Akai VS-565U VHS Hi-Fi Videocassete Recorder Review

The Akai VS-565U VHS Hi-Fi videocassette recorder features MTS (multichannel television sound) decoding for stereo or SAP (separate audio program) broadcasts and a built-in amplifier, which is rated to deliver 10 watts per channel into 8-ohm loads from 90 to 20,000 Hz with no more than 0.9 percent total harmonic distortion. With the addition of a monitor or TV set and a pair of speakers, you can have a complete video system with stereo sound capability.

The rotary head drum of the VS-565U has six heads: the normal pair of video recording/playback heads, a second pair for improved video quality at slow tape speeds or for special effects such as slow motion or freeze-frame, and a third pair for the hi-fi sound channels. The recorder also contains VHS HQ circuitry to enhance picture quality.

In the VHS Hi-Fi system, the hi-fi audio channels are recorded just ahead of the video information on two separate frequency-modulated subcarriers. Video information is recorded closer to the surface of the tape than the audio program, which it partially erases but leaves mostly intact. The audio and video heads are mounted on the rotating drum at different azimuth angles, effectively isolating the audio and video signals during playback.

The low noise level of the frequency-modulation system used for the hi-fi audio recording and playback is further reduced by a proprietary companding system. The frequency response, flutter, and distortion characteristics of VHS Hi-Fi recordings are far superior to those of conventional analog tape recordings and are comparable to those of digital recordings. For compatibility with ordinary (non-hi-fi) VCR’s, a standard longitudinal mono soundtrack is simultaneously recorded on the tape by a nonrotating audio head.

The Akai VS-565U can be tuned to any of 107 channels, including all the vhf and uhf broadcast channels plus a number of cable channels. As delivered, it is set to receive Channels 2 to 13, and up to twenty additional channels can be entered into the tuner’s memory for instant access. The VS-565U can be programmed to record up to six different broadcasts over a two-week period. Like most of the VCR’s other setup adjustments, programming can be done very conveniently using a display on the TV screen, but since the same information is presented simultaneously on the front display panel of the VCR, there is no need to turn on the TV set in order to enter your programming instructions.

Most of the controls of the VS-565U—including the tape-transport controls, channel selection, and audio volume—are large, soft-touch buttons. Smaller buttons set the time and date on its internal clock/ calendar and operate its pause and recording functions. Small slide switches along the bottom of the front panel select the input source, audio output mode (stereo or mono), tape speed, and either the normal (longitudinal) audio soundtrack or automatic switching to the hi-fi soundtracks when they are present on a tape.

Rotary controls adjust tracking (a speed vernier for playing tapes made on other machines) and picture sharpness. There is a miniature (1/8-inch) stereo phone jack on the panel. Two horizontal sliders adjust the hi-fi recording level; the normal recording level is set automatically.

The tape-loading slot is covered by a hinged transparent-plastic window, so that a loaded cassette can be seen (the interior of the compartment is illuminated when the VCR is in operation). The display window, at the upper right corner of the panel, contains bright, multicolored indications of virtually every aspect of the recorder’s operation. These include audio level (two horizontal rows of small fluorescent squares, with a peak-hold feature), tape speed, hi-fi or normal audio, the presence of stereo or SAP subcarriers, the channel number, calendar and clock information, and unattended-recording information. In addition, a number of symbols show the status of the tape transport (play, record, fast forward, reverse, pause, slow or freeze-frame, etc.).

The rear panel contains the usual input connectors for vhf and UHF antennas, an RF output to the TV set (switchable between Channels 3 and 4), and video and audio inputs and outputs for connection to a video monitor and external amplifier. In addition, there are spring-loaded speaker outputs for the built-in power amplifier.

The VS-565U is supplied with a wireless remote control that operates most of its normal functions, including channel selection, timer programming, transport operation, volume, and power switching. The recorder, which is finished in black, measures 17-1/4 inches wide, 15 inches deep, and 4-1/4 inches high, and it weighs just under 20 pounds. Price: $880.

