lauren@vortex.UUCP (Lauren Weinstein) (02/09/84)
VTR video tape heads are EXTREMELY delicate and easily damaged by improper cleaning. It is very important that non-abrasive materials be used for cleaning, that no residue be left on the heads, and that the motion of cleaning (for helical-scan VTR's) always be VERTICAL ... never horizontal. Violating any of these "rules" can ruin video heads in short order -- they are incredibly more delicate than normal audio heads. In general, it's simply safer to leave video heads alone until you MUST clean them. I have one old Beta machine here that I've used heavily for almost 5 years -- I still haven't had to clean the heads. It certainly helps if you don't use "cheap" videotapes -- some brands leave residue on the heads even after the first use. --Lauren--
patcl@tekecs.UUCP (02/14/84)
Although vortex!lauren says that cleaning VCR heads should be done with a vertical motion, one reference book I've seen (don't remember the title), as well as the directions that came with the little bottle of cleaning fluid I purchased, said *horizontal* motion only! Anyone have a definitive (& correct) answer?