Problem connecting vhs-c camcorder to DVD recorder

[HockeyDad]

After reading alot of helpful posts here and elsewhere regarding the Sony and Sharp recorder, I purchased the Sony recorder. The Sharp did sound great but I went for the Sony at vanns.com for $525. Anyway, I connected my analog vhs-c camcorder to the Sony today. Without pressing any buttons on the Sony or the camcorder, the videotape started rewinding. After that, none of the controls on the camcorder were operable. I couldn't even open it to eject the videotape. Depending on what buttons I tried pressing on the camcorder all I would hear is some humming inside. I know it sounds crazy, but is it possible my camcorder got its circuits fried due to the Sony? Or is it just bad timing that it died at that moment? (It's 7 yrs old.) No flaming please! Thanks in advance.

[thoots]

I know it sounds crazy, but is it possible my camcorder got its circuits fried due to the Sony?

Yes, such a thing could be possible. You should always hook up components with their power OFF -- only on some new fancy stuff like USB on computers has that standard changed lately. For instance, I fried a "video" input on a TV once when I hooked it up to an a/v receiver when both were "on" -- which also fried the video output on the a/v receiver. And, it sounds like you indeed had power "on" with the camcorder.

So, it's possible, but hopefully not the case. I'd recommend removing all power from the camcorder -- take the battery out and let it sit overnight, etc. -- and see if it doesn't wake up when you put the battery (or the A/C adapter) back in. Also, if it's only powered by the battery, get that all charged up before try, trying again....

Hope this helps! Good luck!

thoots

[HockeyDad]

Thanks for your reply. This morning, I retraced my steps and was able to copy a home movie to the Sony. And in seeing your post afterwards, your suggestions were on the money.

As of last night the camcorder was still not operable. But this morning it woke up. I don't remember the exact steps I took yesterday, especially at what point I turned on the camcorder & the Sony recorder. But this time I took extra care to hook up the cables to the Sony while everything was off. Also, the Sony manual indicates to put in the videotape in the camcorder at the very end right before hitting the record button. Yesterday, the tape was already in when I hooked everything up and turned it all on. Maybe that affected things too.

Thanks again!

[thoots]

Whew!! Glad to hear that the situation wasn't "terminal!"

Good luck with it!!

thoots