Thank You for posting this! I have multiple VCRs, but after one of them 'ate' an experiment tape, I was reluctant to attempt to digitize my old tapes. I ordered Pec Pads, but you mention that the cleaning fluids you use are no longer available. Are you able to direct me to where I can purchase decent Audio Video head tape cleaners? Thanks again!
I done one today, i used Zeiss lens cleaners, their like tissues impregnated with Isopropyl alchahol for cleaning your spectical lenses, that seem to work pretty good...Fred in Uk.
That's a great tip Fred! Thank you for sharing. I am going to look into that. I am almost out of my cleaning fluid and it is not being offered on Amazon any longer. Please help support the channel by subscribing. I would greatly appreciate it!
Yes, I have had a couple of comments about using QTips. In the 20+ years of cleaning my VCRs, I have never damaged even one by using a QTip. I don't know what other people are doing that will cause damage. Doctors say that you should not jam the QTip in, just lightly on the surface! 😊 Thanks for watching and your comment.
I think chamois stick might be those flat polyester material swabs. Those would be perfect. I'll just use the low lint micro fiber cloth I already have.
I had found some white stuff inside my VCR that either looked like white paint, glue, or something else. Why is that in there? Should I really be removing it? Why or why not?
It could be grease. Did you touch it to see what it feels like? If it is powdery, it could be mildew. Thanks for watching and please hit that subscribe button to help support the channel. I would greatly appreciate it.
Yeah, it will increase everything but you can apply a filter for static. If applying filters, it does effect the rest of the audio so the amount of filter needs to be tested to see what is best if any at all. Remember, this is to save old memories so something is always better than nothing.
Thank you so much for this instructional video, Mark. Very helpful. By the way, let me ask you a question: is it safe to clean VCR heads using paper? I've watched some TH-cam videos showing people using pieces of paper soaked with rubbing alcohol to clean magnetic heads. In my case, I use several stripes of print paper soaked with isopropyl alcohol to clean the head drum of my VCR; sometimes, I use a clean microfiber lint-free cloth slightly wet with isopropyl alcohol 99.9% to clean it. And it seems to work. If you think this is the right or wrong way to do it, please let me know. And don't forget to answer my question, please. Take your time. There's no need to rush. Take care and goodbye.
Eduardo. I never heard of using paper to clean the heads so I can't give you an honest answer if that is a good or bad thing to use. I don't think that it would necessarily scratch the heads but the paper could tear and leave particles behind which would not be a good thing. I would definitely use the microfiber cloth over the paper. I never used the microfiber but I think that would work perfectly. I use a Q-tip and a pec pad which works great. Some people say that the Q-tip or a cotton ball snags in the little wholes on the main play head. I never had an issue with that myself. I find that I can gently press the Q-tip into the areas on the main drum and give a little wiggle back and forth to get the dirt out. Thanks for watching and finding the video useful. Please subscribe if you have not already. I am gearing up to make a lot more videos in the next few weeks!
Audio 456 THC-2 and PRC-2. Do a google search. Sometimes they show up for sale. They used to be on Amazon and then Etsy but I have not had to look for them in a while.
I use the 70% Isopropyl alcohol found at the grocery store. I try not to use it to often so I don't dry out the plastic mechanisms or the rubber pinch rollers. Please make sure to subscribe to help support my channel. I’d greatly appreciate it.
Your film is melted. The projector that it went through was broken. There is a glass shield that drops down between the light and the film to prevent the film from getting hot. The glass shield didn’t drop so your film got ruined. I saw one TH-cam video use a hot iron and a cloth. The guy used the cloth as a buffer between the iron and film. I tried it and it didn’t work for me. Your film is ruined sorry to say.
@@TheMediaNerdMT So sad, its not mine, its a friends home movie, the thing is that , you can see it on the digitaizer, but because its bend, its out of focus... i will have to cut the part that is damage an leave the rest ...THANKS SO MUCH FOR UNSWERE!! will see you arround
Hello I bought a vcr player at a thrift store but the problem with it is that it eats the tape when removing the vhs 📼 why is that and also it don’t play at all I think it’s the play button don’t function I would need a universal remote control
Unfortunately, thrift shops don't test VCRs for proper play. The VCR is most likely in need of cleaning. Did you clean the VCR before putting your tape in? I don't know what to say about the buttons besides that they are shot. I would return the VCR if you can and go to Amazon to purchase one. Make sure that you look at the reviews of the seller before purchasing. I use a company through Amazon called Tracktown Treasures. They are great. Remember, you get what you pay for. Most all VCRs are going to be refurbished and typically are not cheap.
