Panasonic PV-V4520 4-Head Hi-Fi VCR

I purchased this VCR as a gift for my parents. They've been using it for playback and recording for almost two years now. It has had no problems and has functioned as expected.

The controls, remote, and hookups were easy to figure out, with enough -ins and -outs for the basic AV system. This VCR functions much quiter than the one it replaced.

I was lucky and was able to find this model back in Sept 2001. It's Panasonic's 2000 model year entry level VCR, and it's really reliable. Picture quality is clear & brilliant, and it plays tapes very clean. It doesn't add noise to older tapes like some other VCRs do. The only drawback is the motor noise, but once you get used to it, you don't notice it. It's compact and fits into limited spaces with ease. It's one of the last VCRs that was made in Japan by Panasonic for the 2000 model year.

I have owned this VCR for nearly nine months and have not had a single problem with it, even after moving it multiple times in rearranging my apartment. This is also a very sturdy piece of equipment - I have a second VCR, my TV, a PlayStation 2, and an alarm clock all stacked upon this VCR, and there are no signs of buckling under all the weight.

While the features are nice, the layout of the universal remote can be a bit tricky to learn. Virtually ALL of the buttons beneath the number pad should really be kept hidden by a flip-up or slide-out panel, so that the remote does not appear so daunting. Fortunately, the remote has a light function, allowing the user to better see the buttons when in the dark.

For those with a "piecemeal" entertainment system, the single set of AV inputs may be a drawback. However, AV switches (and the necessary cables) are sold at most stores and Web sites which sell other electronics.

I had never used a Panasonic VCR until I bought this. If my secondary VCR breaks down, I will certainly give strong consideration to another Panasonic.

I purchased one unit last May and it had worked only a little more than 3 monthes. After that, it hasn't worked any more and the warranty for labour expired!

I bought this product last May. It worked for a little more than 3 monthes. The warranty for labour expired after it stopped working!