JVC SR-W320U

Description

The JVC SR-W320U is the original first-generation W-VHS HDTV recorder/player. It records and plays back high-definition "Hi-vision" baseband signals in W-VHS HD mode using a rotary 4-head helical scanning system, and supports standard-definition recording in W-VHS SD mode using temporal compression (TCI) with a rotary 2-head system. The unit is fully backward-compatible with VHS and S-VHS cassettes for conventional recording and playback. At an MSRP of $9,850, it was the most expensive model in JVC's W-VHS lineup, positioned above the later JVC SR-W7U ($6,069) and JVC SR-W5U ($4,890). Unlike the 3rd-generation SR-W7U, the SR-W320U uses RS-232C serial control (rather than RS-422A) and does not include SMPTE timecode or D-sub 15-pin RGB output. Its composite video connections use professional BNC connectors rather than RCA. The unit includes HD component (YPbPr) input and output for Hi-vision signals, along with S-Video and composite connections for standard-definition content. A monaural audio input (left channel only) is available on the front panel. JVC's case history records the SR-W320U in a Communicore partnership that helped deliver early HDTV programming. The compatible KH-100U-CB 3-CCD self-contained HDTV camera ($62,500) was listed as a companion accessory. The SR-W320U features a built-in timer capable of 8 programs over 2 weeks with a 24-hour clock system. Power consumption is 78 W during operation (10 W standby).

Photos

Specifications

Parameter	Value
Power supply	AC 120 V, 60 Hz
Power consumption	78 W (10 W standby)
Dimensions (W × H × D)	445 × 182 × 463 mm (17.5 × 7.2 × 18.2 in)
Weight	16.2 kg (35.7 lb)
Operating temperature	+5 °C to +40 °C
Operating humidity	35% to 80%
Storage temperature	−20 °C to +60 °C

Recording Formats

Mode	System	Heads
W-VHS HD mode	Rotary helical scan	4-head
W-VHS SD mode	Rotary helical scan, TCI temporal compression FM recording	2-head
S-VHS / VHS	Rotary helical scan, luminance FM / color phase-shift sub-carrier	2-head

HiFi Audio

Parameter	Value
Recording system	VHS stereo HiFi
Frequency response	20 Hz – 20 kHz
Dynamic range	≥90 dB
Wow & flutter	≤0.005%
Channel separation	≥60 dB

A secondary linear monaural audio track is also available. The front panel provides a monaural audio input (left channel only, RCA) for dubbing convenience.

Timer

The built-in timer supports 8 programs over a 2-week period using a 24-hour clock system. Battery backup provides approximately 30 minutes of clock retention during power loss.

Communicore & First HDTV Home Programs

On November 8, 1995, JVC announced that high-definition television programs were available for public viewing for the first time, made possible by the SR-W320U and the W-VHS format. JVC described it as the first affordable HDTV VCR, building on the company's legacy as the inventor of both the VHS and S-VHS formats.^[1]

Communicore Inc., a home entertainment company, negotiated an exclusive agreement with KCTS, a public television station in Seattle, Washington, to distribute its "Over" series of award-winning high-definition programs in JVC's W-VHS format. The programs — including "Over America," "Over California," "Over Arizona," and "Washington D.C., Our Nation's Capital" — were originally shot with HDTV equipment and featured panoramic aerial views of the United States with original musical scores in hi-fi stereo. Each title was priced at $250 and was available through select retail dealers and Communicore's high-definition catalog.^[1]

Jim Davies, president of Communicore, stated that the W-VHS machine from JVC finally enabled delivery on the promise of HDTV in the home. Communicore was in discussions with additional programming sources and expected to offer new HDTV titles including feature films, concerts, and documentaries.^[1]

Steve Martin, JVC's national marketing development manager for HDTV products, noted that the W-VHS format had been introduced in 1994 and that its resolution and 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio made it ideal for many types of programs. David Walton, JVC's communications marketing manager, highlighted that the SR-W320U made HDTV practical for corporate boardrooms, entertainment, and scientific and medical applications. JVC also offered the KH-100U 3-CCD HDTV camera and the HV-M260U HDTV monitor as companion products at the time of the announcement.^[1]

Provided Accessories

The SR-W320U shipped with a cleaning tape and power cord. The JVC KH-100U-CB 3-CCD self-contained HDTV camera ($62,500, discontinued) was listed as a compatible companion accessory on the JVC Pro website.^[2]

References

↑ ^1.0 ^1.1 ^1.2 ^1.3 "JVC Helps Deliver First High Definition TV Programs Into the Home". JVC Professional Products Company. November 8, 1995. Retrieved February 5, 2026.
↑ "SR-W320U Accessories". JVC Professional Products Company. Retrieved February 5, 2026.

[communicore-1] 1.0 ^1.1 ^1.2 ^1.3 "JVC Helps Deliver First High Definition TV Programs Into the Home". JVC Professional Products Company. November 8, 1995. Retrieved February 5, 2026.

[accessories-2] "SR-W320U Accessories". JVC Professional Products Company. Retrieved February 5, 2026.

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