s-vhs vcr's - recommendation?

[tvmaster2]

anyone have a recommendation for a S-VHS machine that takes a lickin' and keep on tickin'?

I've had three JVC units go bad in the last five years, and parts are hard to find. add to that JVC refers all vcr repair to Atlanta.

I'm looking at used Mitubishi machines...any opinions? Panasonic is on the list as well. the only JVC I'd consider at this point would be their dual minidv / svhs unit.

looking to spend $100 max with shipping

and yes, I've heard very joke possible about still using any form of tape. I've got a few hundred hours of stuff to digitize, then it will be over

[Fuzzy]

At this point, you should be able to get some used studio grade pieces for cheap (I would think).

[tvmaster2]

Originally Posted by Fuzzy

At this point, you should be able to get some used studio grade pieces for cheap (I would think).

I've thought of that, but we used to work ours very hard, which makes me think anything I find used will have lots of hours on the heads, so a solid, lightly used consumer machine may work better in the long run.

[MattHelm]

There is a very slim chance I have my old semi-pro S-VHS recorder down at my dad's. I can't get to it anytime soon (guessing late November). If he stills has it, I'll give it to you if you pay shipping. (sorry, don't have slightest idea make or model, but last time it was fixed, it was still worth $300+) You want?

It had very little time on it after the last repair. (bought a SageTV system soon after)

[tvmaster2]

Originally Posted by MattHelm

There is a very slim chance I have my old semi-pro S-VHS recorder down at my dad's. I can't get to it anytime soon (guessing late November). If he stills has it, I'll give it to you if you pay shipping. (sorry, don't have slightest idea make or model, but last time it was fixed, it was still worth $300+) You want?

It had very little time on it after the last repair. (bought a SageTV system soon after)

thanks for the info. very generous. do you imagine it still works? shipping shouldn't be a problem - I've been looking on eBay and most shipping charges seem affordable, unless it's coming from Hawaii or Alaska.

[MattHelm]

If it wasn't tossed out, it should work. That first "If" is the big one.

Come to think of if it, if it was plugged in on the day of the "BIG LIGHTNING STRIKE", I'm sure it's dead. I think dad has a tape or 2 around, and I'd do a basic test before shipping.

[hugenbdd]

What about a DVHS? Not to expensive on ebay.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/JVC-HM-DH300...item2a5763c878

They can play SVHS tapes also. I can't remember if they can output an SVHS on firewire or not. If they can it would make the digital conversion easy.

[tvmaster2]

Originally Posted by hugenbdd

What about a DVHS? Not to expensive on ebay.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/JVC-HM-DH300...item2a5763c878

They can play SVHS tapes also. I can't remember if they can output an SVHS on firewire or not. If they can it would make the digital conversion easy.

I have both a 30000 and a 40000, both have been repaired once, badly, by JVC's own service department, and both have failed again. I am fed up with them (and JVC quality quite honestly), and they are being readied for eBay "sold for parts" soon. They were both a real disappointment. When they worked, they were brilliant. Sadly, they were the two, worst VCR's I ever owned.

[tvmaster2]

Originally Posted by MattHelm

If it wasn't tossed out, it should work. That first "If" is the big one.

Come to think of if it, if it was plugged in on the day of the "BIG LIGHTNING STRIKE", I'm sure it's dead. I think dad has a tape or 2 around, and I'd do a basic test before shipping.

The Big Strike....classic. I'll stay tuned

[MattHelm]

Sorry, my brother cleaned out ALL VCRs out that last time he visited. Sorry for getting your hopes up. There's still a slim chance it was hidden in my old closet, but I don't think so. I'll still check when I run down.

[tvmaster2]

Originally Posted by MattHelm

Sorry, my brother cleaned out ALL VCRs out that last time he visited. Sorry for getting your hopes up. There's still a slim chance it was hidden in my old closet, but I don't think so. I'll still check when I run down.

hehe..no worries, eBay is rife with old units. thanks for the help.

[MattHelm]

Well, was down at my dad's this weekend, and there was my good VCR, setting in a box. Of course, I then left it there, and dad's not really up to taking it to town for shipment. I'll be back down there for thanksgiving, still want it?

[tvmaster2]

Originally Posted by MattHelm

Well, was down at my dad's this weekend, and there was my good VCR, setting in a box. Of course, I then left it there, and dad's not really up to taking it to town for shipment. I'll be back down there for thanksgiving, still want it?

lol, that's pretty funny. old s-vhs never die
did you happen to jot down the make/model? what state would it be shipped from? I got lucky at Goodwill last week for $5.99, but for the right machine, redundancy never hurts. thanks for remembering

[MattHelm]

Sent you a private message.