[Sorcery]

Hi guys,

A couple of years back I bought a JVC Camcorder [GR-DVL365EK] and have been fairly happy with it. This was aside from one holiday where I lost most of the footage taken [the tape playback was full of random lines and corruption]. At the time although I was disappointed I put this down to humidity and the tropical heat since I was in the tropics.

However, I have recently discovered that the reason is that it refuses to record correctly to any MiniDV tape other than one brand of Panasonic DVC [DVM60 DVC LinearPlus] tape which isn't even manufactered anymore! The only reason I hadn't noticed this before is because I hadn't yet exhausted my supply of these tapes which I bought when I first got the camcorder.

I have now tried about 4 types of MiniDV tape and non record correctly [including the newer version of the DVM60 DVC tape from Panasonic]. I have had partial success with one brand of Sony tape [Sony DV Premium] but this only works approx 50% of the time. I have lent the tapes which I can't record on to a friend and he can record on them fine with his camcorder. I can also playback what he has recorded on mine.

The camera is now way beyond warranty so before contacting JVC I thought I would ask on here to see if anybody had any ideas? Has anyone seen this kind of behaviour before and if so is there any easy fix?



I have tried recording in both LP and SP mode and changing audio from 12 bit to 16 bit. All this seems to achieve to is vary the amount of corruption from approx 70% corrupted [can still make out original frame] to almost completely corrupted in 16 bit LP mode. It looks like it is almost keeping lines from previous frames and superimposing them on top of the current frame. I can probably post a picture if anyone is interested. I have also used a head cleaner a number of times but this seems to have no effect.

Thanks for your help in advance,



Nick

[GaryB]

There are a few reasons for this:

1. Heads clogged. It's worth trying a decent new head cleaner - but just once, otherwise they can wear the heads. This is a distinct possibility given where you have used it.

2. The heads could be worn or possibly damaged by the conditions.

3. There is a software value change for the 365 which increases the record current to make it more tolerant of low output tapes. Only a JVC Digital Authorised Service Centre will have access to this information as it is very specialised and easy to get wrong. Let me know where you live and I'll point you in the right direction.

[Sorcery]

Hi Gary,

Thanks for the reply.

I guess I should add [in case it wasn't clear from my original post] that it still records perfectly to that one brand of Panasonic tape [and sometimes the Sony ones] but aside from that every other type gives corrupted recording.

I spend most of my time in London so anywhere around here would be handy. If it meant taking this to a JVC service centre and either getting the low tolerance bit update or head cleaning etc. any idea what it would cost?

Cheers,
Nick