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Buying Guide for VCR's |
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A VCR essentially converts the information encoded on a tape into signals that could be received by a television set. When the video cassette is inserted into a VCR, the VCR extracts the tape and plays it by unrolling it around a set of spools. The recording medium in the VCR is a wide piece of oxide-coated Mylar tape and it facilitates the conversion of the tape into signals that are received by the television. |
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Introduction | Basic Features | Advanced Features |
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1 - Introduction
VCRs are generally of four types depending on the cassette capacity and VHS standards. The basic VHS type can play film videos and record television programmes. Its capacity is just one cassette. The Dual-deck VCRs on the other hand have a capacity of 2 cassettes at a time and allow for the recording of one cassette from the other. DVDs and digital satellite broadcasts have led to S-VHS which has a higher resolution than VHS and is suitable for recording from DVDs and digital satellites.
| The newest kid on the block D-VHS (Digital VHS) has been developed for recording HDTV (High definition TV) as it provides for superior high definition recording. The evolution of VCRs has seen the introduction of a plethora of features and superior audio / video recording qualities. This has lead to many models offering different bundles of features and quality. Some knowledge of these can help you choose the right one for you. |
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2 - Basic Features
Just about very VCR will come equipped with some basic features. Here is a quick rundown of what you should look for.
2.1 - VHS Heads - Picture Quality
Picture quality is vastly influenced by the number of heads present. They can be either of; 2, 4 or 6. 2 heads provide
basic picture and mono sound. The quality is not much to write about however, if your needs are minimal, then this should
suffice. The standard is 4 heads that give superior picture quality, stereo sound and also the quality provided by features
such as; long play, freeze frame, etc. is much better. This is the best option for superior video experience and is also
affordable. VCRs with 6 heads offer all the functionality of those with 4 heads but also give better sound quality. 19
micron head VCRs are also available and these give the same quality as faster speed recording (SP) when recording at lower
speeds (SLP / EP.)
2.2 - Sound
A key choice you will want to make before buying a VCR is whether you want mono or stereo sound. Stereo sound gives sound
quality far superior to mono and is worth investing in as the movie videos today are stereo and the hi-fi stereo sound
systems of stereo televisions can’t play the stereo sound in tapes without a stereo sound system in the VCR.
2.3 - Video Plus & On Screen Programming
On screen programming feature, allows you to set or program into the VCR; the time and channel of the programme that you
want to record. The VCR then records the programme on its own. Some VCRs can be programmed about a week ahead while some
allow for a year in advance. Video plus in the US is a code available alongside the programme and you record the program
by simply inputting this code in the VCR. However, for this to work, your local TV station must broadcast the Video Plus
signal.
2.4 - Audio/Video Outputs
You may want to connect devices such as; camcorders, video game consoles, etc. to the VCR. For this you would need audio/
video jocks that are usually at the back of the VCR unit. In newer models they are however, placed at the front. You may
want more than one set of audio / video connectors for multiple devices.
2.5 - SP, LP & EP Settings
hese are three speed settings available on the VCR which control the speed of the tape.
The speeds across these settings are as follows:
1. SP = 1.31 inches/sec
2. LP = 0.66 inches/sec
3. EP = 0.44 inches/sec
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2.6 - Long Play:
Some VCRs support the long play feature that compresses video and runs at half the normal speed. So the length is doubled and a 1 hour cassette will become 2 hours long. The recording quality may be poor at times, but with improved technology, it is almost as good as normal recordings and cost-effective too.
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2.7 - Remote Control
The much fought over remote control is now available with almost all devices. Some VCR remotes are universal in that they
allow you to operate TV and cable systems with it. Some ‘universal’ remotes however work with only the same
brand. Some remotes come with different sized buttons for distinct identification and some also have the
“glow-in-the-dark” feature.
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3 - Advanced Features
Newer VCR models come equipped with some really in-depth features to help you make the most out of your VHS viewing experience.
These are covered below.
3.1 - Automatic Channel Setting
This feature is very convenient as it automatically sets up channels in the correct order in the television and also offers
troubleshooting tips and solutions for common problems.
3.2 - Auto Head Cleaning
The VCR’s head needs to be cleaned periodically to ensure that there is no dust that would otherwise spoil the
picture quality. The auto head cleaning feature has a built-in cleaner which cleans the heads whenever it is in the
play or record mode.
3.3 - Auto Tracking
Many a times there is a mismatch in the speeds at which a video is recorded and the speed at which a VCR plays it. This
results in a slight visual distortion and consequently poor image quality. Some VCRs also have manual tracking controls
to change the speed of the heads to synchronise than with the video band speeds.
3.4 - Jog Dial - Shuffle
This is a useful feature for fast forwarding and rewinding, as the jog dial allows for frame by frame fast forwarding and
rewinding while shuttle allows you variable speeds for the same. It is usually in the front of the VCR or remote.
3.5 - Auto Clock Set
If the local TV station broadcasts this signal, then this feature automatically sets the VCR time.
3.6 - Tamper Proof Child Lock
This feature is very convenient as it lets you lock your VCR so that it can’t be tampered with. You can enter a code to unlock it – this way you could monitor its use as well as block unauthorized use. |
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3.7 - Commercial Skip
Some VCRs have the commercial skip feature which automatically fast forwards the tape, when detects the presence of
commercials. However, it may work on programmes that are recorded only from certain channels.
3.8 - Power Backup
If you are assailed with periodic power interruptions or surge in electricity, you may find this useful as it preserves
clock and programming setting for some time after power interruptions.
3.9 - S-VHS
If you intend to record from high resolution sources such as digital satellite or DVD players, you may opt for S VHS.
It offers a resolution of 400 lines per inch instead of the standard 240 lines per inch. Thus it gives superior picture
quality. But S VHS VCRs are more expensive than the standard VHS format VCRs.
3.10 - Program Delivery Control
This feature allows you to programme you VCR such that it fully records delayed or rescheduled programmes.
3.11 - Search Function
Many VCRs come with search functions that allow you to fast forward or rewind to your favourite parts. An auto blank
search feature allows you to skip the blank portion at the start of the tape.
3.12 - Auto Repeat
This function allows you to repeatedly rewind to a particular scene without having to use the remote.
3.13 - Tape Library
A tape library stores the information about tapes electronically and helps you find programmes quickly.
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