How to Buy a VCR

Have you shopped for a VCR lately? Models that are comparable to units that cost hundreds of dollars a few years ago now are available for as little as $50. Maybe you don't have to replace all of those VHS movies with DVDs right away after all.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Connectors

1. Check the connections on your television set or home theater receiver. You'll want a VCR with the best possible connectors--in descending order of quality, they're S-Video, composite-video and antenna/cable inputs.

2. Choose a VCR with S-VHS (super VHS), high-fidelity MTS stereo audio, and 4 or 6 heads for best recording and playback.

3. Pick a model with audio-video connectors on the front panel if you plan to transfer movies from a video camcorder to tape.

4. Expect a raft of standard features. Even on low-priced models you should find auto clock set, commercial skip, fast rewind speed and VCR+ (for easy programming).

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid combo VCR/DVDs unless you don't have room for both. You get more for your money with stand-alone components, and one invariably breaks before the other.