VCR R.I.P.

Our VCR died recently.  Put in the tape, and it wouldn't suck it all the way in.  Bummer.

Aside from the fact that it was fairly old, it was still a great VCR.

We paid top dollar about 15 years ago for it and never regretted it.  When our old one died, we found this one.  It was supposed to be the "next generation" of VCR's with 6 heads.  Too bad it never caught on.  Put every 4 head to shame.  Very clean recording and playback.

So we headed out to pick up a new one.  Not too many choices any more now that recordable DVD systems, DVR, TiVo and the like are available.  But we found one that had all the basics we needed even though it had the recordable DVD in tandem.  All we really needed is something to catch the TV shows we like for future watching.  And the cheapest one fit that bill.

Dragging it home, we got it unboxed and ready to set up when we noticed it doesn't have a tuner built in to it.  We would have to set the cable box to the channel we wanted to record instead of using the VCR.  With all the different channels we hit, that isn't going to work.

Back to the store to return it and look for a system that did what we wanted it to.  Well, now.  Didn't that narrow down the choices.  We had our pick of 3 (I think) by the time we filtered out all the "non-tuner-ed" sets.

Oh!  And try getting one that is JUST a VCR.  Ain't gonna happen.  They come with more bells and whistles than most cell phones.  And THOSE are crammed with more worthless garbage than you can shake a stick at.

Back at home, we pull it out and start setting it up.  Sort of...  NASA has a better and easier program for shuttle launches.

This thing came with an instruction manual that is 60+ pages of actual instructions...all in one language.  Dudette spent most of the day reading through it and putting in all the settings and stuff.  Then there was all the testing to make sure she had it right.  She doesn't.  And don't look at me to set it straight.  I build stuff and read blueprints and drawings for a living, and I was making threatening comments towards the authors of this manual (despite that fact that English appeared to be their primary language).  But if you feel the need to make us feel like we can't read instructions....c'mon over.  I'll even buy the beer, then sit back and enjoy the show.

We got it to record, and tune in the right channels, so happiness is there.  And, as luck would have it (though I suspect these people are experimenting with various pharmaceuticals) the particular model we picked up is supposed to be the "top of the line" according to independent researchers (I won't mention the organization as I suspect they would all fail the U.A.).  But it is obvious to us that they never actually set one of these machines up themselves.  If they had, it would have been outdated before the testing was completed.  I have a suspicion several 8 year olds had to be involved in the set up.  I think that is against child labor laws, but lets keep that to ourselves.  KK?

Taping has resumed and life goes on.

Technology (still) happens.

Comments

[CK]

The old VCR didn't die it just gave up on trying to keep up with all of Dudette's shows. Oh well it is resting comfortably in VCR heaven. Glad the new one finally got figured out. And if you need any more help with it I can call Amber's 4 year old daughter so she can help you.

[Chelle]

You know what it was? The people doing the testing were able to take a model home and their 8 - 10 year olds kids set it up FOR THEM so that they could do the review! :D

[martie]

Congratulations on finding a VCR at all. I didn't think they made them. After reading this tho perhaps I need to put mine (I've got 3 or 4 that I don't use) up on auction on Ebay -- might make some change!

[Bogie]

While reading this I thought you were nuts - just get online and order a VCR. Then I went to J&R, who only had 8mm VCRs (3 of the 6 with built in 7" screens - who can actually see anything on a screen that small?). I thought maybe Amazon would give some choices, but they don't even list them as a catagory.

Guess I'm going to have to get busy recording all the tapes onto DVD so when the VCR craps out I cn still watch them!

[Heather]

VCR?

What is this thing of which you speak?

LOL when ours crapped out we got a dvd/vcr combo from walmart for $15. It's 3 years old now and still going strong.

[Owen Strawn]

I got a pair of VCRs refurbished at a little joint on the corner of Washington and Hillside. Good service. We don't use our VCRs for time-shifting anymore though - we got a DVR from the cable tyranny, and it works much better.