0303wv20 PAnny SVHS VCR

17/1/2003

3:30 pm

Page 50

ro un d u p

PANASONIC NV-HS880

s-vhs nicam vcr

SPECIFICATIONS

FEATURES

VHS/S-VHS/S-VHS ET playback and recording; Nicam stereo; NTSC playback; VideoPlus with PDC; 16-event, one-month timer; intelligent timer; record fit; album function; three preset picture modes; audio dub; index search; 35x search; 60sec jet rewind (E180 tapes); Intro Jet search; replay function; 12hr LP recording (E240 tapes in EP mode); External Link; one-touch recording; slow motion; off-timer

SOCKETS

Front: S-video input; composite video input; stereo audio input Rear: two Scarts; S-video output; composite video output; stereo audio output; RF in/out
We were very impressed by Panasonics NV-HS830 (September 02 issue) and were hoping to heap similar praise on the step-up NV-HS880. Like the 830, this beauty is modestly priced, as Panasonic seeks to further drive down the cost of S-VHS decks. Happily, its blessed with the same semi-mirrored finish as Panasonics DVD players, and is so slim it could be confused for one. The aesthetic highlight is two slim blue lights that illuminate when the player is turned on. Manual control is well catered for, but the minimalist design sees key controls separated. Play and stop are easy to access on the fascia, but the majority of functions including record, pause and search functions, plus audio dub and timer recording are found under the mirrored flap. Composite video, S-video and stereo audio inputs also reside here, enabling kit such as a camcorder to be connected. The rear panel bulges with sockets including two Scarts (in and out), S-video out, composite video output and phono stereo output, while theres an RF loop for analogue signals. The intuitive remote and easy-to-navigate onscreen menu make operation a breeze.
All of the rear-socketry bases are covered, including two Scarts
S-VHS and S-VHS ET modes must be activated within the menu, with the latter allowing S-VHS quality recordings with standard VHS tapes. Standard offerings include tape length selection, recording mode and three preset picture modes (Soft, Sharp, Auto). VideoPlus with PDC makes timer recordings painless, while the deck boasts a mammoth 16-event, one-month timer record facility. An Intelligent Timer function remembers the last eight programmed recordings and allows you to record from the same channel at the same time on a different day. This is useful if you want to record the news or programmes like EastEnders that are generally broadcast in the same slot each week. Cleverly, the NV-HS880 automatically recognises if there isnt enough tape left to complete a timer recording, and downgrades to a lesser setting to ensure that the task is completed. An Album function allows you to create your own library of still or moving images on a video cassette. Pictures can be copied from a video camera, digital still camera or another VCR for 3-30sec. This can be handy when creating a montage of clips such as the goals scored by your favourite football team or a compilation of choice holiday moments. More standard features include index search, a 35x search, a 60sec jet rewind for E180 tapes and a replay function which scoots back and plays the previous 10sec of footage. The player offers 12hr

LP recording using E240 tapes in EP mode, while External Link provides simple timer recordings for digital broadcasts.

CONTACT

Panasonic 08705 357357

TEST DATA

S-VHS: Video jitter: 547ns (very good) Signal-to-noise ratio: -42.1dB (fair) Chroma AM/PM (3D DNR on): -50.8dB/ -50.4dB (excellent/excellent) Freq. response at 2MHz: -0.2dB (exc.) Freq. response at 3.5MHz: -4.5dB (exc.)

PERFORMANCE

The NV-HS880s images are truly stunning, thanks largely to the 3D noise reduction, which is best left on at all times. Prerecorded pictures are rich in colour with sharp edges, and are free from noise and ghosting. S-VHS recordings are spectacular silky smooth, high in detail and bursting with colour. Impressively, with a recording of the animated Spider-Man, theres no bleed from the reds on the webslingers suit and theyre clearly separated from the blues. Switching to S-VHS ET shows a slight loss in detail, with occasional traces of grain present. But with full-on S-VHS available its best to plump for the real McCoy. Inevitably, theres further loss in detail when moving to VHS, but digital satellite recordings are of a high standard. Colours are strong and the picture is clean with minimal traces of grain and noise. Very impressive. The exemplary images are ably supported by a clean and punchy audio playback from prerecorded tapes with either Pro-Logic or stereo soundtracks. Overall, the NV-HS880 is one of the most complete VCRs around, offering stunning performance and stacks of features. S-VHS recordings are particularly outstanding, while its advanced editing features are unrivalled.

VERDICT

WHATS GOOD
Looks; picture; sound; features

WHATS BAD

Nothing much

OVERALL

Looks a treat, performs even better
PICTURE.77777 SOUND.7777 FEATURES.77777 EASE OF USE.7777 VALUE.77777 OVERALL.77777
Plenty of buttons but theyre clearly labelled
M A R C H s W H AT V I D E O W I D E S C R E E N E N T E R TA I N M E N T