HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: cliu@silver.ucs.indiana.edu (chang hsu liu)
Newsgroups: rec.video
Subject: Help on VCR auto tracking problem!
Date: 6 Jan 93 01:31:12 GMT
Organization: Indiana University


Dear video experts,


        I have VCR with auto tracking problems. The machine works OK on
any tape that's recorded with it. It won't play tapes recorded from
other machines properly with snow (right term?) on around 1/5 on top of
the screen. I have to use manual tracking in order to get rid of most
of the snow. If I go further, the screen will jump a lot. The machine
is not very old (SONY SLV-575uc), and it started giving this problem
less than one year of use. Also, any tape recorded with this machine
won't play properly on other machines with similar tracking problem.

        My question is:

1) What is the cause of this problem? 
        I didn't use it very frequently, but I do like to use play forward
to skip the commercials I recorded.

2) If it easy to fix this problem by myself? Any pointer to a good reference,
or step-by-step instruction is appreciated. I don't know too much about
electronics, but I have experience working on computer hardware.

3) How much does it cost to fix the problem if I send it to a repair 
store and if I do it myself?


Inputs are welcomed.

Peter Liu
cliu@silver.ucs.indiana.edu
From: 00mjstum@leo.bsuvc.bsu.edu (Matthew J. Stum)
Newsgroups: rec.video
Subject: Re: HERE IS VCR Plus source code
Date: 4 Jan 93 19:51:09 GMT
Organization: Widget Enterprises

dws@ssec.wisc.edu (DaviD W. Sanderson) writes:
> In article <1992Dec31.170245.6522@eecs.nwu.edu> kaufman@eecs.nwu.edu (Michael L. Kaufman) writes:
>>This file would not decode on my machine.
> 
> I had problems with it too.  I had to fix up the uuencoded text
> manually, since the trailing spaces got deleted somewhere along the
> way.  Even then, uudecode claimed 'short file', but I was able to
> unpack the resulting .zip file without problems.
> 
>>Mail to the poster bounced, so if he (or anyone else)
>>could try reposting, or better yet, just post the source, I
>>would appreciate it. I am sure that others would too.
> 
> Okay, here's a shar of the contents of the .zip file.  Note that I
> am NOT the author and I have not been able to contact him by Email
> either.
> 
> DaviD W. Sanderson (dws@ssec.wisc.edu)
> 
> 	"The Noah Webster of smileys is David Sanderson"
> 		- The Wall Street Journal, 15 Sep 1992
> 
[... program deleted ...]

Well, I was able to get this to our unix (Ultrix) machine, un"shar" it, and
compile it... 'cept I get a core dump when I execute it... something about
executing a kernal command.  Anyway, I'm completely unix and C illiterate...
Anyone care to post an Enlish/pseudo-English description of the algorithm?
Or better yet, a version that works in, say, Pascal (VAX Pascal preferred)?

--
Matt Stum                    Gwydion ap Myrddin       Ball State University
00mjstum@leo.bsuvc.bsu.edu   Shire of Afonlyn, MK     Muncie, IN  USA
Newsgroups: rec.video
From: bbishop@crusader.torolab.ibm.com ()
Subject: Re: HERE IS VCR Plus source code
Date: Wed, 6 Jan 1993 19:54:48 GMT
Organization: IBM, Austin

Well, I just read the argument of why go through all the trouble to do VCR+
codes as opposed to just programming your VCR normally... and the counter
argument that some guy doesnt want to program his VCR (and set the time
) every time the power goes out...
 
I would have to argue (although I dont know where the guy lives) that the power
(around my house ) doesnt go out that much... But more importantly, the remote
that came with my JVC VCR has an option that you can program the  shows you 
want to watch into it and set the time on the remote itself... So the neat
thing is is that when the power does go out or something gets disconnected 
(and on the JVC it actually has to be out for a couple of minutes before it 
erases the memory) I can just send the time from the remote to the VCR...walla,
instant time on the VCR... It also lets you keep more programs in memory on the
remote than on the VCR ... The VCR can have 8 programs set to record, but the
remote can have 20 programs (of course only 8 ON THE VCR can be used at a time
but it does allow for alternating)... The CATV and broadcast channel settings
are also kept (no matter how long the VCR has been off from my experience) so
that when you plug it back in and turn it back on, all you have to do is
select CATV or broadcast and all you channels are set the way they were before.

