Help TV & VCR/DVD Question

[Wildcat12]

We got a new Vizio flat screen TV. We kept our RCA SV2000 VCR/DVD player. When attached to the Vizio, the DVD player & recorder work. However, the VCR portion will not. When we play one of our VHS tapes, the screen jumps. We've cleaned the machine many, many times & that doesn't help. The tape will work on one of the other machines & TVs in the house. We've checked connections, but to no avail. Why is it that the machine will play the DVDs perfectly with the new Vizio but not VHS tapes?

[Detector]

First thing that comes to mind is your new TV is digital, as is the DVD, but the VCR is analog. New digital TV's are "backward compatible" but they can only display at the resolution of the analog VCR.

Possible resolutions?

If your VCR is connected directly to the TV and you have a cable box with AUX inputs, I'd try hooking the VCR to the cable box which should have an analog to digital converter. Another option might be to look at your flat screens setup menu and see if there is an option to switch the input from digital to analog.

[Army_of_One]

VCR? What's a VCR? Store that with your 8 track and Cassette player and move on.....hehehhe

[Tee]

Originally Posted by Wildcat12

When we play one of our VHS tapes, the screen jumps. We've cleaned the machine many, many times & that doesn't help.

It needs a PHYSICAL cleaning. "Tape type" head cleaners wont do it. If you value it, take it to someone that knows how to clean it properly.

If you are mechanically inclined, you can do it yourself. Take the cover off and locate the large chrome wheel that contains the heads. Locate the 4 small heads on the wheel- they are located near the lower portion of the part that spins in four semetric locations around the chrome wheel. The heads will only slightly protrude from the chrome wheel. Using some very strong isopropyl (90%+) or head cleaner solution and a chamois swap (lintless, fiberless) scrub the heads gently in the direction of the tape travel. Close cover and try it.

[Wildcat12]

Thanks, Detector! I will try this today. We have way too many VHS tapes to just give up on watching them on this TV. It's just not practical to drag the family into the bedroom to watch a tape.

Tee, if Detector's idea doesn't work, we'll try the physical cleaning. Thanks!

[Choam65]

Originally Posted by Wildcat12

We got a new Vizio flat screen TV. We kept our RCA SV2000 VCR/DVD player. When attached to the Vizio, the DVD player & recorder work. However, the VCR portion will not. When we play one of our VHS tapes, the screen jumps. We've cleaned the machine many, many times & that doesn't help. The tape will work on one of the other machines & TVs in the house. We've checked connections, but to no avail. Why is it that the machine will play the DVDs perfectly with the new Vizio but not VHS tapes?

Another possibility - new VHS players do not have the 'Tracking' controls that the older players had. If your tape is jittering or you see distortion at the top or bottom or scrolling through the picture then it may be tracking adjustment is needed for that tape. Usually on the newer units this may be accomplished by using the 'up' and 'down' channel controls.

[K C Muffin]

Hmm. Now I didn't know that. I always thought the rule was to just cuss and watch as much of it as you could stand. Dang! Another rule to learn.