[waltchan]

UPDATE: I downgraded Akai's VCR reliability rating from #5 to #8 (based on estimation only), because the carriage cassette loading gear had a much higher failure rate than I anticipated, especially the 1988-1990 models. The idler tire was also very troublesome in 1985-1986 models that inserts tape at the right side. Also, I've decided to add Fisher at #5 for models 1988 models and newer, because they were identical with same mechanism to Sanyo brand, after intense reesarch.

The only credit on the Akai was that the loading motor used a nylon-teeth polystyrene belt instead of rubber belt in 1986-1987 models, with tape inserted at the left side (called MBK-19 mechanism), so, overall, I think Akai was still one-point better on reliability than Sharp, based on my most accurate judgment and repair experience.

Overall, 1986-1987 Akai VCR models with MBK-19 mechanism was the most-reliable and best-seller, but had a sometimes problem with the plastic gear arm breaking (to open top cover of VHS tape) on the tape-insert mechanism. But the plastic gear arm lasted a little longer than Sharp's MBK-15 idler tire for the first 10 years.