I like my JVC.

(can't see myself buying VCR+ though)

Brad
From: brown@vidiot.UUCP (Vidiot)
Newsgroups: rec.video
Subject: Re: VCR PLUS code conflicts in TV Guide
Keywords: vcr+
Date: 7 Jan 93 03:35:00 GMT
Reply-To: brown@vidiot.UUCP (Vidiot)
Distribution: usa
Organization: Vidiot's Hangout

In article <hankin.726334026@osf> hankin@sauron.osf.org (Scott Hankin) writes:
<brown@vidiot.UUCP (Vidiot) writes:
<
<><>Would somebody explain to me why you would go to all the trouble 
<><>of firing up a PC to create VCR+ codes and then entering them 
<><>instead of just programming your damn VCR the regular way?
<><
<><Because some VCRs can't be programmed both ways at the same time. Either
<><you set the time and date on the VCR every time the power goes off for 2
<><seconds and then program everything into the VCR, or you push a few
<><buttons on a VCR+ once and let it take care of everything.
<
<>Get a VCR that doesn't lose track of time right after the power goes out.
<>Mine at least lasts for 1/2 hour (or more).
<
<    I see - rather than buy a $50 device which handles my current VCR, I
<    should go out and buy a new VCR instead.  Ah - good plan!

No, I'm saying that when the VCR was purchased the first time, one should
have been purchased that had timer/clock backup.

According to the manual, the HR-S8000U will hold backup for 60 minutes.
-- 
      harvard\                          spool.cs.wisc.edu!astroatc!vidiot!brown
Vidiot  ucbvax!uwvax..........!astroatc!vidiot!brown
      rutgers/            INTERNET:vidiot!brown%astroatc.UUCP@spool.cs.wisc.edu
                                   brown@wi.extrel.com
From: rmf@bpdsun1.uucp (Rob Finley)
Newsgroups: rec.video
Subject: Re: How to Fix a Sony TV Remote and Save $60
Date: 6 Jan 93 05:03:48 GMT
Distribution: usa
Organization: Harris Allied Broadcast Div., Quincy, IL


Or, you could call Sony Kansas City Parts: 816-891-7550.

The pad of buttons for my Parents Sony TV remote was $4
Since Grandma also has the same model, we got 5 of them.
That will last a while.


While you are at it, order the service manual.  For receivers
and TV's, these run less than $10.00. 
VCR manuals are under $20 (SLV-R5 VCR is $19)


If you have the SLV-R5UC VCR, you are SOL as the buttons
are not available separately.  Arguing won't help either.
Only way to get them is by part# 1-465-475-11 $110.00
for the whole main body.  The lid is $25 at #3-749-148-01.


Another good fix is a conductive ink pen used to repair
pulled traces on boards.  Holds up well.


OBTW, If you attempt to disassemble the main R5 remote
body, you will have a terrible time realigning the
LCD display glass to the Zebra strips.  Only recommended
for desparation.  


Best Regards
From: brown@vidiot.UUCP (Vidiot)
Newsgroups: rec.video
Subject: Re: VCR PLUS code conflicts in TV Guide
Keywords: vcr+
Date: 10 Jan 93 03:41:15 GMT
Reply-To: brown@vidiot.UUCP (Vidiot)
Distribution: na
Organization: Vidiot's Hangout

