asked on

Sony Handycam DCR-HC21 bad display

My Sony Handycam DCR-HC21 displays video on the screen. But there are lines in between on the video. Does it mean that the head of my handycam is bad? If yes then what else can I use to read my tapes? I have many tapes. Thanks

Speed54

Are you talking about the screen on the handycam? Have you tried to output via the av lead to a normal tv set, as it could be a faulty connector within the camera.

nobus

you could try resetting the camera?

any way -here the sony troubleshooting: http://esupport.sony.com/perl/support-info.pl?info_id=80&mdl=DCRHC21

and here a youtube : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHe9rCBWdhY

leblanc

ASKER

I plugged the camera to my TV and I am seing the same error. On the screen, the video is cut off with grey lines. Let me try to describe it. If you divide the screen with 8 large horizontal line, the first large line is the video, the second is grey line, then the video, then another grey line. Does it mean that the camera has problem in reading the tape?

I used several different tapes and I have the same issue. Also, sometimes I got error c:31-23. So I have to reinsert the tape.

nobus

yes, it has problems reading the tape
best turn it in for repair

Speed54

Agreed. I think it's the record head. It may be a cheaper option to try to source a second hand camera on ebay.

leblanc

ASKER

There is a black cylinder that fell out of my camera. I think it got loose and that is why the video was not played correctly? Now I am not sure where to put it back in. Anybody have a picture of the inside of the camera. The inside meaning the place where you insert the tape. Thanks

Speed54

If it's appears to be of a plastic or nylon composition, it's probably part of the tape transport mechanism, and yes it is possible that this piece being missing could cause the camera not to play back properly. If you look carefully, one of the metal posts in the camera will fit the roller. There may well be a groove at the top of the post which is where a retaining circlip has also either come off or have been broken. If that is the case, having a loose metal bit rattling around in the camera is not a good thing. As previously suggested, either get it looked at by a video camera serviceman, or get another camera.

leblanc

ASKER

This is what I am referring to, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUIN-ygjN_g&list=PLE8ECF15DF236D9E2&index=48. But my camera is a bot different from the one in youtube so I am not sure hoe to put it back.

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

leblanc

membership

This solution is only available to members.

To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.

Start Free Trial

leblanc

ASKER

I found the tutorial video that shows me how to put the cylinder back.