Problem with crowd noise sound channel recording SKY sport to video

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moel

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# 17877 16-Dec-2007 17:45

I'm having trouble recording SKY sports on my VCR, when I playback the crowd noise appears to be on it's own channel and is simply a loud drone which is actually louder than the commentary and makes games almost impossible to watch. Presume it is my VCR but I have cleaned the heads etc. and problem still exists. Wondering if this is a "mechanical" or a "electronics" issue and if anyone else has seen the problem. Only seems to have been an issue in the last 2 months. All components are Sony.

trig42

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# 100267 16-Dec-2007 18:04

Are you recording via RF input (aerial cable) or composite input.

I have noticed that the sound is always a lot better if you are using the composite video connections. (I haven't tested, but I'm pretty sure that the RF output on my sky decoder is mono only)

moel

4 posts

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# 100269 16-Dec-2007 18:11

I think it's by RF input, the outside ariel goes into the VCR. The SKY decoder is cabled up to the video by RCA plugs I think. But now that you mention it, my TV picture (when viewing free to air channels) has gone a bit snowy recently but fine if you watch thru SKY (which we usually do). I don't know why that has happened or if it is related. Guess I need to jump on the roof and take a look at the ariel.

ZollyMonsta

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# 100272 16-Dec-2007 18:30

Possibly the audio is out of phase at Sky's end? If your vcr is recording in mono (perhaps due to dirty heads) then this _could_ be the problem. I've noted out-of-phase audio on a sports programme on a Sky sports channel before.

sbiddle

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# 100279 16-Dec-2007 19:29

How are you listening to the sound? You're not feeding it into an amplifier and have it set for Dolby Surround are you?

moel

4 posts

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# 100287 16-Dec-2007 20:02

No amplifier involved here, strictly basic setup. I think it is a case of potentially dirty heads on the video. I took the lid off and tried to clean them with isoprop cloth but problem is still there. Even recording normal programs if you turn the volume up high there is a lot of sybilance (excuse spelling) in peoples voices. When there is a crowd involved in the background such as sports events it's almost unlistenable. Maybe unit needs a professional clean.

trig42

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# 100289 16-Dec-2007 20:08

I don't know what a professional clean is worth - but how much is a whole new VCR?

moel

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# 100292 16-Dec-2007 20:15

Ha ha. Thats the response you get from the disposable society we find ourselves living in. I am waiting to buy a DVD HDD but everytime I go to make the step up thers a new model or a new format or some other compelling issue to put me off. I'm still a CRT/video/basic DVD player and i don't feel the need to upgrade right now (Sony XA TV and it's still a great picture but obviously not WS format). But I take your hint, until recently this VCR was faultless in reproduction capabilities and for the games i want to tape (English premiership Chelsea vs. all other losers) it was as good as watching live except not having to get up at 3am. The quality of SKY's premiership broadcasts isn't up to much anyway so an upgrade recorder/player would probably just highlight the issue. Luddites unite!

ZollyMonsta

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# 100299 16-Dec-2007 20:25

it just so happens I have a Sony Hi Fi VCR at auction on trademe at the moment ;)

Anyway.. Something to check is, is your Sky decoder set at full volume? If it's not it could be related to that (not enough audio level into the vcr)... I'm grasping at straws now ;)

Cheers,
Grant

Check out my LPFM Radio Station at www.thecheese.co.nz

Brunzy

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# 100317 16-Dec-2007 21:57

Moel,

Remember the audio head is not on the head drum,it's on it's own at the other side of the tape transport.
Have you cleaned this too?
Sounds like it may be worn