What's Wrong with That Videotape?
by Andy Gallun

If you have trouble playing a new videotape, before you decide to return it as defective try the following minor adjustments and chances are pretty good you can get it working right.

Problem: White streaks at the top or bottom of the picture.

Cause: Your video recorder is not tracking properly.

Solution: Adjust your VCR's "tracking" control. This control is either a round knob found on the front panel of your VCR or a set of two side-by-side buttons, with one with an "up" arrow and the other with a "down" arrow. These buttons are either on the front panel of your VCR or on the remote control. If your VCR has the round knob, slowly turn the knob clockwise and then counterclockwise to see if the picture clears up. The knob should normally be at the 12:00 o'clock position, but sometimes you'll have to make this adjustment to certain videotapes during playback. If your VCR has the two side-by-side buttons, push and hold one of the buttons for a few seconds, and then the other, and the problem should clear up.

Problem: Partial or complete "snow" in the picture.

Cause: Dirty or clogged VCR playback heads.

Solution #1: Have your VCR professionally cleaned. Even if you recently had your VCR cleaned, the slightest particle from another videotape can gum up your video heads. Eject the snowy tape and try playing another one. If the picture is still snowy your VCR most likely needs to be cleaned by an experienced technician.

Solution #2: Sometimes ejecting the tape, then reinserting and replaying it will clean up the problem, as some machines have a self-cleaning mechanism that activates when a new tape is inserted. A VCR cleaning tape purchased from the store occasionally will do the trick, but it's not a good to get in the habit of using those as they may over time deteriorate the video heads and ruin your machine.

Solution #3: Now let's not get confused about the term "snow" here. When you play a blank videotape you will see complete snow, or static, on the television screen. Make sure the tape you're attempting to play is rewound to the beginning and has recorded material on it.

Problem: The tape ejects immediately after inserting into the machine before it plays.

Cause: Internal gears of the videotape may be out of alignment or jammed from shipment.

Solution: Realign the internal gears. Observe the video closely to see if it was damaged during shipment, i.e. the outer case is smashed, cracked or melted. If the cassette is damaged, do not insert it into your machine. If it appears to be in good physical condition, realigning the gears is a simple procedure. Because today's videotapes are made from plastic, some of the internal gears get jammed or out of alignment during shipment due to manufacturing defects. Turn the videotape over until you can see the two large (usually white) wheels. Put your finger into each of the holes in the middle of those wheels, gently push in, then move the wheel side to side a few times. This action will realign the gears inside the videotape.

After trying the above steps, if you still have problems with the videotape contact the source about returning it for a replacement.

Andy Gallun is the owner of Video Makers Unlimited and producer of the early titles in the Rural Heritage Video Series.