Old sony 8-MM - Audio prob or tape?

[tjdmobile]

I FINALLY have the ability to back up my old original Sony Handy-cam 8mm tapes, and now they have some annoying problems. When I am playing it back, the sound mutes at random points several times per minute. The picture quality is top notch. When I put in a new tape, record, and play back with the camera it works perfectly.

Is this indication that the tapes (mostly recorded in the early '90s) are showing age, and the camcorder can't properly decode the sound? I don't have a cassette cleaner, so I haven't been able to try that. I figure if the heads were dirty, it would result in the same problem with something I play back (after recording today). Any ideas?

I spent $1500 on the camera (in 1992), and don't want to give it up just yet... Otherwise, I will buy a new camera.

Thanks!!!

TJD

[ngnr]

I had a similar problem but in the opposite - audio was fine but video kept flickering and fading. I was able to borrow a friend's cam to see if it was the tapes but they were fine on the other cam. You may want to try that first if you can but it sounds like your tapes in your case, doesn't it, since new records are OK?

I tried the head cleaner bit but that didn't fix it. A profesional cleaning may work if you determine that it's your cam. Personally, I needed a better cam anyway so I bought a new digital that can play back my 8mm (Sony TRV-330).