Very snowy picture when recording or watching video tape

If there is snow from the VCR only when the tape is being played, it is possible that there is a head clog or dirt on the heads.

If the head is clean and there is still snow from it, this means that most likely it is faulty.

A service tech who is experienced at servicing VCR's can connect a scope to the pre-amp test points, and run his calibration tape. With this he should be able to look at the signal carrier envelops on the scope and see if there are any faults.

At the same time, he will also see if there is a fault with the head pre-amp area. I've rarely seen any faults in the pre-amp area.

An experienced tech who works on VCR's can change the head for you. This is time consuming because he will have to go through all the guide and tracking alignments with the scope and test tapes.

A problem with most VCR models, unless it is a high end industrial model, most manufactures are no longer supplying replacement parts. They are telling the people to buy a new machine.

In reality, it may not be cost effective to service your VCR. You may end up buying a new one.

Jerry G.