I am leery of those combo type of machines. If one function goes, your stuck with a partially functioning machine. I will check that out at
B&H though as it makes more sense to by a new one for a hundred bucks then repair an old one.
It actually won't take the tape in, without slight force, compared to the way it used to just suck the tape in. It goes in a little, then it appears the machine is trying to eject it, but is unable. So it just pushes the tape out in small jerking motions a little at a time.
I am fairly certain there is nothing jammed in it. I have taken it apart, what apart it can be taken , and I don't see anything. Its just me. I have been looking at this machine every day, several times a day for 12 years. Its tough to get over it being broken. As time goes on, I watch less and less of anything anymore. I spend most of my viewing time shuttling between the news shows obsessing about how screwed up the world is.
I looked at the Toshiba units that
B&H sells on
AMAZON. Customer comments were not favorable. FUNAI fared better in the comments section. You seem knowledgeable. Would you know how well the vcr portion of these machines might hold up over time. I am basically trying to replace a viable vcr and its normal functions of timer recording tv shows and movies. I have a dvd player already.