doesn't record at beginning of tape

When I reuse a tape from the beginning, the recorded part at the beginning is often missing, bled through with video and audio, or the video comes out with bars. This can last from a few seconds to 4 or 5 minutes before it magically clears up. I suspected that the erase head on my TRV38 just doesn't do a very good job.
The other night, I used a new tape and recorded about a minute so set up my exposure and audio levels, put it on pause, then turned the camera off. When I started recording the session (from where I'd left off), I had the same problem. 20 to 30 seconds of blue, then a few minutes of video and blue bars alternating vertically before the picture cleared up.
When I finish a recording, turn the camera off, and then start a new session from where I left off, I know the tapes backs up some and I miss the end of my 1st recording (but I don't know how much).
Is all this common? I have a head cleaning tape, but haven't used it yet.

For anyone reading this, I answered my own question. I had to run the head cleaning tape through a couple times, but it helped the problem quite a bit.

If the tape cleaning tape doesn't clear up the problem, I'd recommend taking the cam in for a professional cleaning. Sorry to hear about your problem.

Did you happen to purchase an extended warranty - as they often cover free cleanings.

Chrystie

I also personally don't recommend switching tape brands. See this Thread and Poncho's summary of this on-going debate.

http://www.camcorderinfo.com/bbs/t119050.html

Chrystie