My VERY old VCR (purchased 1988) has suddently stopped
recording in color and/or shows a bit of color.

It happily coped with 2000, so it is obviously a good machine.

Is it even worth investigating a fix or should I just buy a
new one?
--

Rex's Mom

"Rex's Mom" wrote in message
...
My VERY old VCR (purchased 1988) has suddently stopped recording in color
and/or shows a bit of color.

It happily coped with 2000, so it is obviously a good machine.

Is it even worth investigating a fix or should I just buy a new one?
--

Rex's Mom




For about $6, you could pick up a VCR cleaning cassette and see if it helps.
If not, toss the machine, unless it's really high-end thing with features
you can't find any more. You can pick up a new VCR for around $100 these
days. Less, actually, if you don't mind a brand you've never heard of,
imported by a company which may or may not have a working telephone number.

Doug Kanter wrote:

"Rex's Mom" wrote in message
...

My VERY old VCR (purchased 1988) has suddently stopped recording in color
and/or shows a bit of color.

It happily coped with 2000, so it is obviously a good machine.

Is it even worth investigating a fix or should I just buy a new one?
--

Rex's Mom





For about $6, you could pick up a VCR cleaning cassette and see if it helps.
If not, toss the machine, unless it's really high-end thing with features
you can't find any more. You can pick up a new VCR for around $100 these
days. Less, actually, if you don't mind a brand you've never heard of,
imported by a company which may or may not have a working telephone number.


Thanks for the speedy reply. Forgot about trying a cleaning
cassette (have one, but it might be too old).

In fact, other than the fact that the vcr is soooo easy to
program, it does not have any wonderful bells and whistles.
Plus, when I try to play tapes it has recorded on my newer
VCR, there is usually a synchronization problem with voice
and image. So the mouths are moving, but the words don't match!!

Will try the cleaning (btw, it does record even if only b&w)
and then (probably) start looking for a new one.

--

Rex's Mom

On Mon, 16 Jan 2006 16:19:16 GMT, "Doug Kanter"
wrote:


"Rex's Mom" wrote in message
...
My VERY old VCR (purchased 1988) has suddently stopped recording in color
and/or shows a bit of color.

It happily coped with 2000, so it is obviously a good machine.

Is it even worth investigating a fix or should I just buy a new one?
--

Rex's Mom




For about $6, you could pick up a VCR cleaning cassette and see if it helps.
If not, toss the machine, unless it's really high-end thing with features
you can't find any more. You can pick up a new VCR for around $100 these
days. Less, actually, if you don't mind a brand you've never heard of,
imported by a company which may or may not have a working telephone number.


I agree to clean the heads, and a cleaning cassette may work, but it's
better to clean them manually if at all possible. Pop off the cover
and get the kit with cleaning wands and liquid (usually alcohol).
Follow instructions. There is probably a website to show you how.

Otherwise, list it on ebay, using these words "L@@K VINTAGE L@@K"
Make your ad as large as possible so the buyers are exhausted by the
time they finish reading it, and just place a bid out of exhaustion.
Be sure to use the words "L@@K VINTAGE L@@K" at least 25 times in the
ad. Be sure to NOT list the shipping and handling fees where they are
easy to see. Bury them in the 1/2 meg of text and use a very small
font. Be sure to tell everyone it's LIKE NEW, and in perfect working
condition. You will likely find some sucker to pay you $5 for it as
an antique, them punch them in the gut with a $89.95 shipping and
handling fee. That's how ebay works these days, so you may as well do
your part in robbing someone too.

Be sure to include pictures of the VCR, and individual pictures of the
end of the power cord, the jacks on the rear, each button, the clock
flashing 12:00 AND with the correct time, and if possible include a
FLASH movie of a cassette being inserted. Then too, it never hurts to
put some shots of your tv screen with a naked woman in the picture.
Remember - SEX SELLS.

By the time you finish, you should have enough money to buy a new VCR.

There are a variety of DVD-players/VCRs for $100 or thereabouts.

18-yr-old VCR has probably had its head polished down summat.

Maybe it WAS good- nothing to do with Y2K, though. Right now, it's
telling you something- like, grandkids could use it as a toy. Or, it
could prop up a tv.

