The Y2K / VCR Conspiracy
Forwarded by Dianne Gholden, 03/25/99:
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Subject: Y2K and Your VCR
Here is something I bet you hadn't thought would be an issue for Y2K. Some VCR's won't be able to use the programmed advanced recording feature. Do not throw away your VCR in the year 2000. Set the year on 1972 because the calendar days of the week and month will be the same as the year 2000. Please pass this on because you know the manufacturer will not share this information. They will want you to buy a new one that is Y2K compliant. |
Guide's note: As if the world coming to an end weren't enough of a bother, now we have to worry about whether or not we'll be able to tape The Simpsons while dining on Spam and Cheez Whiz in our underground bunkers. Thank heaven millennia only come along once every thousand years!
It's most likely true that some VCRs won't be able to handle the switch to double-zeros, although the major manufacturers I talked to (Sony and Panasonic) assured me that their video products are Y2K compliant.
It's also theoretically true that if your VCR comes down with the Y2K bug, resetting the clock to 1972 would allow you to program it – but I'm told that the majority of machines are not likely to accept a date earlier than 1980.
At any rate, there's no conspiracy to hide this "solution" from the public. Erroneous or not, it has even been published in the press. If manufacturers aren't trumpeting it, perhaps that's because it simply won't work in most cases.
If you're unsure what the status of your own VCR's Y2K readiness is or what to do about it, call the manufacturer. That's what customer service departments are for.
For general information, including instructions on how to test various home appliances for Y2K compliance, see the following:
And for more Y2K nuttiness:
- Thirty Days Hath February 2000?
Rumor has it that the year 2000 is a "double leap year"
Current Net Hoaxes
More Legends & Netlore
