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Problems with playback of HI8 tapes...

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harold007

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Dec 7, 2007, 4:31:16 AM12/7/07
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I recently purchased this Canon UCS2 HI8 camcorder on Ebay to transfer
my old HI8 tapes to dvd. These tapes were originally recorded on a
Sony HI8 camcorder which was stolen.
When I play these tapes in my new (actually used but in working
condition) camcorder the video is distorted or shredded looking,almost
looking like it is playing at faster speed, like a fast scan. Also the
audio is distorted and warped sounding. This happens with numerous
tapes of various age and brands.

When I record a tape on this camcorder the playback is fine at first.
When I take that tape out and reinsert it the payback is distorted as
well.

Is it possible that tapes recorded on one HI8 machine will not
playback on another? I did try cleaning the heads with a Sony HI8
cleaning cassette.
No better. Should I take this machine to be repaired, perhaps have the
tape heads realigned?

Thanks for any help.

dcasp...@email.com

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Dec 7, 2007, 9:45:28 PM12/7/07
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You didn't include the most important detail. What speed were these
tapes recorded at? If they were recorded at the LP speed, that is a
normal reaction. LP speed tapes will usually only play on the
machine that recorded them. If they were recorded at the SP speed,
they should play in most other Hi8 machines. You could try to get
your new camcorder adjusted to play your old tapes but it would take a
very competent repair shop to do it and it probably would be
expensive. You might try to borrow a different Hi8 camcorder and see
if that one has the same problem. You might have a new camcorder
that is out of spec. On the other hand, if your stolen camcorder
was the one out of spec., you probably won't find another camcorder
that will play your tapes. You might be better off taking your tapes
to a professional duplication service and have them transfer your
video to DVD's.

Dave

harold007

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Dec 8, 2007, 2:22:36 AM12/8/07
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Thanks for the reply. All the tape were shot on sp.

Bill Fright

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Dec 8, 2007, 11:25:44 PM12/8/07
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I seem to recall that there were playback issues between brands. Tapes
shot on Sony had playback issues with other machines.

The professional duplicator is absolutely the thing to do.

harold007

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Dec 11, 2007, 8:57:58 PM12/11/07
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I just purchased the same model Sony camcorder on Ebay. Hopefully the
tapes will play on it.

Martin van derPoel

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Dec 12, 2007, 9:15:51 AM12/12/07
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Hi There,
A lot of Digtal8 machines will also play Hi8 tapes, someone you kbnow might
have one..

Make sure the edge of the tape is not damaged, open the lid by pushing in
the catch on one side and have a look at the tape surface.
Any wrinkles near the edge means bad news.

Regards,

Martin


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