J

wrote:
There are a variety of DVD-players/VCRs for $100 or thereabouts.

18-yr-old VCR has probably had its head polished down summat.
I just worked on one that had this problem. If a thorough cleaning
dosen't bring it back usually the head is shot and needs to be
replaced. More expense than it's worth. I have two all used units
purchased at garage sales or on Craig's list for under $10 each.
Richard

Its an antique, fix it someday it will be worth alot of money

On Mon, 16 Jan 2006 16:19:16 GMT, "Doug Kanter"
wrote:

For about $6, you could pick up a VCR cleaning cassette and see if it helps.
If not, toss the machine, unless it's really high-end thing with features
you can't find any more.

It's definitely the case that there are many features that can't be
found on current machines. Mine kept track of how much tape was LEFT
on the reel. Displayed the time and station and everything else at
the same time. Enabled me to mark spots on the tape, just by pressing
a button, in addition to the spots marked when I started recording,
and to ERASE marks that I or the machine had put there.

That machine needs r epair and my current machine won't even tell me
what station it is recording off of.

But even if cheap, I would keep the old machine to PLAY tapes that
were recorded elsewhere.


You can pick up a new VCR for around $100 these
days. Less, actually, if you don't mind a brand you've never heard of,
imported by a company which may or may not have a working telephone number.

Myt friend bought a cheap one, with a DVD player. Doesn't even keep
track of the time or presets during a power failure. Drives her
crazy.


Remove NOPSAM to email me. Please let
me know if you have posted also.

On Mon, 16 Jan 2006 16:46:08 GMT, Rex's Mom
wrote:

Thanks for the speedy reply. Forgot about trying a cleaning
cassette (have one, but it might be too old).

In fact, other than the fact that the vcr is soooo easy to
program, it does not have any wonderful bells and whistles.
Plus, when I try to play tapes it has recorded on my newer
VCR, there is usually a synchronization problem with voice
and image. So the mouths are moving, but the words don't match!!

This is good. You can practice lip reading, and learn if you got it
right just a couple seconds later. If the sound comes out earlier,
change which one records and which one plays.

When you are done, you'll be able to watch spies having meetings in
outdoor cafes, and you'll be able to repeat what they say.

Will try the cleaning (btw, it does record even if only b&w)
and then (probably) start looking for a new one.


Remove NOPSAM to email me. Please let
me know if you have posted also.

wrote:
On Mon, 16 Jan 2006 16:19:16 GMT, "Doug Kanter"
wrote:


"Rex's Mom" wrote in message
...
My VERY old VCR (purchased 1988) has suddently stopped recording in color
and/or shows a bit of color.

It happily coped with 2000, so it is obviously a good machine.

Is it even worth investigating a fix or should I just buy a new one?
--

Rex's Mom




For about $6, you could pick up a VCR cleaning cassette and see if it helps.
If not, toss the machine, unless it's really high-end thing with features
you can't find any more. You can pick up a new VCR for around $100 these
days. Less, actually, if you don't mind a brand you've never heard of,
imported by a company which may or may not have a working telephone number.


I agree to clean the heads, and a cleaning cassette may work, but it's
better to clean them manually if at all possible. Pop off the cover
and get the kit with cleaning wands and liquid (usually alcohol).
Follow instructions. There is probably a website to show you how.

Otherwise, list it on ebay, using these words "L@@K VINTAGE L@@K"
Make your ad as large as possible so the buyers are exhausted by the
time they finish reading it, and just place a bid out of exhaustion.
Be sure to use the words "L@@K VINTAGE L@@K" at least 25 times in the
ad. Be sure to NOT list the shipping and handling fees where they are
easy to see. Bury them in the 1/2 meg of text and use a very small
font. Be sure to tell everyone it's LIKE NEW, and in perfect working
condition. You will likely find some sucker to pay you $5 for it as
an antique, them punch them in the gut with a $89.95 shipping and
handling fee. That's how ebay works these days, so you may as well do
your part in robbing someone too.

