ejag@aluxz.UUCP (morehouse) (09/19/84)
I just ordered my VCR and camera (Magnavox 8486 and Panasonic PK958) and need some advice on tapes from veteran VHS users (this is my first vcr). Looking at the ads in 'Video' magazine there are designations like T 120 T160 and then HG and pro suffixes. Judging from the price differences, the quality goes from 'pro' to T 120. Since there's a 2:1 price difference, I'd like to know if the difference in quality is really noticeable. The place I ordered the vcr from recommended Fuji as being the best quality but he didn't specify if it was the '120', '160', or 'hg'. Any opinions? BTW, my use is not commercial. I almost forgot, is the 'chrome' tape advertised any better than others? I don't have access to back issues of 'Video' but could get back 'Consumer Reports' if anyone knows of a pertinent review. Thanks. Jim Morehouse AT&T Bell Laboratories Allentown, Pa.
pmr@drutx.UUCP (Rastocny) (09/20/84)
I've auditioned quite a few tapes on my VHS and found that TDK standard grade works best for a standard tape. The advantages of premium grade tapes are in multiple record/playback cycles you can get out of them before the oxide wears off and you start to see video noise/dropouts. Very little video improvement can be seen from one tape to another in SP or LP mode. The only tape I've ever used that improves the video picture quality at SLP is Maxell HGX Gold. (A local retailer is selling these for $9.60/roll in case qtys.) Your results may differ depending on the quality of your VCR and monitor. Phil Rastocny AT&T-ISL ihnp4!drutx!pmr