Looking for a VCR/DVD player - tips?

[Nemoide]

Like others have said, it's probably better to get a separate VCR and DVD player. I'd say to go for what's cheap and not worry to much about it?

But if you want to get fancy, keep an eye out for an SVHS VCR. (I've seen these at thrift stores for around $10, so they can still be cheap.) SVHS was a short-lived format that's basically a VHS with higher quality video. Since the players are backwards compatible and it would typically have S-video output, it's possible that some regular VHS tapes would look even better. But since blank SVHS tapes are tough to find, there's not a serious advantage over a regular VCR. It's just an option!

As for DVD players, I'd similarly just recommend getting anything cheap. But if you want to be fancy/future proof, check to make sure there are outputs like S-video or component. If your TV supports those connections, you can get improved video quality.

I ONLY HAVE ONE OTHER PIECE OF ADVICE: Tell people that you're looking to get a VCR. Doing that managed to get me a free commercial-grade unit from work once. A lot of people/places have unused VCRs that they're looking to get rid of and you might be able to snag one for free.

[Nemoide]

(Next you should get a laserdisc player to be SUPER-HARDCORE.)

[sonic2041]

Although that reminds me, I wanted to point out something for BoneSnapDeez. If getting a stand alone VCR, and if getting it from a thrift shop, check the video connections on the back. Older units (and probably cheaper newer units) can output a mono audio signal. I would make sure it has stereo audio input/outputs.

You can also get S-VHS players that have S-video. I don't know what increase in picture quality this would have for regular VHS though.

EDIT: I should refresh the page before posting.

[Ziggy]

I've thought about getting an S-VHS player, but after reading into it, it would offer no improvement for your regular VHS tapes. I say don't even worry about it when selecting a VCR.

[sonic2041]

I've thought about getting an S-VHS player, but after reading into it, it would offer no improvement for your regular VHS tapes. I say don't even worry about it when selecting a VCR.

Yeah, I guess I never really looked in to what it was. I know I've seen them before.

But as you mentioned before, I would definitely look for stereo VCRs. Not only do you get stereo sound, but those are usually the higher end models as well.

[BurningDoom]

I'm just talking the red, yellow, white connections. Which pretty much all regular VHS and DVD players have.

Right, yellow, composite video. The weakest video signal of any DVD player. With the exception of DVD players that output HDMI, component (red, blue and green along with red and white for audio) will be your best picture quality.

You should consider checking out S-Video or component from your DVD player, if possible. It'll give you at least a little clearer picture. Possibly much clearer.

Although that reminds me, I wanted to point out something for BoneSnapDeez. If getting a stand alone VCR, and if getting it from a thrift shop, check the video connections on the back. Older units (and probably cheaper newer units) can output a mono audio signal. I would make sure it has stereo audio input/outputs.

If you're that worried about it, then just hook it up the other way around. VCR into DVD player.

[BurningDoom]

(Next you should get a laserdisc player to be SUPER-HARDCORE.)

If you want to be super-ultra hardcore, then get a VideoDisc player.

[BoneSnapDeez]

Me personally, I wouldn't trust a VHS player from a thrift shop, you have no idea what abuse they took. A DVD player, not so much. You can clean them easily. But even with a VHS head cleaner, I question just how clean you can actually get them. I wouldn't wanna dirty my own tapes up from a dirty player.

This is why I've passed by all the ones I see @ Goodwill.

Thanks for the advice everyone.

[flojocabron]

Try and make the VCR play inside the store if you can.

Ask if you can use a tape thats there to check and see if you can play,rewind, and FF.

Check and see that its not too dusty. Shake it a little bit and see if it hasnt been in a dirty garage for the past decade.

Get a Four Head VCR. (they all should be this by now) Two head VCRs were older stuff that was cheaper. All VCRs are cheap now so theres no need for owning a two head.

Push in the tape and make sure that it goes in right and not crooked. Its best to use two fingers to push the tape in. Some VCRs have sturdy mechanisms and some are crappy.

Check and make sure before putting the tape in that the tape itself isnt messed up. You cant really tell if a tape is truly messed up, but you can pop open a tape by pushing the little button and flipping the top. If it looks chewed up, dont bother putting it in the VCR.

Make sure the VCR doesnt eat up tapes. sometimes the tape is messed up and it doesnt help when you put it in the VCR.

Once the tape is inside, check the screen to see that it isnt too fuzzy. TOP fuzzing and bottom fuzzing happens sometimes. You have to push TRACKING to fix the screen. If you dont have the remote, some VCRs channel buttons work as tracking.

Some of the really old vcrs were heavy and made of more metal parts. The final runs of VCRs were light and mostly plastic.

Save the life of your VCR by purchasing a Tape Rewinder!

If you're getting a VCR, get it with front jacks. Preferably with all three YELLOW/RED/WHITE. Check that they're not loose or damaged.

Universal remotes will obviously be needed. Some work better than others.

Get VCR Head Cleaners. Theres two types WET and DRY. It doesnt hurt to use these if you havent used the VCR in a long time. WET cleaner uses Alcohol so let it dry before you stick a tape in.

You can open up a VCR and put a little bit of white grease in the moving gears. Most VCR's have probably dried gears since they're pretty old now.

[Jmustang1968]

I am somewhat surprised so many still have and use VCRs. I don't think I have had a VHS tape or VCR in years. I would have trouble going back.