Toshiba W403 4-Head Mono VCR

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• 4-head VCR with monaural sound
• High-speed 180x rewind/fast-forward
• Digital auto tracking
• Auto setup with channel memory and auto clock set
• Preprogrammed universal remote control included

Though home theater fans consider stereo playback a minimum requirement for VCRs, a four-head mono VCR like Toshiba's W403 can handle many basic functions, like recording from TV or playing back rented tapes. As a 4-head VCR, the W403 offers superior still frames and slow motion compared to what you get from a 2-head VCR. Like most VCRs, it also has auto tracking for a clearer picture. The W403 comes with a universal remote control that will also control most brands of televisions. It also includes convenience features like one-touch recording, auto clock set and auto power-off. If you've got the recording bug, you'll appreciate the 8-event/1-month timer. It also has a super-fast 180x fast forward/rewind.

If you're buying a VCR but you don't want to spend a lot of money and don't need a hi-fi model, Toshiba's W-403 is a good candidate. This four-head mono deck is well made, easy to set up, and relatively simple to operate.

Hooking up the W-403 and programming channels took only a few minutes, thanks to Toshiba's auto-setup mode. It's as simple as connecting the coaxial cable input to the VCR and attaching the supplied RF cable from the VCR to the TV, along with an RCA audio cable and a composite cable. (Toshiba does not supply the audio-video cables.) Once it's hooked up, you simply plug the VCR cord into the wall outlet, and press the power switch. The W-403 automatically sets the clock and searches for available channels. If necessary, you can also set the clock yourself using the remote control and onscreen menu.

We were a little annoyed with the remote, which we used to operate our TV in addition to the VCR. Although programming the remote to control the television was a snap, switching back and forth between the TV and VCR was cumbersome — especially in the dark. We also found the tiny buttons hard to use and illogically placed.

With studio-manufactured VHS tapes, video quality is about average for a VCR in this price range. If you're buying this deck for the kid's room or as a backup model, the W-403 is sufficient. If you rent a lot of tapes, however, or you have an extensive VHS library, we recommend spending another $30 or $40 for a superior model with hi-fi sound and better video-resolution capability.

Before purchasing a mono VCR, you should be aware that you will not be able to decode Dolby Surround sound VHS tapes. It should also be pointed out that unless you do a lot of recording, or you like to take advantage of the pause, slow motion, and single-frame advance features, you don't really need a four-head deck for mono-only playback.

That said, if you're in the market for a basic VCR for playing and recording tapes, and you don't intend to hook it up to a surround sound system, Toshiba's W-403 is worth considering. — Eric Gill

Pros:

• Good price
• Impressive build quality

Cons:

• Confusing remote with tiny buttons
• Average video quality

Title: Toshiba W403 4-Head Mono VCR
Sales Rank: 75805 in Electronics
Manufacturer: Toshiba
Model: W403
Item Dimensions: 14.2 x 3.7 inches, 6.2 pounds
Package Dimensions: 16.5 x 13.5 x 6.5 inches, 8.83 pounds

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