If you are referring to the cleaners that look like a VHS tape, I don't think that they do as good as a job as cleaning it yourself by taking the top off. The one that I have, has a single brush that just goes over the main head and none of the other parts. The pinch roller is the rubber wheel that gets a lot of dirt on it which is one of the main culprits for the tape to get jammed and needs to be cleaned. The VHS cleaner does not touch that pinch roller as far as I can tell. This would make for a great video! Thanks for your comment!
Intradevar asa se curata capul vcr cu alcol izoproprilic, este foarte bine ca mai sunt si oameni normali de generatia mea ca , cei care ne urmeaza , or fii ei mai scoliti cu facultati dar sunt praf ca sa nu spun varza si fara carne . Felicitari in continuare
Why is my vcr extremely loud? I fear using it because I don't want it to break. Should I just open it up and clean it as you demonstrated? Will that fix the problem?
I am not sure that giving it a simple cleaning will fix it. If I were you, I’d scrap that VCR and try to find yourself a nice refurbished one on Amazon or hire a company like mine to transfer your videos. If you would like my help, you can contact me to discuss. Please help support my channel by subscribing. I’d greatly appreciate it.
@@TheMediaNerdMT already subscribed. I'll at least try cleaning it first. I'm not exactly comfortable financially with paying a couple hundred dollars, which is how much an Amazon one would cost. I'm also not interested in transferring the videos, because I like watching certain films on vhs over other methods. Thank you!
@@TheMediaNerdMT I wish I could find one at a thrift store near me, lol. I've been looking for replacement vcrs for a year now in thrift stores and haven't come across a single one to even test, let alone one that works, let alone one that's viable. Thank you for all of the advice though. I'll let you know when/if I end up getting it all figured out.
The last time I checked on amazon, the product is no longer being carried. However, just do a search on amazon for video head cleaners and a ton show up. Thanks for watching and please make sure to subscribe!
Hi can you recommend a good vcr I need to transfer family videos to dvd. I just lost my 20 year old son I want to save our memories. Thank you so much for your help and understanding
I am sorry for the late response. The best thing I can tell you is to check on Amazon and purchase a VCR from a reputable seller. I really like Sony and Panasonic models.
I own a similar looking JVC S-VHS VCR, but its an earlier model. Mine is the HR-S3500U made in 1998. Also kudos to you having a VCR with built-in TBC/noise reduction.
1. Don't touch the heads with fingers the oil will damage them 2. Don't touch the heads with a cue tip the fibres will tangle on the heads leading to problems also. 3.don't squirt a duster since the dust will get inside the drum heads. With patience pick up the dust with a cue tip and 99.9% iso propyl alcohol. Use a folded piece of paper to clean the head drum - plenty videos showing this. Cleaning a vcr requires patience and there's no simple way to do it properly without damaging it.
already clean the head few times,but when put tape for play it will play few seconds and then no more picture only showing- problem head status-,what to do?
Did you try another tape? If you have and still getting the same problem, the heads could be shot. There is a company on Amazon called Track Town Treasure which has a lot of refurbished VCRs at a reasonable price.
@@speakeasyarchives8764 did you watch the melted tape repair videos that I did? Watch them. You will have to open the cases and pull out the tape. You will need to hand turn slowly the tape to break the mold off the top. The mold should not be really on the surface of the tape but the edge. Don’t use a drill like I did, only use your hands. You may want to blow away with a can of air to remove particles during this slow and tedious process
si bien es cierto que esto se ve bastante sencillo de hacer, ya que es un excelente tutorial, lo más dificil es conseguir 2 químicos que están en botellitas en este video, pequeñas herramientas que dudo encuentre en ningún lado, es como encontrar un cuerno de unicornio en el 2024 haha.
