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  #1  
Old 07-11-2017, 01:03 PM
CPQ5360 CPQ5360 is offline
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Notably reliable/well-aging S-VHS VCRs?

Hi - I would like a Panasonic AG-1980 as much as the next guy, but I'm aware of their numerous age-related electronic problems that are costly to fix.

Are there any particular S-VHS VCRs that are known for being reliable and aging better? Basically one with a better chance of having no issues if you were to buy one from a layman on eBay or wherever? Belt changes would be fine.

4-head and hifi stereo would be preferred, and accessibly of all functions from the front panel, without the remote control, would be nice.
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  #2  
Old 07-11-2017, 01:58 PM
Chip Chester Chip Chester is offline
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I have several Panasonic 7750s that are holding up well, but they're single-speed machines. But "no issues" is a pretty high bar for VHS.

Chip
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  #3  
Old 07-15-2017, 03:33 AM
DK6400Brian DK6400Brian is offline
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I would most certainly put the first generation JVC S-VHS up front.
They're 6-heads, SP/LP, HiFi.

My HR-S5000 is in need of an overhaul (new caps, adjustments/alignments according to the SM) in order to regain the sharp image, but it actually still works, though it's nearly 30 years old.

The loading/ejecting mechanism is beltdriven allright, but that still works.

Only real mechanical issue right now is the idlertire, but I got a new one and as soon as my workbench is up in a matter of weeks, the entire machine will be serviced.

If you find a good machine in pristine cosmetic condition, but is advertised as faulty, like bad HiFi-sound or semi-noisy picture, that is an easy repair. It's just one of the tape guides getting a tiny bit out of alignment, usually the right one.

First generation JVC S-VHS is HR-S5000, 7000, 8000, 9000 and 10000.
Beware that there is a later 1990's HR-S7000 out there with center loading mechanism. The older have their loading mechanisms in the left side.

Service manuals are available.

Make sure packaging is done well.
Good luck
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  #4  
Old 07-22-2017, 04:06 AM
waltchan waltchan is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CPQ5360 View Post
Are there any particular S-VHS VCRs that are known for being reliable and aging better? Basically one with a better chance of having no issues if you were to buy one from a layman on eBay or wherever? Belt changes would be fine.
Toshiba built the longest-lasting S-VHS VCRs, I think, based on my 17 years of VCR repair/restoration service. They rarely have capacitor troubles, so they always have S-VHS video playback and Hi-Fi sound. Better than JVC for reliability.

Last edited by waltchan; 08-02-2017 at 11:10 AM.
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  #5  
Old 07-22-2017, 01:34 PM
centralradio centralradio is offline
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My Mitsubishi and JVC did not last long.They never aged.I do like the Panasonic AG-1980 though.The service manual is avail online for it at Elektrotanya ,www.manualslib.com,https://archive.org.
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  #6  
Old 07-27-2017, 03:45 AM
waltchan waltchan is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by centralradio View Post
My Mitsubishi and JVC did not last long.They never aged.I do like the Panasonic AG-1980 though.The service manual is avail online for it at Elektrotanya ,www.manualslib.com,https://archive.org.
Both Mitsubishi and JVC had multiple capacitor problems in power supply and video board. Panasonic was even worse with ALL aluminum SMD caps in S-VHS video and Hi-Fi boards, along with switching power supply problems. Toshiba had none of these.

Last edited by waltchan; 07-27-2017 at 03:50 AM.
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  #7  
Old 07-27-2017, 01:41 PM
centralradio centralradio is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by waltchan View Post
Both Mitsubishi and JVC had multiple capacitor problems in power supply and video board. Panasonic was even worse with ALL aluminum SMD caps in S-VHS video and Hi-Fi boards, along with switching power supply problems. Toshiba had none of these.
Thanks for the info waltchan.I'll keep my eyes open for Toshiba SVHS decks.
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  #8  
Old 07-31-2017, 12:30 PM
waltchan waltchan is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by centralradio View Post
Thanks for the info waltchan.I'll keep my eyes open for Toshiba SVHS decks.
Toshiba SV-771 ranks #1 by me. Only new belts required. However, S-VHS picture quality may be a little lower than the top S-VHS brands.

Last edited by waltchan; 08-04-2017 at 07:28 PM.
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  #9  
Old 07-31-2017, 12:34 PM
waltchan waltchan is offline
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It looks like this:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/282542415623
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