great picture, SVHS-ET, low price, insert editing

The JVC HR-S4600U SVHS VCR is the greatest SVHS VCR I have ever seen. The SVHS picture quality is perfect on this thing. You don't even need to have SVHS tapes to record in SVHS mode with the SVHS-ET feature. The picture is very clear and detailed on everything I have taped off cable, mostly "CHiPs" and The X-Files. There is a SVHS input on the front of the VCR too. There are plenty of remote features to simplify everything.

I have owned this model for almost 1 year now, and I have had NO problems at all. I don't know what the fuss about the noise problem is. My deck does NOT make any loud or quiet noises ever. This is the best choice if you are looking for a SVHS VCR.

Picture quality, SVHS-ET capability

Noisy noisy noisy

This was purchased to replace a remoteless JVC HIFI vcr that was about 6 years old.

I like it. Especially the S-Vhs ET. Slap a Sima color-corrector (pro) in between the DVD player and the VCR and you get darned close to DVD picture quality on the dubs. I'll have to quit being a tightwad and actually buy some SVHS tapes to see how good it can get...

Anyways - a couple things that do irk me about it. Please note - I am the type of guy that doesn't read the manuals except to figure out the special functions, so some of this may be obvious to others.

It is noisy. Unless I shut the audio cabinet the grinding noise during record really... well, grinds on me.

I can't get it to record at 12am. I dunno if this is when it auto-resets the clock, or what, but no matter what I can't get it to start recording anywhere between 12-12:05. It does fine at 11:45, but no 12am. The exact same thing happened with my last JVC VCR too.

Programming can be a bugger. You can't direct input the channel numbers or times, so you have to scroll up to channel 60. If you try to go down it starts a 999, even though there is no DSS hooked up. The skipping ahead in increments of 30 is pretty nifty tho.

But I digress - the picture and sound quality is very good with the s-video cables, and SVHS (et) recordings. As long as I have the volume on something else turned on the noise doesn't bother me, but if I am reading a book while the VCR is recording, it can be a little irritating. If it was in the living room a normal distance from the couch I probably wouldn't notice, but 5 feet from the head of my bed I can hear it far too well.

But - for what I paid for it I love it.

Similar Products Used:

JVC HR610U

209.99 Price, Sound, Recordings, Audio Dubbing, and Color.

It's wide and lacking important buttons on the VCR.

I didn't really see a resolution change from my old VCR, but I did see a color difference. My old VCR was also Hi-Fi and thinner. I bought this VCR because of it's price and s-video connection. I have a JVC Tv and I love it. Compared to other VCR's out there I think this is one of the best. There was nothing wrong with my Zenith mechanically only warn out heads. I think I would check out the six head VCR's out there before buying this model.

Similar Products Used:

A four year old 360 dollar Zenith VCR

Features, S video inputs front and rear, some remote features.

Some remote features

First of all I do not think that this unit is as loud as others stated. It is a little noisy in seach mode but during play I don't hear anything. I must admit that my unit is in a glass enclosure and I use a home theater system but I still think it is not loud. The JVC plays my EP tapes from my other vcrs very clearly. The shuttle plus on the remote is real nice, each time you push it the speed increases for SIMPLE, FAST commercial skip. The remote has its down side, you have to hit rec and play to tape however on my other remotes that I programmed I only have to hit record. You also have to hold down the tv button when you want to control tv functions. If you are not sure about your need for S-vhs here is my thoughts on the topic...You have to use special S-vhs tapes to record in S-vhs. If you tape in S-VHSET mode you can not watch those tapes on a normal vcr unless it has quasi play back, a real bummer in my book. If your TV doesn't have an S-video imput, don't waste your money. If you think you can do without S-vhs go out and buy a Toshiba 6 head vcr I hear the picture quality is almost as good.

Similar Products Used:

Sharp and Zenith hifi 4 head vcrs

Haven't used it enough to tell

Very noisy playback motor

(Review for 3600U)
Unfortunately, I am having the same experience as some other posters regarding the motor noise during playback. The buzzing is really unacceptable for a vcr. Even my 5-6 yr old mono panasonic does not make such noise. Since it's not ubiquitous with all the reviewers, I tend to believe it's a quality control problem at JVC. I don't doubt that those who haven't complained have quiet units. I would be able to evaluate this vcr better if I could sit through a video with the background motor noise buzzing...

Both the replacement unit, as well as the original, had the same noise problem. This is a real hassle, since I have to pay for shipping the first go around. At least soundcity.com said they'll pay for any subsequent shipping after the first time.
My advice: audition in the store first, then buy either online or at the store. Also, find out the return policies regarding shipping if you are buying online. For example, Crutchfield has free return shipping within 30 days no questions asked, whereas soundcity makes you pay to return the product. Although soundcity offered the better price, I'm actually paying more b/c of the return shipping. I'm getting my money back and going back to the stores to find my vcr...
I'm really getting tired of visiting the post office to return products...

Great picture using $2.00 tapes.

None

This is the best VCR that I have ever owned. The picture quality using Sony V tapes is unreal. You do not have to use super vhs tapes to get a good picture with this deck. Why do you think it has the SUPER VHS ET feature? I have 2 comments. 1 is for E.J. You do not need a S-VIDEO INPUT on your T.V. to get a good picture from this VCR. If you don't believe me try reading Home Theater magazine once in awhile.As far as 6 head vcr's having a better picture that is a big joke! All regular vcr's only have 240 lines of horizontal resolution. Super VHS ET decks have 400 lines of h.r. That is almost double regular vhs. The extra 2 heads on 6 head machines are for the audio. I don,t mean to put anybody down. I am just trying to pass on a little of what I have learned over the years.

Similar Products Used:

Panasonic