Si puede comprar productos en etsey.com, puede encontrar los productos químicos a la venta aquí. Simplemente escriba "audio 456". ¡Aquí también puedes encontrar un cuerno de unicornio!
YOU CAN USE PURE ALCOHOL. ORE YOU CAN BUY A VIDEO CLEANING CASSETTE. EVEN SONY HAS THEM. YOU CAN DURING A CLEANIG TIME. USE IT ONES. ORE MORE TIMES. AT THE SAME TIME. BUT NOT TO MUTCH TIMES. IT MIGHT BE THE HEADS ARE TO BE REPLACED. AND LIQUID CAN MAKE CONTACT WITH THE 240 VOLTS.
I would have to say a big "NO" do to all of the oils in the fuel that would mess everything up. The fuel would most likely melt the rubber and plastic components as well. All of the oils would gunk up everything. The smell would be terrible. Once you turn the unit back on it would most likely explode into flames (I gotta try that for a video). People bust on me for using rubbing alcohol that is 98% because of the little bit of oil that may leave a residue. Anyway, the short answer is "No, absolutely not!!!" (I just sounded like my mother).
DON'T USE any q-tips on the heads! It can rip of the tiny wireing easy. There is a video on YT showing really good what can happen very easy.
Thank you for your comment and opinion. I have been cleaning my VCRs for over 20 years now doing this method and have never had an issue.
@@TheMediaNerdMTYou're lucky. There's a good reason people recommend not doing it.
@xargos to each there own
@@xargosand what do you recommend computer paper? Don't say head cleaner because not all vcr can use them, mine gives an error when you put on in it
@joshkelly4682 chamois swabs are good to use. Check out my latest video I posted today.
Thank You for posting this! I have multiple VCRs, but after one of them 'ate' an experiment tape, I was reluctant to attempt to digitize my old tapes. I ordered Pec Pads, but you mention that the cleaning fluids you use are no longer available. Are you able to direct me to where I can purchase decent Audio Video head tape cleaners? Thanks again!
You can find them on Etsy.com. That is where I have purchasing mine.
Thank you from an aspiring nerd! I’m just now getting into legacy/analog media and your videos are so easy to follow❤
Thanks for watching and good luck with your transfers! Make sure to subscribe for more nerdy videos!
I done one today, i used Zeiss lens cleaners, their like tissues impregnated with Isopropyl alchahol for cleaning your spectical lenses, that seem to work pretty good...Fred in Uk.
That's a great tip Fred! Thank you for sharing. I am going to look into that. I am almost out of my cleaning fluid and it is not being offered on Amazon any longer. Please help support the channel by subscribing. I would greatly appreciate it!
How often should the video and/or audio heads be demagnetized, if ever?
I’ve never had to demagnetize a VCR. So I would say never but that is only my opinion.
Can this help get rid of clicking and popping sounds during audio playback?
It wouldn’t hurt trying!
I have a bottle of liquid. It says "RQC cleaning ink" on it. I bought it to clean my printer. Can I use it to clean the head of my VCR? Thank you.
I don't know. Do a google search on it!
I have this exact VCR - the JVC Super VHS ET. I bought it in 1998 for $850
Awesome!!!
Hi, quick question for you - rather than using pec pads and the pubbing alcohol - can I just use antibacterial wet wipes?
I would not. The wipes could have other chemicals that could cause damage.
Being French, I haven't read all the comments...
To clean the head drums, it's easier to use chamois sticks. They avoid touching the heads.
Yes, I have had a couple of comments about using QTips. In the 20+ years of cleaning my VCRs, I have never damaged even one by using a QTip. I don't know what other people are doing that will cause damage. Doctors say that you should not jam the QTip in, just lightly on the surface! 😊 Thanks for watching and your comment.
I think chamois stick might be those flat polyester material swabs. Those would be perfect. I'll just use the low lint micro fiber cloth I already have.
I had found some white stuff inside my VCR that either looked like white paint, glue, or something else. Why is that in there? Should I really be removing it? Why or why not?
It could be grease. Did you touch it to see what it feels like? If it is powdery, it could be mildew. Thanks for watching and please hit that subscribe button to help support the channel. I would greatly appreciate it.
Absolutely amazing video, clean the head and those holes that read the signal.. instant fix. Thank you!!!
