"Boris Mohar" wrote in message
...
On Sun, 6 Jan 2013 16:39:51 -0000, "Arfa Daily"
wrote:



"Boris Mohar" wrote in message
. ..

Toshiba SDV398 VHS/DVD combo with built in tuner.

Everything works but occasionally it stops recording about 15 minutes
short
of programmed time. The clock keeps the correct time and the tape is
new.

--
Boris


What happens if you play a tape back for the same length of time ? Could
be
a simple mechanical problem like a poor take-up drive that struggles to
keep
the take-up reel turning when a certain weight of tape has been wound on.
If
the take-up reel stops turning, the mechanism control micro will stop the
machine.

Arfa

It never fails on playback. Could there be some subtle transport load
difference between record and playback?



Unlikely. Can't think of any reason for there to be any difference, and
can't say that I've ever seen any make or model that does have any
difference. Have you ever actually seen exactly what it does when it quits,
or has it always been just something that you've discovered when you come to
play back the tape ? Is there any consistency to it, or is it just random ?
To be honest, it's beginning to sound like one of those problems that you
just never get to the bottom of. Time to retire it in favour of a more
'modern' solution such as a PVR maybe ?

Arfa