$heriff Tom
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Post by $heriff Tom on Feb 13, 2009 9:26:46 GMT -5
Folks, time to upgrade the arcane combo VCR / DVD player we have upstairs. DVD player works fine, but the VCR portion crapped the bed. Look, i dont need any speeches about the demise of videotapes - I have hundreds, watch them often, VCRs are NOT going away in this next decade. And before they do, I will stock up on them, and be able to watch tapes until I die. For some unexplained reason tapes I have dating back to 1986 onward still play perfect quality today.
So, as to my point - any recommendations as to brand? I am looking to spend around a cool $100 or so, give or take a boost either way. I am fine with a unit that simply allows me to play tapes and DVDs, although an option to record tapes to DVD would be ideal, and an option to tape DVDs to tape would not hurt.
I went to Amazon to check around, and while the prices are fine, the reviews are TERRIBLE. So, do any of you have something along the lines of what I want to buy new, and can recommend a good model or especialy BRAND i can check out and trust?
Looking to go shopping in the next week or so for this sorta thing.
Cheers!
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Post by baldvinny on Feb 13, 2009 10:10:30 GMT -5
unfortunatley, there is little money spent by companies in vcrs anymore (except on the professional level). the few models that you do find, are pretty much going to be your only options.
my advice is stick with a brand you know....sony, panasonic...something like that
oh, and don't buy electronics on amazon
if you can take the trip, shop at j&r. they have an excellent selection and they'll bargain with you for larger purchases
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Post by baldvinny on Feb 13, 2009 10:15:36 GMT -5
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$heriff Tom
Administrator
Groom ba ya ya ya
Posts: 16,173
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Post by $heriff Tom on Feb 13, 2009 10:35:40 GMT -5
Actually, thanks for all that - the one store we were going to hit first was actually Best Buy. I wave the flag for that place, I have bought some decent goods there. And I have also used their online option, I trust them. Honestly, I was going to stay away from ordering this sort of fare on Amazon, I really just wanted to get an idea of what to look for through the reviews.
I saw in a coworkers Newsday what looked like a cool unit that would allow you to tape your tapes to DVD for around the price I was looking for, but I went to Amazon and of 10 reviews 6 of them were 1 of 5. None higher than a 3. That much would make me stay away.
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Post by baldvinny on Feb 13, 2009 10:51:45 GMT -5
the best place for electronics reviews, in my opinion, is cnet.com. they have good buying guides and they test the hell out of stuff
also, just google the model number of what ever you are looking for with the word "review". that'll at least get you some more info.
best buy is the best among the big chains. if you are ever going to get more big ticket stuff (tv's, appliances) i recommend pc richard. they'll bargain with you too
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Post by Chris on Feb 13, 2009 14:01:03 GMT -5
Tom, why not just get a DVD recorder?
You offload your Tivo stuff to DVD, and you can transfer your video tapes to DVD.
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$heriff Tom
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Post by $heriff Tom on Feb 13, 2009 14:06:59 GMT -5
Oh, that will happen, but Im not in so much a rush. And I need SIMPLIFICATION. I want to record tapes to DVD with a button push, I dont want to hook doohickeys into my computer and things like that.
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Post by Chris on Feb 13, 2009 14:13:07 GMT -5
There are no doohickeys and computers involved.
I have a DVD player/recorded hooked up to my TV. I have an old cheap VCR hooked up to the same TV.
I offload my Tivo stuff to DVD through nothing by the DVR and DVD-recorded. I offload some Video Cassettes to DVD through nothing other than my VCR and DVD recorded.
It's probably a more cost effective solution too - I got my DVD Recorder at Wal Mart for like 68 bucks.
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$heriff Tom
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Groom ba ya ya ya
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Post by $heriff Tom on Feb 13, 2009 14:33:37 GMT -5
Ah, point taken. I had considered that option in the past. Perhaps we will get the combo DVD / VCR for now, so we can watch each option, and I will pick up a burner later in the year.
I have some questions about recording tapes to DVD, but I'll probably take them to you offline.
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Post by elliejay21 on Feb 17, 2009 0:21:40 GMT -5
Well, if all you need is a good old working VCR to tide you over, I have a few extra ones laying around the house collecting dust. You are more than welcome to have one for free, although I would suggest that you do not take it for a train ride...  |
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$heriff Tom
Administrator
Groom ba ya ya ya
Posts: 16,173
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Post by $heriff Tom on Feb 17, 2009 8:07:51 GMT -5
Thanks for the offer, but there are actually 3 - now 4 - downstairs in the basement already. I chose to go new, instead of reviving the arcane. We got a Samsung for upstairs, same brand I am rocking downstairs, and Im happy. But thanks.
Ah, yes, the old get on the train with a VCR and end up leaving without it gag.
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Post by baldvinny on Feb 17, 2009 20:50:17 GMT -5
oh man, that story again?
my vcr. joe tee's birthday. "just staying for a few drinks"
that old gag!
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