Be sure to include pictures of the VCR, and individual pictures of the
end of the power cord, the jacks on the rear, each button, the clock
flashing 12:00 AND with the correct time, and if possible include a
FLASH movie of a cassette being inserted. Then too, it never hurts to
put some shots of your tv screen with a naked woman in the picture.
Remember - SEX SELLS.

By the time you finish, you should have enough money to buy a new VCR.

Hope I never buy anything from you!

Rex's Mom wrote:
My VERY old VCR (purchased 1988) has suddently stopped recording in
color and/or shows a bit of color.

It happily coped with 2000, so it is obviously a good machine.

Is it even worth investigating a fix or should I just buy a new one?

You can't fix it for the cost of a new one and a
$50 new one will be way superior to your old VCR.
Heck, by a VCR and DVD combo unit.

"Rex's Mom" wrote in message
...
My VERY old VCR (purchased 1988) has suddently stopped recording in color
and/or shows a bit of color.

It happily coped with 2000, so it is obviously a good machine.

Is it even worth investigating a fix or should I just buy a new one?


What's a VCR???

Rex's Mom wrote:

Is it even worth investigating a fix or should I just buy a
new one?

It is worth repairing your VCR only if it has sentimental value. A
machine that old has exceded its design life and is likely to give you
more trouble in the future - don't expect video cassets to be popular
for much longer.

Consider, getting a newer one or buying some new technology like
recordable dvd or a hard drive recorder.

"Rex's Mom" wrote in message
...
Doug Kanter wrote:

"Rex's Mom" wrote in message
...

My VERY old VCR (purchased 1988) has suddently stopped recording in
color
and/or shows a bit of color.

It happily coped with 2000, so it is obviously a good machine.

Is it even worth investigating a fix or should I just buy a new one?
--

Rex's Mom





For about $6, you could pick up a VCR cleaning cassette and see if it
helps.
If not, toss the machine, unless it's really high-end thing with
features
you can't find any more. You can pick up a new VCR for around $100 these
days. Less, actually, if you don't mind a brand you've never heard of,
imported by a company which may or may not have a working telephone
number.


Thanks for the speedy reply. Forgot about trying a cleaning
cassette (have one, but it might be too old).

In fact, other than the fact that the vcr is soooo easy to
program, it does not have any wonderful bells and whistles.
Plus, when I try to play tapes it has recorded on my newer
VCR, there is usually a synchronization problem with voice
and image. So the mouths are moving, but the words don't match!!

Will try the cleaning (btw, it does record even if only b&w)
and then (probably) start looking for a new one.

--

Rex's Mom



An you can probably buy a better and much newer one for about $2 at a local
thrift shop. They are being thrown out by the thousands.

Use a Maxell wet cleaning tape available from Circuit city.

Or buy a used Mitsubishi 795 or 778 vcr on ebay. They are probably the best
units ever made and go for $100 to $150 and are well worth it. Far superior
to the junk being sold today.


"Rex's Mom" wrote in message
...
Doug Kanter wrote:

"Rex's Mom" wrote in message
...

My VERY old VCR (purchased 1988) has suddently stopped recording in color
and/or shows a bit of color.

It happily coped with 2000, so it is obviously a good machine.

Is it even worth investigating a fix or should I just buy a new one?
--

Rex's Mom





For about $6, you could pick up a VCR cleaning cassette and see if it
helps. If not, toss the machine, unless it's really high-end thing with
features you can't find any more. You can pick up a new VCR for around
$100 these days. Less, actually, if you don't mind a brand you've never
heard of, imported by a company which may or may not have a working
telephone number.
Thanks for the speedy reply. Forgot about trying a cleaning cassette (have
one, but it might be too old).

In fact, other than the fact that the vcr is soooo easy to program, it
does not have any wonderful bells and whistles. Plus, when I try to play
tapes it has recorded on my newer VCR, there is usually a synchronization
problem with voice and image. So the mouths are moving, but the words
don't match!!

Will try the cleaning (btw, it does record even if only b&w) and then
(probably) start looking for a new one.

--

Rex's Mom

"Rex's Mom" wrote in message
...
My VERY old VCR (purchased 1988) has suddently stopped recording in color
and/or shows a bit of color.

It happily coped with 2000, so it is obviously a good machine.

