JVC HR S7955 audio but no video?

[TommyGunn]

Hi all,

I have a PAL JVC S7955 deck that has a couple of issues. It plays tapes okay but there is only audio, no video. Occasionally there's a very slight image on screen that is very dark red then it flicks off. The 'best.' wording keeps appearing intermittently on the LCD panel too. I've tried different cables and different tapes and the issue is the same.

I have seen a couple of other similar threads, one mentioned reseating a blue ribbon cable near the heads but that doesn't seem to do anything.

Any ideas would be most welcome.

[lordsmurf]

Many possible issues, have to start somewhere:
- properly clean heads
- inspect with magnifying glass for head damage

Note: "clean the heads" is not a fix-all for whatever ails a deck, and is overdone bad advice. But in this exact case, heads are the likely issue.

[themaster1]

oxydation maybe ? a bit of contact cleaner inside the sockets / ribbon's tips, but the heads socket is below you'd have to remove the whole mech.
1st things 1st, try the finger nail trick on the heads drum, don't cost nothing.

[TommyGunn]

Thanks to you both for the replies. I haven't heard of the fingernail trick, do you have any more information on it? Thanks!

[themaster1]

Actually no need to remove the whole mech on these jvc's (my mistake) just carefully pull the ribbon.
the finger nail trick: use the front side of your thumb nail to (possibly) unclog the heads, behind the drum where the tape is not in contact with the drum , use an angle +/- 30-45% not straight
you hit play, as the drum rotate you do that and you can observe on tv if the signal is improving.
Technique used for betamax / vhs to quickly get the job done

[TommyGunn]

Thank you, I will give it a go and see what happens!

[timtape]

I wouldnt recommend using the "fingernail trick" without fully demonstrating the technique in say a video.