RECEPTION DISTURBANCES

Most types of television interference can be remedied by adjusting the height and position of the VHF/UHF antenna. Outdoor antennas are recommended for best results. The most common types of television interference are shown below. If one of these symptoms appear when the TV/VCR is connected to a Cable TV system, the disturbance may be caused by the local Cable TV company broadcast.

IGNITION

Black spots or horizontal streaks may appear, the picture may flutter or drift. Usually caused by interference from automobile ignition systems, neon lamps or AC powered tools and appliances such as drills or hair dryers.

GHOSTS

Ghosts are caused by the television signal following two paths. One is the direct path and the other is reflected by tall buildings, hills or other large objects. Changing the direction or position of the antenna may improve the reception.

SNOW

If the TV/VCR is located far from the TV station, in a fringe reception area where the signal is weak, small dots may appear in the picture. If the signal is extremely weak, the installation of a larger external antenna may be necessary.

RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE (RFI)

Caused by two-way radios, this type of interference produces moving ripples or diagonal streaks in the picture. Some cases may cause a loss of contrast in the picture. Changing the direction and position of the antenna or installing an RFI filter may improve the picture.

PICTURE SIZE VARIATION

A slight picture size variation is normal when you adjust the CONTRAST or BRIGHTNESS settings.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

To prevent fire or shock hazard, disconnect the TV/VCR from the AC power sources before cleaning.

The finish on the cabinet may be cleaned with mild soap and a soft, damp cloth and cared for as other furniture. Use caution when cleaning or wiping the plastic parts.

VIDEO HEAD CLEANING

VIDEO HEAD CLOGGING

The video heads are the means by which the TV/VCR reads the picture from the tape during playback. In the unlikely event that the heads become dirty enough to be clogged, no picture will be played back. This can easily be determined if, during playback of a known good tape, there is good sound, but no picture (picture is extremely snowy). If this is the case, use a high quality head cleaning system or have them cleaned professionally.

Good Picture

Snowy Picture

VIDEO HEAD CLEANING

Video head cleaning is needed when the playback picture becomes unclear. This signifies that the heads are getting dirty and can occur when playing poor quality or damaged tapes. If the heads require cleaning, use a equivalent high quality chemical non-abrasive (wet) head cleaning tape or have them cleaned professionally. If playing a head cleaning tape in the VCR once does not improve the picture, play it several times before requesting service.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CLEAN THE VIDEO HEADS OR SERVICE THE UNIT BY REMOVING THE TOP COVER.

NOTES: • Video heads may eventually wear out and should be replaced when they fail to produce clear pictures.

To help prevent video head clogging, use only good quality VHS tapes. Discard worn out tapes.

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Memorex MVT2199, MVT2197 owner manual Reception Disturbances, Video Head Cleaning