Tape edge damage common

Press, 5 December 1985, Page 24

Tape edge damage common

The annoying problem of tape edge damage has been the subject of several calls and letters lately. Nearly every VCR owner has or will experience this problem at some stage as a result of either a faulty tape or degeneration of the tape path alignment in the VCn. The trick lies in recognising the problem and acting quickly to prevent further damage to tape and/or machine. When more than one tape is involved, particularly in the case of new blank tapes, it is reasonable to suspect that the VCR is at fault, but both the tapes and the unit itself should be taken to the service centre for attention. A great deal of information can be gleaned by the tech- / nician from the pattern of

damage to the tape so please keep this in mind. Although there is < little research data available on the problem of edge wrinkling, informed sources agree that deterioration of the tape though age, poor storage and temperature extremes (particularly with condensation) all have a part to play. Any variation in the width or thickness of a tape and faults in the casing can cause problems as well. The very limited tolerance in the alignment of the tape loading and path components in the VCR causes the unit to react to anything out of the ordinary in the tape. Remember to fast forward and rewind all blanks before use, do a visual check of every tape before loading and store all tapes

on end like books. If you strike a problem with edge damage, do not be tempted to run the tape on to see if it comes right — a damaged tape can mark the heads. Edge damage at the beginning of a tape can be removed by an expert and a new section attached to the lead, but do not be tempted to try dqing it yourself unless you know what you are doing and have the correct equipment to make the repair. ♦ ♦ * If you have any queries or problems you would like answered, please write to us at P.O. Box 24-076, East Linwood, Christchurch, or telephone 810-925, week days only, 9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.