- 4-head programmable VCR with universal remote.
- Auto clock set with 24-hour backup.
- Index search for easy access to various programs.
- Commercial skip fast-forwards in increments of 1, 2, or 3 minutes.
- Program end search finds end of recorded program for easy cueing.
Product Description
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Why bother with lesser-known brands when you can get a fine VHS
VCR by Panasonic? The Panasonic PV-V4021 is an excellent
performer loaded with features that make it fun and easy to use.
This 4-head VHS Video Cassette Recorder offers brilliant color
and excellent picture quality. The video system produces a clear
and stable picture during still/pause, slow motion, and
forward/reverse search. Front A/V Input Jacks allow you to
conveniently connect outboard video sources to the TV, without
the hassles of rear-ed inputs. It's great for connecting
camcorders for viewing tapes, or connecting video game consoles.
Commercial Advance can automatically skip over three minutes of
commercials on most programs recorded from broadcast networks.
Auto Clock Set with 24-hour Back-up automatically sets the
current time and date and updates the clock in the event of a
power failure. Tape Position Display identifies your current
position on a tape with an indication of remaining tape length.
Multi-Function Clock Display prominently displays the time and
various VCR functions. Trilingual On-Screen Display is provided
for on-screen programming instructions in English, Spanish or
French. Index Search allows for simplified access to various
programs on a tape. Program End Search lets you find the end of a
recorded program. Multi-Brand Universal Light Tower Illuminated
Remote is included for convenient operation.
.com
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With its great picture quality, quick setup, front audio-video
inputs, and fantastic price, the Panasonic PV-V4021 VCR is a nice
little unit that most people will find not only suits their video
viewing and needs, but does so with very little fuss.
As this piece is definitely not intended for videophiles, we
tested the PV-V4021 using an inexpensive TV with mono sound and a
coaxial video hookup.
We had the unit set up and ready to go in about four minutes. A
thin but functional coaxial cable and batteries for the adequate
remote control are included, and we were up and running without
having to consult the well-written instruction manual.
With four heads working on its behalf, the PV-V4021 delivers a
crisp, clear picture from the moment you hit Play. The remote's
key buttons--Play, Rewind, Fast Forward, and Stop--are
intuitively placed in a diamond pattern and are larger than the
other buttons for easy access. However, the Eject key is hidden
in the grid of other control buttons, and without a backlight it
was easier to get out of the chair and eject tapes by hand than
grope around for the button. Additionally, we were unable to set
the remote so it would control our TV's volume, despite cls of
compatibility and clear instructions in the manual.
We tested the unit's record function by plugging a camcorder's
output into the convenient AV inputs on the unit's front panel.
Before , you must select the appropriate input (front or
back) using the remote control. The resulting second-generation
tape turned out quite well, easily comparable to the quality of
tapes from units costing twice the price of the PV-V4021.
A final thing to consider is the unit's build quality. While we
had no disasters, the rewind function elicited a terrible
straining sound and slowed to a crawl almost immediately, and the
rear panel that houses the AV jacks was flimsy enough to cause
some concern when we were connecting and disconnecting our
cables.
At the end of the day, however, the Panasonic PV-V4021 really is
a nice VCR for casual movie viewing and program .
Despite our reservations, its good qualities and price tag
address the concerns of its potential audience quite well. --Erik
Hammen
Pros
* Four-head design ensures good playback and record quality
* Convenient front AV inputs
* Inexpensive
* Easy setup straight from the box Cons
* Limited remote functions
* Flimsy-seeming build