skynole 0 #1 March 17, 2004 All of a sudden this past weekend my Sony PC-101 started having recording issues. It was recording with lines across the screen and pixelating some images. It was also "patchy" in recording audio...needless to say I had some unhappy customers. I bought a head cleaner and ran it 4 or 5 times and the video is now recording correctly but the audio problems are still there. The instructions on the head cleaner say that I shouldn't run it more times than this, and that if the problem persists, it's a bigger issue than just dirty heads. Before I take the camera in for service, I was just wondering if anyone had any other suggestions/advice. Any input is appreciated. Thanks. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nacmacfeegle 0 #2 March 17, 2004 "It was recording with lines across the screen and pixelating some images." Sounds like dirty heads, which the cleaner should have fixed. Seems obvious but have you checked the cables? And do you have tapes where you know the sound was recording correctly to try and narrow the issue down a little?-------------------- He who receives an idea from me, receives instruction himself without lessening mine; as he who lights his taper at mine, receives light without darkening me. Thomas Jefferson Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skynole 0 #3 March 17, 2004 QuoteSounds like dirty heads, which the cleaner should have fixed. Yeah, the cleaner did fix that problem, but audio is still really patchy. QuoteSeems obvious but have you checked the cables? What cables are you referrring to? QuoteAnd do you have tapes where you know the sound was recording correctly to try and narrow the issue down a little? Yes, the tape I was using was recording fine, and I actually used the tape in another camera without an issue. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mr2mk1g 10 #4 March 17, 2004 Does it record the sound onto the tape but fail to play it back? (ie the tape plays fine in another camera) Also do tapes recorded with other camera's have the same distortion when played in your camera? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skynole 0 #5 March 17, 2004 QuoteDoes it record the sound onto the tape but fail to play it back? (ie the tape plays fine in another camera) No, both the picture and the sound were distorted when I tried to play it in other cameras (I tried 3 different ones). My camera recorded it that way. I haven't tried playing a recording on another camera since I have cleaned the heads though. QuoteAlso do tapes recorded with other camera's have the same distortion when played in your camera? This I haven't tried yet... Thanks for helping me troubleshoot this guys...please keep it up, its much appreciated! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
turtlespeed 226 #6 March 17, 2004 I had a similar situation yesterday - I tried to view a tape that has been in the camera for a month or so - It played fine the day before when i watched it - but then it went blank - I kept messing with it rewinding and ffing and soon enough it "fixed" itself. I dunno if it was heat or what was the cause - but it is all better now.I'm not usually into the whole 3-way thing, but you got me a little excited with that. - Skymama BTR #1 / OTB^5 Official #2 / Hellfish #408 / VSCR #108/Tortuga/Orfun Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nacmacfeegle 0 #7 March 18, 2004 "picture and the sound were distorted when I tried to play it in other cameras " So its not the cables. I was thinking maybe the composite leads to your monitor may have been stuffed. Sorry Skynole it sounds like a trip to your local Sony service centre may be in order.-------------------- He who receives an idea from me, receives instruction himself without lessening mine; as he who lights his taper at mine, receives light without darkening me. Thomas Jefferson Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skynole 0 #8 March 18, 2004 Yeah, its looking like that's my only option at this point. Thanks for your help though. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lister55 0 #9 March 18, 2004 it sounds like a trip to your local Sony service centre may be in order Quote How do you find the nearest service center? I need to take in my camera for a broken LANC port. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Daisey_12 0 #10 March 22, 2004 The heads on cameras sometimes develop grooves because the use of one brand name tape. When a different brand name is used, the camera may give you digital drop out. If this isn't the case, then call the manufacturer. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. Reply to this topic... × Pasted as rich text. Paste as plain text instead Only 75 emoji are allowed. × Your link has been automatically embedded. Display as a link instead × Your previous content has been restored. Clear editor × You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL. Insert image from URL × Desktop Tablet Phone Submit Reply 0
Daisey_12 0 #10 March 22, 2004 The heads on cameras sometimes develop grooves because the use of one brand name tape. When a different brand name is used, the camera may give you digital drop out. If this isn't the case, then call the manufacturer. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites