Sony Dig-8 Recording Issue - Cleaning Cassette Message

[thomseye]

Hi Knowledgeable Ones!!!

I have a Sony Digital-8 "DCR-TRV240 NTSC" HandyCam. Problem I have is that when I "Hit Record" on it to capture something, I am getting a message on the LCD screen flashing "Cleaning Cassette" and the resulting playback has digital noise. I have only tried this in Digital-8 mode, not standard 8mm mode.

This problem began after flawless recording prior. There was no gradual decline in quality.

Of course, I have tried using a "Cleaning Cassette" but this has had no effect. Some cleaning cassettes don't even run in this machine at all however.

My question is... is this a simple head cleaning issue? Do I just take my handycam into a service place and get a standard "head cleaning"?

I'd just like to know what any of you people think before I take it in and get "had" by a scrupulous repair center. Also, I'd like to know what the typical cost would be so I can be aware of any potential "rip offs".

Please help! I need this thing to work for when my family visits me in a couple of weeks.

Thanks to you for your help as I can't find any info what-so-ever on the web!!!

thomseye

[edDV]

It means the heads, etc. need cleaning or if the transport has extreme hours, then it could mean the heads are warn out. New heads would probably exceed the cost of a new digital 8 camcorder.

Try a new cleaning cassette. They are only good for a few passes. After that they may do more harm than good.

Next, if that doesn't work, get it cleaned at a reputable service shop.

Digital recording, unlike analog shows no sign of signal loss until a limit is reached. You might first observe the error correction circuits working overtime. This is what probably creates the error message.

Best to use a cleaning tape before a vacation or major shoot.

Another dead in the water issue is the moisture error. I usually open the cam an put a strong light into it until the error goes away, then I fast wind-rewind a tape a few times. That seems to dry it out.