topic Re: Horizontal grey bars on recorded footage (cleaning tape doesn't work)! in Camcorders

Horizontal grey bars on recorded footage (cleaning tape doesn't work)!

Professor1 — Mon, 02 May 2011 17:07:08 GMT

Our SONY DCR-TRV265E handycam developed grey horizontal bars on recorded videos.

This happens when viewed or played back images.

Initially, there was a brief warning about 'cleaning' or 'head cleaning' (sorry, can't recall the exact message).

Then, there was a single bar on the footage when played back first.

Next, there were two horizontal bars when the image viewed again.

Now, there are three such horizintal bars whenever the images are played back... covering more and more of the recorded pictures.

May be there will be four or more horizontal bars next...

We used a SONY cleaning tape V8-25CLD available from Amazon UK right here http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-Digital8-Camcorder-Cleaner-Tape/dp/B00005TQKQ/ref=pd_ys_iyr_img

But to no avail.

In fact, we think the use of a cleaning tape made things worse - nor better - despite following instructions scientifically. 10 seconds at a time and no more than 3 times consecutively.

That's, before running the tape there was one horizontal bar.

Then two.

Then three...

And perhaps 4 or 5 bars until picture is completely covered with such grey/black bars.

Now, is there any other solution other running a cleaning tape?

For instance, using chemicals, running empty tapes etc

Please, help.

Thanks.

Re: Horizontal grey bars on recorded footage (cleaning tape doesn't work)!

davidelse — Fri, 09 Aug 2013 14:24:10 GMT

I occasionally have the same experience with horizontal bars on my DCR-HC44E, 46E & 96E camcorders and also just a blue screen when playing back analogue 8mm tapes on my DCR-TRV620E & DCR-TRV460E camcorders. I have found that the cleaning tape makes no improvement. What I’ve found does correct the problem is to put another tape in and record for a few seconds. Then replace the original tape, it and subsequent tapes play OK at least for that day. I wonder if others have found this works. David

Re: Horizontal grey bars on recorded footage (cleaning tape doesn't work)!

pacarwa — Mon, 12 Aug 2013 17:25:00 GMT

Have the same problem for some time with my TVR950E. Get the message 'Cleaning Cassette' but the camera continues to record. Stop and re -record often solves it but then the dreaded parallel grey bars appear. Two go's with the Sony cleaning tape solves it for a bit but then back again. A knowlegable friend suggests the heads may be worn but have been quoted circa £160 to have them replaced.

OK the camera is fairly old but when working produces excellent results and I can't really justify the expense of the repair or the purchase of a new camera of similar quality.

Unless someone comes up with a simple DIY fix I shall just soldier on.