Is it even worth investigating a fix or should I just buy a new one?

Just get the replacement color cartridges. You got a lot of life out of
them, most don't last more than a few years. Any appliance store will have
them.

or rent an 8300HD scientific atlanta cable box with up to 100 hours of
recording from your cable company. it will play even the hd channels
onto your standard tv set. like mine. what a picture!

wrote:

On Mon, 16 Jan 2006 16:19:16 GMT, "Doug Kanter"
wrote:


"Rex's Mom" wrote in message
...

My VERY old VCR (purchased 1988) has suddently stopped recording in color
and/or shows a bit of color.

It happily coped with 2000, so it is obviously a good machine.

Is it even worth investigating a fix or should I just buy a new one?
--

Rex's Mom




For about $6, you could pick up a VCR cleaning cassette and see if it helps.
If not, toss the machine, unless it's really high-end thing with features
you can't find any more. You can pick up a new VCR for around $100 these
days. Less, actually, if you don't mind a brand you've never heard of,
imported by a company which may or may not have a working telephone number.



I agree to clean the heads, and a cleaning cassette may work, but it's
better to clean them manually if at all possible. Pop off the cover
and get the kit with cleaning wands and liquid (usually alcohol).
Follow instructions. There is probably a website to show you how.

Otherwise, list it on ebay, using these words "L@@K VINTAGE L@@K"
Make your ad as large as possible so the buyers are exhausted by the
time they finish reading it, and just place a bid out of exhaustion.
Be sure to use the words "L@@K VINTAGE L@@K" at least 25 times in the
ad. Be sure to NOT list the shipping and handling fees where they are
easy to see. Bury them in the 1/2 meg of text and use a very small
font. Be sure to tell everyone it's LIKE NEW, and in perfect working
condition. You will likely find some sucker to pay you $5 for it as
an antique, them punch them in the gut with a $89.95 shipping and
handling fee. That's how ebay works these days, so you may as well do
your part in robbing someone too.

Be sure to include pictures of the VCR, and individual pictures of the
end of the power cord, the jacks on the rear, each button, the clock
flashing 12:00 AND with the correct time, and if possible include a
FLASH movie of a cassette being inserted. Then too, it never hurts to
put some shots of your tv screen with a naked woman in the picture.
Remember - SEX SELLS.

By the time you finish, you should have enough money to buy a new VCR.

trust that your eBay comments were tongue in cheek :-D

--

Rex's Mom

wrote:

There are a variety of DVD-players/VCRs for $100 or thereabouts.

18-yr-old VCR has probably had its head polished down summat.

Maybe it WAS good- nothing to do with Y2K, though. Right now, it's
telling you something- like, grandkids could use it as a toy. Or, it
could prop up a tv.

J

Must agree.

My Y2K comment had more to do with all of the naysayers who
said that equipment 'that old' would be unable to cope. I
think they are the same folks who think that people of a
certain age would be unable to keep up with technology!

Since it is not my only VCR, think I'll put replacing it on
the back burner.

--

Rex's Mom

spudnuty wrote:

wrote:

There are a variety of DVD-players/VCRs for $100 or thereabouts.

18-yr-old VCR has probably had its head polished down summat.

I just worked on one that had this problem. If a thorough cleaning
dosen't bring it back usually the head is shot and needs to be
replaced. More expense than it's worth. I have two all used units
purchased at garage sales or on Craig's list for under $10 each.
Richard

SInce this would be my 'second' vcr, might bypass the used
market and get a dbd/vcr combo. On the other hand...

--

Rex's Mom

On 17 Jan 2006 01:51:34 -0800, "buffalobill"
wrote:

or rent an 8300HD scientific atlanta cable box with up to 100 hours of
recording from your cable company. it will play even the hd channels
onto your standard tv set. like mine. what a picture!

But is there anyway to transfer shows to a computer (like the ReplayTV
models do over a network)? This unit can be used with any cable
converter.
--
Mark Lloyd
http://notstupid.laughingsquid.com

"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what
to have for lunch. Liberty is a well armed lamb
contesting the vote." - Benjamin Franklin

On Tue, 17 Jan 2006 00:32:21 GMT, "Red Neckerson"
wrote:


"Rex's Mom" wrote in message
...
My VERY old VCR (purchased 1988) has suddently stopped recording in color
and/or shows a bit of color.

