Help with VCR

Hello,

As an oldie, at the moment, I'm content with my t.v. and my combined DVD-VCR recorder/player.

I guess in time, I'll have to buy a set-top box but until then, I want to stay as I am.

My VCR tapes, mostly, but not all, are recording picture but no sound. The bottom of the tape is blank and I guess this is the sound bar? I've asked my grandson who is 18 for help.....and he said Nan, if some have sound, and some don't, maybe there is a loose wire. So I pulled out the NEC machine out, checked everything was plugged in OK which they were.

Now as many of you will know, it's no good asking for more help as the young these days are too involved with their own whatever.
Isn't that sad???

However, I hate having to ask for any help as I love to be independent. It's really bugging me and like many oldies, one can be ripped off by tradesmen as I've found out when I was widowed.

So, can anyone advise me? Are some of my tapes too old? It's impossible these days to buy new VCR tapes I was told. I have plenty of ABC operatic tapes and I'd tape over them if I knew how. I was told to put tape over the little square on the left hand side which I did but I still keep getting 'Madama Butterfly'.

Please, please, can you help me?
Many Thanks!

12 comments

So, can anyone advise me? Are some of my tapes too old? It’s impossible these days to buy new VCR tapes I was told. I have plenty of ABC operatic tapes and I’d tape over them if I knew how. I was told to put tape over the little square on the left hand side which I did but I still keep getting ‘Madama Butterfly’



I have VCR tapes that are more than 20 years old and they are still in good working order



I am sure that new blank VCR tapes can still be purchased and you could try Tandys or Dick Smith in particular ..It is a good idea to buy the good quality ones and the store will advise you wich are best



The the hole on the left hand side of the tape on the spine is designed so that you may not inadvertently tape over a programe already copied .but you can reuse the tape by putting sticky tape over the hole ......Make sure that you cover the hole completely .....When tapes are new a plastic tab covers the hole and can be removed quite easily and thus provide this safety feature



If you have lost sound or picture quality then I do not know what to sugest .........It seems that the tapes have indeed worn out and this happens eventually



clay

I also have tapes that are MANY years old and still work fine--I would say that if some are taping and playing back fine --it would be the tape that was the problem--I know what you mean about the young ones not caring about anyone but them selves--happens to my friend all the time --even though she has put herself out to help them for the last 7 years.



Yes you can cover the area with sticky tape and they should be able to be tape cover with no trouble--as Clay said.

Interesting! If you have a DVD Recorder , WHY dont you use that .



Just buy at Dick Smiths RW DVD blanks, they are easier to store etc.



A set top box will be needed soon if you have an analogue TV.



You are already missing out on seeing the extra channels telecast on Digital tv.



When the analogue tranmission ceases , it will be a bit like the change over from pounds ,shilings and pence to dollars and cents.



My girlfriend is using an old TV and tapes her fav shows, but soon that will all finish.



A set top box is under $100 and fixes the problem. It is places between the Aerial and the TV.

Hope you have some luck with your problems.



Cheers

Charlee.

Thanks Charlee for your advice.

I do have a 6 year old NEC combined DVD/VCR and the reason I don't use the DVD is that I only know how to play DVD's. I haven't got a clue as how to use it in any other way. I wouldn't have a clue as to how to tape DVD's.

I was advised to buy a Wintal set top box but you say tsome are under $100. I'd like any advice on brands other than the Wintal.

Now if I buy a set top box, it will just have to sit where I put it until someone shows me.

Give me a few items and I can cook for the world.

Again, thanks.

Nor-thur

If you have the DVD tuned into you TV--the remote for the DVD should have a "Menu" button--have a look at your book--and go through the Menu--see what it comes up with--once you have done it--I am sure you will be able to do it again--let us know how you go.

Hello,

I would suggest if you haven't already, that you try the tapes in another machine and see if the same problem occurs there.

It's the same old story - when will the instructions become the same? Press this or that - connect this to that? Most instructions are written in a language we can't understand! I'm still trying to connect the VCR to the sexcond TV, which has a Digital set top boX!! Get great reception on the digital enabled TV, but unable to make VCR recordings. Able to make recordings on the DVD, with the main TV.. But, trying to make the other - thinking it is a lost cause

I have a set top box --on the bedroom TV--but don't have a DVD recorder there--just a Video--so have to watch the TV through the video--so can't record one and watch another--I will have to make inquiries re a DVD recorder--there are ones that record 2 programs at once I hear

You have to think ahead. Current VCR/DVD players on sale are all analogue and cant record digital I was told by the salesman when we bought a new HD Digital TV recently. Doesn't matter to me right now as commercial stations are all analogue can only get the government channels on digital as the commercials wont pay for the repeaters seemingly not enough folk in our rural area.



But now if you can get digital you can also get a hard drive recorder for it and that does not need tapes nor discs at all and can record two whilst you watch one other program etc. Cost currently around $457. But they will come down as set top boxes have.



So stick with what you have got until the analogue goes off by then boxes will be cheaper than chips.......well cheaper rofl......



Do agree re the language on the instructions as it is actually not English but translated into English from mainly Japanese or other languages so suffers in the translation and not easy to follow at all.



Also I recently picked up VCR tapes in Coles - good ones too Fuji. 3 for around $11. Good colour.



As for the problem with sound - take your tape to someone with a machine to try it out or failing that into Harvey Norman or Retrovision store where I am sure a helpful salesman will try it out on their demonstration machines and if it doesn't work usually know a good tech to fix it or maybe just need heads cleaning. I think you can buy a tape for this but never had to to date.

But now if you can get digital you can also get a hard drive recorder for it and that does not need tapes nor discs at all and can record two whilst you watch one other program etc. Cost currently around $457.





--

Thats what I have to buy for the bedroom TV--as at the moment I can only watch through the Video--with the set top box--so can't record and watch another like I did with analog

Plan B I got the price from Harvey Norman.



Have a google on one of the shopping comparison sites and look around at prices and print some out to bargain for cash. Even if you use plastic draw down the cash and bargain - works.



http://www.myshopping.com.au/



here is one that is quite good but look around on google best.



We cant get digital on commercials yet. Only ABC and SBS.



I do like ABC2 Breakfast as it is full of real stuff and politics as some would say - but without knowing what is going on - you are leaving yourself wide open.

Thanks for that site Val--I will book mark it

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