Wavy lines on Sony VCR/DVD combo

[kellib]

I had trouble with this machine before on the dvd side and this morning while trying to do PS Legs, I get all these wavy lines and loud annoying hum. UGH! I am so frustrated. I tried another tape, same thing. It MUST be the VCR. Anyone else have trouble with this? The specific model is SLV-D300P (and it's barely a year old!!!!)

I wonder if there's any inexpensive way to fix it that anyone knows of....I figure I'm probably going to have to replace the darn thing.

GRRRRRRRR! I really trust Sony to put out a good product and they have let me down.

(of course the worst part is that I can't do my Cathe tapes, have to stick to just the dvds....and I don't have everything on dvd...yet...!)

 

[JAFitMama]

I have this model and do not have this problem. Could it be the tracking? Perhaps SNM can help you trouble shoot this.

 

[Renee McFar]

Have you ever seen one of those head cleaning tapes they sell for VCR's? A long time ago,on a VCR I had, the picture got wavy then totally disappeared. I bought one of those head claening tapes and played it ( it cleans the heads while it plays). That solved my problem.

 

[dlavie]

Head cleaning was already mentioned... an excellent idea. If you've never done it try repeating it twice.

Another thought is where do you store your tapes. Electrical or magnetic radiation will diminish the quality of tapes. So don't store them on top of the TV, near stereo speakers. Once the tapes are "dinked" theres no bringing them back.

Also humidity in the storage area can be a problem during parts of the year, the tape will get "sticky" and not be consistent in speed causing what appears to be tracking problems.

I work in electronics and I always buy "cheap" components. They will usually last as long as the technology. I had a Sony betamax machine that lasted 20 years but the betamax product only lasted 5.

Dave

 

[kellib]

Thanks for the help!

I bought one of those head cleaning tapes and it did the trick! I was worried that PS Legs would have to be tossed! YAY!!!!

Thanks again for the advice! (always the educated crowd!)