I think this is plausible as we got into the late 90s and they became cheap enough to not warrant repairs. Prior to that, though, it definitely was not the case

I think this is plausible as we got into the late 90s and they became cheap enough to not warrant repairs. Prior to that, though, it definitely was not the case. I had a neighbor who made quite a comfortable living repairing VCRs in the 80s and early 90s. I also saw the web for the first time in his shop in 93/94.