Best VCRs for tracking?

[whoisquilty]

I've got some tapes that have terrible tracking and my current VCR does not handle it well at all. This tracking issue makes capturing to DVD impossible.

Which VCRs are the best for handling bad tracking?

[SingSing]

Are you using a Sony VCR now ?

[whoisquilty]

Yes I am. I'm not at home to check the model number right now. But I know it's a Sony. It's either this one, or one that looks identical to it:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00005I9R4?v=glance

[SingSing]

It could be your Sony VCR issue. Quote "I have never seen a VCR that had a problem with digital auto tracking on an SP-mode tape. With one exception. Sony. "

see : http://www.shopping.com/xPR-Sony-SLV-N71~RD-48108441220

[whoisquilty]

So, which brand or which model VCR would give me better performance as far as tracking these tapes?

[SingSing]

From that article, look like Panasonic is a good choice. Buy it from a local store, if it doesn't work out, return it.

Note : I have a Sharp SVHS VCR not longer in production.

[AlanHK]

This may sound stupid, but I found old tapes could be made to play better if I fast-forwarded and rewound them two or three times completely, to even the tension. Worth spending a few minutes on before buying a new player anyway.

[whoisquilty]

Thank you for the advice...both of you. I'll try rewinding and if that doesn't work, look for a Panasonic player.

[jsmithepa]

The head could be worn. Of course u already tried the cleaning thing right?