TV/VCR/Stereo Troubleshooting/VCR/DVD player

Advertisement


Question
I have a Zenith Model XBV713 DVD player & Video Cassette recorder.  I purchased it November 2007.  The DVD side works fine.  On the VCR side the recordings run really, really fast and nothing happens when we try and change the tracking.  Some others have a distorted picture every once in a while.  Can you help?

Thank you

Answer
Karen,
  I have not seen this model in our Service Center, but normally when a tape runs fast, it is because the CONTROL TRACK cannot be read, and the default speed is SP. Check your tapes and let me know if the tapes that are going too fast are recorded in EP or SP.
You can also start by cleaning the ACE head. This will be the head on the right side with the VCR door flap near you (facing you). Get a Q-Tip, dip it in alcohol, and holding it sideways, scrub the ACE head with GENTLE finger pressure against the Q-Tip.
regards,
Rick

TV/VCR/Stereo Troubleshooting

All Answers


Answers by Expert:


Ask Experts

Volunteer


Rick Montgomery

Expertise

Most questions about 1970's-1980's audio equipment. Most 1980's -1990's VCR's and VCR combo's. Most 1980's-1990's car audio, except original equipment. I know name brand after-market such as Kenwood, Pioneer, JVC, and some Sony. I am not so good with TV's, DVD's or camcorders. I do not work on Projection TV sets at all. I also have no access to documebntation for sets outside of the United States.

Experience

Professional Electronics Technician since 1975, specializing in most audio, home, portable and car. Also all VCR's. Limited TV knowledge. No projection TV experience

Organizations
Through work, NESDA.

Publications
n/a

Education/Credentials
High School. Graduated with 2 yrs Vocational Electronics in High School.

Awards and Honors
Certificates of completion of factory training seminars for various brands

Past/Present Clients
Thousands of customers to the Service Centers I have worked for.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.