continued from elsewhere...
I've been asked about Sharp consumer VHS VCRs, specifically what models are good.
Sharp VCRs are probably one of the better VHS VCRs around -- not anywhere nears as good as S-VHS machines, of course! But the Sharps have a reputation for being able to play most tapes, even SLP mode or EP mode tapes that track badly in other VCRs. These automatically fix the tracking of the tape quite well.
For years, I had a stack of these, but time has killed them, mostly power surges through the years --
-- including a few so nasty that the UPS was fried, too. Yikes!
The models I can personally vouch for are:
- Sharp VC-H810
- Admiral JSJ-20451 (re-branded Sharp sold by Montgomery Ward)
There are surely other models, but it's been 10+ years since these were new. If you're lucky enough to own one or find one in good condition, hang onto it.