Quote:
Originally Posted by LBPete
So looking at my choices.
1) Buy one of the current Funai built VCR/DVD combo players. This is the simple way out but I'm concerned about the playback quality for archiving the old home movies.
2) Restore the PV-8664 or the HR-D566U. I don't have time to tackle this so I'd appreciate a recommendation for someone in the LA/Orange County area to do it
3) Buy a different VCR and have it restored.
So what do you think? Any recommendations?
- Pete
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Stay away from choice #1. A new Funai would be the poorest decision a person can make in life. In these older VCRs, if it's eating tapes, 95% of the time it would need new belts and idler tire cleaning or replacement, as well as pinch roller cleaning. Definitely a do-it-yourself repair.
Studio Sound Electronics, the world's-largest #1 VCR parts retailer, has belt-kits available for JVC HR-D566U. Idler tires are no longer available, but you can easily clean them with rubbing alcohol and bring them back to life. You can purchase this kit at:
http://www.studiosoundelectronics.com/mbk-41.htm
JVC had a very-good reputation on reliability during the 1980s, in fact Consumer Reports rated JVC #4 most-reliable Japanese video-electronic manufacturer overall, after Panasonic, Toshiba, and Sanyo (in order). JVC rated higher in reliability than Symphonic, Mitsubishi, Sony, Sharp, RCA, NEC, Emerson, and Fisher (again in order). So, it's worth repairing.
My choice would be #2 for you. Restore the JVC HR-D566U, but throw-out the Panasonic PV-8664 as it's sort of disposable.
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