JVC HR-S5700AM opinions, suggested?
 

Not on the recommended list but...

Any opinions on the JVC HR-S5700AM?

No remote would come with it; do I need a remote?

I have an ES15 and DVK-200 to use with it.

Similar to other newer JVC SVHS decks without the TBC/DNR feature. Only difference between the recommended TBC/DNR models from the time is the lack of the TBC/3DDNR circuit, these have a simpler 2D NR (and Y/C separation for recording) thing instead. Should work nicely with the ES15. Main feature on this one is that it's a multi-system plays both native PAL, MESECAM and NTSC with selectable NTSC 3.58 (native), NTSC 4.43 and PAL60 output. (Normal PAL ones only let you output PAL60 when playing NTSC tapes I believe). Also has tuner capable of receiving NTSC which isn't relevant these days.

Thanks Hodgey, much appreciated.

Also, any thoughts on the need for a remote?

I do have a LP20878-016 from another JVC VCR which went into the bin years ago. It looks the same as the remote for the 5700.

Disregard the above, I've bought the machine and my previous remote works well. Not super-impressed by the video quality but there is a slight improvement over my VHS machines.

What are your other VCRs for reference, can you rank them from best to worst by the image quality you get from each?

Panny EZ-48, LG GC990W, Panny ES-35, LG 299. The combos (48, 35 and 299) have S-video out for the VHS side.

The first two are almost brand new, which probably helps. I do run the 990 and 299 through an ES-15, which adds to the cost (48 and 35 have strong line "TBC"s).

Pulled the top off my 5700. Gave the heads a good going-over with my wire brush so that should help. Just kidding! Got some gunk off the heads with paper soaked in Isopropyl alcohol.

A couple of questions: I spotted a small piece of what looks like shrivelled-up belt, shown in the first pic. Is that an issue? VCR runs OK.

What else should I clean/do while I'm inside (I did do a search but couldn't find much on stuff other than the video drum and heads)? Overall pic attached.

Ah, a Techmoan fan.... :laugh:

My business partner does a tone perfect impression of TechMoan and everytime he does any maintenance on a machine he narrates it as TechMoan and starts coming out with dubious repair advice as per Mat, it's hillarious.

The number of machines I think he damages in an attempt to repair them is probably substantial. Sticking cotton buds inside a V2000 machine to clean the video heads was a marvel
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