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You need a head cleaning,it does not matter how new it is!!!
I know this is an old thread but I'm having a similar problem like the OP. I have a month old Toshiba VCR/DVD combo and it recently started eating tapes. It now eats the tapes as soon as they are inserted into the machine. I inserted a cleaning tape and it ate that too. It's under warranty but it's a ridiculous warranty. To get warranty service they force you to pay for a new machine at list price, then return the defective one and supposedly they will process a credit. I paid $87 for the unit and they want to charge me another $143 for a replacement unit and then hope they process a credit without a problem.
Does anyone know if this sort of problem has any chance of being user fixable? I'm not versed in how VCRs work but I've opened up one before.
I know this is an old thread but I'm having a similar problem like the OP. I have a month old Toshiba VCR/DVD combo and it recently started eating tapes. It now eats the tapes as soon as they are inserted into the machine. I inserted a cleaning tape and it ate that too. It's under warranty but it's a ridiculous warranty. To get warranty service they force you to pay for a new machine at list price, then return the defective one and supposedly they will process a credit. I paid $87 for the unit and they want to charge me another $143 for a replacement unit and then hope they process a credit without a problem.
Toshiba warranties are pretty bad across all electronics. The unit is most likely an express exchange item and the $143 is what they will charge you if they don't get your old machine returned to them within 10 business days. Also don't forget that you get the honor of paying for shipping in one of the directions for which amounts to around $30. If you've run the cleaning tape already and its having problems doing its job, then your video tape collection is leaving so much dirt on the heads that it will require to be taken apart to clean. Following the included link voids your warranty:
I know this is an old thread but I'm having a similar problem like the OP. I have a month old Toshiba VCR/DVD combo and it recently started eating tapes. It now eats the tapes as soon as they are inserted into the machine. I inserted a cleaning tape and it ate that too. It's under warranty but it's a ridiculous warranty. To get warranty service they force you to pay for a new machine at list price, then return the defective one and supposedly they will process a credit. I paid $87 for the unit and they want to charge me another $143 for a replacement unit and then hope they process a credit without a problem.
Does anyone know if this sort of problem has any chance of being user fixable? I'm not versed in how VCRs work but I've opened up one before.
They are charging you that much because they want to discourage you from fixing these old dinosaurs.
Your best/cheapest bet is to buy a replacement machine at your local thrift shop; there should be plenty of options there. Get a couple of them just in case.
If you've run the cleaning tape already and its having problems doing its job, then your video tape collection is leaving so much dirt on the heads that it will require to be taken apart to clean.
Thanks for the reply but it can't be dirty tape heads. The machine is a month old and I've only used it a few times with brand new or nearly brand new tapes. I tried the cleaning tape on the slim chance the machine had dirt from the factory. When a VHS cassette is inserted, whatever parts start to engage it to play are not working properly. The machine turns off and ejects the cassette with tape dangling out of it.
They are charging you that much because they want to discourage you from fixing these old dinosaurs.
Your best/cheapest bet is to buy a replacement machine at your local thrift shop; there should be plenty of options there. Get a couple of them just in case.
The old machines seemed to be of higher quality. My last one worked fine for 15 years and this one broke in one month. In fact someone on eBay had my old model in unused condition on sale for $400!
Thanks for the reply but it can't be dirty tape heads. The machine is a month old and I've only used it a few times with brand new or nearly brand new tapes. I tried the cleaning tape on the slim chance the machine had dirt from the factory. When a VHS cassette is inserted, whatever parts start to engage it to play are not working properly. The machine turns off and ejects the cassette with tape dangling out of it.
Its a get what you pay for market. I have the following one in use since 2009 w/o an issue:
I'm looking at a model that is very similar to the above, if not the same. It's a Funai brand which looks like also makes Magnavox, and also has a very similar model number.
I'm looking at a model that is very similar to the above, if not the same. It's a Funai brand which looks like also makes Magnavox, and also has a very similar model number.
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