Topic: Dirty Video Head

[saaintjimmy]

Hey guys,

I've been using my Sony mini-dv DCR-HC40 for quite some time now. I think I got it back in 2004. Anyways, whenever I record on any setting and play back, I always have either gray lines or multi-colored lines, which sucks because I had some really good footage of Nine Inch Nails in November and Linkin Park in July. Is there a way to prevent this? Or am I doing something wrong? I already have a cleaning tape and use it frequently as instructed, and it still messes up.



Thanks

[Hahninator]

Glad you made a post about this. We used the cleaning tape quite a bit and used a brand new minidv tape to record NIN, and yet it still did it, just to add info.

[Josh P]

I own a Sony DCR-HC21 that does the same thing you're explaining here, grey lines across the screen during playback.  This only happens when playing back on that camera.  When playing the same tape in a different camera, the lines are gone.

My thought is that the playback function on the camera is going bad, but shouldn't hurt the recording function.

[stantheman1976]

Do you switch brands of tape often?  Stick with one brand if so.  It lessens the chance of buildup on the recording head.  From what I understand it's actually bad to use a cleaning tape frequently.  Since they are dry the can be abrasive and damage the heads if used too often.  If you use one brand of tape you should rarely ever have to use a cleaning tape.

I don't use Sony cams so I can't say if it's a model specific problem or not.  I use Panasonics and stick with one tape brand.  The only times I've ever had issues was when I used 2 different brands of tapes.

[saaintjimmy]

Playing back in another camera did NOT work. And yeah, I use alot of tape brands

[Red Boink]

stantheman1976's advice is correct.  I'd also add that you would do well to use only new tape in your machine.. that means only one pass.  The tape is cheap, so may save your camcorder from expensive repairs/total failure.  Sony uses metal evaporate technology and it is not very sturdy, although it works well for the cost.

[stantheman1976]

I often use tapes a couple times but I stick with one brand.  Different brands can use different chemicals in their manufacturing process so when you run multiple ones they can leave behind minute amounts of residue.  When you pass different kinds though your camera those minute amounts can add up to enough to cause recording and/or playback problems.  Run a cleaning tape through once more, maybe twice at the most.  Then pick one brand and stick with it.

[beatkilla]

Using a cleaning tape ruins your heads.I'd use it once or twice a year only if necessary.And stick with the sony premiums,there only 2.50 a piece at B&H.

[stevetoney]

Dammit, I thought when I opened this thread that I'd be reading about porn.   

[stantheman1976]

Just wait until the porn industry gets their bailout.  I'm sure there will be plenty of exciting developments to talk about.