Video Asylum

Posted by Tech on March 01, 2001 at 01:19:00:

In Reply to: no stereo-sound while playing videotape! posted by votre on February 28, 2001 at 11:30:54:

Most VCRs will let you select the mode in which you want to play. Also many of them will start in stereo every time you load another tape, and then select mono if tape is mono.

If trying to select this does not help, then put cleaning tape inside to clean the heads. If this does not work neither, then go to shop it is broken.

Opinion that cleaning tapes are bad and they reduce lifespan of your heads is a myth. Use them only when cleaning is needed. Because they can pick up dirt from one place and transfere it to the heads. This may require techincian's attention to do proper cleaning. And this is where this myth is comming from. But once when it is dirty, cleaning tape can only help.

Lost of stereo sound from tape is very commonly related to dirty heads.