0302WHC27 VCR Group

20/12/02

1:19 PM

Page 84

Group Test: VCRs

Sony SLVSE720 150
ony is one of the big guns of the audio-video world, and the brand name alone is synonymous with quality. But we take nothing for granted in this game, so well have to see whether this entry-level Nicam VCR from Sony lives up to the companys reputation. The trend for downsizing may have caught on among its rivals, but Sony is having none of it. The SLV-SE720 is a large, chunky unit, and the dearth of buttons makes the fascia seem plain and uninspiring. That said, the display panel is more informative than some of its counterparts. Integrating the SE720 into your home cinema setup should be a piece of cake, thanks to Sonys generous provision of rear sockets. Two Scarts, stereo audio output and RF aerial loopthrough are enough to hook up digibox, home cinema and TV. So far so good, but heres the rub no inputs on the fascia. Considering its one of the dearest VCRs here, this omission really rubs salt in the tape slot particularly if you have a camcorder. Operation is very easy thanks to the superb remote control, which is thoughtfully designed with sensitive buttons. The onscreen menu graphics might be rudimentary, but the SE720s many features are grouped together sensibly. Its simple to find auto tuning, and once thats worked its magic, youre ready to roll. Sonys Smart Trilogic automatic picture sharpener is the main feature, although 16:9 support, NTSC playback, and VideoPlus timer are all useful.

Panasonic NV-FJ630 140

anasonic is at the forefront of the digital-recording revolution, but its no slouch in the analogue arena either. The company stunned us here at What Home Cinema with its latest DVD/VCR combi, the NV-VHD1B, which received a gong in our Awards issue. So its with a great deal of optimism that we approach this straight Nicam VCR, which, in theory, should offer more of the same If only the NV-FJ630 retained some of the combis looks. The well-built, silver-styled box is pleasant enough, but wheres the mirrored fascia that so spiced up the VHD1B? Pah. Anyway, there are more buttons on the fascia than your average entry-level effort including access to Intelligent Timer (well explain later) and the display panel provides all the relevant information. A standard, yet pleasing, array of connections adorns the rear. Simultaneous TV and external source hookup is possible via the two Scarts, while videotape sound can be spiced up using the stereo audio outputs. Like all good VCRs, it finds all analogue channels for you. The menus are spot on bright, colourful and straightforward, without the need for confusing icons or abbreviations. The remote is a blur of confusing buttons and symbols, but at least the crucial menu and playback controls are in the right places.
Thanks for the memory Fantastic finale
The prerecorded VHS Star Wars Episode I tape looks the best it possibly can. Take the ticker-tape parade at the films finale; the reams of tiny CG detail in the crowd looks admirably sharp, with each of the falling pieces of paper remaining steady and focused. Hats off to Smart Trilogic. Colour is solid and natural in tone, though the usual VHS picture noise and fuzzy edges are still unsurprisingly, evident. It captures higher-resolution digital TV pictures brilliantly. A recording of EastEnders from our Nokia Freeview box looks sharp and is full of dynamic colours, due largely to high contrast levels. Weve seen less picture noise on those Albert Square walls, but recordings are eminently enjoyable to watch. The SE720s sound capabilities wont trouble your home cinema system, but Ratings Style 5555556666 provide solid, audible speech and music. Ease of use 5555555556 Switch on your Pro-Logic function and Features 5555555566 Dolby Surround-encoded tapes take on Picture 5555555556 Sound 5555555556 a whole new lease of life. Value 5555556666 This is a cracking effort from Sony, Overall 5555555566 though not good enough to beat some Further Info of its rivals or to merit its slightly higher Call 999 or price tag.