In article <1993Jan8.212942.10102@bmerh85.bnr.ca> stud1b53@bnr.ca writes:
<In article <1ikj3oINNgc5@gaia.ucs.orst.edu>, stanley@skyking.OCE.ORST.EDU (John Stanley) writes:
<|> In article <4730@vidiot.UUCP> brown@vidiot.UUCP (Vidiot) writes:
<|> >Like I said in previous postings, can't help those who purchased poor VCRs.
<|> 
<|> Unlike you, I tend to evaluate VCR's on things like picture quality and
<|> recording modes and input/output connections, not whether the clock
<|> keeps time when the power goes out.
<|> 
<|> Now that VCR+ is available, the clock isn't even on my list of criteria.
<|> For you, the clock is the dividing line between poor and not-poor VCR's.
<|> How sad.
<
<  I believe this is a gross misinterpretation of what Vidiot was saying.
<There are numerous criteria one uses when evaluating consumer electronics
<of any kind.  The criteria each individual uses should correspond to their
<own wants and needs.  If someone places great value on their clock surviving 
<power outages, it is not unreasonable to think that they would look for
<this feature at the time of purchase.  In that context, the decision to
<purchase a vcr without this feature was a "poor" one because it necessitates
<the purchase of an add-on unit to achieve something that could have been
<included in the original (without settling for poorer picture quality or
<inferior recording modes).  As Vidiot explained, his intent was to inform
<people now looking to purchase a vcr of a possible additional criteria to
<consider so that they may save additional expense at a later date (in the
<form of an add-on VCR+ unit).  His post did not warrant your flame.

Thanks for the support.

But I didn't consider the other posting a flame.
-- 
      harvard\                          spool.cs.wisc.edu!astroatc!vidiot!brown
Vidiot  ucbvax!uwvax..........!astroatc!vidiot!brown
      rutgers/            INTERNET:vidiot!brown%astroatc.UUCP@spool.cs.wisc.edu
                                   brown@wi.extrel.com
From: b1hg0jv@kato.BELL-ATL.COM (Benash)
Newsgroups: rec.video
Subject: Mail-Order Rec. Wanted
Summary: Want to buy Minolta C-618
Keywords: Honarable Mail-Order Source
Date: 11 Jan 93 17:53:04 GMT
Distribution: usa
Organization: Bell Atlantic

I'm looking for a decent, no hidden charges mail order source (it would
be really fantastic if they will actually talk to you on the phone, as
well) for Minolta camcorders, specifically a C-618.

If anyone here is familiar with Camera World of Oregon, I'll refer to
them as a mail order concern who meets the requirements. Unfortunately
they don't sell Minolta VCR's. For example, they are very polite and
courteous on the phone, shipping for a new camera is $10, and everything
has a US warranty, no surcharge for credit cards that they honor.

Any reccomendations?

Ray Benash
b1hg0jv@kato.bell-atl.com
 
Newsgroups: rec.video
From: Monty Solomon <monty%roscom@think.com>
Subject: Re: VCR PLUS code conflicts in TV Guide
Reply-To: Monty Solomon <roscom!monty@think.com>
Organization: Proponent
Distribution: usa
Date: Wed, 6 Jan 1993 06:46:13 GMT

In article <ISBELL.93Jan5092033@pop-tarts.ai.mit.edu> isbell@ai.mit.edu  
(Charles L Isbell) writes:
> I would find the concept of VCR+ sort of silly with all the new
> menu-driven programming available (side note:  Consumer Guide called
> this feature "artifical intelligence"--made me want to run screaming)
> *except* that in the hellpit known as Boston/Cambridge/Somerville they
> scramble all the damn cable channels so you HAVE TO USE THE STUPID
> BOX.

I believe that Warner Cable in Somerville scrambles only their premium  
channels.

There are other cable systems in Massachusetts that don't scramble their
basic cable.

A VCR+ can be programmed for 14 events versus 8 for many VCRs.

-- 
# Monty Solomon / PO Box 2486 / Framingham, MA  01701-0405
# monty%roscom@think.com
Newsgroups: rec.video
From: clarke@acme.ucf.edu (Thomas Clarke)
Subject: IS VideoToaster Programmable?
Organization: University of Central Florida
Date: Fri, 8 Jan 1993 20:22:33 GMT

I have an application where I would like to warp a video
image-stream to compensate for distortion caused by imaging 
optics.  The images are constantly changing, but the warping
would be fixed.