It happily coped with 2000, so it is obviously a good machine.

Is it even worth investigating a fix or should I just buy a new one?


What's a VCR???


Video Crap Replay

On Tue, 17 Jan 2006 14:06:33 GMT, Rex's Mom
wrote:

wrote:

On Mon, 16 Jan 2006 16:19:16 GMT, "Doug Kanter"
wrote:


"Rex's Mom" wrote in message
...

My VERY old VCR (purchased 1988) has suddently stopped recording in color
and/or shows a bit of color.

It happily coped with 2000, so it is obviously a good machine.

Is it even worth investigating a fix or should I just buy a new one?
--

Rex's Mom




For about $6, you could pick up a VCR cleaning cassette and see if it helps.
If not, toss the machine, unless it's really high-end thing with features
you can't find any more. You can pick up a new VCR for around $100 these
days. Less, actually, if you don't mind a brand you've never heard of,
imported by a company which may or may not have a working telephone number.



I agree to clean the heads, and a cleaning cassette may work, but it's
better to clean them manually if at all possible. Pop off the cover
and get the kit with cleaning wands and liquid (usually alcohol).
Follow instructions. There is probably a website to show you how.

Otherwise, list it on ebay, using these words "L@@K VINTAGE L@@K"
Make your ad as large as possible so the buyers are exhausted by the
time they finish reading it, and just place a bid out of exhaustion.
Be sure to use the words "L@@K VINTAGE L@@K" at least 25 times in the
ad. Be sure to NOT list the shipping and handling fees where they are
easy to see. Bury them in the 1/2 meg of text and use a very small
font. Be sure to tell everyone it's LIKE NEW, and in perfect working
condition. You will likely find some sucker to pay you $5 for it as
an antique, them punch them in the gut with a $89.95 shipping and
handling fee. That's how ebay works these days, so you may as well do
your part in robbing someone too.

Be sure to include pictures of the VCR, and individual pictures of the
end of the power cord, the jacks on the rear, each button, the clock
flashing 12:00 AND with the correct time, and if possible include a
FLASH movie of a cassette being inserted. Then too, it never hurts to
put some shots of your tv screen with a naked woman in the picture.
Remember - SEX SELLS.

By the time you finish, you should have enough money to buy a new VCR.

trust that your eBay comments were tongue in cheek :-D

Yes, but if you have been on Ebay lately, this is darn near the truth.
I used to buy from ebay regularly. Last year I bought 2 items, and
one of them was a xmas gift for an out of town relative, and buying
online saves me the hassle of shipping and all. Ebay continues to
degrade and it's unlikely I will use it at all anymore.

On Mon, 16 Jan 2006 16:16:30 GMT, Rex's Mom
wrote:

:My VERY old VCR (purchased 1988) has suddently stopped
:recording in color and/or shows a bit of color.
:
:It happily coped with 2000, so it is obviously a good machine.
:
:Is it even worth investigating a fix or should I just buy a
:new one?

This happened to me a couple of weeks ago. I thought of posting but
found the problem. Question: Does the picture have color when you use
the tuner in the VCR? Or does it only come out black and white when you
make a recording? In my case, everything was suddenly B&W, and there was
a channel or two it wouldn't pick up at all. Fixed when I changed a
position of a switch from Cable to TV. It had somehow gotten changed
inadvertently. This VCR was almost as old as yours - bought in 1989, I
believe!

Get a satellite dish or Digital Video Recorder, most common name TIVO.
Each hour of commercial TV has at least 15 minutes of commercials you
can easily skip thru. Start watching a show while its still
recording... CANT do that with a VCR. They have the new pocket dish, to
take your shows recorded with you on a carryable unit.

a DVR will change how you watch tv forever

On 27 Jan 2006 13:09:06 -0800, "
wrote:

Get a satellite dish or Digital Video Recorder, most common name TIVO.

Note that it's TiVo (with the embedded TV) and is a brand name. I have
always used ReplayTV PVRs, and often hear that TiVo is better for
idiots and ReplayTV is better for people actually interested in the
units.

