Yesterday, I was about to tape the Oscars but the tape I had for the Oscars got eaten by the VCR. I took it out to get the Head-Cleaner...but it ate that too...so, with the temper I have...yes I have one, mark my words...I threw the VCR on the ground and then in the garbage.

Where can I get a decent VCR with remote? I may get one at Wal-Mart on Saturday...though I hate going there...I don't have much options right now...

I'm sorry to hear that this happened, but this is the first time I've heard of a VCR being mentioned in years. I don't know how common it is to find them these days. The last time I saw them, it was all VCR/DVD combos.

Here's the problem with DVD/VCR combos, the new models at least the one I have no longer have an RF output on the back which was needed when connecting an RF cable to the RF input on the back of a TV.

If you still have an old CRTV and so desperately want just a VCR then I can suggest trying the Goodwill stores, I've seen them used going for $20.00 of course buy at your own risk.

And if you have a new HDTV then you're out of luck because the HDTV's don't have an RF output and even when using an RF adaptor (audio/video) connector it still doesn't work.

http://library.creativecow.net/articles/wilson_tim/blu-ray/rip.jpg

Where can I get a decent VCR with remote? I may get one at Wal-Mart on Saturday...though I hate going there...I don't have much options right now...

You can find them at most thrift stores for $10.00 or less. I bought a Sony Hi-Fi with remote for $7.99 over 2 years ago and it still works perfectly. You might want to take a couple of AA & AAA batteries with you incase the ones in the remote are dead. The store should let you test it before deciding to buy it.

Solomon, believe me, I know how you feel. I would go get a VCR/DVD player because I dont think they make just VCR's anymore. Btw, when you mention that the tape was eaten by the VCR what do you mean?


As far as the headcleaner goes, try not to break that because those are becoming harder and harder to come by:mad:

I feel for you Paul. My VCR-DVD combo broke a few months ago. I'm going to have to go out and find a new one. I have a couple of old VCR's but they aren't in good shape.

Solomon, believe me, I know how you feel. I would go get a VCR/DVD player because I dont think they make just VCR's anymore. Btw, when you mention that the tape was eaten by the VCR what do you mean?


As far as the headcleaner goes, try not to break that because those are becoming harder and harder to come by:mad:

The phrase " Tape got eaten " goes back to the old days of the 8-track.
It's when tape comes of the spools and is stuck in the belly of the machine.

The phrase " Tape got eaten " goes back to the old days of the 8-track.
It's when tape comes of the spools and is stuck in the belly of the machine.
The best solution for that was to carefully with a screwdriver remove the top cover and very steady gently unspool the tape from the VCR mechanisms.

The downside is that the tape is ruined but still watchable if you like watching a mangled picture. :D

I went looking at VCR's at BestBuy about 6 months ago and the salesman told us the new models don't record anymore. I said really, I didn't know that. We just looked at them and didn't buy one.

I'll be going Wal-Mart...of all places...and see if the VCR/DVD Player I get can record tapes.

If not...amazon.com it is!

I'll be going Wal-Mart...of all places...and see if the VCR/DVD Player I get can record tapes.

If not...amazon.com it is!

Walmart (http://www.walmart.com/search/?query=vcr%20dvd%20combo%20player&typeahead=vcr) doesn't have much to choose from.

You are not going to believe this. Today, I was taping something and my tape got stuck in the VCR. I had to cut the tape to get it out. If I use scotch tape to tape the tape that was cut, I should be ok with whatever I was taping.

You are not going to believe this. Today, I was taping something and my tape got stuck in the VCR. I had to cut the tape to get it out. If I use scotch tape to tape the tape that was cut, I should be ok with whatever I was taping.
It won't last long because as your constantly rewinding and fast forwarding the spot where you put scotch tape will snap.


I'll be going Wal-Mart...of all places...and see if the VCR/DVD Player I get can record tapes.

If not...amazon.com it is!
My DVD/VCR is from Walmart but it's not recordable.

May I suggest "Garage Saleing" You will certainly be able to find one that DOES record for $10.00 or less. :D

Solomon, believe me, I know how you feel. I would go get a VCR/DVD player because I dont think they make just VCR's anymore. Btw, when you mention that the tape was eaten by the VCR what do you mean?


