New Video Recorder ...

[smurfchops]

My video recorder needs replacing, I hear you all laughing and saying I should use my DVD but I still like recording on my videos, but I have a spare video player in another room which comes in handy when I want to record something. It has been connected for around eight years now and a Panasonic. The sound seems to be going, is it worth having repaired or where can I get a new one, I already have a DVD player so don't really need a combination one. There are a couple at Comet but haven't heard of the makes, can someone help please? Maximum price around �100 please.

[Buenchico]

It's not worth getting a VCR repaired.

There are very few places which sell VCRs these days. However, Argos still have them. Their cheapest VCR is a mono model by Funai (�34.99):
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumb er/5333772.htm

They also stock a Nicam stereo VCR, by Funai, for �44.89:
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumb er/5333868.htm

Funai are a major Japanese manufacturer. Some of their products are manufactured for (and sold under the brand names of) Pye, Philips, Hitachi & Sharp. (Also, if you buy a Kodak digital camera or a Dell printer, there's a good chance that it was made by Funai).

If you'd prefer your VCR to have a more familiar name on the front, Argos have a Philips Nicam model for �59.99 (but, as stated, it might have been made by Funai anyway):
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumb er/5333916.htm

Chris

[countrykid]

as per the last answer, there are very few familiar brands of VCRs around. You may come across an LG model LV880 for around �69 in smaller more specialist retailers - there aren't many left (retailers that is), and Toshiba do a VCR Rec/DVD Player for around �80, model SD38VBK7B. Just for the record, my first ever VCR was a Panasonic NV7200 in 1981. It was breaking ground technology as it was the first to have infra-red remote built into the machine and an 8 event timer. The previous model NV7000 had IR remote as an add-on optional extra. My machine cost me �750!! Imagine what that equates to in real terms today. We've never had it so good, but I doubt many people see it that way.

[Ethel]

Countrykid - that �750 is equivalent to �1986 today.

http://measuringworth.com/calculators/ppoweruk /result.php?use%5B%5D=CPI&year_late=1981&typea mount=750&amount=750&year_source=1981&year_res ult=2006

Even some of my groceries are cheaper now than they were 20 years ago.
Hurrah!

[vehelpfulguy]

Why not go for a device with a hard disk built in, usually known as a PVR.

It is so easy to record off TV to a hard disk. You just see the program listed in the online program guide, and press the "Record" button and the PVR records it for you.

Playing back is just as easy.

No worry about tapes, no worry about remembering which tape you recorded things on, no need to fast forward on the tape to find the place where the program starts.

Also note that VHS tapes are analogue and if your TV is digital (Freeview, Sky or Virgin) you lose quality recording to tapes.

If you record to a hard disk it is saved in digital format.

If you then eventually get a DVD recorder you can record the programs in digital to DVD.

[ACtheTROLL]

smurf ... it's time to let go .... walk away from the video ..... remember the good days you had together ;-)

you can get VCR/DVD recorders - maybe you could
transfer the must have tapes to DVD - and then try to kick the habit.

The best combination (in my opinion) this week at least is a DVD & HDD recorder
And I've just persuaded my 78 year old mum to make the change - she now loves it (after 6 weeks of hell!!!)

but next week it will be Blu-Ray & ?

alternatively - kill two birds with one stone
(or is that put all your eggs in one basket?)
save your pennies ... and get one of the new fangled media centre PCs - at least that way you have some (slim) chance of upgrading the box rather than buying new.

The new kit is easier to use than last year's stuff ....
go on .... you know you want to ;-)

[Ethel]

vehelpfulguy - there is no need to buy a PVR AND a dvd recorder.

My hard disk drive recorder also burns to disk, which can be played in any dvd player.

[vehelpfulguy]

>vehelpfulguy - there is no need to buy a PVR AND a dvd recorder.

Thanks Ethel, was aware of that.

Just trying to get the person to take one step at a time. Anyone who wants to hang on to VHS needs bringing along slowly :-)

They already have a DVD player and thought they may be reluctant to buy a DVD recorder as well.

They could for example buy a combined Freeview / PVR box and record TV programs to hard disk and THEN buy a DVD recorder.

Remember when it was all simple, you just went out and bought a TV, plugged the aerial in the back and you were away !

[Ethel]

I remember those days, vehelp.

Twiddling blerdy knobs to stop the picture rolling and HAVING TO GET UP TO CHANGE CHANNEL!

Not very often though - we were all excited the day we had two channels to choose from.

[smurfchops]

You all made me laugh, yes, it is hard for an oldie to get into new habits, my video is on all the time, I hardly use the DVD player ... Old habits die hard, what I say is, if it aint broke don't fix it (Oh sorry I forgot it is broke). Anyway I think I WILL get a new Video (I hear you all sigh ...) and thank you all so much for all your help. Down to Argos I go on my walking frame ....

[pug100]

Hi smurfchops,
Before you spend any money on a VHS machine consider the future. All VHS machines have analogue receivers and very soon analogue transmitters will be switched off. Why not try a digital Freeview PVR. They're very simple to use and don't require tapes or discs and you'll get around 30 tv channels without any subscription.
For some ideas and info try here for reception advice
http://www.dtg.org.uk/consumer/coverage.html

and here for freeview advice / recorders

http://www.freeview.co.uk/products/dtr

[smurfchops]

I have got Freeview already, with a VHS recorder and a separate DVD player, but the DVD player doesn't record. In my spare bedroom, I have an old non-digi TV with 'normal' TV, no digi channels, and the 'old' VHS recorder, the one where the sound is bad. The 'newer' VHS player is around five years old and seems OK but the way it is wired up, I can't record any channel unless I am watching it at the same time ... That's why I use the one in the other room for BBC 1,2 and ITV 1,2. Not very technical and up to the minute am I ? I think I need some help ...