Camera or tape problem? at DVinfo.net

John Rakis · July 10th, 2009, 08:08 AM

I recently shot an hour's worth of video interviews using a VX2100 and fresh Sony Mini DV tape. Prior to the filming, I recorded about 30 seconds of color bars on the tape. When I viewed the final product, the colors bars recorded normally, but the first 30 seconds or so of filming were a broken mosaic. The rest to the tape recorded normally.

The camera has low recording hours on it and I had work done on it by Sony about a little over a year ago (the faulty CCD problem).

Has anyone experienced a similar occurrence? I'm wondering whether this is a tape issue or a symptom of a problem with the camera.

Additional note: I also noticed that when in the VCR/play mode, I could preview the video while rewinding, but not in fast forward. I did a reset which appears to have fixed that problem. I have been unable to replicate the problem noted above.

Don Bloom · July 10th, 2009, 09:11 AM

yes, I see that sort of thing every once in a while. It usually means dirty heads. Generally a quick pass of a head cleaning tape takes care of it. Perhaps when possible you can send the camera in somewhere and have the heads and transport mechanism cleaned professionally but for now a cleaner tape shoud resolve the problem.

Tom Hardwick · July 10th, 2009, 10:12 AM

I'd agree with Don - it sounds like a tape problem, so well worth running a cleaning tape and checking the recording capabilities again.

Tape is so cheap I'd be tempted to bin that one as it may be shedding its oxide.

If you put a known good recorded tape into the VX you should be able to view the footage in cue as well as review.

And if you pushed the reset button, don't forget to reset the audio back to 16 bit, as well as the CP, the date, time, peeps, recording tally lights and so on.

tom.

John Rakis · July 10th, 2009, 11:30 AM

Thanks for the advice and guidance. Even though I have been unable to replicate the problem, I will run a cleaning tape as a preventive measure.

P.S. I reset all my original settings after pressing the reset button.

July 10th, 2009, 08:08 AM	#1
John Rakis Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 43	Camera or tape problem? I recently shot an hour's worth of video interviews using a VX2100 and fresh Sony Mini DV tape. Prior to the filming, I recorded about 30 seconds of color bars on the tape. When I viewed the final product, the colors bars recorded normally, but the first 30 seconds or so of filming were a broken mosaic. The rest to the tape recorded normally. The camera has low recording hours on it and I had work done on it by Sony about a little over a year ago (the faulty CCD problem). Has anyone experienced a similar occurrence? I'm wondering whether this is a tape issue or a symptom of a problem with the camera. Additional note: I also noticed that when in the VCR/play mode, I could preview the video while rewinding, but not in fast forward. I did a reset which appears to have fixed that problem. I have been unable to replicate the problem noted above. Last edited by John Rakis; July 10th, 2009 at 09:09 AM.

July 10th, 2009, 09:11 AM	#2
Don Bloom Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,609	yes, I see that sort of thing every once in a while. It usually means dirty heads. Generally a quick pass of a head cleaning tape takes care of it. Perhaps when possible you can send the camera in somewhere and have the heads and transport mechanism cleaned professionally but for now a cleaner tape shoud resolve the problem. __________________ What do I know? I'm just a video-O-grafer. Don

July 10th, 2009, 10:12 AM	#3
Tom Hardwick Inner Circle Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Billericay, England UK Posts: 4,711	I'd agree with Don - it sounds like a tape problem, so well worth running a cleaning tape and checking the recording capabilities again. Tape is so cheap I'd be tempted to bin that one as it may be shedding its oxide. If you put a known good recorded tape into the VX you should be able to view the footage in cue as well as review. And if you pushed the reset button, don't forget to reset the audio back to 16 bit, as well as the CP, the date, time, peeps, recording tally lights and so on. tom.

July 10th, 2009, 11:30 AM	#4
John Rakis Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 43	Thanks for the advice and guidance. Even though I have been unable to replicate the problem, I will run a cleaning tape as a preventive measure. P.S. I reset all my original settings after pressing the reset button.