Aging gracefully
Model:VHR-5100
VCR is obsolete-say all. I agree. Some say it is junk-I beg to differ.Please give me 2 mins of your time.
We bougt this VCR 13 years back and I thank we made a nice choice.The specifications are as follows:
Video Format :VHS PAL
Television system :CCIR:625 lines, PAL color signals
Recording system :Rotary two heads helical-scan system
Tape speed :23.39 mm/secf
Recording/playback time :240 mins with E-240
Tuner Input :VHF:2-12, UHF:21-69
RF convertor * :Built-in VHF convertor
Convertor output :on channel 3 or 4
Timer indication :24 hr indication
Power failure backup :Approx. 1 hr
Timer recording :1 year 8 programms with every day function
Power requirements :AC 230V +/- 15%, 50 hz
Dimensions (WXHXD) :420x79x320
Weight :5.9 kg
Power consumption :30W
The following table compares the VCR & VCD.
VCR VCD
1 ) Ability to record Yes No
2) Picture Quality (buy
original tapes/cds) Good Excellent
3) Audio quality (buy
original tapes/cds) Good Excellent
4) Picture Quality (buy/rent
pirated tapes/cds) Satisfactory
(tracking feature available) Bad as we hear only sound & miss parts of the video
5) Audio quality (buy /rent pirated tapes/cds) Good Good
This BPL model has the following features:
1)If you donot have a high definition T.V
And good set of speakers- buying a DVD player alone would prove to be of no great experience.The VCR has a built-in RF convertor * above. So if you are having an excellent old TV which is not having audio-video jacks-it is not necessary to buy a convertor (which slightly reduces the picture & audio clarity) or buy a new T.V.Just connect the CD player to the VCR & connect the T.V to T.V out of the VCR (the MODE should be changed to AV in the VCR). The bonus is you can record the entire or parts of the VCD while you are watching.
2) Programs that happen during night or when you are away from home (say Cricket match in Australia or Formula -1 race at Canada) can be recorded using the 8 Programmable timer recording settings.
3) The movies I record using the disc-man have the same audio & video clarity as in a CD.The tape tech has also advanced and they are provided with anti-fungal treatment.
I just had a few minor problems with my VCR-The cassette ejector mechanism springs had come out and they charged Rs 200 to fix it and also they fixed an auto head -cleaner for FREE! Recently There was a surge in power and an IC had to be replaced costing me Rs1000/- Incidentally my cordless phone’s transformer also burnt out and I had to replace it ( I am waiting for that time in India when we will be able to SUE the power suppliers like in U.S now).
The VCD & lately DVD undoubtedly provide superior picture & sound compared to the VCR.However we should also note that it is the consumer electronics companies which frequently release slightly improved technology under a new name so that we have to change our entire hardware and they can keep their cash-box ringing.