Quote:
Originally Posted by waltchan
Finally, my Top 10 NOT recommended and junkiest VCR models ever made in history (ranked in order) due to multiple problems, had poor reliability in the past, or repair costs are exceedingly expensive due to aging concerns and poor design in the first place:
1. Any Fisher VCR models made before 1986 (idler fails all the time)
2. 1983-1984 Sharp VC-388U and VC-489U (HUGE common problem with reel-motor turning on on its own; STK6942, and tracking/picture knob issues)
3. 1984-1985 Mitsubishi HS-400UR, HS-410UR, and HS-430UR (multiple electronic and mechanical problems)
4. 1988 Hitachi VT-3000A, RCA VR-270, and VR-450 (multiple electronic and mechanical problems)
5. Any 1989-1990 (but not 1988) Panasonic G-Chassis VCR models (switching power supply problem AND surface-mount caps problem, up to 50, on video AND Hi-Fi audio board).
6. Any GoldStar-made VCR models made after 1990 (gears and LED problem)
7. Any Funai-made VCR models made after 1997 (loading belt and LED problem)
8. Any Daewoo-made VCR models made during the late-90s (idler problem)
9. Any JVC VCR models made after 1995 (carriage problem)
10. Any Sony VCR models made after 1995 (mutiple gears problem)
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Used to stock the rewind idler for the Fishers. They never lasted very long.
The SONY's were fine up to 1995 or so, like you say. I've junked several recently that I found were out of time after spending alot of time getting one back in time, with no evidence of gear problems, only to see it jump time a few days later when I stuck a tape in it. Not worth the work.
I only look for the high-end machines now... flying erase heads, etc. Now and then one will turn up, and often, there is nothing wrong with it that cant be fixed with a drop of oil, or a dobb of grease.
I was so happy when VCR's got rid of belts...