what's a good VCR to get

[mas]

Been looking for a VCR since I have a genesis/ Sega CD and looking to get a CRT to make it a full 90's experience.
I'm getting a CRT from my brother but I need a good VCR since mine ate up my star wars tape.
Any suggestions? Also does anyone still buy good movies cheap on vhs like I do?

[Opa Opa]

Sony is probably a good brand to look for.

[jp1]

I like Panasonic, JVC, and Sharp, if you find the higher end stuff they make nice units. Especially Sharp, the have really nice build quality in my experience. There are always good VCRs to be found for $20 or under at the goodwill stores in my area. If you have access to thrift stores then build quality is a pretty obvious factor with the benefit of buying locally.

Things like multiple composite inputs and composite output, s-video out, along with jog-wheel on the unit itself and the remote usually indicate a higher end model.

If you run across a 6-head unit they are pretty nice too. Not many cheap 6-head units were made that I'm aware of.

[Nintendork666]

A blu-ray player.

But no, I'd recommend a VCR/DVD player combo unit if you really want to get into VHS tapes. They're the 'newest' VCRs you can get, as far as I know and you can also play DVDs if you get the opportunity. I'd still personally recommend avoiding the whole VHS collecting scene though.

[BoneSnapDeez]

Yeah they still sell the VHS/DVD combo players at Best Buy. Usually for around $100.

[Michi]

I have a Sanyo that's survived a total of 3 power surges that killed other pieces of (newer) equipment. The thing is an un-killable brick.

I'd do some research and then check the local thrift stores. I see some pretty good models around here about every week or so.

[CRTGAMER]

Make sure it has stereo output, some VCRs are mono. Some units have high speed rewind which also an indication of a better quality unit.


Flying Erase Head along with Jog Shuttle is another plus if you plan on doing any kind of recording editing. But then again, digital recording on a DVDR will be higher resolution.

[mas]

Thanks so far. As for collecting vhs, I'm not but if I see a movie that I haven't seen on Netflix or demand then I won't mind getting it for a dollar

[TSTR]

If you're getting into VHS, invest in a tape rewinder. Will save tons of wear on the VCR.

[BRIK]

I've had a Sharp run none-stop for the better part of 15 years, so that's my two cents I guess.
I don't use it very much these days though, mostly when I want to record Atari 2600 footage (I tune it into one of the VCR's channels and then plug my Elgato into the AV out).