The SLVN500'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.

A feature called instant replay backs the tape up 10 seconds for each touch of the replay button for quick recaps of a missed line or exciting action. 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. Other features include 19-micron heads (for the clearest possible picture when recording or viewing in extended-play mode), digital auto tracking, instant replay, flash rewind, a multilingual onscreen display, and a multi-brand remote control. ChildLoc circuitry locks the VCR after the timer has been set so young hands don't accidentally cancel programming.