For one thing, both allow you to transfer shows to a networked
computer (most other brands do not). However, TiVo adds to the
difficulty by using more of the "protection" @#$%.

Each hour of commercial TV has at least 15 minutes of commercials you
can easily skip thru.

True. Most commercial TV "hour" shows are 43-45 minutes long with the
commercials edited out. PBS has fewer commercials, so those shows are
52-55 minutes.

Start watching a show while its still
recording... CANT do that with a VCR.

Before PVRs, I would think about that. Such a device is possible, but
very complicated (and expensive).

They have the new pocket dish, to
take your shows recorded with you on a carryable unit.


Yes. One of those portable video players would be nice.

a DVR will change how you watch tv forever

Very much. With the schedule automatically downloaded (I know Replay
uses Zap2It) & Theme channels (TiVo calls them "season passes"), you
can set it to record all episodes of any show you want. Time and
channel number become irrelevant. You can then watch the shows any
time you want, you don't have to know when it's on and what channel
(you can still find out if you want to). Recorded shows can be easily
transferred to a computer (TiVo requires "protection" software on the
computer; ReplayTV does not, a free program called DVArchive from
http://www.dvarchive.org/ is all you need).
--
Mark Lloyd
http://notstupid.laughingsquid.com

"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what
to have for lunch. Liberty is a well armed lamb
contesting the vote." - Benjamin Franklin

"10. Jan 17, 4:02 pm
Yes, but if you have been on Ebay lately, this is darn near the truth.
I used to buy from ebay regularly. Last year I bought 2 items, and
one of them was a xmas gift for an out of town relative, and buying
online saves me the hassle of shipping and all. Ebay continues to
degrade and it's unlikely I will use it at all anymore. "

Another thing I have noticed is that people today seem increasingly
ready to bid up items to full retail, or even beyond. This despite
they are buying it from someone with maybe 2 feedbacks in their
profile. Just the other day I was looking at a snowboard that was
listed as being used for one day. The seller had never sold anything
on Ebay before and had only been a member for a week. I emailed the
seller and asked if it could be picked up instead of shipped. The
answer was no. That was all I needed to hear. Yet, that board went
for $330. A brand new one lists for $499. So, it could still be a
good deal, assuming it is as described and he actually ships it. I
just saw a snowboard goggle lens go for $35, when it lists for $30
retail. And buying it either local or from an online shop, you're
sure what you;re really getting, can return it, etc. I've seen this
crazy bidding up to the price you could get the item in a store with
cameras. People apparently don't care that they're likely buying some
export model with no warranty, no returns, etc, yet paying full price
for it.

An example of shystering I just ran into. I bought an item from a
seller that had excellent feedback, stated he prefers Paypal, and had
the Paypal logo with the various credit card images displayed in the
listing. I won it and immediately paid via a credit card through
Paypal. Few days later, I notice the item is still showing unpaid. I
check my email and the seller says "I don't take credit cards through
Paypal." , so the payment was rejected by him. Now, this isn't the
biggest thing, but it is misrepresentation and he does it in all his
auctions and gets away with it. His excuse is that the Paypal logo
that he puts in the listings only comes with the credit card images.
Which isn't an excuse, because all he has to do is say in the listing
that he won't take credit cards through Paypal. What he's doing is
tricking buyers into thinking he does take them, but won't because the
way Paypal works, then he would have to pay Paypal about 2.9% on all
the payments he receives. Of course, what he doesn't realize is that
guys like me will never do business with him again because it leads me
to question what other misrepresentations he's making.

Another good example of what can happen is this. I heard a story where
a person won a snowboard on Ebay that said buyer pays for
shipping/handling, with no amount given. So, the seller then wants $40
because they are taking the board to Mail Boxes etc to do the boxing,
packing, shipping. Now, who's right in this case? I'm sure you
could pay that much to ship it using one of those services, but most
people would expect it to cost more like $20, with the seller packing
it and shipping via UPS. So they wound up in a nasty dispute. That's
why I will never bid on something unless I know the full
shipping/handling cost upfront.

The sad truth is, if more people had some sense and held people
accountable, Ebay would be a much better place.