As far as the headcleaner goes, try not to break that because those are becoming harder and harder to come by:mad:


IM Solomon and my VCR is still working lol

Pretty sure you can get a VCR from ebay

Pretty sure you can get a VCR from ebay

I listed my Sony earlier, don't need 3 VCR's.

The one thing a VCR will always have over a DVD player is continuous play

People still use VCRs to record from TV?

People still use VCRs to record from TV?

I use mine to record stuff from Dish Network.

People still use VCRs to record from TV?


Yes u can record each month for free unlike when b using a DVR

Yesterday, I was about to tape the Oscars but the tape I had for the Oscars got eaten by the VCR. I took it out to get the Head-Cleaner...but it ate that too...so, with the temper I have...yes I have one, mark my words...I threw the VCR on the ground and then in the garbage.

Where can I get a decent VCR with remote? I may get one at Wal-Mart oun Saturday...though I hate going there...I don't have much options right now...

Sorry to hear this MrCleveland. Yes, I know how IRRRRRITATING VCR's can be. My combo unit ruined a prized cassette I wanted to dub to DVD. gRRR! So I totally get your frustration. The VCR part of my combo unit died. I found a working VCR at the thrift store around the corner from me & it cost 8 bucks. I never record to videocassettes anymore but I have 4 cassettes I couldn't convert to DVD. I'd say your best bet might be a thrift shop like Goodwill or Salvation Army. Or if you prefer online or at a yard sale. If you go to a retail store you'll only find combo units. Which would do the trick but they cost $150-200. 99.9% of my stuff is on DVD. I find recording to DVD much easier and foolproof. And DVDs take up much less storage space, which is a factor if you live in a small aparttment like I do.

Yes u can record each month for free unlike when b using a DVR

Yeah, but DVR supports the HD capability and is part of my cable plan. I just transer what I want to keep to the computer and then copy it to a disc if I want a physical copy.

I don't have to worry about handling tapes anymore. It's much easier.

I have thought about buying a VCR/DVD combo, so I can try to transfer some old recordings from the '80s and the '90s. But I haven't gotten around to do it yet.

The one thing a VCR will always have over a DVD player is continuous playAnother thing is ANALOGUE!!!!!!

Nothing better than the purity of analog :)


I feel bad for MrCleveland and I hope he can get his unit fixed or find out whats wrong with it.... (Maybe something stuck in it)


VCRs are beautiful :)

I feel bad for MrCleveland and I hope he can get his unit fixed or find out whats wrong with it.... (Maybe something stuck in it)

It would cost more than it's worth to fix it.

Yeah, but DVR supports the HD capability and is part of my cable plan. I just transer what I want to keep to the computer and then copy it to a disc if I want a physical copy.

I don't have to worry about handling tapes anymore. It's much easier.


I totally agree. DVDs are a much easier medium to work with. If I never see a videocassette again it won't be too soon. I wish I could convert the four videocassettes I have and be done with videos completely. Knowing that VCRs tend to break down and "eat" prized videos, i may try recording segments of the videos with my iPad and uploading to Private viewing on You Tube.

I'll probably get one on either amazon, ebay, or a second-hand store...but now I'm gonna tape many shows thrice just in case one tape gets eaten-up and I still have the tape...which reminds me...I gotta retape my Easter Tape the day I get a new VCR or a VCR/DVD Player.

My VCR is fine. I guess it was just the tape that was the problem.

I totally agree. DVDs are a much easier medium to work with. If I never see a videocassette again it won't be too soon. I wish I could convert the four videocassettes I have and be done with videos completely. Knowing that VCRs tend to break down and "eat" prized videos, i may try recording segments of the videos with my iPad and uploading to Private viewing on You Tube.
I'm sorry, but I have to ask. How exactly do you think DVD is an "easier medium to work with"? Because in my experience, it still has so many flaws. Like you can't erase recordings and replace it with something else, like you did with VHS.

Not only that, can you record something off of your DVD like you can with a VHS tape?

I'm sorry, but I have to ask. How exactly do you think DVD is an "easier medium to work with"? Because in my experience, it still has so many flaws. Like you can't erase recordings and replace it with something else, like you did with VHS.

