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Home: Video University Forums: Canon All Camcorders:
Pixelated Images

sszeto
Novice

Jul 4, 2005, 12:55 AM

Post #1 of 4 (921 views)
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Pixelated Images	Can't Post

When I play miniDVs on my XL1s to transfer them onto my computer for editing, the images appear very pixelated. However, when I use my other miniDV camcorder (Sony TRV-950) it plays perfectly fine. Is it because the heads on my XL1s are dirty? If so, is it safe to use one of those miniDV tape head cleaners?

Edward
Veteran

Jul 4, 2005, 1:20 AM

Post #2 of 4 (915 views)
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Re: [sszeto] Pixelated Images [In reply to]	Can't Post

The best answer is "maybe".

Where was the tape recorded? How is the audio? How does it look played in the XL-1 to a TV? How do tapes recorded in the XL-1 play in the XL-1? How do tapes recorded in the TRV-950 play in the XL-1? How do tapes in the XL-1 play in the TRV-950?

Bottom line, it *could* be dirty heads. You can run a head cleaning tape in the XL. Depending on the age of the XL-1, it may be time to send it in to Canon for a thorough cleaning.

However, it *could* be something more severe - misaligned heads. The option then is to send it in to Canon for servicing. The answers to the above questions will help narrow down the probable problem.
Edward Troxel
JETDV Scripts & Newsletters @ www.jetdv.com

sszeto
Novice

Jul 4, 2005, 1:35 AM

Post #3 of 4 (912 views)
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Re: [Edward] Pixelated Images [In reply to]	Can't Post

I love 'maybe' answers...haha.

The tape was recorded on the XL1s. Audio sounds fine most of the time until the pixilation appears. Most of the pixilation appears on the right side of the screen, I'd say a good 1/5 of the screen becomes pixilated...and once that happens, the audio cuts. I played the tapes on my XL1s and the above occurs. However, when I play the same tapes on the TRV-950, we're golden...nothing bad happens. It plays like normal, or rather, the way it is supposed to play.

I haven't tried playing tapes that were recorded on the TRV-950 on the XL1s yet...but I'll do that tomorrow. Any ideas from the above answers?

Edward
Veteran

Jul 4, 2005, 9:06 AM

Post #4 of 4 (911 views)
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Re: [sszeto] Pixelated Images [In reply to]	Can't Post

Based on what you've said, I would definitely try running a head cleaning tape. I would still not rule out sending it in for servicing but absolutely try a head cleaning tape and see if it helps.
Edward Troxel
JETDV Scripts & Newsletters @ www.jetdv.com