Amazon.com Review
With the W603, Toshiba makes a strong argument for not spending big bucks on a VCR. Unlike the typically tiny players that dominate the entry-level market, the W603 is a full-sized machine that looks at home in a rack full of fine equipment. The handsome, dark gray faceplate has its controls laid out symmetrically around a fluorescent display, which makes it intuitive and easy to operate.
For starters, a small hinged door in the lower left-hand corner swings down to reveal a second set of gold-plated audio-video connections for easy hookup of a camcorder, video game or other entertainment device. There's also a round button that allows convenient one-touch recording. When these features are not in use, returning the door to its upright position restores the W603's simple, elegant appearance.
Still more impressive are the W603's technical credentials. Compared to similarly priced two-head machines, this four-head deck offers superior fast-, slow-, and still-frame performance.
We were impressed with the W603's rich color capability and clean, noise-free picture quality. However, images were a bit too reddish with our television's picture controls set to their normal position. Reducing color and tint levels yielded a more natural color balance. It should also be noted that some--though certainly not all--higher-priced models offer better image detail and color performance.
Sound hounds will also find the W603 a supremely satisfying home theater companion. The entire frequency range came through with crystal clarity and effortless dynamic impact on rental tapes, as well as through the Toshiba's unusually good television tuner. Bass was deep and powerful, while vocals were crisp and perfectly articulate. For consumers who either own a Dolby Pro Logic receiver or are planning to upgrade in the future, this VCR represents a great investment.
Toshiba has outfitted the W603 with a "universal" remote control that is preprogrammed to operate most TV brands. Unfortunately, the remote includes 39 keys, all of which are of identical size, shape, and color, making it almost impossible to operate without looking directly at the remote. The omission of a backlight makes operating the remote in the dark an excruciating experience.
Although there are a few areas in which other VCRs outperform the W603, those products all carry significantly higher price tags. Given its low cost, competent performance and abundant features, this Toshiba VCR clearly qualifies as a "best buy."--Anthony Chiarella
Pros:
- Sound and image quality rival more expensive models
- Abundance of features for an entry-level product
- Attractive front panel offers intuitive control layout
Cons: - Remote control is difficult to master
Product Description
This Toshiba four-head VCR with VCR Plus + has extraordinary quality, giving you every reason to dust off and pop in all your favorite VHS tapes of Hollywood and family movies. Optimized with cutting edge technology, you can have eye-popping video and crystal-clear audio. You'll never believe how good you looked on your wedding day. Features include Hi-Fi stereo recording and playback, MTS/SAP audio tuner, high speed rewind and fast forward, full size audio cabinet and front and rear AV inputs.The W603 has two separate pairs of playback/record heads. The result is a high-quality picture during playback and recording plus clear, distortion-free images in slow motion and still modes. Toshiba Pro Drum with Flying Pre-Amp award-winning technology is exclusive to Toshiba VCRs, delivering the best VHS quality available. Toshiba completely redesigned the heart of the VCR - the head cylinder (or drum) -for the sharpest picture and clearest sound ever. The pre-amplifier is built directly into the head cylinder - just like in professional broadcast equipment - eliminating wiring that introduces "noise" into the audio and the video. The result is a remarkable improvement in picture and sound quality during playback and recording. Prerecorded movies come alive with Hi-Fi stereo sound. Tapes with Hi-Fi soundtracks have wider stereo separation and fidelity comparable to a compact disc. With Toshiba VCRs, a coating of ions is applied to the Head Drum to give it a negative charge. This helps to repel the dirt that would normally adhere to typical Head Drums. No more missed endings of TV shows or important games. During preprogrammed recording, the VCR automatically switches to EP (long play) mode if you're running low on tape. The large read-out makes it easy to see your VCR status indicators from across the room, even in dim lighting.
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