The VideoToaster seems to have the raw horsepower to perform
the desired warpings, but can the Toaster be "programmed"
to produce a user-defined image warping?  

An inquiry to NewTek a year ago said that a set of tools to 
do this was planned for the future.  Are these tools available
yet?  Has anyone used them?

Reply via e-mail if possible.  Thanks.
--
Thomas Clarke
Institute for Simulation and Training, University of Central FL
12424 Research Parkway, Suite 300, Orlando, FL 32826
(407)658-5030, FAX: (407)658-5059, clarke@acme.ucf.edu
Newsgroups: rec.video
From: kester@mte.ncsu.edu (Dan Kester)
Subject: Need info on macrovision
Organization: North Carolina State University
Date: Wed, 6 Jan 1993 20:19:12 GMT

 I only recently found out about macrovision, and have some questions on it. 

How does it work (simplified explanations preferred!) Is it a software or
hardware system (or both)? Does it work on all VCRs? 

What about the "macro-eliminators"? Where do they go? (in terms of
connections). Do they work well, or do they introduce new problems? Are any
recommended over others?

Thanks for all responses!

Dan Kester
kester@mte.ncsu.edu
From: aa794@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Pete Nofel)
Newsgroups: rec.video
Subject: Sole purpose of tape rewinder
Date: 9 Jan 1993 13:21:04 GMT
Organization: Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH (USA)
Reply-To: aa794@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Pete Nofel)
NNTP-Posting-Host: thor.ins.cwru.edu


	The only reason we use a tape rewinder is for rewinding tapes while
we're doing multi-tape edits on our AG-1960 S-VHS decks. It's convenient to
be rewinding tapes while both decks are busy doing dubs. The counters on
the 1960s show hrs:min:sec and reset to 00:00:00 when you pop a tape and
put a new one in. Having the tape rewound lets you fast-forward to your
edit point.
	Also, the 1960s have some kind of lame tape rewind protection built
in that makes rewinding in the VTR incredibly slooooow. When you need to
have a rough-cut edit done my 8 a.m. and it's 3:38 a.m., you don't need any
delays.
	Otherwise, I agree with the consensus that VTRs are built to do
rewinding on a consumer level. It's like saying you have to buy a special
device to push your car in reverse because it will save wear on your
transmission.

-- 
Pete Nofel, aa794, primary sysop
It's a Mystery - The Mystery Literature Group
Cleveland Freenet, Cleveland Ohio
From: Ligon@macgw1.ge.com (Woody Ligon)
Newsgroups: rec.video
Subject: single channel tuner???
Date: 11 Jan 93 21:23:57 GMT
Followup-To: rec.video
Organization: GE-CRD

My kids are using an ancient (1972) Zenith color TV with a mechanical tuner
as a monitor for NINTENDO. The TV basically works fine (good color and
remarkably sharp) but I have needed to clean the tuner repeatedly with fair
results and now it seems to really be on the way out.

A new tuner would cost far more than the TV is worth

Is there any chance that someone would have the schematic for a simple
circuit which would "tune" just channel 3 or 4. The output of the tuner is
just a cable with an RCA type plug so it appears that substitution should
be really trivial.

Thanks in advance.

Woody Ligon
(ligon@macgw1.crd.ge.com)
From: brown@vidiot.UUCP (Vidiot)
Newsgroups: rec.video
Subject: Re: Anybody want to sell me a JVC HR-S7000U or HR-S8000U?
Date: 9 Jan 93 17:06:12 GMT
Reply-To: brown@vidiot.UUCP (Vidiot)
Distribution: na
Organization: Vidiot's Hangout

