Here are some troubleshooting steps to take if your VCR isn’t functioning properly. Keep in mind that not all TVs, VCRs, and other accessories are the same, so some steps may not apply to you.
If there is no picture and/or sound from the VCR, try the following steps…
1. If you haven’t already, make sure all cables are securely connected to the VCR, television, and electrical outlet. If the TV has separate jacks for UHF and VHF antennas, be sure that the VCR is connected to the VHF jack (or screws).
2. Check to see if regular broadcast or cable channels are appearing properly, so as to make sure it is not a problem with the television rather than the VCR.
3. Try changing the position of your TV’s internal/external antenna switch (may be marked “INT/EXT”), if it has one. If this doesn’t solve the problem, switch it back to its previous position.
4. Try pressing the VCR/TV button on the VCR or its remote control.
5. If your VCR is connected to an amplified antenna or other powered device which relays it to the television, make sure the device is plugged in, and switched off if appropriate. In some cases it may be necessary for the device to be plugged in, but turned off, to relay the VCR signal properly.
6. Connect the video cassette recorder directly to the television, bypassing any cable/satellite boxes, indoor antennas, or other devices which may be causing problems.
7. If possible, connect the VCR to the TV using a different type of cable. For example, if you have a newer TV or an RF modulator, it may be possible to use either a 75-ohm cable, or direct audio and video cables with RCA jacks on each end.
If you are receiving a picture and sound from the VCR, but it is of poor quality, try the following…
1. Use a VCR cleaning tape. These cost about $5-20 depending upon the type (some come with fluid, some don’t); they are available at Radio Shack stores, and on eBay.com.
2. Adjust the VCR’s tracking control. This may be located on the VCR itself, the remote, or both, depending upon the particular model.
3. Attempt using a different video tape; it may be a problem with the particular tape you are trying to view.
4. Try adjusting the fine tuning control, if the TV has one. This might consist of two buttons under a panel, or a ring around the channel selector knob.
5. Try moving the channel switch (usually on the back of the VCR) to its alternate setting and change the TV channel accordingly, esp. if there is interference on the current channel. This does not apply if you are using RCA-type separate audio and video cables.
6. Determine if there could be any new sources of strong TV interference; attempt using the VCR in a different room if possible.
Follow these steps if you are unable to record to a tape…
1. Make sure the VHS tape’s recording tabs haven’t been removed (as with audio cassettes, a VHS tape cannot be recorded to if these tabs have been removed). On some VCRs it is necessary to press PLAY before pressing RECORD, or to press them simultaneously.
2. If you cannot record a broadcast TV program or recorded reception is poor, make sure the antenna is connected to the jack marked “ANTENNA IN” on the back of the VCR. If video or sound quality from a timed recording was poor, it is possible that weather conditions or a different time of day affected the reception at the time of the recording.
If the VCR is not accepting tapes, not responding, or having other mechanical problems, try the following steps…
1. Make sure there isn’t already a tape in it that you might have forgotten about.
2. If your video cassette recorder has a remote control, check to see if the batteries need replacement, and verify that the VCR’s remote “eye” isn’t blocked.
3. If a particular button isn’t working on the remote control, (or vice versa) try pressing it on the VCR instead.
4. If you have small children (or perhaps some types of pets), use a flashlight to check the tape slot for any objects which shouldn’t be there.
5. Try a different tape, preferably one that is blank or you don’t plan on using again. Video tape repair services are available if the tape is important and can’t easily be replaced.
6. If a button on the remote control has failed, check to see if it has an alternate button for the same function. Some VCR remotes have a knob which can be turned for rewind and fast-forward, as well as buttons for the same functions.
7. Try plugging the video cassette recorder into a different electrical outlet.
8. If a 75-300ohm matching transformer is being used to connect the VCR to the television, make sure both wires and metal prongs are still in place and unbroken, esp. if it was recently detached.
9. If the VCR’s rewinding speed is very slow, but it plays tapes correctly, consider purchasing a video tape rewinder. Rewinders are inexpensive, fast, and reduce motor strain on the VCR.
If the problem remains unresolved, the VCR may need repair, or might still be set up improperly, especially if there is a problem with recording. Attempt to locate the VCR’s manual, which may be available on the manufacturer’s website, especially if it is a relatively new model.
