Video Cassette Recorders (VCRs) that have a clock function can have a problem if the year 2000 is not processed properly. The VCR will still operate and record and play, but the timer recording function may be incorrect. Older machines that only have a day-of-week function and not a true calendar should not be affected.

Problems are known with some camcorders (with date-stamps). The camcorders will continue to function, but the date-stamp will be incorrect. Unless a camcorder with a Y2K problem is being used to take pictures for evidentiary or legal purposes, the department probably does not need to replace it.

Some of the equipment manufacturers Web sites have Year 2000 statements or model search features. A few of the sites are listed below:

JVC (http://jvcservice.com/y2000/)	Has a search feature by model number which returns the Y2K status of each model. This site covers consumer and broadcast/professional machines.
JVC compliance test (http://jvcservice.com/y2000/test.htm	There is also a simple year 2000 compliance test that can be performed on any equipment to check its calendar function.
Panasonic (http://www.panasonic.com/MECA/y2k/index.html)	Has a table showing the Y2K compliance status of all Panasonic products by category with special notes on some products..
Sony Consumer (http://www.sony.com/SEL/consumer/handycam/other/faq.html)	Only found reference to the DV8 camcorder.
Sony Professional (http://bpgprod.sel.sony.com/millenium.htm)	Has a statement listing models (including some consumer) that have Year 2000 problems.
Sharp (http://www.sharp-usa.com/c.asp)	Has year 2000 compliance statements for various product lines.

VCRs have EQ code H4506 in the BETS database, and camcorders have EQ code H3223. These codes can be used by a department, with the on-line BET770 report, to get a list of all departmental VCRs or camcorders in the BETS database, where the unit cost was over $500.

Return to Administrative Equipment