I picked up this Akai VCR at a goodwill for $5 after talking them down from $12.99 when after trying it, and the tape would not go in.. I saw a picture of this recently and never would think I would come across one, but I did.. I got it home and it was the roof of the loading compartment, someone must have set something heavy on top of the VCR. I out a little force of bending the roof back up and the tape loaded and plays and does all the functions perfect..
One thing I've noticed even on other VCRS including the Sony Betamax VCRS SL-HF500, the two that I own eventually started this. The VU meters have a blank part in them when the LED lights go past a certain point. On this Akai the right side stays blank and seems to go hotter than the left side..
Here's a video to see.. I wonder what causes this? anyone knows? I think the right hotter side maybe a issue of it's own.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gh2KxxfhuQ0