lincoln@eosp1.UUCP (Dick Lincoln) (03/14/84)
The following is a summary of the responses I received to my 2/15/84
net.video request for VCR recommendations. I particularly wanted VCR's
with exceptional direct CATV entry and extended unattended or minimally
attended operation.
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* Two independent recommendations for the top Sony Beta Hi Fi models
2700 and 2710 because of their excellence in my requirements and
superior stereo sound recording.
I have heard these models recommended as straight audio high fidelity
recorders because of their low audio noise and wide dynamic range.
One recommendation came with a robust technical advocacy of the Beta
tape format for stereo recording and a similar defense of Beta's life
expectancy. This individual also explained why he traded his JVC VHS
model for the Sonny 2700, and then traded that for the 2710.
* One recommendation for an unnamed model Panasonic VHS portable.
* One recommendation for the Minolta 770 VHS.
* One recommendation for the Beta Hi Fi format Sanyo 7200
* One recommendation for the RCA VJT-700 VHS non-portable VCR, with an
assurance it meets my requirements.
This came with a recommendation *against* the VJT-900 portable version
of the above model because the base unit module plug-in jacks are too
cheaply made.
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I also saved some coincident interesting discussion on VCR cartridge
tape brands and types, and special VCR head cleaning cartridges. Some
problems with the extra long play, super thin (0.5 mil) Beta cartridges
were reported. While not unanimous, the clear majority opinion was
*not* to clean VCR tape heads yourself (take them to a professional
about every three years of use), and *never* to use the special tape
head cleaning cartridges.
I also received some back net.video VCR recommendations from December,
1983, and January, 1984, but forgot to save them (sigh).
I looked up Consumer Union's latest report in the CONSUMER REPORTS 1984
BUYING GUIDE. They believe that there is no significant video quality
difference among the various "good" VHS and Beta models. They
recommend choosing on the basis of special features (such as an
included video camera) and price. They listed one Mitsubishi, three
Panasonic, three Sanyo, one Sharp, and three Sony models as acceptable,
in *alphabetic* order. The 2700 and 2710 models were not among the
Sonys, probably because of their high price.
* The opinions expressed here are NOT my own nor of any of my
employers, past or present.
I want to thank everyone who responded for their thoughtful and informed
discussion.
Dick Lincoln - EOSC, Princeton, NJ
{decvax!ittvax,allegra,princeton}!eosp1!lincoln