If I'm not mistaken, you can use a rewriteable disc., on which you can rewrite. How I think a DVD disc is easier than a cassette: (1) they are more durable (2) less likely to be damaged by the machine doing the recording (3) DVD recorders break down FAR LESS frequently than VCRs (4) video cassettes take up A LOT MORE room than discs. Example-The entire series of Little House On The Prairie (190 "hour" eps fits into 1/2 of a wallet. The same thing in video would take 1/2 a bookcase - if not a whole one. (5) Per storage time,I find DVDs cheaper-but I always buy mine on sale. True, I use the non-rewriteable but they are fine for my needs. I seldom see video cassettes on sale. (6) NEVER have to worry about a prize video getting mangled by the VCR.

Those are six I could think of off the top of my head. You are obviously quite fond of video cassettes-as for me, I think they 're a wretched practically-obsolete medium-and am glad I was able to transfer or replace my 400 cassettes with DVD-except for 4. i'm just praying that none of the four get mangled by the VCR.

Well, as I have at least two videocasettes, who still are functionable after thirty years, and I have never had a videocasette being mangled, you still haven't convinced me. Yes, DVDs do take up more space than videocasettes. But that is also their only advantage to me. And if they are anything like CDs, they are more sensitive that casettes to getting scratched and broken.

Well, as I have at least two videocasettes, who still are functionable after thirty years, and I have never had a videocasette being mangled, you still haven't convinced me. Yes, DVDs do take up more space than videocasettes. But that is also their only advantage to me. And if they are anything like CDs, they are more sensitive that casettes to getting scratched and broken.

DVDs take more space than Video Cassettes? :confused: If I had every TV Show I owned on VHS instead of DVD or Blu-Ray there'd be no room in my house for me to live in! :lol: :rofl: :rotflmao: :brent

That was a typo, dude. Of course I meant that they take upp less space. :rolleyes:

My VCR is fine. I guess it was just the tape that was the problem.Thank goodness.........Im glad its OK buddy :)

Why thank you. :)

I can understand both points about having DVD's or VHS tapes. Me? I use VHS tapes because of a couple of reasons. I was brought up using VHS tapes so I'm used to taping stuff using VHS tapes. Also, I would need patience, time and a small fortune to convert all my VHS tapes to DVD's.

And you wouldnt have the same beautiful analogue quality if ya did!! (Analog is much better than digital (Warm,pure,etc))

Well, as I have at least two videocasettes, who still are functionable after thirty years, and I have never had a videocasette being mangled, you still haven't convinced me. Yes, DVDs do take up more space than videocasettes. But that is also their only advantage to me. And if they are anything like CDs, they are more sensitive that casettes to getting scratched and broken.

Videocassettes seem to work well for you, so I understand why you feel the way you do. Unfortunately, they haven't worked well for me; I've had at least six cassettes get ruined on me, two of which I particularly treasured. DVDs don't get damaged when you keep them in wallets or jewel boxes and they are wonderful space savers. When you live in a sm. apt. that is a BIG advantage.

But like that old saying goes, if it works, don't fix it. But DVDs turned out to be much better for me so I transferred as much as I could to them.

Not only that, can you record something off of your DVD like you can with a VHS tape?

If your DVD isn't copyright protected, I believe you could dub from DVD to videocassette with a combo unit.

I now got a VCR from a second-hand store.

I may get another one soon....

[QUOTE=JamesG]Yeah, but DVR supports the HD capability and is part of my cable plan. I just transer what I want to keep to the computer and then copy it to a disc if I want a physical copy.

How do you do that? A dvr Transfer

As for VCR, I did like them but any new recording device, a new one takes it's place and we are stuck with the problem of saving what we have to something new. A wonderful idea would be not to save a thing but does any one do that??

How do you do that? A dvr Transfer

By connecting the DVR to my computer w/ USB cable.

Yes u can record each month for free unlike when b using a DVR

But you can record more hours on a DVR and not use up a bunch of tapes. So much nicer having everything recorded in one place and not have a stack of tapes taking up room, plus you don't lose quality recording to DVR.

But you can record more hours on a DVR and not use up a bunch of tapes. So much nicer having everything recorded in one place and not have a stack of tapes taking up room, plus you don't lose quality recording to DVR.


Im not giving comcast one more dime

I now got a VCR from a second-hand store.Good buddy,I am happy for ya :)

But you can record more hours on a DVR and not use up a bunch of tapes. So much nicer having everything recorded in one place and not have a stack of tapes taking up room, plus you don't lose quality recording to DVR.

Absolutely! The savings on space is a Godsend. If everything I have on DVD were on cassettes, I'd literally have no room in my apartment!

