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Home: Video University Forums: Sony DV and DVCAM Forum:
Artifacting on my recordings

Stoney
User

Apr 9, 2005, 11:52 AM

Post #1 of 10 (1874 views)
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Artifacting on my recordings	Can't Post

Just recently I have noticed that I am getting some artifacting on some tapes that I have recorded with my TRV900. I've ran a headcleaner and I always use the same stock of tape Panasonic DVM63PQ. I also have a GL-1 and DVC-80. Anyway, I do reuse tapes but usually never more than 3 times. That would be 3 times recording. Usually 2 projects and then on the 3rd time I use it for personal use. My 900 is used more as my family event camera. Anyway, I have some tapes that I have noticed rolling artifacting or artifacts on the right side of the screen. They are not constant coming and going, and then have completely gone after about 5-7 minutes of recording. This makes me think that I just have a couple of bad tapes. Does this make sense? Any ideas? I'm not sure, but I would think that the camera has somewhere between 50 and 120 hours on it. I bought it used so I'm not exactly sure how many hours were originally on it.

Thanks.
Stoney
LE 6.1, DVC-80, GL-1 & TRV900

PDU
Novice

Apr 11, 2005, 10:26 PM

Post #2 of 10 (1831 views)
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Re: [Stoney] Artifacting on my recordings [In reply to]	Can't Post

I continue to have the same problems with both of my VX 2000s. The dropouts, artifacting (whatever you want to call it) are mostly towards the rights side. I now lay black for the first 10 minutes, because most of the problems seem to occur in the beginning (First 10 minutes) of the tape. Lately, it has been happening more later in the tape. I don't know what else to do. I have cleaned the heads, and still it happens.

Can anyone reccommend a good place to get it looked at ?

Stoney
User

Apr 12, 2005, 8:58 AM

Post #3 of 10 (1818 views)
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Re: [PDU] Artifacting on my recordings [In reply to]	Can't Post

I am having a broadcast engineer take a look at mine today. I just wanted his opinion. I have found that Sony does repairs on certain models for a flat $269. Although I only paid $850 for my TRV900 used, I really like it and it has become mainly my family camera and a back-up to my back-up. I am getting a quote from a repair company in California. I'll let you know what they say. My engineer friend is also going to give me some contact information for a good repair shop in New York. I'll post what I find.
Stoney
LE 6.1, DVC-80, GL-1 & TRV900

sky writer
Enthusiast

Apr 12, 2005, 12:56 PM

Post #4 of 10 (1814 views)
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Re: [PDU] Artifacting on my recordings [In reply to]	Can't Post

I had the same issue, on the right side of the frame. Sony tech told me it was a tape path/alignment issue and to bring it for service. I would be looking at at least $250.

Eject one of your problem tapes right where the problem is. Open the hinged tape door and look at the physical tape. Is the edge crimped? Mine was. So I figured it was rubbing against the record head or something.

I opened the tape door and took a good look at the tape path with a flashlight. I noticed a build up on one of the guide pins. Using a video safe shamous and head cleaner I CAREFULLY cleaned the "dirt" from the pin. Let it sit for a bit to make sure the path was dry, and ran a test tape. All has been well ever since.

Now I periodically take a visual of the path and have cleaned that pin a couple more times when I have noticed very slight build up. This is preventative maintenance which gives me peace of mind.

I wouldn't recommend messing around too much in this tight space cleaning things you don't know about, but it may just be a simple fix like mine.

(This post was edited by sky writer on Aug 26, 2005, 9:37 PM)

PDU
Novice

Apr 12, 2005, 11:17 PM

Post #5 of 10 (1788 views)
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Re: [sky writer] Artifacting on my recordings [In reply to]	Can't Post

Guys, Read your post. good info. I am curious to hear about what your findings were. I really want to get this issue resolved right. Keep in touch.

Sky, when you said you did a cleaning, did you also get the alignment fixed professionally as well ? Or did you just blow it off since all was working. What type of tools did you use again. If you could be more specific, I would like to attempt as well. Thanks.