Glad it helped! Thanks for watching.
Great video. I’ve got a beautiful clean video signal on my vhs player but the sound output is very faint. Any suggestions?
You can always try increasing the audio in post production.
@@TheMediaNerdMT I wouldn't recommend that as that will amplify the amount of audio static.
Yeah, it will increase everything but you can apply a filter for static. If applying filters, it does effect the rest of the audio so the amount of filter needs to be tested to see what is best if any at all. Remember, this is to save old memories so something is always better than nothing.
Would this help to reduce a hissing sound from vhs tapes ?
Yes, possibly.
Thank you so much for this instructional video, Mark. Very helpful. By the way, let me ask you a question: is it safe to clean VCR heads using paper? I've watched some TH-cam videos showing people using pieces of paper soaked with rubbing alcohol to clean magnetic heads. In my case, I use several stripes of print paper soaked with isopropyl alcohol to clean the head drum of my VCR; sometimes, I use a clean microfiber lint-free cloth slightly wet with isopropyl alcohol 99.9% to clean it. And it seems to work. If you think this is the right or wrong way to do it, please let me know. And don't forget to answer my question, please. Take your time. There's no need to rush. Take care and goodbye.
Eduardo. I never heard of using paper to clean the heads so I can't give you an honest answer if that is a good or bad thing to use. I don't think that it would necessarily scratch the heads but the paper could tear and leave particles behind which would not be a good thing. I would definitely use the microfiber cloth over the paper. I never used the microfiber but I think that would work perfectly. I use a Q-tip and a pec pad which works great. Some people say that the Q-tip or a cotton ball snags in the little wholes on the main play head. I never had an issue with that myself. I find that I can gently press the Q-tip into the areas on the main drum and give a little wiggle back and forth to get the dirt out. Thanks for watching and finding the video useful. Please subscribe if you have not already. I am gearing up to make a lot more videos in the next few weeks!
Thank you very much it worked, the best video to watch! 🙏
You're welcome! Thank you!!! Please hit that subscribe button!
Just did it 👍🏼
How can I get those 2 liquids? What are the name of them?
Audio 456 THC-2 and PRC-2. Do a google search. Sometimes they show up for sale. They used to be on Amazon and then Etsy but I have not had to look for them in a while.
Can I use any kind of alcohol?
I use the 70% Isopropyl alcohol found at the grocery store. I try not to use it to often so I don't dry out the plastic mechanisms or the rubber pinch rollers. Please make sure to subscribe to help support my channel. I’d greatly appreciate it.
Now that Audio 456 is out of the game, what particular company do you trust buying your cleaning fluids from?
audio 456 has a etsy shop, i just got some cleaners for my tape deck off there a few days ago.
Thanks for the tip!
Hello, i just find yout channel, its awesome, i have a 8mm film 7" , the tape its bend frome the sides and hard, what can i do to put it flat again?
Your film is melted. The projector that it went through was broken. There is a glass shield that drops down between the light and the film to prevent the film from getting hot. The glass shield didn’t drop so your film got ruined. I saw one TH-cam video use a hot iron and a cloth. The guy used the cloth as a buffer between the iron and film. I tried it and it didn’t work for me. Your film is ruined sorry to say.
@@TheMediaNerdMT So sad, its not mine, its a friends home movie, the thing is that , you can see it on the digitaizer, but because its bend, its out of focus... i will have to cut the part that is damage an leave the rest ...THANKS SO MUCH FOR UNSWERE!! will see you arround
I just got the same JVC and the audio had crackles but my cheaper sony doesn't. Any suggestions?
Did you cleaned all the parts really well? If so, the audio is shot. I don’t have suggestions for that.
Hello I bought a vcr player at a thrift store but the problem with it is that it eats the tape when removing the vhs 📼 why is that and also it don’t play at all I think it’s the play button don’t function I would need a universal remote control
Unfortunately, thrift shops don't test VCRs for proper play. The VCR is most likely in need of cleaning. Did you clean the VCR before putting your tape in? I don't know what to say about the buttons besides that they are shot. I would return the VCR if you can and go to Amazon to purchase one. Make sure that you look at the reviews of the seller before purchasing. I use a company through Amazon called Tracktown Treasures. They are great. Remember, you get what you pay for. Most all VCRs are going to be refurbished and typically are not cheap.
