Features:
- 6-head hi-fi VCR with 19-micron system
- VCR Plus+ with C3 programming
- Self-cleaning heads
- V3 chassis with flying preamp for superior audio-video performance
- Universal remote control with luminescent keys
Description:
Looking for an affordable stereo-compatible VCR that ably supplies the basics, but also adds a host of nifty convenience features? Your search may be over with Toshiba's well-equipped W704 hi-fi VCR.Right out of the box, the W704 exhibited the rock-solid construction and sleek design that have long been trademarks of all Toshiba products. Setup was completely straightforward, with the VCR accepting the unscrambled cable feed in the rear panel and delivering picture and sound to the television via an RF cable (included) or composite video and dual RCA audio cables (not included). Two sets of RCA-type video/stereo audio input jacks are also on board--one in the rear and another up front, behind a tiny door. The most necessary buttons and a shuttle knob are the only visible controls on the front panel. Once the unit was connected to both power and signal, the blue front-panel LED began flashing "Auto" (versus the usual "12:00") for about five minutes, while it automatically determined the correct time and programmed all available channels. Ironically, this was one of the few times we needed to check the manual, as we had no idea what the user's role was in this phase of setup. As it turned out, we didn't have to do anything; the W704 set itself up. Now that's what we call plug and play! The onscreen display provided a surprising amount of program information, such as identifying a "paid program" (infomercial) or movie titles, in addition to the usual station identification. We could not resist testing Toshiba's claim that a standard T-120 tape could be rewound in just one minute. So we popped in a blank and proved Toshiba right. The VCR fast-forwarded all the way to the end in 60 seconds flat, and worked just as quickly in reverse. The universal remote comes preprogrammed for 67 brands of television, and worked our reference Toshiba monitor without any setup whatsoever. The asymmetrical button layout might seem a little cumbersome at first, but soon becomes second nature. The illumination of important keys also makes operation a snap either at night or in a dimly lit home theater. Setting up the sophisticated VCR Plus+ C³-timer recording system required several minutes with the manual. Once activated, however, it performed flawlessly, grabbing our favorite shows for us with the entry of a few numbers and the press of just a few more keys. Another terrific convenience was the easily learned bookmark function, which allowed us to set any spot on a tape we recorded for easy access during future searches. This is a quick way to locate the start of each episode, even when you have six Buffy the Vampire Slayers on a single cassette. Picture quality, compliments of Toshiba's six video heads, was excellent in the various playback modes, with only a slight introduction of haze at SP compared to the original broadcast. Extended play (or SLP) brought with it a noticeable shimmer on fine details, but was still above average. Forward and reverse searches in SP mode introduced a few faint lines of distortion, which was even more severe in SLP. One handy feature allowed us to engage or disengage the 19-micron video head at will, drastically reducing picture noise in SLP mode whenever it was in use. At either speed, the hi-fi stereo sound was as full and clear as we have heard on any standard VHS deck. The W704 delivers clear pictures and dependable sound with more than a few bonus features thrown in. This is a quality machine for a very reasonable price. Pros:
- Supremely simple setup and operation
- Lightning-fast rewind and fast-forward
- 6 video heads provide superior picture quality in both SP and SLP
Cons:
- Full jog-shuttle knob would have been a welcome addition on either the front panel or remote
- More supplied cables would have simplified setup
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