Information on W-VHS VCRs (Not for Buying)

[Phileholic]

I know that it's highly discouraged to not purchase a W-VHS player here, for reasons I completely understand, to where for me it almost feels like it's taboo to talk about it here. Because it feels like this for me, this leads me to want to ask so many questions about it for information about the VCRs out of pure knowledge so that I can lay my curiosity to rest.

What were the differences between the JVC SR-W5U and the SR-W7U? Which one was the best?
Did both VCRs have the same features? If not, what were they?
What year was each VCR released and how much did they cost at the time?
Besides the parts for each VCR not being available anymore, is an S-VCR superior in anyway?

[latreche34]

Any differences will be just in the editing features which no longer needed, As far as playing back tapes or recording a video I think all W-VHS accomplish the same job. The format is 1035i or 480i analog component better than S-Video but D-VHS is better.
While finding a W-VHS deck and tapes is like finding a uni-corn tapes that can be used on the deck are Digital S and D-VHS for W-VHS recording.

[Phileholic]

Even though it's no longer needed, what were the editing features?

The reason I'm asking is because I'm a huge Videophile.

[NJRoadfan]

All WVHS offered was the ability to record the Japanese MUSE Hi-Vision television format to a tape, nothing more. Why JVC even bothered to sell the things in the US is beyond me (I can think of dozens of other JDM only decks to actually sell here). Nobody in the US broadcasted Hi-Vision and Pioneer never marketed the LaserDisc format here either. The only reason they are on the radar for VHS tape transfers is that they have an excellent TBC and playback quality when playing standard tapes.

[latreche34]

It is better to look for a D-VHS setup, They are not cheap either but can be found around $1200.

[Phileholic]

I already know that D-VHS is a better format like the Mitsubishi HS-HD2000U, but I'd like more information on W-VHS like how much did each unit cost?

[lingyi]

Based on top of the line Betamax prices, which usually retailed for ~$1500 when introduced, I'd say between $2000-$2500 max. IIRC, the EDV-9500/9000 was introduced at ~$2000, though prices fell to about half in a few months.

[Phileholic]

OK.

Last questions: what editing features did each unit have?

Could a W-VHS player play S-VHS tapes?

[latreche34]

JVC didn't make just those two models, You will have to search old online magazines archives to find such information, Mostly Japanese websites.

A simple google search brought this:
http://pro.jvc.com/prof/attributes/s...&feature_id=18

Also this thread:
http://www.curtpalme.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=386026

You can do more digging yourself.

[lingyi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lingyi

Based on top of the line Betamax prices, which usually retailed for ~$1500 when introduced, I'd say between $2000-$2500 max. IIRC, the EDV-9500/9000 was introduced at ~$2000, though prices fell to about half in a few months.

I see I was way off on my estimate!

I forgot that pro equipment could go into the 5 figure range.

[lingyi]

As stated above, you'll have to do a lot of searching and researching yourself to get much more than anecdotal information and best guesses about W-VHS. Especially since the number of people who even know about it is small, the number of people who actually used/owned one even smaller and the number of people who can speak authoritatively on the subject much smaller. Add the fact that it was only commercialy available in Japan for a few years and the number of posters (I've seen over the years) posting from Japan, here and at videohelp are very few, you're down to a mere handful that could possibly give you a direct answer.

IMO, W-VHS and D-VHS are mere blips in videotape history and other than being superior built machines, not worth much discussion outside of the very elite group that used/owned them.