Camcorder problem

[Scarlett]

I have been using my mini dv camcorder today, and suddenly when I went to playback, there are thick black horizontal lines across the mini screen, and no sound.

I tried switching on and off, taking battery and tape out, but still no luck. Any idea what is wrong with it?

[pug100]

Sound like you have a head clog, that's when a small piece of oxide from the tape becomes stuck to the video heads.
It's not seroius and a quick possible cure is to press play then fast forward then rewind on the tape. This may not clear the problem so you'll need to buy a dv head cleaning tape from Dixons / Comet / Camera shop to clear it . Go for a recognised brand such as Sony.

[Scarlett]

Thanks Pug you are a legend. I would never have known that- it wasn't in the handbook. I was about to phone the home insurance!! x x