From: rsw@therandymon.com   
      
   On 2016-11-26, Theo  wrote:   
   > JAB  wrote:   
   >> Funai, the last manufacture of video cassette recorders-better known   
   >> as VCRs-decided to end production at the end of August, reportedly due   
   >> to difficulty of obtaining key components   
   >>   
   >   
   > Note that the only place 'chips' are mentioned is the headline.  Everyone   
   > else says 'components'.  I suspect it's the mechanical parts that are more   
   > problematic than the silicon.   
   >   
   > Theo   
      
   That would make sense - you'd need specialized assembly lines for some   
   bits, like that magnetic read-head that presses against the tape to   
   catch the signal on the magnetic tape.   
      
   There are lots of technologies I'm nostalgic for, but VCR technology   
   isn't one of them - was grateful to rent movies at one point in my   
   life, but the modern way is so much better.*   
      
   * exception: in theory, streaming videos exposes you to all sorts of   
   tracking/profiling opportunities, but I suppose back in the day the   
   FBI and friends could subpoena your video renting records anyway -   
   maybe it's no worse, just more efficient.   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)