Conference turris::video

    
    
    Spent some time over the weekend re-checking hookups and setups
    suggested in user guides and replies to my problem in note .30, 
    some progress made.
    
    It appeared that I had a bad audio cable between VCR and TV,
    as I did start hearing the surround effect and get an indication
    from the HI-FI LED when I was messing with the cable. Replaced
    the cable but still have a problem. The surround is intermittent
    now, works great for 10 seconds, fades out, etc. with the HI-FI
    LED flickering away in tandem. It seemed to vary with the intensity
    of the sound in the movie.
    
    So, it appears I have everything set up properly, the VCR appears
    to be the culprit.
    
    Phil
    

    Based upon the description in .-1, I'd suggest a cleaning/alignment. 
    If the capstan post is dirty, the tape may be pulled unevenly.  This
    will cause the tape to ride the heads up and down (we're talking
    1000ths of an inch here!).  This will be enough to cause the HiFi
    signal to come in and out.  
    
    Dan

    
    
    Had VCR cleaned and aligned, surround now working through VCR
    (although tech told my wife upon picking up unit that heads
     needed replacing). If the unit is on last legs, at least the
    original problem with no surround can be attributed to VCR.
    
    Thanks for all the help and suggestions. 
    
    Phil

    RE: .-1
    
    If the heads needed replacement, then the VCR wouldn't be working
    properly.  Typically, it not worth repair if the heads are gone.
     cost on heads is usually $30-$60 depending upon the number of heads
    and HiFi or not.  Given that there is usually a markup and shipping
    costs, this can easily run up to $100 or more for the parts.
    
    Simple translation ==>   Needs new heads (but works) = SCAM!!!
    
    Dan

I found a good site for electronics repair questions.

It's http://www.paranoia.com/~filipg/REPAIR/

Near the top of the list you'll see a link for VCR's.

Ken