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From: marcos@sdchema.UUCP (Marcos Hatada)
Newsgroups: net.video
Subject: Re: Need info on AKAI VS603U HF vcr
Message-ID: <500@sdchema.sdchema.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 9-Dec-85 12:48:05 EST
Article-I.D.: sdchema.500
Posted: Mon Dec  9 12:48:05 1985
Date-Received: Wed, 11-Dec-85 21:03:39 EST
References: <283@bocar.UUCP> <804@bu-cs.UUCP>
Organization: Chemistry, UC San Diego
Lines: 40

In article <804@bu-cs.UUCP>, rem@bu-cs.UUCP (Robert E. Mee) writes:
> 
> I am about to phone order an AKAI VS603U VCR from American Express.
> This is a new HF unit that they recently put out. Has anyone had 
> any experiences with this unit or with any AKAI's? 

I recently purchased the 603U and am quite happy with it. It has the following
significant advantages over other hi-fi vcr's:

1) It has a "direct-control" mechanism for the tape drive, which results in
   fewer and lower mechanical noises when you're running the thing.
    
2) It has very easy to use on-screen programming. Even my mom, who has
   an aversion to these types of things, felt comfortable programming it.

3) The remote control is very complete, allowing you to do virtually anything
   you'd want to by remote.
Now the disadvantages:

1) It does not have an MTS decoder (i.e. it doesn't decode the stereo signal
   from the source signal)and does not have have outputs for an external
   decoder. This means that if you want the stereo signal, you'll have to
   decode it after it's run through the VCR (probably from the MTX jack of
   your TV, if it has one).
2) While it is "cable-ready" (whatever that mean, and can quartz tune
   139 stations, it does not have direct accestuning, which means when
   you first get it you'll have to search out the stations in your area
   (it will do this for you) and assign them station numbers (this is up
   to you). But you only have to do this once. Up to 16 pre-sets are allowed.

The 603U has been reviewed by several video magazines (I don't recall which),
and has received very favorable reviewsAs for price: I paid $499.99
(as in $500) for mine (*NOT* grey market) from the most unlikely source--
Target Department Stores (this is a cha, they may be in your area too,
I don't know). This is their "everyday low price", and, at least a couple
of months ago, was at least $100 less than anyone else's pric

Overall: if you can live with the disadvantages I've listed above (mainly 1),
and you can get it for a reasonable price, I think you'll be happy with it.
						   "Dr. DAP"