Overview
 Tape counter |
The Toshiba V-31 was a nice looking front loading VCR. It was in competition with the
Sony SL-C7 and Sanyo VTC-5000.
The V-31 was produced in silver and was quite a heavy VCR, it did not have a perfect
still frame but did offer a wired remote control, a single event 7 day timer and
an auto rewind feature.
Both the V-31 an V-33 were unusual in the fact that they sense when a video input is provided and automatically switch from tuner to AV input. Most other machines have manual switching between the two modes. Both machines were also marketed under the General brand name, however whilst the General versions were electrically identical, they had a recast plastic front panel giving the General models a distinctive look. The timer controls are hidden away behind a flap on the right hand side of the unit providing a simple 1 program timer function. It uses a simple mechanical tape counter which is driven off the pickup reel.
Many thanks to John McCabe and Noel Higgins for supplying information and picture of this machine |