Most common problems with VCRs can be resolved with a few tips.
Today, DVDs, On Demand and Blu-Ray are the most popular ways of viewing movies at home. VCRs and VHS tapes have become increasingly obsolete over the years. Yet, despite this change, many of our favorite old movies haven't been released on DVD and can only been seen using a VCR. When problems arise, it may be difficult and costly to find an expert to help you repair these old units. It's helpful to know some of the most common problems with VCRs and how you can repair them yourself with just a few tips.
Dirty Heads
One common problem with VCRs is dirty heads. This happens over time when particles of dust get inside the unit's metal heads. The result is an unclear image, or no image if your VCR has a video muting. This error is hard to detect because it often happens suddenly when you go to play your favorite movie. The best way to repair this problem is to clean your VCR's heads. This can be done by playing a VHS tape. You won't be able to see the video's image, but while the video plays, the friction of the tape will clean the dust off the heads at a running speed of more than 1,600 RPM. If the tape fails to scrub the dust off the VCR heads, you can use cotton swabs and a dab of rubbing alcohol to manually clean the dirty VCR heads.
Jamming
Often, VCRs fall victim to jamming. Children have a tendency to stick tiny objects inside the unit, which can cause damage. The best way to repair your VCR's jam is to remove the top outer cover of the unit and physically remove the object that prevents the VCR from working properly. Do not stick a screwdriver or a similar instrument inside to remove the jammed object. Doing so may only cause more damage to the VCR.
Idler Issues
If your VCR is eating tapes or failing to rewind, you may have a problem with the idler. Idlers that use rubber tires are found in older models of VCRs. Over time, the rubber tires lose traction when a chemical reaction occurs causing the tires to heat and form a glazed surface. A gear instead of a tire can be found in newer VCRs, but is still prone to idler and other issues over time. You can repair some idler issues easily. Remove the top outer cover of the VCR and use a flat-head screwdriver to remove the tire and clean it with a small rag or cotton swab. To repair a gear, you must replace the idler. In some instances, you may have to hire an expert to replace the idler, which may be costly.
Tags: with VCRs, best repair, common problems, common problems with, dust heads, heads This
