Problems with my camcorders (Digital 8 and MiniDV)

[Danfun64]

[strike]First,[/strike] my Mini DV Camcorder (JVC GL-D270U)

I wanted to watch some old home movies recorded from this camcorder. When I plugged it into my tv though, the audio skipped every second. I checked using a different tape from a different brand and got the same problem. The head cleaner tape I had didn't help much. Since I doubt JVC supports this MiniDV camcorder anymore, got any suggestions on how to fix this issue other than "get a different camcorder, preferably from Sony"?

[strike]Secondly...

I recently got a sony dcr-trv460 for christmas so that I can watch my old analog 8mm tapes. Unfortunately, when I put the tapes in and press play, all that happens is the tape runs. No video or audio come out. Does anybody have any suggestions?[/strike]

[JVRaines]

Did the head cleaning help at all? Do you have bad video as well? Can you try playing your tapes on a different machine to rule them out as the cause? As for the 460, sounds like you got a DOA.

[Danfun64]

Minidv: When the tapes glitch out, a couple frames of video have minor graphical glitches. However, the audio issue is far more noticeable.

Digital8: Although it can't seem to play the tapes, it can rewind and fast forward them, and the camera part seems to be working. I do get the standard blue screen from the viewfinder, the lcd screen, and my tv. So I wouldn't call it DOA.

I don't have any other minidv or 8/hi8/digital8 machines.

edit: I performed a couple more tests on it. The camcorder came with a couple of blank tapes, so I inserted one and recorded. It didn't play back. Someone suggested resetting the camcorder. I didn't know how it would help, but somehow it did, and when I fast forwarded or rewound (and only in those times, and in horrible video quality) I was able to see *something*.

Upon looking inside the camcorder, it appears some parts are bent. Should I get a refund and look elsewhere?

[aedipuss]

you don't want to hear it but old equipment with many moving/spinning delicate parts get out of alignment and or die easily. either send the tapes to a pro who preferably has tape decks that are adjustable, or get replacement cams.

and yes return the sony asap.

[JVRaines]

Minidv: When the tapes glitch out, a couple frames of video have minor graphical glitches. However, the audio issue is far more noticeable.

It could be dropouts, but you have to play on another machine to verify. Could also be a tracking/alignment problem with your machine. Even more likely if they're LP recordings. If you're using the same one they were recorded on, you need maintenance to put the player back in order.

Digital8: Although it can't seem to play the tapes, it can rewind and fast forward them, and the camera part seems to be working. I do get the standard blue screen from the viewfinder, the lcd screen, and my tv. So I wouldn't call it DOA.

I don't have any other minidv or 8/hi8/digital8 machines.

edit: I performed a couple more tests on it. The camcorder came with a couple of blank tapes, so I inserted one and recorded. It didn't play back. Someone suggested resetting the camcorder. I didn't know how it would help, but somehow it did, and when I fast forwarded or rewound (and only in those times, and in horrible video quality) I was able to see *something*.

Upon looking inside the camcorder, it appears some parts are bent. Should I get a refund and look elsewhere?

It's normal to see some "bent" parts in a helical scan machine. Did you try cleaning the heads on this one? Cleaning cassettes don't always do the job. You can clean the heads by hand with chamois-tipped swabs, 99% isopropyl alcohol, and a very light touch.

[Danfun64]

I decided to return the digital8 camcorder to the seller, as the only solution I could find for my problem (found at http://www.cnet.com/forums/discussions/sony-handycam-dcr-trv260-playback-problem-211150/) is literally giving the camcorder a light hit. This seemed too dangerous for my taste, and I would rather have a camcorder that is more..."stable".

[JVRaines]

Yeah, I guess you can bash the parts back into place for a while, but of course, all that bashing is just going to make the problem worse. Until eventually you pick up the camcorder and heave it full force at the wall or down the stairs. Doesn't help the picture but it feels pretty good.