Frustrating Electronics

Earlier this week my VCR started eating cassette tapes for dinner. Seriously.

I decided I needed to find a replacement on my day off. After taking a bus for 45 minutes and walking over 2.5 km to visit three stores, the first two of which had nothing in stock, I finally found something akin to what I needed in the third. I happily brought it back home via cab and hooked it up and ... nothing. Oh, *it* thought it was working, but nothing at all appeared on my TV screen. I unhooked it and rehooked it again. And again. I played with the TV settings. I unhooked it and hooked up the old one, which still thinks it works fine except for the whole cassette tape diet thing, but at least I verified I knew how to hook up a VCR.

This isn't rocket science.

Frustrated, I called the company's technical assistance line. After pressing something like 53 buttons, an automated voice told me that my model wasn't supported and cut me off. I called back, chose different options and actually got a live person, who told me my model wasn't supported and gave me the original number I called which cut me off again.

ARGHHHHHHHHHHHH!

I checked online for troubleshooting. Maybe there was a trick. No tricks to be found.

I unhooked it and rehooked it again. I called my dad, who couldn't imagine what the problem would be either after walking me through the process.

I called the store where I bought it. They assured me all models are tested and work fine and that I should call the manufacturer. I told them I would be returning it. Eventually - I couldn't imagine making a trip there and back again with that beast today.

Day pass for the bus: $9
Cab ride home: $20
Unit that doesn't work: $111
Telling 400+ people on Facebook never to buy a product from the manufacturer again: Priceless