Alright, I have a strange problem (at least I think so) but maybe someone here knows what is going on. Basically, all my VHS tapes are only playing static. This is the sequence of events though. First, I had a tape that got eaten by VCR #1. I got it out, fixed it, and it worked fine the first time I played. Then I rewound to watch the rest and then after this everything only played back static. All other tapes also. So I hook up an old VCR #2. It is working fine when I play it. So I record something from TV on it. I go and rewind it to watch it and now same thing happens. Everything is static, including all other tapes. ARgh!!! What is going on? How do I fix it???/ Thanks!!! Please help me.
If there is audio and no video, they probably need cleaned.
emilysteng
Unregistered guest
Posted on
Well, I fixed my own problem. I read somewhere to clean it just play a regular tape for an hour or so. I did that on both VCRs. Just played a tape, for a few hours on each one and now it is working again. I guess playig it cleans it. Good tip for anyone if you ever get this problem. I had tried one of those tape cleaning things but they only play for 90 seconds and it isn't nearly enough cleaning.
Short term fix only as playing tapes, especially cheap ones, actually makes small deposits on the video heads. A good tape cleaner (I prefer the wet type, others like the dry ones)is a better long term solution.