Problem with video playback, and sometimes recording...???

[MatrixBomb]

I have a Sony DCR-HC30, and it's been very good for over 2 years now. But for the past couple of months now anytime I record something either it will tell me I have a bad cassette/needs a head cleaner or the sound will skip or mute in the video playback. I purchased a head cleaner a few months back, and that only did a little as far as the cassette problem goes. However, I am still having a problem with the video playback. Does anybody know how I can fix this, or if I am going to have to take it somewhere to get repaired? And if so, how much would that cost?
I had a warranty with Best Buy, but I lost that, but they may have it stored in their computer.

Thanks

[pfloyd]

How old is the tape you are trying to view?

[MatrixBomb]

Tapes are brand new. I first thought it may have been from a bad tape, so I went out and bought a 3 pack of brand new ones, and all give me the same problem. I have also tried the head cleaner multiple times now too.

[pfloyd]

What brand?

[MatrixBomb]

Sony, I used them before and they worked fine

[pfloyd]

I bought two new sonys in blue/black wrapping and had the same problems you did. Took them back and got some Maxell. No problems with them.

[MatrixBomb]

sounds like that might be the problem then. I will see what happens. thanks

[MatrixBomb]

I purchased some new Maxell Mini-DV recording tapes, and it did not solve the problem. I am probably going to end up going to Best Buy and having it repaired. If anybody has any other suggestions let me know.
THanks

[pfloyd]

Have you tried a head cleaner?

[MatrixBomb]

yes, at first it seemed like it did the job, but then it went right back to the original problems only after minutes of recording. I have tried the headcleaner several times now, and it won't solve it.

[Experi-Mentor]

welcome to the forum

if a head-cleaner helped you a little ? . . .
head-cleaners are crap !
the best way is to clean the heads/pins/rollers is to do it on your own (or ask a pro). it's really not hard to do.

soft cloth, cleaning fluid, & knowing what parts to clean.
extra care should be taken when working around electronics.

[pfloyd]

Reaching out for the stars, take the camcorder to a VCR repair shop and have them demagnitize the heads. May work if you use the camera extensively.

[Chewy]

I used to have an old teac reel to reel tape player(long ago and far away)
durn thing was over 300$, I played it 8-12 hours a day when I was going to school. The heads were trashed after a year, I learned to clean them and bought a demagnetizer, after another year the bearings started to slow the tape motors down, I learned how to clean and lube them after a little experimentation.

[pfloyd]

I did also, Teac 4010s.

[Chewy]

http://www.bassboy.com.au/getreel/site/samples/vintage/1200/a1200.htm

showing my age