[ggregg]

I think we are confusing VCR's in general with those made after 2000, which is the topic.

I worked on VCR's from 1990 to about 1999. 80's and 90's Panasonics were the most reliable that I've seen. Power supply diodes and idler rubber seemed to be the only thing that ever failed unless it was hit with a surge. Hitachi's were good too but ate belts and they had 5. Only two seemed to always fail.

After 2000 machines were really pretty crappy and since I was out of the repair business by then, I'm not familiar with them. I still buy them now but when they break, I go to Goodwill, Savers, or a Pawnshop and get another one for usually about $15 or less. I don't usually care what brand is on it. They are all cheaply made. The only thing I'll do to them now is clean the head or mode switch. If it's any more than that, I'm getting another used one. There is still plenty around.