Reception disturbances, Video head cleaning – RCA 19V400TV User Manual
Page 28
28
IGNITION
Black spots or horizontal streaks
may appear, the picture may
flutter or drift. Usually caused by
interference from automobile
ignition systems, neon lamps or
AC powered tools and
appliances such as drills or hair
dryers.
GHOSTS
Ghosts are caused by the
television signal following two
paths. One is the direct path and
the other is reflected by tall
buildings, hills or other large
objects. Changing the direction
or position of the antenna may
improve the reception.
SNOW
If the TV/VCR is located far from
the TV station, in a fringe
reception area where the signal
is weak, small dots may appear
in the picture. If the signal is
extremely weak, the installation
of a larger external antenna may
be necessary.
RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE
(RFI)
Caused by two-way radios, this
type of interference produces
moving ripples or diagonal
streaks in the picture. Some
cases may cause a loss of
contrast in the picture. Changing
the direction and position of the
antenna or installing an RFI filter
may improve the picture.
PICTURE SIZE VARIATION
A slight picture size variation is
normal when you adjust the
CONTRAST or BRIGHTNESS
settings.
Most types of television interference can be remedied
by adjusting the height and position of the VHF/UHF
antenna. Outdoor antennas are recommended for
best results. The most common types of television
interference are shown below. If one of these symptoms
appear when the TV/VCR is connected to a Cable TV
system, the disturbance may be caused by the local
Cable TV company broadcast.
To prevent fire or shock hazard, disconnect the TV/VCR
from the AC power sources before cleaning.
The finish on the cabinet may be cleaned with mild soap
and a soft, damp cloth and cared for as other furniture.
Use caution when cleaning or wiping the plastic parts.
The video heads are the means by which the TV/VCR
reads the picture from the tape during playback. In the
unlikely event that the heads become dirty enough to be
clogged, no picture will be played back. This can easily
be determined if, during playback of a known good tape,
there is good sound, but no picture (picture is extremely
snowy). If this is the case, use a high quality head
cleaning system or have them cleaned professionally.
Good Picture
Snowy Picture
Video head cleaning is needed when the playback
picture becomes unclear. This signifies that the heads
are getting dirty and can occur when playing poor quality
or damaged tapes. If the heads require cleaning, use a
equivalent high quality chemical non-abrasive (wet)
head cleaning tape or have them cleaned professionally.
If playing a head cleaning tape in the VCR once does
not improve the picture, play it several times before
requesting service.
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CLEAN THE VIDEO HEADS OR
SERVICE THE UNIT BY REMOVING THE TOP COVER.
NOTES: • Video heads may eventually wear out and
should be replaced when they fail to produce
clear pictures.
• To help prevent video head clogging, use
only good quality VHS tapes. Discard worn
out tapes.
RECEPTION DISTURBANCES
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
VIDEO HEAD CLEANING
VIDEO HEAD CLOGGING
VIDEO HEAD CLEANING
5J70101B E P26-Back
4/11/03, 5:40 PM
28