video recorder

[stevoman 2]

Hi Guys

Just some advice needed,in the last few weeks my Video Tape recorder (6 heads?) has been MAKING RATTLING SOUNDS WHEN ON REWIND ESPECIALLY and even during recording to a minor degree. Also the quality of the recorded tapes is now very patchy at best.

I put this down initially to old worn tape and bought new ones.However 1st time I recorded same results and after checking tape found that the lower part was damaged and not smooth like the rest.

Could this possibly be that the heads need cleaning or is it a sign of something more serious? Appreciate any advice,Thanx in advance!

[js007 795]

Hi Guys

Just some advice needed,in the last few weeks my Video Tape recorder (6 heads?) has been MAKING RATTLING SOUNDS WHEN ON REWIND ESPECIALLY and even during recording to a minor degree. Also the quality of the recorded tapes is now very patchy at best.

I put this down initially to old worn tape and bought new ones.However 1st time I recorded same results and after checking tape found that the lower part was damaged and not smooth like the rest.

Could this possibly be that the heads need cleaning or is it a sign of something more serious? Appreciate any advice,Thanx in advance!

 

It sounds to me like it might be time to buy a new machine, if they still make them. Anyway, they probably don't cost too much.

 

J

[vidman 2]

It will be a tape roller that has either jumped out of place or worn so much that it is not holding the tape on the track.

 

This will in turn make the tape damaged or/and hit the recording drum at the wrong angle. If you know what to look for you could fix yourself.

 

The good news is that your original recorded material may be salvagable...but newly recorded stuff will never be ok.

 

First thing is STOP using the machine or youll ruin everything. Borrow someone elses machine and transfer all your important tapes onto DVD.

 

use this device...its cheap and easy to use

 

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Easycap-USB-2-0-Vide...%3A1|240%3A1308

[stevoman 2]

Thanks for info,but nothing important to worry about,as only talking about stuff I have taped off the TV to watch later.

Could you expand further on what to look for and how I might fix it,thanks again!

[mykl 72]

Thanks for info,but nothing important to worry about,as only talking about stuff I have taped off the TV to watch later.

Could you expand further on what to look for and how I might fix it,thanks again!

 

VCR's have pretty much reached the end of their era. You seem to be reasonable computer literate so I would suggest looking into one of the methods of recording television to a hard drive. In the states it's getting difficult just to find blank tapes and stand alone VCRs. For less than you spent originally on your VCR you can be recording to your computers hard drive.

[vidman 2]

stevoman is correct, it is time to invest in a digital tuner dongle. Stick it in your computer via usb and it turns your computer into a digital video recorder.

 

Getting it to your tv can be troublesome tho.

 

I suggest getting a dvd player with a usb socket that will play div-x /mpeg 4 files back. That way you can transfer your tv recordings via a flashdrive to your dvd player quickly and easily.

 

 

re:fixing......start by taking the cover off. You will need to keep the power on so avoid the High voltage side or youll kill yourself. The actual mechanism side will be lower voltage. Insert a tape and watch the mechanism loop the tape round the drum and see if the action is smooth. Its probably a worn circlip that holds one of the feeder arms to the base.

 

There is a high chance you wont be able to fix this.....or it will only stay fixed for a short period. Videos just have too many moving parts im afraid and moving tends to wear things out. Solid state was always the way to go!

[stevoman 2]

Thanks to you guys,yes it's now time to dump it I agree! Just one point though here in New Zealand (the land 20 years behind others) VCR's and blank tapes are still readily available!

Thanks again lads

[vidman 2]

* 350×240 (250 lines): Video CD

* 330×480 (250 lines): Umatic, Betamax, VHS, Video8

* 400×480 (300 lines): Super Betamax, Betacam (professional)

* 440×480 (330 lines): analog broadcast

* 560×480 (420 lines): LaserDisc, S-VHS, Hi8

* 670×480 (500 lines): Enhanced Definition Betamax

* 720×480 (520 lines): DVD, miniDV, Digital8, Digital Betacam (prof)

* 720×480 (400 lines): Widescreen DVD (anamorphic)

* 1280×720 (720 lines): HDV (miniDV tape), D-VHS, HD DVD, Blu-ray

* 1440×1080 (810 lines): HDV (miniDV tape)[1], HDCAM

* 1920×1080 (1080 lines): HD DVD, Blu-ray, D-VHS, HDCAM SR

 

 

A quick look at the guide above and you can see your vhs is nearly the worse quality line-wise.

 

I run a video production company and i have boxes of VHS gathering dust (although funnily i still get the odd request for VHS duplication etc)