Searching for the perfect VCR can turn out to be extremely challenging. But the search becomes easier once you become aware of what you need.
According to the latest issue of Video Magazine, the first thing that viewers should keep in mind is what their primary use of the VCR is going to be - watching movies, editing, or timeshifting (taping programs and watching them at a later date). Once the decision is made, the buyer should avoid falling into a trap of purchasing an expensive model with a ton of impressive but unnecessary features.The qualities that consumers tend to look for most in a VCR are features, brand name and the all-important price.
One of the best new, relatively inexpensive VCRs available is Sony's $600 SLV-585. It's a terrific buy for people whose primary use is taping programs. One of its many outstanding features is a button which permits the viewer to skip 30 seconds of tape with one touch, a fine way to zap out commercials. It also contains Sony's new dual-mode shuttle. This combines 13 functions on one control, allowing greater ease in shifting from one function to the next.
For people whose primary interest is editing, the 585 has a companion model, the $650 SLV-686, which also features a flying erase head to eliminate glitches between scenes.