problems with VCR

[Dznypal]

I always tape any show that was made at WDW

I have step by step and for some reason one part 1 of family matters I found it was on by flipping channels the other day so I quick threw a tapein and recorded both parts (they were on back to back)

when we sat down to watch it the first one taped just fine but when the second one started the picture started flipping (rolling) and didnt stop

I tried fast forwarding and rewinding it but that didnt work so I finally have both parts only one I cant watch!!!

The TV was ok cause I left it on while taping

does anyone know what casues this how to fix it or when (how to check when the show will be on again?

this is really strange

 

[Horizons16]

VCR??? Whats that?


Have you tried the tracking on the VCR? Could have been an old tape too, if you re-use them a lot they get fishy.

 

[indigoxtreme]

As above said, if it was an old tape right in the middle of something or even past a hour into the tape it can do that. It happened to us as I was recording something my son wanted to see and the first 30 minutes fine then the tape started skipping etc. If not an old tape you may need to clean the heads as after they get warm from playing/recording a while the dirt on them gets runny and can cause the tape to do this.

 

[dbarker]

Clean the heads of your VCR. Also, always store your tapes upright, not lying flat. When they lay flat, gravity causes the tape to shift and can mess up. When this happens, fast forward the tape all the way through to the end and then rewind it. You may have to do this a few times to get the tape back it the correct position. Also, make sure it does not rewind too tight.

 

[seashoreCM]

Something you probably don't want to hear.

If the first program consistently plays OK and the second program consistently does not play OK (and a third program recorded either at an earlier or later time consistently plays OK ...

Fast forward into the middle of the second program.

Hold the tape cassette in front of you as if you are going to insert it into the VCR.

On the right end edge there is a tiny button. Push it and at the same time lift up the cover flap on the edge away from you that goes into the VCR first.

Hold the open edge up to your eyes fairly closely and examine the section of tape that is exposed. It is possible that there is a lengthwise crease caused because the tape happened to engage improperly when that program started recording.

If that is the case, the tape is shot. The tape has literally been eaten by the VCR.

To reduce the chances of this problem happening (again), before you insert any tape cassette, hold it in front of you as above. Stick your thumb into each of the spool openings from below. Gently rotate the right spool clockwise and then gently rotate the left spool counterclockwise as seen as you look down at the cassette, to take up any slack in the tape. You will hear clicking noises. (Do not push the spool up as you do this). You'll soon get the hang of this so you don't need to hold the flap open to see the tape tighten up.

Unrelated video hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/video.htm