Believe it or not, I was actually able to fix the broken tape I had. I had to cut the tape to get it out of the machine but I was able to scotch tape it and it works fine now. A personal triumph for me.

Yeah, I too managed to fix a broken tape that way once.

How many of you used to rent movies from the video store and with two VCR's handy make copies for your own collection? I used to do it very often of course that was before pre-recorded VHS movies became more affordable.

Videocassettes seem to work well for you, so I understand why you feel the way you do. Unfortunately, they haven't worked well for me; I've had at least six cassettes get ruined on me, two of which I particularly treasured. DVDs don't get damaged when you keep them in wallets or jewel boxes and they are wonderful space savers. When you live in a sm. apt. that is a BIG advantage.

But like that old saying goes, if it works, don't fix it. But DVDs turned out to be much better for me so I transferred as much as I could to them.

For me, the one advantage DVD has over VHS is there is no fast forwarding or rewinding. With VHS, the fast forwarding and rewinding, while necessary, causes wear to the tapes and VCR. Aside from that, I like VHS. I've never had a VCR eat one of my tapes, many of my tapes are close to 30 years old and still play fine. I have three VCR's. The one that I currently use, I also have two in storage still unopened inside the boxes. Several years ago, I purchased two VCR's around the time it was announced VHS was being phased out for DVD. I figured at the time I'd better go to the store and buy a couple VCR's while they were still on the market.

One other plus DVD's have, is there aren't any tracking problems. With VHS tapes, sometimes there can be tracking problems, especially with LP or EP recorded tapes. Also, tracking that is compatible on one VCR, may not be compatible on a different VCR.

A concern I have about DVD's, is they can lose their data over time, thus becoming corrupt and unplayable. I have already had this happen with a few of my DVD's. On the other hand, I have yet to have a VHS tape that lost it's recorded image and became unplayable.

One other plus DVD's have, is there aren't any tracking problems. With VHS tapes, sometimes there can be tracking problems, especially with LP or EP recorded tapes. Also, tracking that is compatible on one VCR, may not be compatible on a different VCR.
As a kid while fiddling around with the SP, LP, EP buttons of which I didn't know what they meant is when I discovered that you could record more stuff on 6 hour tapes in EP mode because I always had my VCR set for LP.

I learned the hard way too when I wanted to record over a small portion of a previously recorded program and I didn't realize the setting on the VCR was in SP mode that I nearly used the whole 6 hour tape for a 2 hour recording.

As a kid while fiddling around with the SP, LP, EP buttons of which I didn't know what they meant is when I discovered that you could record more stuff on 6 hour tapes in EP mode because I always had my VCR set for LP.

I learned the hard way too when I wanted to record over a small portion of a previously recorded program and I didn't realize the setting on the VCR was in SP mode that I nearly used the whole 6 hour tape for a 2 hour recording.

Around 1980 or 81 is when I bought my first VCR. It was a GE model, top loader, nice machine. Unfortunately, I had to part with it a few years ago because it was worn out and had quit working. Anyhow, I used to record stuff from TV on that VCR, I often used LP or EP mode to maximize the length of recording time on the tapes. However, after I purchased a second VCR, a Fisher top loader, I found out that the tapes I recorded on the GE deck wouldn't play back right in the Fisher deck, there were problems with tracking. I had to play them exclusively on the GE deck for proper playback. Sometimes, tapes are best played back on the deck they were recorded on. Recording in SP mode reduces the possibility of tracking problems when playing the tape in a different VCR.

Our first VCR was older than me, I think Dad bought it in like 1982. But it worked until 1998, even if the sound quality of new recordings were bad during the last few years. It had no LP or EP mode, but at the time, we were just happy anyway.

Our first VCR was older than me, I think Dad bought it in like 1982. But it worked until 1998, even if the sound quality of new recordings were bad during the last few years. It had no LP or EP mode, but at the time, we were just happy anyway.

You had nice luck. 16 years is a long time. Mine averaged about 8 years each, which is still OK-

For me, the one advantage DVD has over VHS is there is no fast forwarding or rewinding. With VHS, the fast forwarding and rewinding, while necessary, causes wear to the tapes and VCR. Aside from that, I like VHS. I've never had a VCR eat one of my tapes, many of my tapes are close to 30 years old and still play fine. I have three VCR's. The one that I currently use, I also have two in storage still unopened inside the boxes. Several years ago, I purchased two VCR's around the time it was announced VHS was being phased out for DVD. I figured at the time I'd better go to the store and buy a couple VCR's while they were still on the market.

