Every 50 hours
If you repeat the tape transport operation, the video heads will become dirty and coated with fine dirt or dust. Clean the heads every 50 hours.
After using a tape prone to clog the heads After using such a tape causes the symptoms illustrated below, clean the heads.
When the symptoms caused by clogged video heads appear
Even if you clean the heads periodically, clogging of the heads may occur anyway. Clean the heads when:
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•the playback picture freezes.
•a part of the playback picture does not move.
•playback pictures do not appear.
•playback audio is interrupted.
•“x 
Dirty video head. Use a cleaning cassette.” will appear during recording.
Image when the video head is dirty
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Normal image |
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| Playback |
| Playback image | ||
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| image pauses |
| disappears | ||
With a DV/DVCAM
Playback image disappears
To use the cleaning cassette
Clean the video head by playing the cleaning cassette for ten seconds.
*If the playback image continues to be stationary or any of the symptoms on the above remain even after cleaning with the cleaning cassette, there may be a
problem with the tape. Avoid using that tape.
For details, refer to your cleaning cassette’s instruction manual.
Note
Using the unit as below will make the video head dirty.
–Subjecting the unit to temperature change or high humidity.
t Condensation occurs. See page 66.
–Using a damaged tape.
–Using the unit for a long time.
–Using the unit where there is a lot of dirt, dust or sand.
–Leaving a tape in the unit for a long time.
Cleaning cassettes are replaceable. After using the supplied cleaning cassette for the specified number of times, buy a cleaning cassette for replacement.
After prolonged use, the video heads may become worn out. If optimum picture quality is not restored even after you have cleaned the video heads with the cleaning cassette, the video heads may have worn out. In that case, you have to replace the video heads with new ones. Please consult your Sony dealer.
Notes on the Video Cassettes
Note that using a tape such as those below can damage the unit.
A moldy | A dirty | A spliced |
tape | tape | tape |
A tape with | A tape that | A slack | Chapter |
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a peeling | has been | tape | 5 |
label | dismantled |
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| Maintenance | ||
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Using cassettes
• When using a cassette for the first time we recommend that you run the tape for about five seconds before recording.
• When using a cassette that has been stored for a long time we recommend that you
• Do not repeatedly insert and remove a cassette without running it. The tape may become slacked or damaged.
(Continued)
Chapter 5 Maintenance | 65 |