Please subscribe!!!!!
What’s your opinion on automatic head cleaning vcrs?
If you are referring to the cleaners that look like a VHS tape, I don't think that they do as good as a job as cleaning it yourself by taking the top off. The one that I have, has a single brush that just goes over the main head and none of the other parts. The pinch roller is the rubber wheel that gets a lot of dirt on it which is one of the main culprits for the tape to get jammed and needs to be cleaned. The VHS cleaner does not touch that pinch roller as far as I can tell. This would make for a great video! Thanks for your comment!
Intradevar asa se curata capul vcr cu alcol izoproprilic, este foarte bine ca mai sunt si oameni normali de generatia mea ca , cei care ne urmeaza , or fii ei mai scoliti cu facultati dar sunt praf ca sa nu spun varza si fara carne . Felicitari in continuare
gracious!
Thank you! My 20 year old vcr from the attic is working again.
You’re welcome! That’s awesome!
Why is my vcr extremely loud? I fear using it because I don't want it to break. Should I just open it up and clean it as you demonstrated? Will that fix the problem?
I am not sure that giving it a simple cleaning will fix it. If I were you, I’d scrap that VCR and try to find yourself a nice refurbished one on Amazon or hire a company like mine to transfer your videos. If you would like my help, you can contact me to discuss. Please help support my channel by subscribing. I’d greatly appreciate it.
@@TheMediaNerdMT already subscribed. I'll at least try cleaning it first. I'm not exactly comfortable financially with paying a couple hundred dollars, which is how much an Amazon one would cost. I'm also not interested in transferring the videos, because I like watching certain films on vhs over other methods. Thank you!
Cool. Give it a good cleaning then try a tape that doesn’t matter to you. You can find cheap ones at a thrift store that may work fine.
You can find a cheap vcr at a thrift store. Just may need cleaned
@@TheMediaNerdMT I wish I could find one at a thrift store near me, lol. I've been looking for replacement vcrs for a year now in thrift stores and haven't come across a single one to even test, let alone one that works, let alone one that's viable. Thank you for all of the advice though. I'll let you know when/if I end up getting it all figured out.
Great video! Could you please include links to products you use? Thanks!
The last time I checked on amazon, the product is no longer being carried. However, just do a search on amazon for video head cleaners and a ton show up. Thanks for watching and please make sure to subscribe!
@@TheMediaNerdMT done!
i am trying to find a video how to change the belt but i can not find
Sorry. You may need to take it to a repair shop.
Thanks. Just what I was looking for to clean it before I digitize my old tapes. Bonus was this is the identical model I have.
You are welcome! I am glad that I could help. Thank you for watching and please hit that subscribe button to help support my channel!
Hi can you recommend a good vcr I need to transfer family videos to dvd. I just lost my 20 year old son I want to save our memories. Thank you so much for your help and understanding
I am sorry for the late response. The best thing I can tell you is to check on Amazon and purchase a VCR from a reputable seller. I really like Sony and Panasonic models.
Where do you buy it? Have a Sanyo VHS player it's only playing black and white
That cleaner is now hard to come by. You can get yourself some 100% rubbing alcohol to clean the heads. You can find it on amazon
I have a tape that the footage looks as if the image is smeared. Any ideas ?
Did you try a different tape to see if you get the same issue?
@@TheMediaNerdMT yea it’s not the player
So you mean that you tried another tape which worked. so the vcr is fine.@@SRQSPORTSARCHIVES
@@TheMediaNerdMT correct. I think it’s mold. I’m looking at a tapechek 460:)
I own a similar looking JVC S-VHS VCR, but its an earlier model. Mine is the HR-S3500U made in 1998. Also kudos to you having a VCR with built-in TBC/noise reduction.
I love my JVC. Thanks for watching!
I just cleaned mine, still have feedback noise during play. Any tips?
The audio heads could be shot. Cleaning can't fix everything. I am sorry.
thank you so much for making this video it helped me watch scooby doo
I loved Scooby Doo as a child. Not so fond of Scrappy. I am happy you were able to watch it again!
