Find solution
What are some realistic plays?

I have a VCR that plays well but when I record on-air TV programs they are full of snow. What's wrong?

  • I bought a GO VIDEO DVR 4300 combination DVD player Video Cassette Recorder. The unit has worked well except that I have never been able to record television programs without interference. The DVD player plays clearly and the VCR plays store-bought movie videotapes without interference. When I record a program using the VCR it plays back with clear sound but with a distorted picture. The image always behaves the same. It will display clearly for about ½ second and then garbled colored lines will appear across the screen horizontally for about 3 seconds. This cycle repeats from beginning to end of the recording. I am recording broadcast programs like 60 Minutes on CBS sent to my VCR over a cable provider. Do you know what is causing this behavior? Do the broadcasters place some copy-protect signal on their shows? Is this a problem with my cable company? I know that there are copyright laws governing TV programs, but all I am trying to do is record a show to watch later.

  • Answer:

    Similar to mersaydees but also check the DVD/VCR for a toggle switch. Some manufacturers have a switch to make either channel 3 or channel 4 the channel to put the VCR on while recording. It sounds like you are really close to getting it right and just need to figure out that one last thing for recording perfection.

blue_pri... at Yahoo! Answers Visit the source

Was this solution helpful to you?

Other answers

Try adjusting the tracking device on your VCR.

fairbolfl2003

Its is either the blank tape or you could have the system connected backwards. Meaning you TV in an out connections are wrong. Try using another blank tape and if it doesn't work check the connections. If the connections are fine then its your new player.

mbillie62

Make sure television and VCR is on channel 3 or 4 if you have satellite or cable. If you dont make sure Tv is on 3 or 4 and the vcr is set on the channel youre trying to record.

mersaydes003

i guess you need a new VCR.

originalthugnigga

looks like something in the recordign process is messed up, obviously. could be the quality of the tapes, or the recording quality you have it set on. also make sure you dont' put your tape or your VCR near anything that could be magnetic as that will ruing the tapes as well. also a problem could be in the signal imput into the VCR, you may want to check that.

mth6101

kick the tv...usually works for me

the PimP ChimP

your vcr is probably old get a new one ok hun>

moodymouse54

is the tv on the right channel when recording? Also check the tracking.

kaysue4

By a head cleaning tape. Available at almost any department store, Even dollar stores have them. Your record heads need to be cleaned.

cindy_cee13

Load more

Related Q & A:

Just Added Q & A:

Find solution

For every problem there is a solution! Proved by Solucija.

  • Got an issue and looking for advice?

  • Ask Solucija to search every corner of the Web for help.

  • Get workable solutions and helpful tips in a moment.

Just ask Solucija about an issue you face and immediately get a list of ready solutions, answers and tips from other Internet users. We always provide the most suitable and complete answer to your question at the top, along with a few good alternatives below.