im having a VCR problem. whats this part called and where can i get one.

[Ed in Tx]

Originally Posted by Tony75

My parents bought one of the G decks, a Panasonic (National was gone by then) NV-G40..
It had one of those bar code scanners for programming. This was one of Panasonic's more useless things, it was no easier to program with it, and only actually recorded what you wanted about 60% of the time, possibly due to missing info between the scanner and the machine when you transmitted the info.

Panasonic had at least one model here in the US with that bar code scanner gizmo. I remember seeing one that came into the shop in its box with the accessories including the bar code scanner. As I recall it had a sheet that came with it with times and channels and the bar codes so you could scan and send the data to the VCR remotely.

Did they ever have "VCR Plus" there in Australia? Was another programming method where you entered in a series of 5 ( maybe 6? ) numbers that were published in the newspaper TV schedule to program your VCR for day and time just by entering in those numbers.

[Tony75]

We had a system called G-Code, probably the same thing. Some of the newspaper guides published these with the programs. Some VCRs had it built in, there was also an add on unit, which you left in front of the VCR.
Never used it as TV stations here don't keep to their schedule very well and start and finish shows late, one long running show might have a knock on effect for hours as they catch up. You could add time to G-code, but it was so much trouble that it was easier to use the built-in manufacturer's programming method.
My Dad always had to get out the instructions to program the Panasonic every time he wanted to record a show. The Panasonic was replaced with a Sony with on screen menu programming, supposed to be easier, he has given up trying to use it at all for recording.