Hi,

My HDR-HC1 suddenly stopped being able to playback already recorded tapes. The time code shows as a flat line (no numbers show) and the LCD shows a blue screen.

If I try to record the time code does show and advances, but when I rewind the numbers disappear and no video shows in the LCD, just the blue screen. I have tried different tapes and resetting the camcorder but neither has worked.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks

Have you tried running your cleaning tape? Your heads might be dirty.

You were right, I cleaned with heads with the Sony head cleaner and everything is AOK now.

Thanks for the help.

What kind of cleaning tapes do you use? (just any Sony brand?)

I don't have one myself, but was thinking maybe I should get one.

thx,

jG

I first tried a head cleaner form Radio Shack but the camera wouldn't recognize it. So I bought this Sony head cleaner from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Sony-DVM12CLD...85538059&sr=8-1

It worked a treat, but make sure to read the instructions as they say not to run it for more than 10 seconds at a time and not for more than 5 consecutive times.

I didn't think my problem was the heads as the camera was working fine one minute and the next all I could get was a blue screen, no video at all, so I thought it had to be something very serious, but a couple of minutes with the Sony head cleaner and it was sorted out. I shall be keeping it in my camera bag from now on.

You didn't mention that most of them also specify "do not rewind" -- That way each 10sec usage is a fresh surface. (I do have one that says it may be used for two passes -- when it reaches the end of the first time, rewind and mark it that it's on the last life... then when it hits the end the second time, trash it)

Thats so you will buy a new one. I rewind my cleaning tapes all the time and they do a first class job cleaning the heads.