Lab Tests

We did not formally test any of the video features or performance of the Akai VS-565U, although a runthrough of its video capabilities revealed excellent picture quality and very useful and functional special effects. Following the illustrated programming and operating instructions in the manual made the setup of the machine a simple and straightforward process.

We measured audio recording and playback performance in the hi-fi mode and at both speeds in the longitudinal mode (the speed has no effect on the quality of a hi-fi recording). The hi-fi frequency response was very good and virtually identical at recording levels of 0 and — 20 dB (referred to the fluorescent level-indicator markings), ± 1 dB from 20 to 20,000 Hz.

The playback distortion was 0.26 percent at 0 dB. Although it rose at lower recording levels; that merely reflected the increased contribution of the noise level to the THD + NOISE measurement. The recording circuits overloaded abruptly at +19 dB, well off-scale on the indicators, which have a range of — 40 to +10 dB. The A-weighted noise, referred to +19 dB, was —96.5 dB. A characteristic of VHS Hi-Fi VCR’s is low flutter, which in this case measured only ±0.01 percent (DIN-weighted peak).

At the faster standard-play (SP) speed, the longitudinal track’s frequency response at both 0 and —20 dB was +0.8, —6 dB from 39 to 11,500 Hz. At the slower (SLP) speed, the playback output was at a maximum at 200 Hz, falling off at both lower and higher frequencies. The distortion was 2 to 3 percent at recording levels of 0 to +6 dB. The A-weighted noise was —53.3 dB at the SP speed and —45.2 dB at the SLP speed, referred to the 3 percent distortion signal level. The respective flutter measurements were ±0.17 and ±0.25 percent (both DIN-weighted peak readings).

We also measured the frequency response and distortion of the MTS (stereo) circuits of the VS-565U. The frequency response varied over a range of +1.3, —2.5 dB from 20 to 16,000 Hz (referred to the 1,000-Hz level), and the 300-Hz distortion was 0.32 percent.

The audio power amplifier’s performance was measured from its line inputs to its speaker outputs. Into 8-ohm loads, the 1,000-Hz output clipped at 11.8 watts, and with 4-ohm loads it clipped at 14.8 watts. The digitally controlled volume varied in 2-dB steps, and the input stage overloaded at 2.65 volts (which is more than sufficient to handle the maximum signal from a CD player, for example). The 1,000-Hz distortion (8 ohms) was 0.033 percent at 1 watt and 0.44 percent at 10 watts output.

Comments

The audio performance of the Akai VS-565U was at least as good as we have seen from any VHS Hi-Fi VCR, which is to say very good indeed. As our measurements show, it came remarkably close to matching the qualities—wide, flat response, low noise, negligible flutter—of digital media, and it easily exceeded the performance of analog cassette decks. Of course, a videocassette cannot be edited by physical cutting and splicing, and editing by dubbing is not only cumbersome but nearly impossible to do with any degree of precision.

Still, for recording long programs without interruption at a nearly negligible tape cost, a hi-fi VCR is difficult to match. And, as we said earlier, the video performance of the VS-565U was subjectively excellent. Copying a videodisc test record at both sp and SLP speeds, we were impressed by the minimal degradation in picture quality, even at the lower speed.

The VS-565U is also easy to operate and program (although it is necessary to study the manual first). We appreciated the duplication of status displays on the VCR panel and the TV screen, since we usually program a VCR for future unattended recording without turning on the TV. The remote control worked flawlessly, and the internal mechanical noise of the VS-565U while its transport modes were being changed was very low.

It was clear from our measurements that the MTS reception was definitely of “hi-fi” caliber, even though the available broadcast material did not afford any very impressive demonstrations in this respect. This situation should improve with time.

The built-in amplifiers were perfectly adequate for their purpose. With speakers of moderately high efficiency, both the volume and sound quality were first-rate—and considerably superior to most of the sound we have heard coming directly from TV speakers. The sound quality of tapes dubbed from CD’s was excellent, certainly close to that of the originals.

Overall, the Akai VS-565U impressed us as an unusually full-featured and thoughtfully designed VCR. Its performance was fully commensurate with its position as one of Akai’s top models.

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