Samsung converting VCR (not DVD) playback problems?

[ecc]

Has anyone had problems playing back PAL tapes on the Samsung SV-5000W VCR? It used to play them but now there is a thick film of snow, the picture flickers and jumps, (even the onscreen displays do this) but NTSC tapes play back without incident. I have it set for NTSC output but suddenly PAL tapes are not liked by the player.

It's obviously not an issue of dirty playback heads because NTSC looks fine on it.

Samsung's website is no help at all. None of the faq questions address the issue and the email is impossible. It has a number of required fields but one (the "select model" field) has no options at all yet it won't sent the message unless something in that field is selected but there is nothing in there.

I'd hate to junk a nearly $400 piece of equipment after three years.

[Krispy Kritter]

Most playback issues such as this with VCR's, are typically related to dirty playing heads (regardless of NTSC playback). Before pitching it, try having it professionally cleaned.

[ecc]

Thanks!

[ecc]

Cheap as I am, I cleaned the heads and drum myself using cotton swabs, isopropyl alcohol, and a sheet of paper (for the drum) following some guides on the internet. The results were immediate. The picture is no longer rolling and the snow and noise are gone. The image is completely clear.

[Krispy Kritter]

Congrats, glad it worked out for you.