Sound dropout As I play-back a pre-recorded tape, I have a periodic (rhythmic) drop-put of sound. the same thing appears to be happening, when I record. The sound head (two small openings on the recording drum) has been cleaned - both with a Sony Video head Cleaning Cassette, I purchased, and by hand with alcohol and cotton swab.

If it plays back a pre-recorded tape OK, then the tape head will be good. If it doesn't you might have problem, with either the head or the pre-amp stage.
However if it is playing back OK but not recording, then you have problem in the record circuit. Some tape decks physically switch the circuit when you press record. Pushing the record button will cause a switch to move position. In some cases dirt or dust can get into the switch and it doesn't connect properly. Switch cleaning fluid will correct the problem.
However the record circuit itself could be faulty. Perhaps an IC has developed a fault on one channel, which will need to be replaced.
Watching what happens when you press record with the top cover off, showing the workings, might point to some movement of the mechanism to reveal a faulty switch.

Could be because LP record mode was used.
Alo it may be tape dropouts.
Dropouts occur after too many record/erase cycles.

Al

I have the same problem. I just bought a sony handyman and tried to play my old tapes and nothing, not even sound. But I just recorded something using an old tape and it records and I can play that back. I'm thinking maybe over time, somehow all the data on there got erased. Which is really a bummer.

It sounds to me like a stuck gear causing the clicking sound. Pull off the top and see if you can hear it and see where it is coming from.

The blue indicates a lack of video signal. Try playing a pre-recorded tape to see if the unit will "read" a tape. If yes, then the record section of the VCR needs attention. You can ry cleaning the heads as well. If you are not getting sound either, then there is a different problem perhaps the incorrect input is being selected? It is possible that the internal switching is not happening correctly. Without seeing the unit and poking around inside, I can not say for sure, but try the cleaning and update this with any changes in symptoms.

Dan

check your cables to the units channel that doesn't work, for breaks. Does the cassette player play back a pre-recorded tape okay? if it doesn't there might be a internal fault.
Check the wires to the tape head to see if one is off.

your tape guides are out of calibration on all your pre - recorded tapes , or they are out of adjustment ( maybe even loose ) now ; - - put your camcorder close , next to your ear ? and . . . listen ! to a new tape in play mode - if you hear a fluttering sound like a deck of cards being shuffled softly , the camera is damaging all your tapes and needs alignment ;

your guides have come loose , probably - the digital sound will be next to go because the bottom edge of your tapes are being folded - open the cassette tape lid by pressing the small pin near one hinge and gently lifting the door - if there are any creases ? get the guides aligned ! to protect your library ; ( if there are no creases , try a sony d8 cleaning tape - once ! before getting a repair quote ) ;

Unit might be picking up 60 cycle hum or other electromagnetic field. Is VCR sitting on/under another piece of electronic equipment? If so, it could pick up such from the power supply circuitry of that other device. Try moving the VCR away from other equipment and see if the unwanted sound disappears.

Are these prerecorded tapes or ones that you recently recorded? Or are they all normal audio tapes?? Try a pre recored and turn off the HI fi audio and thats an easy thing to do as put it in normal and mono.. Get back to us so we can assit. Not enough info as could be 100 things.