Why won't the VHS play when the DVD will

It is a known issue

My vcr has a trouble code of E1 what does this mean

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Nov 26, 2018 - That error code very generally means that the signal input on the rear side of the VCR is not sensing any signal input. So the first thing to do ...
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MAGNAVOX DVD/VCR ZV420MW8 error code E1

Fixya https://www.fixya.com > support > t14967799-magna...
Nov 11, 2012 - "E1" is the display indicator the unit is looking for a External input signal or Line Mode. "E1" External input on the rear, "E2" External input ...

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  magnavox dvd vcr e1 Questions & Answers (with Pictures)

  https://www.fixya.com > ... > magnavox dvd vcr e1
  I'm trying to set up my new recorder It is displaying "E1" Hit the source button at the top of the remote to go to television, E1 is the input on the back of ...
  
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There are any number of reasons why it won't play. The loading basket is jammed, the video tape has got tangled up in the mechanical section of the vcr or the loading gears are stripped. Unplug machine and remove top, [screws side and back] if the tape is spewed carefully remove by cutting it and clean tape particles, for any other problem have a technician check it out.

Never force it, just use the remote.
If it won't stay in, unplug the unit and wait a while.
I think we get viruses from the TV signal which might be temporary (hopefully).

this is because some VHS players have copy protection. for example some VHS manufactured by disney has copyright protection and is imposible to be compied to a DVD format.

DVD+R is a Sony format, so it may not play in the more common -R format players. Are you finalizing the DVD's if not they will only play on the deck that recorded them

NEED A NEW IDLER.

Did it EVER work as expected with VCR audio through the HDMI or are we working through that right now assuming it can?

I don't have a detailed manual, but the rear panel clearly shows some analog-only outputs (and NO digital ones) for the section called DVD/VCR. Internally, I'm sure there are proper analog-digital-converters for recording VHS to the native DVD-R, but VHS VCR's are NOT inherently digital audio devices so I'm pretty sure you need to run an analog RCA pair for the VHS video.

If it's showing a welcome screen, the DVD is on. The VHS won't show a welcome screen. Some machines are a little tricky because they want to start in the DVD mode. I would concentrate in that area.

the system is not easy and I have had the same problem with my moms. The one thing I know is you have to be able to get it in the setup mode for anything to work correct. If you are using the rca jack outputs in the rear (e1 is the dvd vhs video and audio out and e2 is on the front of the box and that is for video and audio in) you have to hit source and put it to e1. When you hit source on the remote it will go from tv I believe it will say channel 3,hit it again it goes to e1 and then to e2. If you are using the cable in and out put the source to tv or ch3. to record from vhs to dvd you have to push the button on the front I believe its called dubbing. It is the only diffrent colored button. This automatically sets it up you should be able to watch the video being recorded while it is recording to the dvd. Make sure you have the correct type dvd I know the +R work. It is very important to get the setup done and that is the hardest part to get too. Also remember if you are using video out(rca jacks) you must switch your tv to video in and if you are using the old style cables you set your tv to ant1 or ant 2 depending what input you are using. The problem with this is having to know your tv and what source you have set on it, ant1 or ant2 or video 1,2,or 3. It all depends on how you take the video and audio out of the vcr/dvd player. Once again if you use rca jacks you must use the remote source button and put it to e1 and then put the other end of the jacks to video input of the tv and change the source on the tv to video also. If you use the old cable in and out you must change the source on the vcr/dvd remote to ch3 and set the tv to ant 1 or 2 depending on how may inputs you have. you must match the systems. Hope this helps