Price Paid:  $140.00 from Circuit City

Summary:
Worked great for 1 year. 2 weeks after the warranty ran out, the IR port in the unit quit responding to inputs. (I have several other remotes that used to work the VCR) I reviewed the manual extensively for any help (Lock-out feature, etc...), but could not retore remote function. It has limited usability since I have to manually push buttons on the front for everything. All on screen menus are now unavailable. It will be a long time before I purchase another Panasonic product. I see where other Panasonic VCRs have also had this problem. Serious design or manufacturing flaw. Avoid Panasonic units in this category. Expensive ($140) for only 1 years use.

Strengths:
Commercial Advance

Weaknesses:
Reliability

Similar Products Used:
Toshiba M683

Summary:
Like other people, I find the manual to be poorly written. I do applaud the fact that actual techs answer your questions (some have been helpful, others just down right rude and condescending.

Overall I enjoy the product- when it works, of course...

Strengths:
The picture quality is good as is the VCR+ Gold which works through my cable box.

Weaknesses:
I bought the unit on 12/99, it worked fine up until a few weeks ago. The remote doesn't turn the vcr off or on (and this after receiving supposedly a new unit). Now I have to bring in the vcr and remote for service yet again!!! aRRRGHH

Summary:
As with most Panasonic products, there is an expectation of reliability and this unit, to-date, appears to continue to support this notion. The unit weighs next to nothing but is a smart, efficient unit. To save yourself some time, give the user manual a cursory review but stick to the on-screen programming for best results. Once set up, the functions are easy to use i.e. advance timer recording, etc. The resultant picture is quite good (better on SP than SLP of course) and at a price of $ 199.99 (J&R Music World - NYC) - you cannot get a better deal - comparing price vs. features from any other comparable manufacturer. If you are not a super audio enthusiast - this is the unit for YOU! Definitely recommended!

P.S.: If you don't need the Commercial Advance feature, turn it off. It is a very busy, tedious process and seems to be much ado about nothing, just to skip some commercials. I turned this and the time/date stamp off - I particularly don't need either of these functions.

Strengths:
Straightforward lightweight design, great picture, intelligent programming.

Weaknesses:
On/off indication, user manual, very BUSY commercial advance feature.

Similar Products Used:
Toshiba DX-7.

Summary:
I've been very happy with it, except that there's no 'previous channel' (aka 'flashback') feature. I can't believe that anyone would make a VCR or TV without this feature. Likewise, there's no mute button on the remote.

Weaknesses:
No 'flashback' feature, no mute

Summary:
My use is of a basic VCR, playback of pre-recorded tapes and time-shift recording. In both regards this units performs flawlessly. Picture quality on pre-recorded tapes as well as those I record is excellent. Much better than a similar featured JVC unit I also own. Controls are well laid out and easy to use. Connection to the other components in the system was easy.

Strengths:
Quality manufacturing, easy of use, excellent picture

Weaknesses:
Nothing that significantly bothers me.

Similar Products Used:
JVC