Price Paid:  $90.00 from The WIZ

Summary:
I purchased my first VCR (Zenith) in 1989 which functioned until 1999. Since then I have purchased three VCRS. A White- Westinghouse (1998, which recently died), a Toshiba W665 (2000) and W712 (2001) Both Toshiba VCRS began to deteriorate with the first 6-8 months of purchase. The W-612 stopped operating shortly after a year. The W-712, within 8 months the auto-tracking was failing to adjust distoration on new, rented, and tapes created on it. Does not respond to cleaning. At times during the play mode, the tape suddenly goes into slow mode or begins to rewind. At this time the distortion fades in and out at one minute intervals, tapes fail to eject, the pre-set automatic shut off system does not work. I typically use the VCR on weekends for 4 hours max, this is uncalled for. I will never invest in a Toshiba product of any kind again.

Strengths:
Excellent picture and video editing quality, fast rewind functions.

Weaknesses:
Toshiba product(s)appear to be made for obselesence. Both Toshiba VCRs I purchased began to deteriorate after six months of use. Rewinding function is unusually loud.

Price Paid:  $90.00 from Good Guys

Summary:
The W712 is a decent VCR, the picture quality is very good, even for SLP recordings. It has a few operational quirks that can be annoying. When playing a tape, on-screen display information appears by default requiring three presses of a remote button to get rid of it. This seems backwards, the default should be no or temporary on-screen info at playback to clutter up the picture. It also lacks a TV/VCR button on the box and requires pressing two separate buttons simultaneously to set the record timer. This is a good VCR that is a little more awkward to use than it needs to be because of some poor choices made by its designers.

Strengths:
Very good video performance, fast rewind, multiple fast forward options: 2x,5x,7x

Weaknesses:
Awkward operation, no LP mode, a little noisy during playback, no commercial skip option

Similar Products Used:
Panasonic PV4531