Cleaning VCR heads was one hell of a job.
Crazy
1. Don't touch the heads with fingers the oil will damage them
2. Don't touch the heads with a cue
tip the fibres will tangle on the heads leading to problems also.
3.don't squirt a duster since the dust will get inside the drum heads.
With patience pick up the dust with a cue tip and 99.9% iso propyl alcohol. Use a folded piece of paper to clean the head drum - plenty videos showing this.
Cleaning a vcr requires patience and there's no simple way to do it properly without damaging it.
Everyone has there own way. Thanks for your comments.
Was that Keanu’s ‘woah’ ? ;)
I don't know but it sure does sound like him and I love the movie "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure"! Please subscribe if you have not already!
already clean the head few times,but when put tape for play it will play few seconds and then no more picture only showing- problem head status-,what to do?
Did you try another tape? If you have and still getting the same problem, the heads could be shot. There is a company on Amazon called Track Town Treasure which has a lot of refurbished VCRs at a reasonable price.
Do you know of any vhs tape cleaner machine? Clean moldy tape.
Thanks
Not that I know of
@@TheMediaNerdMT do you know how to clean moldy tapes
@@speakeasyarchives8764 did you watch the melted tape repair videos that I did? Watch them. You will have to open the cases and pull out the tape. You will need to hand turn slowly the tape to break the mold off the top. The mold should not be really on the surface of the tape but the edge. Don’t use a drill like I did, only use your hands. You may want to blow away with a can of air to remove particles during this slow and tedious process
@TheMediaNerdMT if possible send link to the video you suggested. Thanks.
@speakeasyarchives8764 they are the last three most current videos on my channel. Can’t send the link at the moment because I’m driving.
Yeah no one ever did that , we used tape cleaners ( a VHS tape that you ran for x second to clean the heads )
Thanks for watching
@@TheMediaNerdMTNP , with the price of them back then , no one would dare open it 😉
Great video!
Thank you! Happy new year!
Fantastic! Thanks! 🎸😃
You are welcome!
Under no circumstances should you be using q-tips for the head cleaning even a quick rub can damage it.
Out of over 20 years of cleaning vcrs, I’ve never run into an issue using QTips.
si bien es cierto que esto se ve bastante sencillo de hacer, ya que es un excelente tutorial, lo más dificil es conseguir 2 químicos que están en botellitas en este video, pequeñas herramientas que dudo encuentre en ningún lado, es como encontrar un cuerno de unicornio en el 2024 haha.
Si puede comprar productos en etsey.com, puede encontrar los productos químicos a la venta aquí. Simplemente escriba "audio 456". ¡Aquí también puedes encontrar un cuerno de unicornio!
One piece in vcr in India Korea re
Ok
How to the clean the shelf of a VCR.... Replace it with a DVD player 😆👍
What's a VCR?
The problem is that these cleaning chemicals are very hard to find. Retailers laugh when I ask ..
They do come and go.
India 🇮🇳ma nhi ha
Great
DON T DO IT THIS!
Stop drinking when you comment.
YOU CAN USE PURE ALCOHOL. ORE YOU CAN BUY A VIDEO CLEANING CASSETTE. EVEN SONY HAS THEM. YOU CAN DURING A CLEANIG TIME. USE IT ONES. ORE MORE TIMES. AT THE SAME TIME. BUT NOT TO MUTCH TIMES. IT MIGHT BE THE HEADS ARE TO BE REPLACED. AND LIQUID CAN MAKE CONTACT WITH THE 240 VOLTS.
Thanks for your thoughts. Please subscribe to my channel.
WHY ARE WE SHOUTING
can you use gasoline or diesel fuel?
Seriously?
@@TheMediaNerdMT yes i'm totally serious
I would have to say a big "NO" do to all of the oils in the fuel that would mess everything up. The fuel would most likely melt the rubber and plastic components as well. All of the oils would gunk up everything.
The smell would be terrible. Once you turn the unit back on it would most likely explode into flames (I gotta try that for a video). People bust on me for using rubbing alcohol that is 98% because of the little bit of oil that may leave a residue. Anyway, the short answer is "No, absolutely not!!!" (I just sounded like my mother).
@@TheMediaNerdMT ok thanks