W804 Toshiba

The W804 is one of only two S-VHS VCRs in Toshiba's line. If you're considering stepping into the world of Super-VHS, then this 6-head hi-fi stereo unit might be just the ticket. That step will be made a little easier with this decks' S-VHS ET capability, which enables you to record at S-VHS quality on regular VHS tapes. Toshiba recommends you use high-quality VHS tapes for the best performance, but even these are much less expensive than S-VHS videocassettes. Two of the W804's six video heads have a 19-micron gap to provide nearly the same quality in the EP (6-hour) mode that you get at the SP (2-hour) speed. Moreover, because this VCR has four standard video heads, image quality won't be compromised when you're performing such special effects as search, slow motion, and still frame in SP mode. Also, this deck's twin flying erase heads facilitate clean editing; you won't get those noisy glitches between scenes on your home videos or between your recorded TV shows. On the convenience side, the W804 starts off with VCR Plus+ C3, which lets you program the 6-event/1-year timer using numeric codes printed in local TV listings. The "C3" in the term means that this VCR can control your cable box or satellite receiver to record TV programs. A jog/shuttle dial on the unit's front panel gives you an additional means of controlling the tape action, while the high-speed fast-forward and rewind cruises along at 400 times normal playback speed. The front-panel A/V inputs make for easy connection of camcorders or video game consoles. The MTS/SAP tuner lets you hear stereo and foreign-language broadcasts. Finally, the universal remote control has glow-in-the-dark buttons that let you see what you're doing in the dark. It also features double speed playback, channel memory, linear time counter, front panel display.