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Review 2 of 10
Price Paid:
$99.00
from Best Buy Summary:
I like the fact that the price point has been driven down
by the advent and subsequent extreme popularity of DVD, but
I believe that the overall quality has been greatly reduced
at the same time. These things can only go down in price
so far. I believe even the "sure bet" manufacturers like
Sony, Panasonic, Toshiba, etc. have had to drastically cut
corners in terms of materials and part quality (video heads?) in order to remain competative. My initial reaction to the Video quality of this Player was very positive, but within about 6 months (I've owned the Panasonic slightly longer than a year), there was very noticeable picture degradation. Lots of snow and fuzzies, and also, a very disturbing bright spot that runs across the top of my TV screen has developed, which cannot be adjusted out with the tracking adjustment. I've had the unit's head cleaned to no avail. I can only assume this is head wear that I'm seeing. I do play movies alot (2-3 per week), but I used my old Mitsubishi with the same frequency. Fifteen years old, and it still plays perfectly!
I'm thrilled by the $99 price I paid for the Panasonic, but
compared to the Mitsubishi (paid $450), I'd have to say
fifteen very serviceable years @ $450 is a much better value
than $99 for only one good year of service. I'm guessing
I'm going to probably experience the same thing with other
brands at that price point, as well. Strengths:
Very good audio. Rewind speed very good. Weaknesses:
Picture quality is not on par with my 15 year old, 2-head
Mitsubishi. I like the lighted buttons, but other than that
Not much more to rave about. It's Hard to handle, very
weird shape (doesn't fit in a human hand very well).
Similar Products Used:
Mitsubishi 2-head (first VCR purchase, 1985).
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