Umatic video tracking error?
 

I am moving this conversation here for the benefit of others. Lordsmurf said that the issue on these tapes (converted by someone else) were server tracking errors:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/x2l56ql9tp...ioeah.jpg?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/93xt9y85pp...v5nxg.jpg?dl=0

But when I told the people doing the conversion this they said it looked like the error was recorded onto the tape, and would have to charge a fee to see if it can be restored. Is that possible? Or do all they need to do is adjust their VTR tracking?

Thank you!

Attachment 4423

Attachment 4424

I'd need to see a sample clip.
This is U-matic, correct?
Also please be sure to attach images and sample videos to the forum; note that the new limit is 99mb per file.

Thanks so much, since they currently have the tape, and were discussing post-processing as a solution. I attached a short file, but this effect continues throughout the tape. Yes, this is for a U-Matic tape.

Lolita.mp4? I'm almost afraid to download that. :huh2::laugh: (That's a pretty old lolita. More like a grandma!)

Does U-matic have head-switching noise. I forget. (But believe it does.)
And you're sure this is not a copy of a copy? (Or at least a U-matic copy of a VHS tape.)

When the tacking noise happens, you can see the entire overscan move. That often means it's tracking, not embedded errors from a faulty source (with tracking errors there).

Sorry, I know it sounds suspicious! But every Lolita ages...

Yes, I believe U-Matic has head switching noise (at least every tape personally converted did). This was recorded in 1979, but I believe it was originally on this format. However, VHS copies were made from this tape. Also, I think they said they needed to bake the tape to get better playability, though there was no mold or water exposure. But would this be enough to affect the tracking every two seconds?

This just sounds and looks like a tracking issue. Not an embedded issue as they say.