Sony Handycam DCR-TRV260 Playback Problem

I have a Sony Handycam DCR-TRV260 camcorder (approx 2 years old) that has developed a problem during playback. When the tape is played back, the picture (and audio) is herky-jerky (pauses for a micro second). The glitch is consistent. I have tried cleaning the heads (cleaning tape) but to no avail.

Any ideas what might be causing this problem?

Reply 1 : Sony Handycam DCR-TRV260 Playback Problem

Yes, the recording was viewed previously and was fine. The hesitation problem in playback is a recent phenomenon.

Thanks

Reply 2 : Sony Handycam DCR-TRV260 Playback Problem

I'm having the same problems, wondering if you were able to fix it.

Reply 3 : Sony Handycam DCR-TRV260 Playback Problem

I have the identical problem. Changes to any of the camcorder functions does nothing to alter or correct the playback. My last shot was to clean the head- no help.

Reply 4 : Sony Handycam DCR-TRV260 Playback Problem

I've recently bought a new head cleaner to remedy this problem
to no avail.
this keeps popping up even after this cleaning tape has been used several times,
Thanks in advance,
Gordon

(Sony DCR-TRV260)

Reply 5 : Sony Handycam DCR-TRV260 Playback Problem

Sony?

http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/model-home.pl?mdl=DCRTRV260&LOC=3

There does not seem to be anything in their News section, but there seems to be a few of you...

Reply 6 : Sony Handycam DCR-TRV260 Playback Problem

I have the same problem with my Sony DCR-HC42NTSC. I read that if you disconnect the battery for a while, then reconnect it after a day or so, it sometimes fixes it. It did for a while. Then it started again. I've never cleaned the heads so I guess I should. Anyone ever find the answer?

Reply 7 : Sony Handycam DCR-TRV260 Playback Problem

the info in the Sony TV260 accuses humidity as the cause of the problem. It also mentions removal of the batter and keeping the cassette mechanism open for a while, presumably for dryoff. I'll do this now and report back later.

Reply 8 : Sony Handycam DCR-TRV260 Playback Problem

I used a Sony dcr trv 260 to record a Bride's wedding recently. When it came time to playback the whole video, the tape kept pausing and playing. It was very choppy in picture and sound. I tried cleaning it, that didn't work. Blew into it to maybe clear out dust, that didn't work. Fully charged the battery, that didn't work. Played other tapes in it, that didn't work. Frustrated I got online to read a "million" posts for help. Nothing helped. I was dying. When she got back from her honeymoon she simply said, "try hitting it or shake it hard." One hard hit while the tape was playing and the tape played beautifully. I hate posting this but if this 'bit of info' helps one single person in their frustration then so be it. I myself would have NEVER hit the camera.

Reply 9 : Sony Handycam DCR-TRV260 Playback Problem

the only thing being, I didn't have to hit it hard or shake it hard, I merely gave it a little tap/shake while it was playing back and it fixed itself, thanks

Reply 10 : Sony Handycam DCR-TRV260 Playback Problem

I am thrilled I have helped someone out there!!!

Reply 11 : Sony Handycam DCR-TRV260 Playback Problem

Well thanks to keyhano (another CNET user) who posted the 'hit your camcorder hard' solution, it actually worked for me too! I searched the internet for solutions finding a lot of 'try cleaning the heads with a cleaner tape' solutions but with no resolve until I came across keyhano's solution of 'hitting the camcorder hard or shake it while playing the tape' solution which worked! I put in a tape, pressed play, and then gave the camcorder a solid hit to the bottom of the camcorder with the butt of my hand. I guess sometimes camcorders need a 'little discipline' (spanking)! <grin> Anyway, I wanted to post this because I found so many other people who did not find solutions that I felt compelled to confirm keyhano's solution as a viable solution and no cost! I hope it works for you.

Reply 12 : Sony Handycam DCR-TRV260 Playback Problem

I have a Sony DCR-TRV120. I hit it 10 or 12 times (not too hard) methodically hitting different places. This is with a tape playing and the lcd out. With the lens facing away from me, the jerking stopped when I hit the bottom-left in front of the lcd. I'm curious if anyone else noticed where hitting it worked, could be useful diagnostically.

There's a wonderful short story about exactly this phenomina by Theodore Sturgeon from 1970, "Uncle Fremmis." An insightful and very funny story about a man who somehow knew just where to hit something to make it work. Or someone. If you Google Uncle Fremmis you'll see it in a couple of collections of Sturgeon's stories, especially "Sturgeon is Alive and Well," a great collection.

Reply 13 : Sony Handycam DCR-TRV260 Playback Problem

The "hit and run" solution proposed by the latter posts may work for sometime....it indicates that something has been shaken into place.... I would have the rollers and drive belts replaced and the motor recalibrated ....

Reply 14 : Sony Handycam DCR-TRV260 Playback Problem

that could be but so far no issues. and since posting my first reply, it seems the issue may be related to a certain Metal MP tape because all other tape types are playing fine.

Reply 15 : Sony Handycam DCR-TRV260 Playback Problem

I had same problem and thought bumping would never work. Tried it and works great. Small bump to bottom of the camcorder while it was running.

Reply 16 : Sony Handycam DCR-TRV260 Playback Problem

I will still clean the heads and try to transfer all my videos to dvd before it really breaks.

Reply 17 : Sony Handycam DCR-TRV260 Playback Problem

Something is out of place...I put this camera aside almost a year ago because it would play haltingly then stop, or just play with a blank blue screen. (display menu wording showed up, no errors). Playing around with it this past week, it suddenly started playing, then wouldn't the next day. Then, I found this series of posts, gave it a bump, and it plays.

Any service experience out there...does SONY know the problem and have a fix? Thanks

Reply 18 : Sony Handycam DCR-TRV260 Playback Problem

I had both problems, I thought all my videos were screwed, then I smacked the thing. I'm an aircraft mechanic, I smack those too from time to time (Don't worry, this is military aircraft, not airliners), but I thought I smacked it too hard and everything went blue. A few smaller smacks later, it was all good.

Thanks everyone

Reply 19 : Sony Handycam DCR-TRV260 Playback Problem

You need to adjust the pullys I think tey are loose and tigtnem this is sony history problem.

Reply 20 : Sony Handycam DCR-TRV260 Playback Problem

Hitting my camcorder worked for me too!

i tried everything including a head cleaner but a couple of taps on the base of the tape door. And presto!!