VICTOR/JVC HR-W5 W-VHS PAGE
Hi-Vision Video Cassette Recorder
Last update: 2005/06/29
Pricing grid:
year > USD > situation 1995 used > $1200 > in stock, with box -sold Dec 28- 1996 used > $1300 1997 used > $1400 1998 used > $1500 > in stock, with box -listed on eBay 5781483162 - sold-Prices are based on year of production (as per JVC sticker on the back of the deck). Previous usage is generally unknown. Used decks always come with remote and manual, often with box and foam, rarely with cables and batteries.
The JVC HR-W5 is one of the extremely few W-VHS models to ever have been offered to the general public. JVC is considered the father of the VHS format, and throughout the years has built the very best VHS and S-VHS decks. Their W-VHS offerings (HR-W1 and HR-W5) were based on the mechanism of their top-of-the-line VHS decks and benefit from JVC's long time expertise in that field. JVC stands for Japan Victor Company and is known simply as "Victor" on the Japanese domestic market.
W-VHS is the format that records 1080i High Definition in analog form onto a VHS-size tape. The input and output are component (YPbPr) and stereo sound; as such it is compatible with absolutely all past and present hardware that would emit or receive an HD component signal, be it cable, satellite, HD TV, HD LD or HD DVD. It is basically plug and play: connect the component inputs to the source, insert a tape, select HD, and hit record, just like you would record a regular NTSC program. Due to the very high bandwidth of the HD signal, W-VHS tapes are required; they come in 120' and 180' and do hold that amount of HD programming.
The HR-W5 also doubles as a very high-end S-VHS deck. It has all the usual functionalities found in such a deck, including timer operation (also applies to HD) and choice of recording speed, plus basic editing functions. Though HD can only be recorded at the regular speed onto a W-VHS tape, an additional speed called "SD" allows to record NTSC programs at slow speed onto a W-VHS tape and make use of the tape's extra quality to hold 1.3 times more bandwidth than S-VHS, resulting in a better NTSC recording than offered by any other VHS consumer deck.
The HR-W5 was on sale in Japan from 1995 to 2000, but the bulk of the production dates from 1995. The MSRP was ¥340,000 + tax, about $3350 as of now. It was exported to North America as the SR-W5U, with the addition of a 15-pin RGB connector, a much inferior remote, and the deletion of the internal tuner and all timer functions, at an MSRP of about $5000. The HR-W5 tuner will not work outside Japan. Some of the technical details published by JVC of North America are copied below, they apply to both the HR-W5 and the SR-W5U.
Designed and built for today's higher image quality requirements, the versatile SR-W5 takes you into the new era of HDTV with HD (High Definition) mode recording and playback. In addition it offers extended NTSC SD (Standard Definition) component recording/playback S-VHS capability for smooth integration into existing installations.
Key Features
General Specifications: 49W, 100V, 9.5kg, 476x145x366mm whd
Maintenance. All used decks i sell have been tested for flawless operation. However i am not a technician, don't perform any maintenance; i can't guarantee how long the decks will operate before requiring some. JVC US service centers should be able to maintain or repair an HR-W5, as if it was an SR-W5U.
Manual. The HR-W5 owner's manual is in Japanese and can be downloaded here. A copy of the SR-W5U English manual will prove useful, i can provide it in pdf form, however it won't cover timer functions. Note that the remote keys, deck buttons, and onscreen info are all in Japanese as well. I will assist you with connections and basic operations if required.
Packaging. Some used HR-W5 do not come with the original JVC box. I am extremely experienced in making completely safe shipments of audiovisual equipment, many being much heavier and expensive than the W5. You will find the packaging to be of professional quality. For those W5 that do have the original box, i will completely fill all space with bubbles and peanuts, to increase the rigidity of the parcel and better protect the deck. Double-boxing is also possible for the W5 that have the JVC packaging, at an extra material and express postage cost of $35.
Shipment. The HR-W5, with remote, manual and transformer, fully packed, weights 13kg. Shipping/handling is $75 surface (4-6 weeks) to North America, Europe or Australasia, insurance optional at $6. Express tracked insured shipping (few days) is $175 ($200 to Europe).
Payment. For the convenience of North American buyers, payments are usually US domestic to my USA bank account (bank wire, check, MO/IPMO). Escrow accepted for maximum buyer protection. Please e-mail if you require other payment means.
US Customs. Importation from Japan into the US of video reproducing equipment is not subject to any duty. For proof of that, please see the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States, select chapter 85, and go to heading 8521.90.00, column "1" (column 2 is for imports from embargoed regions). To other countries, taxes may be levied, they are to be borne by the buyer.
All e-mail enquiries welcome,