Sony SLV-R1000 Video Problem
 

I bought an Sony SLV-R1000 S-VHS from ebay. It was listed as "gently used". So i ordered it thinking it was gonna be in good condition. When the VCR came i hooked it up on my TV and put in a tape. Now the problem was that the video looks very distorted in black and white. The audio was working good. I could hear it very clear. I returned it since i'm no expert unfortunately. Could the vcr have been repaired easily? I paid 90$ basically for a non working vcr. Would it be worth it to get another one off of ebay to repair it? There's a few decent priced non working vcr there right. Sorry if i'm asking too many questions. I'm new here and i'm no expert lol :D

This is a perfect example of why eBay-sold gear is generally awful. Even "tested" or "works great" gear is often broken.

Example: I bought a deck last month that was "tested working". When it arrived, the box had the return slip from the previous buyer (marked as "defective"). When I opened the unit, several boards were destroyed. It wasn't shipping damage, but I'm sure the seller claimed insurance on it.

This is known scam going around eBay for at least 2-3 years now. They purposely sell junk, then claim the insurance when returned.

"Gently used" was a joke on Big Bang Theory years ago. Penny's ex cheated on her. She threw his new iPod on the street. smashing it. Raj came up, and said "look what I found on the street!" One of the other said "but it's broken, what are you doing to do with it?" Raj response: "What else? List it on eBay as slightly used."

eBay is a gamble. Unless you know how to repair the decks, or know somebody else that can (example: TGrant or deter for AG-1980/5710 decks), then look elsewhere.

Another example: I've seen the same SR-V101 decks passed around on eBay this year, over and over, like hookers at a frat party. I used that nasty analogy because these decks are equally dirty now! I'll be adding an advisory to this site, as that deck simply is not a good buy. It had issues when new, but it was passable. Those things have worn terribly in the last decade.

Nows that's a bummer. Was really excited for upgrading my VCR since i have a bunch of rare tapes i wanna put on DVD. I've read and researched that the Panasonic AG 1980 is the best vcr for clean and clear transfers. But there way too expensive for me right now. I guess i'll have to keep my eyes open for any decent deals out there. It's a good thing ebay offers money back.