In article <1993Jan8.012637.7399@bpdsun1.uucp> rmf@bpdsun1.uucp (Rob Finley) writes:
<In article <1993Jan5.161938.9818@bnr.ca> dwjz@bnr.ca (Doug Zolmer) writes:
< 
<>- Program the VCR while it's recording, even while it's timer recording. 
<>- Both on-screen and front display programming.  Programming via the front
<>  panel or via the remote.
<>- Programming when the VCR is off (sounds weird but the JVCs can do it)
<>- Automatic index marking when record is invoked.  
<>- Manual marking of indexes in either record or play mode.  Manual erasure
<>  of index marks
<>- Address marking (up to 9999 addresses per tape).
<>- Manual marking and erasure of addresses.
<>- Manual or automatic control of audio levels.
<>- Manual tracking control (no automatic tracking for me thanks especially
<>  after hearing about all the problems with HiFi dropouts).
<
<   The SLV-R5 has all of these features except you must have a tape
<with record unprotected or it won't allow timer settings.  I guess
<it isn't a bug:  They don't want you to leave your pre-recorded
<(or even worse:  rented) tape inside as it won't record the show.
<It's a slight annoyance I'll endure. 

JVC has a better idea.  When you have a tape in the VCR and it is missing the
record tab, pressing the TIMER button will eject the tape.  This forces you
to put in a good one.  If you don't have a tape installed, pressing TIMER will
cause the front panel indicators for timer mode to flash, until a tape is
inserted.
-- 
      harvard\                          spool.cs.wisc.edu!astroatc!vidiot!brown
Vidiot  ucbvax!uwvax..........!astroatc!vidiot!brown
      rutgers/            INTERNET:vidiot!brown%astroatc.UUCP@spool.cs.wisc.edu
                                   brown@wi.extrel.com
Newsgroups: rec.video,rec.video.releases,rec.arts.movies
From: reh10@cus.cam.ac.uk (R.E. Hunt)
Subject: Video cassette mail-order store wanted in USA
Organization: U of Cambridge, England
Date: Mon, 4 Jan 1993 19:15:29 GMT

I live in England and am having difficulty obtaining some films I want to see
on video. Since I have a VHS video recorder which can play-back NTSC videos on
my (PAL) television set, the ideal solution would be for me to find a video
outlet in the USA somewhere which is prepared to mail video tapes overseas.
Obviously I need somewhere that has a very large range of tapes available, and
that has a comprehensive catalogue of their mail-order tapes which they could
send me.

I'd be very grateful if anyone out there who knows of such a store could let me
know, either over the net or via Email. It would obviously be useful if you
could also include details of the approximate size and range of its stock, and
how much money I would have to send in order to receive a catalogue (of course
I would probably just send them my VISA credit-card number) - but don't be put
off if you don't know. Thanks!
From: jerry@hnrc.tufts.edu (Jerry Dallal)
Newsgroups: rec.video
Subject: Re: VCR PLUS code conflicts in TV Guide
Date: 7 Jan 93 18:08:15 GMT
Distribution: usa
Organization: USDA HNRC at Tufts University

In article <hankin.726418807@osf>, hankin@sauron.osf.org (Scott Hankin) writes:
> brown@vidiot.UUCP (Vidiot) writes:
> 
>><>Get a VCR that doesn't lose track of time right after the power goes out.
>><>Mine at least lasts for 1/2 hour (or more).
>><
>><    I see - rather than buy a $50 device which handles my current VCR, I
>><    should go out and buy a new VCR instead.  Ah - good plan!
> 
>>No, I'm saying that when the VCR was purchased the first time, one should
>>have been purchased that had timer/clock backup.
> 
>     Ah - even better - change the past.  20-20 hindsight in action.  The
>     ever-helpful "You should have done something different" advice.
> 
>     Face it - the VCR+ is a simple solution to a variety of problems.
> 

I would hope it's clear by now that, like any other tool, the VCR+ is for some 
a godsend and for others an unnecessary  expense.  It should also be clear that
it is neither indispensible nor is it a solution to all video ills.

As Mr. Natural taught Flaky Floont:  "At home or at work, use the right tool 
for the job!"

