Mini DV recorded on Sony does not playback on JVC (but opposite does)

[joweyenb]

Hi,

Below is sentimentally very important to me, since I have a lot of memories on these mini-DV tapes!

I have had a SONY PC120 camcorder for 8 years and have been using Sony DVM60 mini DV tapes. I always record in SP. Since the firewire port on the Sony went bad a while ago, I decided to buy a cheap camcorder to just transfer the mini-DV tapes to my computer. I bought a JVC-GRD850.
Now here is the problem: the tapes that I recorded with my Sony, will NOT playback on the JVC. When I insert a pre-recorded tape, it gives me a frozen broken up image for a second, and thereafter the tape just rolls but with a blank screen and no sound. Obviously, I cannot transfer anything to computer because of that. I thought that maybe the Sony DVM60 tapes do not work with the JVC camcorder, but when using a blank Sony DVM60 tape, it works just fine on the JVC (both recording /playing back and transferring to DVD/computer). The JVC camera is brand new, so I guess cleaning the heads is not needed (and it plays fine with blank tapes anyway).
Some more informatin: When I put the Sony recorded tape back into the Sony camcorder, it plays just fine. Also, doing the opposite, when I record something on the SonyDVM60 tapes with the JVC camcorder, and insert it into the Sony camcorder aftewards, it plays just fine on the Sony camcorder. So there does not seem to be a compability issue.

I am at a loss here.

Thanks forum!

[Blindslothprod]

The problem is that your sony likely has its record heads out of alignment. To test take your sony recorded tape to somewhere with a lot of display cameras and check the tape in one of them. if it doesn't play this is likely the problem. I had this issue with a GL1 years ago. If your sony plays the tapes fine then you can always use a capture card and the rca outputs. Lower quality but you will at least be able to back up your video and watch it.

[2Bdecided]

Answer: get the broken firewire port fixed.

Similar problem with my old Sony DV camcorder - completely dead, then found that no other machine can play its tapes.

Alternative: get someone very smart to misalign a new machine to play your old tapes. It is possible.

Cheers,
David.

[joweyenb]

Thanks both. To your questions:

1. The tapes I recorded on my Sony played just fine on my friend's camcorder, so I don't think misalignment is the issue. I would normally use my friend's camcorder, but he lives 2000 miles away ... )

2. I brought my Sony camcorder to a dealer to have the firewire port fixed. Listen to this: estimated cost for the fix: 400USD. Thus the reason to get a different camera instead to use it for tape transfer. Now we know how Sony makes its money!

I am still flabbergasted as to what is the issue!

[gshelley61]

Maybe buy a camcorder like your friend's on eBay for cheap?

[edDV]

The problem seems related to the JVC camcorder or the cable you are using.

[2Bdecided]

It sounds like you need to try a third camcorder for confirmation.

You mention 2000 miles - it's not a PAL/NTSC issue is it?


btw, though Sony repairers do have a fixed tariff repair service, firstly it's not that much (at least not over here - and we're normally more expensive!), and secondly there are plenty of other capable repairers out there with their own prices!

Cheers,
David.