markb@ihlpg.UUCP (Blumenthal) (01/26/86)
I own an RCA Selectivision (VKT 300) VHS Video Cassette recorder. Here is my problem: During playback, the top third of the picture is distorted, like it is pulled over. There is also some distortion (sleight) on the rest of the picture. Judging from the few books I've seen on VCR, I got the impression that this could probably be corrected by a simple adjustment(s). I have an EET background, although I've never been inside a VCR. Could anyone steer me in the right direction (the direction AWAY from a $ervice center), recommend a good book, or physically help me fix this problem? Mark Blumenthal (312) 979-3676 AT&T Bell Labs Room 2C-407 Naperville-Wheaton Rds. ihlpg!markb Naperville, Ill. 60566
copp@petrus.UUCP (01/27/86)
The most likely source of the problem is poor contact between the tape and the VCR heads. The tape guides, etc., may be misadjusted. If the problem is confined to one or a few tapes, check for tape edge damage. Also, cheap tape that has been slitted inaccurately can cause this problem. Stick to "brand-name," authorized VHS tape. Are you using a TV that is more than, say, ten years old? Some old sets have long time constants in the synch circuits and cannot follow the raggedy synch that a VCR generates. Try a newer TV. I have several tapes that produce flag-waving on a 1972 Zenith, yet play fine on a 1971 Toshiba, a 1975 RCA and a 1975 GE. I personally would be reluctant to muck around inside my VCR.