What to Look for When Buying a Used VCR

Start with the tapes you need to play

Ordinary UK home recordings are usually VHS PAL. If tapes were recorded in Long Play, choose a machine tested for LP playback. American or Japanese tapes may use NTSC, so look for an explicitly multi-standard or NTSC-playback model.

S-VHS machines can offer better performance with S-VHS recordings and sometimes more connection options, but they are not essential for ordinary VHS tapes.

Look for evidence of functional testing

Powering on is not the same as playing a tape. A useful test includes tape loading, playback, picture, sound, fast-forward, rewind, eject and stable transport. Recording and tuner functions should only be assumed if the listing states they were checked.

A seller should distinguish between a tested working VCR and a machine sold for parts or repair. Read the condition section as carefully as the title.

Check the photographs and accessories

Inspect the tape door, front display, controls and rear sockets. Cosmetic marks are normal on older equipment, but cracks, missing flaps and corrosion should be disclosed. The supplied remote matters for menu settings, tracking and timer functions that may not be accessible from the front panel.

Check whether the listing includes a power lead, SCART or RCA cable, remote control, manual and any AV-to-HDMI converter you need.

Choose the right output for your television

SCART and composite RCA are common. An HDMI socket on a DVD/VHS combi does not always output the VHS picture, so confirm the specific model's behaviour or use the analogue output with a converter.

If you plan to digitise tapes, choose a stable playback machine first. The capture device comes after; it cannot correct a VCR that mistracks or damages tapes.

Returns and warranty

Older mechanical equipment can develop faults, so a clear return route and written warranty provide useful protection. Keep the packaging until you have tested several tapes and the functions important to you.