DVD/VCR combination machine(s) need repair, suggestions please?

Question

I have two high end combo machines that both have the same problem - the "laser eye" is misreading or is need of repair. They both went "down" in less than 3 years - no, I did NOT buy the extended warranty.

Is there a cheap way to repair these things? Quotes I have are for $250.00 but I feel the repair shops would rather I just leave them there and this would give them the economic opportunity to then re-sell or keep for themselves.

I am tired of this so I went and purchased the "cheap" model (laughs to self and thinks this one will out last the others) and it works just as good and easier to use.

Answer 1

LOL That's usually the way it works Gerry...the cheaper ones work just as well and sometimes out last the more expensive models! I don't think there is an easy fix for them babe! I have used cleaners you can buy for them, but it didn't seem to help and I had to buy a new one anyway!!!

Answer 2

Yeah, the new ones are just as good as the old ones. You have to realize, three years ago DVD recorders were new technology, so cost a lot more than they do today. You made the right choice. Toss the old ones in the trash.

(For $250, you could buy the same old models used, and working, on ebay.)

Answer 3

laser eyes can be cleaned but you have to be careful not to use the wrong cleaner or you can damage them and have to replace them (expensive repair) dirty conditions are the most common cause of the problem. smoking and dust are the biggest causes for misreads.try windex on a q-tip but not drenched.

Answer 4

Funny you ask this question!  The SAME thing JUST happened to me!

Now that it is all apart and in pieces after spending extraordinary amounts of time on it, my best advice is to just get a new one.

I just got back....you can get the combos for less than $100.  Personally, I'm just going to go ahead to the Blu Ray since videotapes are (and cd's dvds soon enough will be) already almost obsolete.