This is a bit of a lame question but I’d appreciate any help. I recently busted my VCR. As I don’t use it very much, I replaced the VCR with a secondhand one. However the new VCR is causing some very heavy interference with the TV signal to the point that I’ve got to unplug the VCR whenever I want to watch the tv rather than a video.
Is this a common occurence? Is there anything I can do about it? The tv is a Sony and the VCR is a Pioneer.
This happens with my VCR. It’s really old. I figure it’s to do with the mains adapter on it being less than healthy.
Try moving the two further apart.
Most videos have TV/VCR setting. When you are watching telly not via the video , set it to TV.
On the VCR there should be some kind of switch, button, etc. labelled “TV/VCR”. If this is in the TV position, it should simply pass the signal from the antenna/cable straight through to the TV set. In the VCR position the VCR takes whatever signal it is set to (TV channel, tape, etc) and remodulates it on the channel designated for VCR output (usually channel 3 or 4 in the US). This would cause interference on other channels such as you are experiencing.
Does it interfere equally with all the channels you’re trying to watch?
It’s my experience that when I have the VCR/TV control set to VCR, the interference is the worst around Channel 3, and then tends to diminish some the higher up the dial I go.
If the interference is the same across all channels it would suggest that the VCR is not “passing through” the signal from your antenna or cable properly. Unplug your antenna from the back of your VCR and directly into the back of your TV. Did that clear up your reception?
If so, you can purchase a handy little antenna switch for your TV so that you can direct whether you want it to receive the signal from your VCR, or from your antenna.
Of course if you also want to RECORD, then you’d have to get an antenna splitter as well as an antenna switch. At that point, I’d probably go to the local discount store and get a brand new cheap VCR.
The quality of the cables used can make a big difference. Avoid “push on” types. Stick to screw on. Make sure the connectors are absolutely rigidly held on. No tight bends, even if you straighten them, the damage is done! A little contact cleaner (swab and let it dry) also does wonders.
And then the really most obvious question: check to make sure you have the RF in and out connectors hooked up correctly. You’d be surprised…
Thanks very much for the answers everyone. I’ve tried them all and still have problems.
The interference does not occur on all channels and is more noticeable as frequency increases.
I have turned off the VCR/TV switch, to no avail
I routed the external aerial cable directly to the tv (and bypassed the VCR) but still got the interference until I actually turned off the VCR at the wall power socket.
I can continue to take this last approach but it’s a bit of a pain in the arse having to change the aerial lead and plug back in the VCR every time I want to watch a video.
I’m going to buy a few metres of aerial cable and setup the VCR well away from the tv over the weekend to see if that helps.
I only use a/v cables.
If you use RF cables then you risk getting RF interference. (which can come from other things, speakers, etc.)