JVC HR-S3800 S-VHS VCR

Pros: Great value, excellent picture quality in S-VHS,jog/shuttle, S-Video in/outs, features
Cons: Ease of use, tracking problems in EP mode, Plug&Play issues

Once again Epinions put the wrong picture – the HRS3800U is black and looks differently.

The HRS3800U is a basic Super VHS ET VCR. Since it currently sells for around $150, it is a very good deal for those who are on the tight budget but want...

Pros: Super VHS, Hi-Fi, excellent tracking, Super VHS ET mode, cheap!, 400+ lines of resolution
Cons: SVHS tape is still expensive, EP record and playback problems, HR-S3900U out already.

I've adopted the S-VHS standard for over 8 years now. I have one of the first JVC S-VHS decks that were produced, the HR-S7200 deck. Unfortunately, these decks were very expensive at that time and if that deck ever broke down, I couldn't afford to...

Pros: Cheap, easy use,setup and program, ET mode useful
Cons: Weak tape transport, so so picture quality,poor build, but most vcrs' are that now.

How primitive 20th century can you get?? Who wants to use tape anymore with DVD-R machines in the low $100.00 range or so. Seems stupid doesn't it?? Well my collection of tapes being rather unique with no DVD releases in sight in the future mean I got to ...

Pros: Tons of features,good remote design,controls on unit front
Cons: Plastic feel to case

Trying to find a good VCR, you start by exploring your local mega-electronics outlet. Hmm...one shelf of VCRs and 20 shelves of DVDs. Don't these guys realize that only 25% of American households have DVDs?

This was my problem, how do I find a...

Pros: Reliability, Picture Quality (S-VHS)
Cons: Two-fisted Remote Operation, Picture Quality (Regular VHS)

In the infancy of S-VHS, I was in awe of the picture quality. For years and years, I drooled over models like the HR-S 7200 but the price was prohibitive. However, I managed to treat myself to a JVC HR-S 3800U as a Christmas present a short time ago. ...

Pros: s-video is convenient, S-VHS ET gives you a nice picture
Cons: Build quality questionable, VHS is bulky, cannot loan out tapes

Why I purchased the JVC HR-S3800U S-VHS VCR:
I needed a good VCR to record DVDs. The HR-S3800U has S-VHS ET to record S-VHS format to regular VHS tapes. Also, my laserdisc player, Xbox, DVD player all have have s-video connections. Lucky me, the...

Pros: Price
Cons: Poor Quality Picture, Tracking Problems, SVHS Problems

I have multiple VCRs, and this is my least favorite.
I am replacing the unit due to constant "Auto Tracking"
problems, SVHS recording problems, and VERY POOR picture quality. SVHS/ET recording doesn't even work on this VCR, though it will play...

Pros: Easy Programming
Cons: Cheaply made. Poor Picture Quality. Non-functioning IR controller.

I have been a JVC fan for a while; however, after this experience, I may never purchase JVC again. I purchased this model for the S-VHS capability and the fact that it advertised AV-Compulink control with my receiver and the fact that it could control...