The recorded audio or video does not playback properly or is very poor quality.

IMPORTANT: This article applies only to specific products and/or operating systems. Check Applicable Products and Categories for details.

Follow the procedure below to troubleshoot why the recorded audio or video does not playback properly or is very poor quality.

1. Remove the tape from the camcorder.
2. Use a dry head-cleaning cassette tape to clean the video heads.
3. Remove the head-cleaning cassette from the camcorder.
4. Insert the tape with the recorded video footage.
5. Play the tape.
6. If the issue is not resolved, clean the video heads with head-cleaning cassette a second time.
7. Remove the head-cleaning cassette from the camcorder.
8. Insert a new blank tape into the camcorder.
9. Record new video footage onto the tape.
10. After recording new video footage, rewind the tape to the beginning.
11. Play the tape.

IMPORTANT: If the issue is not present when playing back the new tape, then the video footage on the previous tape did not record properly because the video heads may have been dirty during the time of recording. It is also possible that the previous tape is faulty and should be discarded.

The troubleshooting steps listed above should resolve your issue. If you have completed all of the steps and the issue is not resolved, service may be required.  Go to Product Repair.