While the Toshiba MV13J1's two-head-VCR picture quality is not on par with pricey four-head systems, this unit delivers as clean a picture as you would expect from a compact TV. In addition, this unit addresses a common problem among frequent video watchers--poor picture quality from rented videotapes. The reason for the bad picture is usually that the rental tape is worn from multiple viewings. Toshiba has tackled this problem with an innovative technology called Rental Picture Plus (RPP). When enabled, RPP sharpens the picture to compensate for image loss. This is an optional feature, which we found to be fairly effective. On some videotapes that we tested, the image did appear cleaner--but it is worth noting that RPP did not have a significant effect on newer videotapes. In fact, with new videotapes, we preferred the image when RPP was turned off.

Pros:

• Stylish white design
• Rental Picture Plus helps sharpen picture on worn videotapes
• Lightweight

Cons:

• Two-head video quality
• Mono sound