Cannot playback one specific tape

I recently (4 weeks ago) recorded 2 hours of indoors-footage on two TDK Mini DV 60 tapes on my HDR-HC1 using a tripod. For some reason, I cannot playback the footage on the first tape. The second tape was just fine. Strangely, I can see the date and timecode on the first tape when I play it back, but there is no picture. If I try to FF or REW while playing back, I see that the picture has lines on it and the top half is mainly grayed out.

As far as I know, all the recordings I have made since then, are fine. Could this be due to (1) a defective MiniDV tape, (2) some sort of freak misalignment when I put the tape in that allowed it to make it seem like I was recording it even though it wasn't properly seated, or (3) is there something seriously wrong with my camcorder, now that it is well out of warranty?

Incidentally, two days back I started having the same problems with my LCD touchscreen described in another thread. The backlight went off and the menu buttons stopped correctly functioning. It only works if I flip the screen completely and place it flat against the camcorder. Their problem got fixed for under $100. Guess what it is going to cost me? $511 flat!!!! I didn't discover the tape issue until after I had placed the call to find out about the cost to fix the LCD problem, but it doesn't look good when one notices two problems with an expensive camcorder when it is no longer under warranty. :mad:

In any case, I would appreciate any feedback.

Thanks!

Try using the cleaning tape to see if it clears up the problem.

Try using the cleaning tape to see if it clears up the problem.

I will try your suggestion; however, what I don't get is why I am still able to play and record on other tapes except this one. I have become paranoid and now do a test recording of a few seconds before the start of every new tape.

I have become paranoid and now do a test recording of a few seconds before the start of every new tape.
Not a bad practice in any case. Lots of folks will FF and RW tapes a few minutes just to make sure nothing is sticking.

Good luck.

Dennis

Not a bad practice in any case. Lots of folks will FF and RW tapes a few minutes just to make sure nothing is sticking.



For now I have to chalk it up to a lesson learnt!