, this deck does include a tuner, an 8-event timer and a (really cheesy) remote. Be aware, however, that the composite in/out use BNC connectors rather than RCA jacks, so a local trip to Radio Shack for an adapter may be necessary.

Strengths:
Built for the prosumer market, the AG-1980 is the best, most feature rich VCR for under $1000 available.

Weaknesses:
The remote is absolutely pathetic, but to be fair, the AG-1980 is geared toward a different market.

Similar Products Used:
Sony SLVR-1000, JVC 9500, Mitsubishi HSU-82, Sharp VC-100.