Panasonic AG-1970 Trouble

[JoRodd]

I have a Panasonic AG-1970. I use it to convert VHS to DVD both to my Pioneer DVR and my computer.

I have noticed recently that the playback has been pretty bad. The picture looks fuzzy, almost like it was underwater. I thought it was the age and condition of the tapes (15+ years recorded in SLP) until I played the tapes in a nondescript Sony VCR that I have. The Sony played the tapes much better.

My questions are these: Is the Panasonic worth servicing? If so, where? (Note: I contacted a service center in Texas. I live in Northern NJ). Should I explore just buying another machine? I have seen the Panasonic AG-1980 and JVC H-S7900U available.

Appreciate any replies. Thanks.

[Brad]

Did it ever look good for SLP? My two don't. (Okay, one of them is defective, but they both output a similarly grungy picture from SLP / EP.)

[JoRodd]

Did it ever look good for SLP? My two don't. (Okay, one of them is defective, but they both output a similarly grungy picture from SLP / EP.)

Good question. I thought it did but it had been a while since I used it and I started to use it again. I don't remember it looking this bad.

[dfisher052]

I have a 1960 and I have to clean the heads and tape path on a regular basis. Old tapes start to lose their coating with age. SLP also usually looks pretty bad when trying to convert to digital.

[JoRodd]

Thanks for the replies, everyone. After doing research, I decided to buy a Panasonic AG-1980 and use my AG-1970 as a lovely rewinder.