One other plus DVD's have, is there aren't any tracking problems. With VHS tapes, sometimes there can be tracking problems, especially with LP or EP recorded tapes. Also, tracking that is compatible on one VCR, may not be compatible on a different VCR.

A concern I have about DVD's, is they can lose their data over time, thus becoming corrupt and unplayable. I have already had this happen with a few of my DVD's. On the other hand, I have yet to have a VHS tape that lost it's recorded image and became unplayable.

Yes, thanks. The lack of a true fast forward/rewind on VCRs would be my reason #7. DVDs are supposed to be pretty durable in terms of data retention. True, if left out in the open, the medium is fragile, but who in their right mind would do that? DVDs stored in wallets or jewel boxes last a long time. I've yet to have a store bought or burned DVD conk out on me, but maybe I 'm just lucky.

Even though I clearly prefer DVDs over videocassettes, I do like having my thrift store bought VCR for my four videocassettes. VCRs do have a nostalgic/retro quality that in their own quirky way is endearing. Sort of like only wanting to watch 50s show in their original black & white.

Thr real deal breaker for me, of all the advantages of DVDs is the savings on storage space. I have two stacking drawers of DVDs; on videocassettes I'd literally have no room in my small apartment.

Sometimes, tapes are best played back on the deck they were recorded on. Recording in SP mode reduces the possibility of tracking problems when playing the tape in a different VCR.
The problem isn't noticeable on pre-recorded VHS movies because they were all recorded in SP but then there were those low end video distributors that would release bargain VHS movies to smaller outlets in EP mode.

You had nice luck. 16 years is a long time. Mine averaged about 8 years each, which is still OK-
Yeah, they used to make proper stuff back in the day. And we still have a refrigerator, that is fortyseven years old (it still works fine, except for that it makes weird noises), and a microwave oven, that is twentyfive years old (it still works fine too, except for the lamp inside it).

Yeah, they used to make proper stuff back in the day. And we still have a refrigerator, that is fortyseven years old (it still works fine, except for that it makes weird noises), and a microwave oven, that is twentyfive years old (it still works fine too, except for the lamp inside it).
Yeah,they used to build things to last,nowadays they just build them to break down.

Yeah,they used to build things to last,nowadays they just build them to break down.
That's how manufacturers make their money back from customers buying the things over and over.

That's how manufacturers make their money back from customers buying the things over and over.
True,but they still made money when things were built to last. I think what's been going on especially over the past 20 years or so is they try to make things as cheaply as possible and at the same time charging as much as they can.I'm not saying that's the case with everything they make now,but it's true about a lot of things.

The problem isn't noticeable on pre-recorded VHS movies because they were all recorded in SP but then there were those low end video distributors that would release bargain VHS movies to smaller outlets in EP mode.

True, but sometimes even SP recorded tapes from some of those low end distributors can have tracking problems.

Yes, thanks. The lack of a true fast forward/rewind on VCRs would be my reason #7. DVDs are supposed to be pretty durable in terms of data retention. True, if left out in the open, the medium is fragile, but who in their right mind would do that? DVDs stored in wallets or jewel boxes last a long time. I've yet to have a store bought or burned DVD conk out on me, but maybe I 'm just lucky.

I handle DVD's carefully and make sure they don't get scratched or smudged. The DVD's that went bad on me were kept in plastic cases. I'm going with the assumption that the media was poor quality, that's why the discs went bad.

I'll have to search for another VCR...I threw another one away since it ate two of my tapes...I saved one, but I couldn't save the other!

I might as well start saving everything on DVD...once I get this census job, I might as well get a DVD recorder and have my VHS library get saved on DVD.

I'll have to search for another VCR...I threw another one away since it ate two of my tapes...I saved one, but I couldn't save the other!

I might as well start saving everything on DVD...once I get this census job, I might as well get a DVD recorder and have my VHS library get saved on DVD.

What was the other tape that didn't get saved?

What was the other tape that didn't get saved?

A custom tape that I was done with...I hope to a VCR one this Sunday, if not...I'm going to the 2nd-hand store.

A custom tape that I was done with...I hope to get one this Sunday, if not...I'm going to the 2nd-hand store.

Thanks.