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Path: utzoo!linus!decvax!vortex!lauren
From: lauren@vortex.UUCP (Lauren Weinstein)
Newsgroups: net.video
Subject: cleaning VTR heads
Message-ID: <248@vortex.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 8-Feb-84 21:34:51 EST
Article-I.D.: vortex.248
Posted: Wed Feb  8 21:34:51 1984
Date-Received: Sat, 11-Feb-84 05:17:19 EST
Organization: Vortex Technology, Los Angeles
Lines: 14

VTR video tape heads are EXTREMELY delicate and easily damaged by improper
cleaning.  It is very important that non-abrasive materials be used
for cleaning, that no residue be left on the heads, and that the motion
of cleaning (for helical-scan VTR's) always be VERTICAL ... never horizontal.
Violating any of these "rules" can ruin video heads in short order -- they
are incredibly more delicate than normal audio heads.

In general, it's simply safer to leave video heads alone until you MUST
clean them.  I have one old Beta machine here that I've used heavily for 
almost 5 years -- I still haven't had to clean the heads.  It certainly
helps if you don't use "cheap" videotapes -- some brands leave residue
on the heads even after the first use.

--Lauren--