Why a video?... some people might ask. There are those who claim that the DVD has removed the need for a VCR. I disagree on two fronts, first on practical arguments, and second on 'history repeating itself'.

Practical arguments... a quite impressive list...

• Many people have a large collection of videos, which has taken years to amass, has cost a great deal, and which they do not wish to lose.



• A DVD player does just that... it plays pre-recorded DVDs, which you can either hire or buy. It is a good, reliable, and relatively cheap machine [see our DVD Players page for recommendations]. What it doesn't do is record.



• DVD recorders are still relatively new, expensive, and what is much worse, there are MANY different systems... and they are not compatible one with the other. Until this problem has been sorted out it cannot be wise to buy into the technology... [remember VHS and Beta?]



• If you take on board the previous point, you are left with only one choice... a VCR... for when you wish to record your favourite programmes whilst you are out, or record one programme and watch another, when programmes clash.

The 'history repeating itself' argument...

Remember 'old-fashioned' 45s and LPs and how they were forgotten in favour of a CD or even cassette tape?

There has now been an upsurge of sales of turntables [record players] and records.

Videos may make a comeback in exactly the same manner!

You can get a top quality VCR for under £100... I have one best buy which is available from a couple of my favourite suppliers, and a second choice which is slightly cheaper.

My best buy is the Panasonic NVHV61EBS which is a [silver] machine... it has a 43 second jet rewind for E180 tapes, Auto set up, Video+ PDC, 12 hours super long play, a 1 month, 16 programme timer, 2 x scarts, Easy Guide and is easy to use with good picture, sound and reliability.

Try Littlewoods Home Shopping... probably the most expensive initially, but take off your 10% and any introductory bonus, and consider the free delivery and credit and it could work out cheapest of all.

24-7 Electrical stocks the Panasonic and a Sharp model [details below].

Finally, check out our 'Panasonic' page... there is a link below, or you can access it via our 'Home' page.

The second, cheaper choice is the Sharp VCMH315HM which is a good basic model. It has excellent picture and sound, but, being cheaper, it has no Video+ and is therefore not very easy to use. It was stocked at just one of my favourite suppliers... 24-7 Electrical.

Why not check Tesco for super deals on actual videos... for example, pre-order... the Star Wars III, Revenge of the Sith with a saving of £2.

Links back to our Entertainment section, plus other useful pages within our website are included below for your convenience...

• Go to to 'Entertainment' page
• Panasonic... My Panasonic Best Buys
• Guarantees
• Electrical Appliances

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