Would a video cleaner solve my problem?

HappySad

Hi. I have a tv with built in VHS video. The video does not work properly in that when it plays it shows the fizzy interference screen with the sound ... So there is no picture. Once in a blue moon it does work and show a perfect picture from the video.

So will purchasin. A video cleaner with cleaning solution sort it out?

Or do you have a better advice to get it fixed. I may have to take it in for repair but if there is something safe and simple that I can do then this is better and cheaper for me.

Thanks all mser.

kwikbreaks

I doubt that a video cleaner would fix what sounds like a total fail. I also doubt you'd find anywhere to get it fixed for a reasonable price.

People are dumping VHS gear so try freecycle - you may get a freebie combo or just a recorder to replace it.

HappySad

Thanks. I am going to try the video cleaner with it. I only got if for free because I wanted a larger screen as he had a 14inch before and now we have 20inch.

A new TV would cost too much.

The repair person said its £15 just to look at it then extra to repair so its not work getting it repaired by someone else. So I will try the cleaning and see what that does.

Also I have already tried adjusting the tracking & this made no difference.

Thanks you both for your advice.

Valli

I had a video player I used to clean with alcohol, having watched a friend who was a repairer use it...

Taffybiker

The reason you are seeing this mistracking effect is because the capstan (drive) motor is not running at the perfect speed. There are several causes of this, but without delving too deeply into the workings you can do something yourself, if you can access the deck. The video heads are mounted on a rotating drum. Stay away from here since the heads are quite fragile and not where the problem lies anyway.
To the right of this you will see a vertically mounted rubber roller. Further right again is the fixed A/C head. Clean this with Isopropyl achohol. Pay particular attention to the front where the tape passes over it, especially the top and bottom.
Now go back and look at the rubber roller. Hold a flat edge (ie. a small slide rule) against it vertically if you can. It should be straight or very slightly convex. If it is concave it will need to be replaced. It should also have a matt finish. If it is shiny but otherwise in good shape then it can be rubbed down with fine glasspaper.

The above instructions may not cure the problem, but they are the most common cause of this symptom. Other than that, it's either a shop job or just use the TV section.

HappySad

What is this alcohol you talk about. Just get a bottle of Vodka? Or do I need to get pure alcohol from the chemist? I have a video cleaner that I will try out... would I use this alchohol with this??????

closed

Isopropyl alcohol - Maplin/PC World sell it, but probably much cheaper elsewhere. The video heads (little gap on the spinning drum) could be clogged, but you have to be very delicate with them if you attempt cleaning, and don't use anything that leave lint.

kwikbreaks

From memory VHS head cleaning tapes used to come with a small tube of cleaning fluid which was almost certainly isopropyl alcohol.

deejayen

I get my Isoprop from the chemist -- remember a small amount goes a long way -- Dave

bob_a_builder

and don't use anything that leaves lint.

Exactly so ignore

you need to get some isopropyl alcohol and some cotton buds and have a good go at the heads