The *OFFICIAL* 2000-present VCR discussion thread...

[holmesuser01]

I stopped working on VCR's around 2000 for the reason mentioned... unavailable parts, other than heads.

I used Asti Magnetics for replacement heads and never had a problem. (No connection with them)

[waltchan]

I haven't found one that is reliable and durable made in today's era. I am still researching...

The best one so far is the Mitsubishi chassis made between 2001 and 2005, and it can be. Example models are HS-U448, HS-U748, HS-U449, HS-U749, and D-VHS units. It's the only VCR chassis that doesn't feel it has any cheap plastics inside.

No, it is not Panasonic you originally guessed it's the best. In fact, Panasonic is actually one of the worst I've seen. Even Orion/Sansui's chassis is better than Panasonic.

[Tony75]

In defence of Panasonic, in my opinion they seem to be engineered to last quite well. They work very well for many years then fail pretty much completely. Let me explain, all the bits that tend to fail in a Panasonic seem to fail at the same time. This allows for the full value of all the parts to be realised. That is, when one part fails, say the main clutch, then the tension bands, the belt, the power supply etc will also fail fairly soon afterwards.
On other similar aged units from other manufacturers this is not quite the case. For Sony/Samsung units, a vital little plastic gear will fail (very poor design i think) and this has caused the premature scrapping of many of these units, when the rest of the vcr had plenty of years left in it. (Fortunately this part can be still purchased, as this was a big problem)
Also recent LG/NEC units the heads often fail early, the price of the heads (if available from a local supplier) can far outweigh the price of a new unit. So many of these get scrapped with plenty of other functional bits.
Basically it does mean that a Panasonic of this era is simply not worth repairing, they are a money pit, but if you could get all the parts at a good price they would be worthwhile. The problem is Panasonic parts prices for the more recent machines have been very high for a number of years now, making repair just not worthwhile.

[Dude111]

Originally Posted by waltchan

I haven't found one that is reliable and durable made in today's era. I am still researching...

No almost everything made now IS GARBAGE compared to in the 80s and earlier

[dieseljeep]

Originally Posted by waltchan

I haven't found one that is reliable and durable made in today's era. I am still researching...

The best one so far is the Mitsubishi chassis made between 2001 and 2005, and it can be. Example models are HS-U448, HS-U748, HS-U449, HS-U749, and D-VHS units. It's the only VCR chassis that doesn't feel it has any cheap plastics inside.

No, it is not Panasonic you originally guessed it's the best. In fact, Panasonic is actually one of the worst I've seen. Even Orion/Sansui's chassis is better than Panasonic.

I have a Mitsubishi VCR that was built in the late 90's. It's in excellent condition but it needs both belts. I'd like to get the original factory issue belt kit. Please respond with a possible source.

[waltchan]

Originally Posted by dieseljeep

I have a Mitsubishi VCR that was built in the late 90's. It's in excellent condition but it needs both belts. I'd like to get the original factory issue belt kit. Please respond with a possible source.

Here you go:

http://www.studiosoundelectronics.com/mbk-51.htm

[dieseljeep]

Originally Posted by waltchan

Here you go:

http://www.studiosoundelectronics.com/mbk-51.htm

Thanks, really appreciate the lead to this source. I've tried MAT and MCM with no sucess.