VCR (SVideo) - tech advice needed

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geekIT

2418 posts

Uber Geek

#23008 15-Jun-2008 10:55

I have a Mitsubishi HS-E82 S-VHS vcr which was pretty much top of the line when it was new. I seem to recall that it cost around $2500 back in the 90s.

My problem: The S-VHS facility no longer works. It records and plays perfectly in non-SVHS mode (which is switchable) but SVideo recording and playing just gets a corrupt picture.

I've always thought the heads had gone bad but it's just occurred to me that perhaps it's an SVHS circuitry fault. I mean, if it works OK in regular mode, wouldn't that indicate that it's not a head fault?

My question: Is there an old-school VCR tech out there who can comment on this? Does anyone know of a repairman or service organisation in NZ who might be able to help? I think it would have to be someone who was active in VCRs in the 80s and 90s, and maybe even be now retired....

Thanks folks.

'Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities.' Voltaire

'A patriot must always be ready to defend his country against his government.' Edward Abbey

Damager

2125 posts

Uber Geek

#140429 25-Jun-2008 12:44

I used to have the same VCR until about 5 years ago when i sold it. I bought it in 1992. I was going through some old VHS tapes and forgotten that i had some recording in SVHS mode which i now want to get onto DVD before the tapes turn to dust! Mine also cost around 2500. Prior to that i had the E-70 Model which was the first SVHS vcr in new zealand at the time? Was awesome and so was the E-82.

So i am now looking for the same vcr to buy so i can record these tapes onto DVD. Looked on trademe and found none although have seen several over the years on it. Did a google search and came across your post!

Sounds like the SVHS circuit is not tripping on. I think i had a similar problem years ago on the E-70 and it was fixed pretty promptly.
I think it is a relatively easy thing to fix for someone in the know but as you said.. finding that someone in the know might be a bit difficult.

Good luck!

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Radiotron

180 posts

Master Geek

#140596 25-Jun-2008 21:36

Hi, just a couple of thoughts, assuming there is nothing wrong with alignment of the tape path, and the power supply block is in good condition (if a problem with either of these then playback of a known good regular VHS tape with hifi tracks will be poor). If OK - no pic disturbance or "splatter" from hifi sound) then fault could possibly be in one of two areas: there is sufficient head wear that SVHS signal is poor, resulting in machine defaulting to std VHS as it does not "think" there is viable SVHS information, or, there is a fault in head amp or signal processing electronics.
In equipment of this age, the latter problem could be caused by failing electrolytic capacitors. In a nutshell, quite right, you need find a technician that is familiar with this model and related ones. You could go to http://www.videocare.co.nz/ and see if they can help out maybe?
I have not needed to deal with them personally, but they seem to have a pretty good reputation, see how you get on. Cheers.

geekIT

2418 posts

Uber Geek

#140608 25-Jun-2008 23:09

Damager and Radiotron, thanks very much for your responses. It's nice to know that some folks are prepared to help out with advice about some of the more esoteric, less mainstream equipment.

One of the odd things about the fault with my two E82s was that the SVHS problem occurred at about the same time. Both of them had been unused for 18 months or so, while we were shifting around, and when I tried to set them up again, not only one, but both of them were duff in the SVHS dept. But fine in regular VHS.

And I just can't bring myself to dump these quality machines, given that there's a chance that the fault might be a few dollars worth of capacitor or resistor.

But, of course, the problem lies with finding someone who might know what to look for.

Seems to me that one of the problems with our current throw-away culture is a lack of trained technicians.:-(

'Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities.' Voltaire

'A patriot must always be ready to defend his country against his government.' Edward Abbey