I just got a GE VCR (model VG4254) built in 1995 from a friend. There appears to be no way to change the tape speed (sp, ep, slp, etc.) except with the speed button on the remote control, which is long missing. I got an entry-level RCA universal remote which works but doesn't have a button for changing the tape speed. Even in the onscreen menus you can't change the tape speed -- the VCR manual tells you to use the original remote control's speed button. And there is no button on the VCR itself for changing the tape speed.

So I have two questions:

1) Does anyone know of a universal remote that can change the tape speed? Since I don't have the original remote, I can't teach the code to a "learning" universal remote. Will "advanced codes" do the trick, and if so, how do I know if a universal remote can accept "advanced codes"?

2) I don't really need a remote control except to change the tape speed from the unit's default SLP (slowest speed) to SP. Does anyone know of a way to do that on such a VCR without a remote? Like, is there some secret VCR repair-person trick that does it? (I don't know, I'm just hoping there might be some secret trick like holding down the record button or something crazy like that -- you never know!).

GE VCR's are also sold under other names, such as RCA and ProScan, so if you know any tricks that work with those models, it might work with mine, especially if it's a similar vintage (1995).

Thanks!

Do you have a pronto remote? I ask this because maybe someone on here has the code on their pronto and would be able to send you the code. So that you can cut and paste it into prontoedit so that you can download it to your pronto.

Rob

ah uzualee jus giv mah hampterz sum mor food,

try www.hifi-remote.com

Thanks for the replies, especially the one about the hamsters. That explains why they've been dying.

I posted this question here and to the "Universal Remotes" forum, and I got a couple leads there that I am pursuing, so if anyone wants to read or post more on this thread (and please do!), then go to the "Universal Remotes" forum, where you'll find it under the same subject heading.

I haven't solved the problem yet, but I'll post the solution there when I do, for anybody who encounters the same problem in the future.

Thanks!

My goodness, a sense of humour. Don't go, this forum needs you.

Are YOU SAYING that I DON'T have a sense of HUMOUR?

Let ME TELL YOU something SONNY!

I'VE got more humour in my whole HEAD than YOU have in your LITTLE FINGER!

Damn PUNK kids got no respect for nuthin!

Oxy moron

Since I'm old enough to be Greg's dad . . . well, alright, that may be pushing it a bit . . . I take that as a compliment.

ah've allwayz wunnered whut thuh Big Bang lookt lahk..........kin yew inliten alluh us with uh ferst persun akownt?

ahhh that was a weeeeeee out yonder billy

Hope it wasn't too cold?

change speed on a VCR? Drop it from the tenth floor instead of the third!

ah thank thuh turminul velosity wood probibly be thuh same for ene hite abuv thuh sekund floor.

how ya figuur? think tha VCR would acceller8 to @128 in 30 feet?