Why plug the VCR and wait before turning on?
 

Hi there

I was checking the instructions of a Panasonic VCR and I noticed in the instructions they are asking to plug it in and wait for 2-3 hours first before using it.

Does anyone have an idea on why these instructions? What happens if you use it directly without waiting ?:hmm: does it gave inferior picture quality or something?

Usually you do that assuming the VCR was in the box stored somewhere in a warehouse or a store where the climate conditions are different from your home, Doing so allows the moisture to completly evaporate and components' temperature stabilizes and all lubricants in the mechanism reach their desired viscosity for room temperature conditions.

Cold VCR heads can also strip the oxide off the tape. Beware.

Thanks both. Is this common to any VCR in general, or are some models are more prone to this than others?

Oh I understand better now. The manual I read mentioned something about evaporation or something like this, but it was a translation I checked via google translate so things didn't make sense to me. Now I understand what they meant!

Thanks

Yes, condensation can form inside the machine. Old machines often have a 'dew' indicator that locks the machine until it's satisfied the condition has cleared.

For older machines (and not intended by the manufacturer) it's probably sage advice anyway as it'll let any slightly wonky components reach spec', we have a couple of TBCs which are getting a bit elderly and need a few minutes to 'warm up' before they behave properly. It's a symptom of failure, but they keep working for the time being.

I would guess oxide being torn from the tape is a sign of condensation on the head-drum.

Which model VCR is it?

Avoiding/clearing possible condensation by allowing the unit to reach thermal equilibrium with the new environment is a primary reason. It especially applies to gear that has been stored/shipped from a cold area to a warm/humid environment. With some gear plugging it in will energize part of the power supply generating a bit of heat speeding the process.

A secondary reason that is usually not a concern for consumer uses is to allow the unit to reach its intended calibration set point. Warm-up time. Electrolytic capacitors that have aged can partly reform when voltage is applied which may improve performance of gear from what you get at a cold start. And most electronic parts and mechanical parts change values/dimensions slightly as their temperature changes. This is similar to the caution to let a monitor operate for some period of time before color calibrating it.

The grossest example is how CFL bulbs (I hate them) require ~5 minutes to reach full brightness.

It also applies to other things besides electronics. For example, hardwood flooring should sit in the house in open cases for a day or two before installation to allow it to reach thermal and moisture equilibrium with the new environment.