If the VCR+ is the right tool--use it.  If it's not--don't.
Newsgroups: rec.video
From: bill@bilver.uucp (Bill Vermillion)
Subject: Re: Photo CD
Organization: W. J. Vermillion - Winter Park, FL
Date: Mon, 11 Jan 1993 01:12:44 GMT

In article <usul.726646169@mcl> usul@mcl.ucsb.edu (Matt Staroscik) writes:
>In <J.Newman.196.726304136@icarus.curtin.edu.au> J.Newman@icarus.curtin.edu.au (John Newman) writes:
>

>>Forget magnetic storage for archiving images and keep them on paper or film!

>Forget magnetic, but optical storage is definitely an option!
>If what I've heard is correct, the CD standard is being re-defined - future
>CDs complying with the new standard (which I'm not sure when it'll be finalized)are supposed to have a lifetime of 1,000 years...

Yeh Sure!      The only things that immediately come to mind that have
had that lifetime so far are clay tablets.    And just because it will
last that long, will there be anything to play them on.   We have
computer tapes from just a few years ago, that are unreadable because
there is no working equipment left.   Happened just a few miles from.
Lots of data downloaded from satellites.  So much info that it can't
all be digested at once, and then when it comes time to look at it, no
way to read it.

>And CDs are durable enough if you handle them carefully and don't get them
>wet, precautions you would take with most any other media I can think of.

Hm 78's and LP's come to mind as far as that goes.  78's being better,
except the ones with paper, in that they don't have the 'flow' that
plastic does - because the 'shellac' materials are somewhat akin to
bakelite in that area.

I don't have any LP's over 43 years old.  (They were introduced in 1949
and I think I have one from then).  I have some 78's that are about
90 years old.   And they look like they'll be good for another couple
of hundred years at least, from what I can see of current degradation.

Be very wary of ANYTHING that uses mulitiple layers or is joined
dis-similar material.       

I have seen film where the emulsion flakes off.    But a solid material
that is molded or formed from one compound, can usually be made quite
stable.


-- 
Bill Vermillion - bill@bilver.oau.org  bill@bilver.uucp
                - ..!{peora|tous|tarpit}!bilver!bill
From: stanley@skyking.OCE.ORST.EDU (John Stanley)
Newsgroups: rec.video
Subject: Re: VCR PLUS code conflicts in TV Guide
Date: 5 Jan 1993 00:24:06 GMT
Organization: Oregon State University, College of Oceanography
Distribution: usa
NNTP-Posting-Host: skyking.oce.orst.edu
Keywords: vcr+

In article <1993Jan04.211801.3124@microsoft.com> gregde@microsoft.com (Greg Demichillie) writes:
>Would somebody explain to me why you would go to all the trouble 
>of firing up a PC to create VCR+ codes and then entering them 
>instead of just programming your damn VCR the regular way?

Because some VCRs can't be programmed both ways at the same time. Either
you set the time and date on the VCR every time the power goes off for 2
seconds and then program everything into the VCR, or you push a few
buttons on a VCR+ once and let it take care of everything.

Xref: sparky rec.video:15587 misc.consumers:21695
From: fino@point.cs.uwm.edu (Alexander Finogenov)
Newsgroups: rec.video,misc.consumers
Subject: Re: Tape rewinder (Re: Tape snapped at beginning of tape)
Date: 7 Jan 1993 22:56:30 GMT
Organization: University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
Distribution: na
NNTP-Posting-Host: 129.89.2.5

In article <C0HuDw.6qy@news.cso.uiuc.edu> acheng@ncsa.uiuc.edu (Albert Cheng) writes:
: 
: In article <4715@vidiot.UUCP>, brown@vidiot.UUCP (Vidiot) writes:
: >Another hint.  Don't use those stupid tape rewinders.
: 
: I have heard recommendation of using the rewinder instead the VCR to
: rewind tapes.  The reason is to reduce wear on my expensive VCR head
: mechanism.  Are there better brands of tape rewinders or are they
: all tape eaters?

I am not sure, but I don't think, that the VCR head mechanism is wearing out
when you rewind a tape in non-viewing mode (the head is not touching the tape
then).

Alex