I am planning on getting a new Nicam Stereo VCR but don't know what to get.

I want good picture recording, a good tuner to get a decent picture to record, stereo sound, and very but not most importantly, low noise when in STANDBY, preferably very low. My current Mono Aiwa VCR makes a slight low frequency, low sound which is ok.

I don't mind it making a little noise when in OPERATION. I do record programmes overnight though, so I do not want to be disturbed because the VCR is TOO loud in operation.

Any suggestions guys? I'd like to get one of the Sony ones at Argos (model number SLVSE730 or 830), but I've heard it makes an annoying sound when in standby.

Is there any point in getting an SVHS VCR, as I've heard you need to buy SVHS Tapes to record in SVHS. Is this true, or can I get SVHS quality on an ordinary VHS Tape using an SVHS VCR?

I would prefer to get an Aiwa, or Sony, maybe a Toshiba from Currys, Dixons, Comet or Argos. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance guys.

[ReTrO]

If you're going to get a VCR then it's worth getting an SVHS ET model. I bought a Panasonic one about a year ago and record everything in ET mode as it's much more stable then normal VHS.

[MartinImber]

There is only one best VCR

http://www.palsite.com/950ovi.html

[Archie Fax]

I would prefer to get an Aiwa, or Sony, maybe a Toshiba from Currys, Dixons, Comet or Argos. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance guys.

Get one from Argos. That way you can get your dosh back if your not happy with it.
Try to get a refund from the other outfits and they don't want to know.

Originally posted by ReTrO
If you're going to get a VCR then it's worth getting an SVHS ET model. I bought a Panasonic one about a year ago and record everything in ET mode as it's much more stable than normal VHS.

Do you have to use S-VHS blank Tapes, or do you use normal VHS blank Tapes?

[ReTrO]

S-VHS ET mode is a VHS cassette version of standard S-VHS, you don't get quite the same detail etc, but you do get far more information stored than with vanilla VHS.

If I record in SVHS ET on a VHS Tape using an SVHS VCR, will the tape playback in a normal VHS VCR in normal VHS quality, or wont it playback in a VHS VCR AT ALL? I ask as I sometimes lend my tapes to friends and family, so I dont want any major incompatibilities.

If not, do all SVHS VCR's let you record in VHS Mode?

Thanks again. I appreciate the help guys.

[ReTrO]

If you record in S-VHS ET mode you can't play back on a VHS deck, you'll get a nasty blurry black and white image and odd sound.

You can turn S-VHS/ET mode off though, this is what I use when recording for friends.

Do you know if all SVHS VCR's have the ability to record in VHS Mode? In other words, can you turn SVHS ET recording off in ALL SVHS VCR's?

[ReTrO]

That I am aware you can turn off any S-VHS modes on all S-VHS VCR's.

Cheers.