I've recently encountered a minor issue with my Sony DCR-HC18E camcorder, which I purchased on eBay to digitize my old MiniDV tapes. Initially, when I tried playing back my tapes, they didn't work properly. Instead of displaying the recorded footage, the screen showed a blue screen. However, after a few minutes, I tried playing the tapes again, and they all worked flawlessly for about 11 tapes without any problems.
Now, a day later, I'm trying to play some of the tapes again, but I'm encountering the same blue screen issue as before. The time frame counter also resets to -:—:—:—, as if the tapes are empty. I'm certain that the tapes aren't empty as they played back earlier today. I've tried fast-forwarding and rewinding the tapes, but the problem persists.
I'm wondering if this issue could be due to the camcorder overheating or the age of the tapes.
I've heard that cleaning the tape head might resolve the problem. If so, could you please guide me on how to locate and clean the tape head safely? Can I use isopropyl alcohol and cotton swabs for cleaning? Should I use a circular or back-and-forth motion?
[image|3122362]
[image|3122361]
I've recently encountered a minor issue with my Sony DCR-HC18E camcorder, which I purchased on eBay to digitize my old MiniDV tapes. Initially, when I tried playing back my tapes, they didn't work properly. Instead of displaying the recorded footage, the screen showed a blue screen. However, after a few minutes, I tried playing the tapes again, and they all worked flawlessly for about 11 tapes without any problems.
Now, a day later, I'm trying to play some of the tapes again, but I'm encountering the same blue screen issue as before. The time frame counter also resets to -:—:—:—, as if the tapes are empty. I'm certain that the tapes aren't empty as they played back earlier today. I've tried fast-forwarding and rewinding the tapes, but the problem persists.
I'm wondering if this issue could be due to the camcorder overheating or the age of the tapes.
I've heard that cleaning the tape head might resolve the problem. If so, could you please guide me on how to locate and clean the tape head safely? Can I use isopropyl alcohol and cotton swabs for cleaning? Should I use a circular or back-and-forth motion?
[image|3122362]
[image|3122361]