A VCR Delima

[LBPete]

I don't get over to VideoKarma much since it split off from AudioKarma. I miss you TV guys and now need to enlist your help.

My 1998 vintage Panasonic PV-8664 VCR is getting wonky and I'm facing the classic repair or replace question.

I also have a pair of JVC HR-D566U VCRs circa 1986. I bough one of them new and paid more than $700 for it. It started eating tapes and the local TV shop couldn't or wouldn't fix it. That's when I bough the PV-8664.

I've held on to the JVC with the idea of restoring it but it's never happened. Over time I found another one in a thrift store and bought it for a backup. These are really heavy over built VCRs. They were the first generation of the HQ and HiFi audio technology. They even have separate audio record level pots and LED VU meters. At the time they were sold as a better alternative to reel to reel tape and I used to use mine to record albums off my FM receiver.

I want to hold on to a good working VCR for a few reasons.

1st, the thrift stores are full of old movies that can be had for $1 or less. I found a copy of This is Spinal Tap yesterday.
2nd, I have a bunch of VHS home movies that I'd like to transfer to DVD.

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