HELP!! SVHS malfuntioning

[Xylob the Destroyer]

I'm not entirely sure which section to put this under, so now it goes here.

I think my SVHS is broken?!?!!
JVC HR-S4800U
I haven't done any capture from it in a while, but the last time I did, it worked fine.
I set it to record last nite (S-VHS mode on TKD XP Super Pro ST-160 tape, only been recorded on twice before) and when I watch what had been recorded, there is a horrible flickering white band across the top of the picture.
It's there when I play it back connected to the TV.
It's there when I play it back connected the PC and view it with ATI MMC.
It's there when I play it back connected the PC and view it with VirtualDub.
It's there when I play back the S-VHS I recorded last nite, or any other S-VHS tape I've recorded before. It's there on other regular old VHS I've recorded (both on this VCR & others) and viewed in the past on this machine.
It's there when I play my pre-recorded movies that I have watched on this VCR in the past (eliminating the chance of MacroVision etc).

I've gone through all the menus and played with all the settings.
I've tried adjusting the tracking.
Nothing gets rid of the flickering white band across the top of the screen.
I've also run a head-cleaning tape through it with no results.

Can somebody tell me what's wrong with my machine (and hopefully how I can eliminate the problem!)?

[redwudz]

I would take the unit to a professional for cleaning, but if that fails, repair or replace. Maybe just a chunk caught on the head? How's your warranty?

[Xylob the Destroyer]

no warranty left, I bought it on Sep 1, 2000.
i'm trying to find an 'official' or 'certified' JVC service place....

[lordsmurf]

VCRs are subject to gravity. It may have just settled itself out of alignment. Take it to a JVC place, and they'll likely be able to fix it. Any quality VCR repair store (seriously, QUALITY place), should be able to repair it. Although I still say find a JVC authorized one.

[Xylob the Destroyer]

well, there are 3 authorized JVC repair shops in the area
1 said $50.00 for cleaning/"tune-up"/test
1 said minimum of $40.00 just to look at it, more to repair. the guy said that it's so expensive to work on/repair the JVC S-VHS units that it's simply more cost effective to buy a new one somewhere (I think he just didn't want to work on it).
1 said $30.00 to clean/tune-up and more if it needs repair work....

I have to go spend $300.00 on car repairs tonite, looks like the SVHS will be out of commision for quite a while.

[lordsmurf]

JVC machines are no harder than any other VCR, that guy was a dumbass. Like you said, didn't want to work.

Most places are going to charge about $35 to look at it, and then about $25 more to go in an fix alignment, lube it and clean it out.

That all sounds about right. Just swallow and do it. I've done it a few times through the years (various units, past 10 or so years). It always works well afterwards.

[Xylob the Destroyer]

*sigh*
yeah, I know.
I was thinking about 'upgrading', but it looks like they don't even make 'em with TBC anymore: http://www.jvc.com/product.jsp?productId=PRD4602000&pathId=49

[KenJ57]

The only Digipure machine JVC makes now is the 9911.

I have owned several older JVC machines - HR6700U and HR-7650U. As they aged, a moire pattern would develop in the picture. You didn't say what speed you were using but the moire is most noticeable on EP. If this is your problem, there is a mechancal relay used for switching between speeds that has to be replaced. You might try switching recording speeds a number of times to see if it clears up. If you are really adventuresome, you could try replacing the relay yourself! It is a very common part.

And then again, it could be something entirely different.

[Xylob the Destroyer]

I only use SP...

[compuser]

I do also have SVHS problems. I have a JVC 5902U, when I watch the output from the AV/out with my Audiovox D1705 or through the Canopus ADVC110, the video seems to roll, it is barely noticable on the TV though. The video stablization feature seems to make things even worse. Is this a head misalignment? If this sounds like the problem, how does one do this by ones' self? Also it seems that it will only play tapes that were recorded on the machine and nothing else...

[Megahurts]

Xylob

The most common problem that causes a white filkering band on the top of the pic is little or no tenision on the supply reel. Take the top off and inspect the tenision band that wraps around the supply reel. Sometimes a peice of paper will block the lever that actuates the tenision band.

Also while playing a tape, check that the supply tape guide is going all the way to the top and locks in place. If not, open the bottom and check the screw that holds the guide to the lever. A common JVC problem.

Hope this helps,

Chas

[Xylob the Destroyer]

It certainly sounds like you know what you are talking about...
Too bad I have absolutely no idea what you're talking about!
I think I'll leave it to the "pro's".
It's better to pay somebody to do it right than to **** it up myself for free.

[Megahurts]

Xylob the Destroyer

At least take off the cover and check if there any foriegn objects lurking in the deck such as a VHS tape label.

Chas

[Xylob the Destroyer]

yeah, I'll open her up just to see if it's something really obvious, but I don't use labels.