What about the Sony SVO-5800? It would appear to be a "broadcast quality" sony s-vhs deck and would appear to be able to read and write regular VHS tapes. Am I missing something or is this a rare exception to your stated rule?
I have nearly quit bothering to try to support any 'new' things that come out from food places - anything I *like* will end up getting pulled anyway. I'm still bitter over the scrapping of the McDLT. The McDonald's Chicken Strips? Gone. Wendy's breakfast stuff? Liked them - gone. Wendy's super bar? Gone. I suspect the Taco Bell gorditas will go within 6 months of me developing a regular taste for them. It's a shame, because I want to support innovation, but the larger companies don't seem to be able to commit to things long term any more. Yes, the McDLT was... 5 years? That's about the longest I've ever seen any variation from a menu core last.
SCCS, the source motel! Programs check in and never check out! -- Ken Thompson