visit www.sony.co.uk

Never one to skimp on extras, Panasonic provides some attractive features. The main attraction is Intelligent Timer, which stores the details of the last eight timer recordings you made useful when you want to timer-record the same programme every week but dont want to key in the details every time. S-VHS Quasi Playback, 16:9 support, Index Search and Intro Jet Scan are also onboard, while the EP recording mode offers up to 12 hours recording time. Performance is every bit as good as we expected. Digital TV recordings exhibit little edge bleed and noise a great way of ensuring decent clarity. Fine areas of detail are easily picked out, while the excellent contrast levels make colours look rich and radiant. No problems with our prerecorded test Ratings tape either. Lots of detail and colour make 5555555566 the Naboo scenery in Star Wars Episode I look Style Ease of use 5555555666 wonderful by VHS standards. And pumping Features 5555555556 Picture 5555555556 up your TV or home cinema volume doesnt Sound 5555555556 expose shortcomings with the stereo output. Value 5555555556 You wont go far wrong shelling out Overall notes for this VCR, since its bursting Further Info with useful features and offers fantastic Call 357 or audio-video performance. visit www.panasonic.co.uk
What Home Cinema February 2003

0212WHC29 DVD-VHS Group

28/10/02

3:02 PM

Page 93

Sanyo HV-DX1E

anyo has always been synonymous with the mass market, and this pleasant-looking combi is sure to fly off the shelves. Where Panasonic and Toshiba have opted for all-out pizzazz, Sanyo goes for the modest approach. Its a rather understated, simple silver affair with very large, almost toy-like silver buttons adding a little sparkle to the front panel. The rear sports all the relevant socketry for hooking up to TVs, amplifiers and the like, while a little panel on the front is ideal for connecting more occasional external sources like camcorders. Ease of use is the theme running through the onscreen interface. Everything is nicely tuned in for you, plus the straightforward menus arent going to give you nightmares.

Features galore

Theres a very healthy array of features to keep you occupied. MP3 playback will please any internet music fans, while the comprehensive range of DVD playback modes puts you in complete control. Intelligent, LP timer recording is the best VCR feature, changing from SP to LP if theres not enough room on the tape.

Best in Test

Panasonic NV-VHD1B Gorgeous looks, a raft of useful features and picture quality to die for

Aiwa HV-DH1

Impressive DVD playback doesnt quite compensate for the lack of features and disappointing VCR pictures. Tasty price, though Boasting a comprehensive features list, top video playback and flashy looks, this is the best DVD/VCR combi ever. Its a little pricier than its rivals, but this space-saving solution is worth the extra dosh. A class act
Toshiba SD-22VB Sanyo HV-DX1E
Admirable DVD picture quality and respectable features roster, but some minor VCR foibles are all thats stopping it from Best Buy greatness Excellent DVD and VCR picture quality, but just pipped at the post by Panasonic in terms of features. Cant fault it for looks or price

Samsung SV-DVD3E

The 300 price tag is a little over the odds for below-par VCR playback and DVD pictures arent too hot either

Bush DVHS1

Eye-popping price, and DVD playback is solid. Its a shame there arent more features, but for the cash, thats to be expected. Some VCR picture glitches
What Home Cinema December 2002

Group Test: DVD/VCRs

But lets get down to the nitty gritty. Performance is extremely pleasing, in particular, DVD picture quality. No noise, no digital artefacts, just fresh, clean images that bring our test disc to life. Light flesh tones are well-judged and natural, displayed without an excessive amount of redness. Well-resolved fine detail makes for a beautifully crisp picture, and colours are forceful, helping Spielbergs vision of the future seem all the more vivid. Weve no major complaints with VCR pictures either, though weve seen better. Detail and contrast are fine, yet colour levels seem a little overpowering and tend to make faces appear a little too red. And should you, for any reason, need to watch DVDs or VCRs from the RF output, then pictures are excessively grainy. But sound from both sections is sharp DVDs, heard through either a multichannel or two-channel setup, sound crisp and dynamic, while VHS tape audio is steady. Impressive overall, but the poor VCR pictures could sway you towards the cheaper Toshiba or the sophisticated Panasonic.

Ratings

Style Ease of use Features Picture Sound Value Overall
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Further Info

Call or visit www.sanyo.co.uk