Sony SLV-679HF VCR

Other products by Sony

Product Details

Product Manual [2.84mb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 14 x 11.2 x 3.9 inches ; 8.2 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 11 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00000JFDW
• Item model number: SLV679HF
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #94,897 in Electronics (See Bestsellers in Electronics)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: September 4, 1973

Product Description

Amazon.com Review
The Sony SLV-679HF is a tough little machine that offers all of the basic features as well as VCR Plus+ technology. The unit includes a Sony-brand universal remote that is more streamlined than many remotes. However, the Stop, Rewind, Fast-Forward, and Pause buttons are so slim it's possible they'd wear out in the hands of the most hardcore remote-control fanatics.

The machine was simple to hook up to an antenna and TV. The setup features--available in English, Spanish, and French--were simple to navigate via easy-to-view on-screen graphics. The VCR's electronic clock feature is well lit for late-night viewing. The front panel display also contains an oversized icon of a tape, which displays when a video is stationary, playing, or rewinding. The SLV-679HF also displays some information on screen. For example, an on-screen clock lets you know how many minutes have passed since you began playing the tape--a great feature for viewers who want to keep track of a particular scene.

The Sony SLV-679HF handled moving from the Play to Fast-Forward or Rewind positions fairly efficiently, taking just over one second to switch functions. However, you can really hear the gears cranking during the switch. We found the "pause" feature to be especially impressive; the picture held steady and did not jump jerkily like many machines. Under most circumstances, VCRs are placed in stable, steady environments, such as in an entertainment center. However, we were impressed that the Sony SLV-679HF was able to continue chugging away in the Play mode when we placed it on its side. This is good news if you have young kids or if you're an overly enthusiastic sports fans.

The audio on this unit is impressive--typical for a hi-fi stereo unit. The SLV-679HF also includes VCR Plus+, an on-screen programming guide that works in conjunction with the PlusCode numbers published in newspaper TV listings. Simply enter a program's corresponding PlusCode number into the unit via the remote and the VCR timer automatically sets itself to record that program. However, while the VCR Plus+ feature may make your life easier in the long run, learning how to use this technology will most likely send you to the user's manual for the first few attempts.

This machine is great for those who are looking for something sturdy, basic, and easy to use.

Pros:

• Sturdy build
• Low cost
• Name brand quality

Cons:

• VCR Plus+ can be difficult to learn

Product Description
Sony Hi-Fi Stereo VCR with VCR+, Auto Head Cleaner, Multibrand TV Remote Control

See all Product Description

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars great picture, not so great hi-fi sound, September 13, 1999

By A Customer

I've always been a die-hard sony fan, but after purchasing this VCR and having to return it twice I am no longer as dedicated. The pic. quality is excellent and the machine is well featured but I had trouble with hi-fi sound quality. When using w/home theater setup there was extra undesirable noise introduced into the soundtrack. You could hear a ticking in the background of the soundtrack like the spinning heads inside were somehow adding noise to the audio track. Being a big home theater fan, this was VERY distracting. I ended up purchasing Toshiba's M675 and am very satisfied. They have a new head design that eliminates extra distortion in sound & picture. Overall pic & sound quality is better than the sony too.

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars What did you say?, December 19, 1999

By A Customer

I don't know if I received a defective one, but this this is louder than the VCR I have had since 1984! It sounds like a snowblower is outside my window when I play movies. Just my 2 cents.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Quality, Features, and Value., July 10, 1999

By A Customer

This compact unit is wonderful. This machine plays old, battered tapes without the slightest of complaints, has many great features (VCR plus, multiple-brand remote control, etc.), and has an attractive display & on-screen features.

The picture is very clear and the sound quality is great. There is nothing more that I could ask from this VCR!