Sony SLV-N71 4-Head Hi-Fi VCR

This model's four-head design ensures smooth slow-motion play (forward and reverse) and clear still-frame images, and with hi-fi sound the unit records and plays back stereo audio tracks. If you route the stereo output to an AV receiver, you can even enjoy four-channel (left, center, right, and monaural surround) Dolby Pro Logic mixes from TV and Dolby-encoded cassettes. The SLV-N71's dual-azimuth construction uses two pairs of recording heads rather than one, each optimized for a specific mode (one for SP recording, the other for EP), while 19-micron heads deliver the clearest possible picture when recording or viewing in EP (extended-play) mode.

For setup, a single button calls up an onscreen menu to guide you through VCR setup, including parameters for features like menu language select, satellite receiver or cable-box control setup, and auto tuner presets. The VCR automatically marks the tape with an index signal at the point where each recording begins so you can easily scan back to the start of a recording using these signals as a reference.

The VCR's advanced Quick-set timer dial makes it easy to program the timer up to one month in advance. Press the dial once to activate the timer, then turn the knob to set it. You can adjust start and stop times in one minute increments. VCR Plus+ further simplifies programming, as it lets you set the VCR to record programs based on common PlusCode numbers found in the TV listings of over 600 newspapers and TV Guide--no more worrying about start and end times for your most frequently recorded shows.

Commercial Pass makes it easier than ever to zip past commercials and unwanted "coming attractions." Press the button once to go into high-speed picture search; press it again and the VCR stops, rewinds a few seconds so you won't miss any of your movie, then plays. Adaptive Picture Control (APC) tests each tape and adjusts recording parameters for the best performance and adjusts playback for an ideal balance between picture sharpness and low video noise.

ChildLoc circuitry keeps small hands from going where only tapes belong. With the handy one-hour timer back-up, the VCR saves timer data for up to one hour in the event of a power loss. The unit comes with a multi-brand TV/VCR remote control.

What's in the Box
VCR, remote control, batteries, an audio/video interconnect (coaxial video cable with F-type connector), user's manual, warranty information.

My 2nd complaint is that the time it takes for the VCR to begin recording is way, WAY slower than the SLV-660HF. To put it mildly, it is an agonizing wait. There you are, watching tv, when you see something come on that you want to record. So you (quickly) grab a tape, pop it in, press record, and wait.....and wait....and wait....and wait... all the while you program is ticking on without being recorded, until *FINALLY* the VCR starts recording.

My 3rd complaint is that it takes sooo long for the VCR to eject a tape. Again, an agonizing process.

My 4th complaint is that the remote control stinks. It is simply not designed well. I have decided to use my old control from my old SLV-660HF, which is designed in a way that allows me to press buttons (isn't that what a control is supposed to do)?

Sadly, these complaints get in the way of my enjoyment of what otherwise would be a good VCR. I guess SONY is kind of going down the tubes a bit, because I also bought a DVD from them and that too is agonizingly slow.

I used to be able to walk into a store and buy a Sony product and be reasonably assured that it would perform as expected. However, based on my experience with my 2 latest purchases, I guess things have changed at that company. .


Great, but not perfect   May 26, 2002
6 out of 6 found this review helpful

This is a great VCR. Audio and video quality is great. Recording quality is great. The SP sound quality is slightly better than the EP, but the video quality is almost the same. However, it's a bit noisy especially while recording. If it was not for that, I would definitly give it five stars.


If you have a DSS system, don't buy it.   May 18, 2002
4 out of 12 found this review helpful

If you are planning to record from channels on your DSS system while watching others on your TV, do not buy this VCR. I understand why this is difficult to do, but the SLV-N71 gets no stars from me for not telling me ahead of buying it that it cannot do this.


Good VCR, but has key problem   May 9, 2002
reader in AK (Alaska, USA)
12 out of 12 found this review helpful

Just a heads up for those checking out reviews prior to purchase. I bought this Sony after going through 4 other VCR brands trying to find both good audio AND video quality (not having to choose between one or the other). The Sony audio is great, setup is great, solid construction is great, remote is easy to use. Even playback quality of pre-recorded tapes is good. But recording live programs is a problem because the tuner in the VCR is not up to par. Using the VCR as the tuner, obviously necessary for recording shows, results in a lot of video noise or "streaming" across the screen, which gets worse on higher channel numbers. I do not know if this is a video screen interval problem, bad tuner filters, video sync issue, etc. I have tried two of these Sony units, purchased locally, and had the same result. Very disappointing since everything else works great. The other non-Sony VCR's had other issues, but none had such poor video quality when using the tuner. At this point, it is worthless as a device to record programs, and frustrating to watch TV - I resort to using the TV's internal tuner. If you can't get good video response in a VCR, the rest of the bells and whistles don't do any good. Sure would like to know why the usual Sony quality is in the toilet on this one.