PDU

PDU
Novice

Apr 13, 2005, 12:11 AM

Post #6 of 10 (1782 views)
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Re: [sky writer] Artifacting on my recordings [In reply to]	Can't Post

Is the pin head you are referring to the silver one directly over the head cylinder ? The one directly to the right of the white plastic thing ?

I looked on mine and could see a little build up underneath (grit or something).

Are you saying you cleaned it, and it eliminated those artifacts/dropout problems ? Why do you think it seems to be happening mostly at the beginning of tapes ?

PDU

sky writer
Enthusiast

Apr 13, 2005, 12:05 PM

Post #7 of 10 (1768 views)
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Re: [PDU] Artifacting on my recordings [In reply to]	Can't Post

I never took the camera for professional work (that is a three hour drive from my location) since this cleaning seams to have eliminated the issue. I didn't "blow it off", I made a decision that it wasn't necessary. I am not in any way saying don't seek professional help. It's your camera and your business. I only brought up the alignment possibility because that was the pro's best guess when I descibed the issue I was experiencing.

I stress that if you are not comfortable and experienced with this type of cleaning, DON'T clean your own camera!
I use the Radio Shack "Anti-Static Head Cleaner Kit" (44-1115 Canada) chamois.

Stoney
User

Apr 13, 2005, 1:06 PM

Post #8 of 10 (1759 views)
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Re: [sky writer] Artifacting on my recordings [In reply to]	Can't Post

Ok here is what I found. My friend at work, a broadcast engineer, found build up just like you were talking about above. The capstan. I put a brand new tape in and it recorded fine, after he cleaned it for me. So I'm going to give it another try. This site Http://www.CamcorderRepair.com
Is a repair center in California. They quoted me $195 dollars for parts and labor. I think with shipping, Sony might be about the same at the $269.
This site http://www.bealecorner.com/trv900/
Has a very good guide to cleaning the 900.

At this time I'm going to do some more tests and shoot things that I'm not worried about and see what happens.

Cheers
Stoney
LE 6.1, DVC-80, GL-1 & TRV900

Tim
Enthusiast

Apr 13, 2005, 2:05 PM

Post #9 of 10 (1751 views)
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Re: [Stoney] Artifacting on my recordings [In reply to]	Can't Post

Just a tip to those who are going to attempt to clean their mini DV's. I would highly recommend against using chamois to clean a DV cyclinder. Sony has a cloth specialy designed for this; (part number: 3-184-527-01, $18.45)(It's big so it can be used multiple times) Use only 99% pure isopropyl alchohol. Spin the drum slowly in a counter clockwise direction only. Keep your finger still, do not move up and down. Sorry to sound repetative to those of you who know how to do this. I've repaired many of this type of mech and I've seen the damage that can be done. Also, a lot of you already probably know this. But stick to one type of tape, the brand doesn't matter. That will help eliminate head clogs.

VU Minnesota Crew

Well, I'm the best there is. Plain and simple, when I wake up in the morning I piss excellence.

redexit
Novice

May 3, 2005, 12:22 AM

Post #10 of 10 (1656 views)
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Re: [sky writer] Artifacting on my recordings [In reply to]	Can't Post

You are correct. Tape path issues are the biggest problems on any camera or vtr. I service equipment and this is the biggest problem I come across. You have to remember that any videotape no matter what format is coated with metal particles such as iron oxides, this is what the videohead magnetizes to record your program. The metal particle sometimes sheds from the videotape and builds on the guides including the capstan where the tape travels and this build up has to be removed by hand with special wipes and denaturized alcohol 100%, no cleaning cassette will do the job. If you are experiencing audio drop outs or pixel break up or artifacts on your video you need a service tech to do this (unless you are willing to open your camera and do it yourself) and if possible have the service tech check the guides and pinch roller for wear, S & T reel tables tension, and chech the tracking alignments for linearity and interchange.

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