Sony Handycam DCR-TRV510 Digital Camcorder Logo
Posted on Jul 15, 2008

Sony TRV510-playback, audio choppy, image isn't clear

I have 8mm and Hi8 cassettes that I wanted to watch. The video recorded on 8mm was made with a different camcorder, the Hi8 were made with the Sony TRV510. When I tried to playback Hi8 cassettes, the sound is choppy and the imaging looks as if it were being forwarded or rewinded--there are those bands that appear across the LCD and then for a few seconds the imaging may be clear then back to bands or mosaic. I tried using a head cleaning cassette but there is no improvement. When I played an 8mm cassette, one cassette started play but then turned to static.
Does this sound like something that is easily repairable? Anything I can do myself or is it worth it to bring to a repair shop?
If I were to try and buy a Hi8 VCR, what type should I look for? The cassettes I have all seem to be 8mm or Hi8. 
Frustrated, Christine Nigro

  • Anonymous Dec 29, 2008

    I have a similar problem with the playback however I narrowed the problem down on the playback only having this problem when the camcorder is being swung to follow a moving target or it also occurs when the zoom in and out is utilized. The playback is fine and when the camcorder is stationary.

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  • Posted on Sep 01, 2008
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I was having the exact same problems, and I read a post on this website somewhere recommending that I just record a few seconds of video on a blank portion of tape and then the camera should start playing video normally again.

I tried it, and IT WORKED!!

  • 4 more comments 
  • Stephen Nazigian Jun 27, 2011

    OMG, this simple and elegant solution worked perfectly for me with my Sony DCR-TRV730, purchased just yesterday at a flea market.

  • Anonymous Nov 02, 2011

    This worked for me as well. Thank you so much! I thought I had lost the entire tape of my son's 4th summer.

  • Anonymous Aug 28, 2013

    WOW!!!! Great suggestion. This actually worked for me too and I REALLY NEEDED IT TO. Thanks sooo much for posting the very helpful suggestion.

  • payne0321001@yahoo.com
    [email protected] Dec 30, 2018

    This worked for me as well....i am so happy this recommendation was available!!

  • Kandis MagicMantis
    Kandis MagicMantis Jun 07, 2019

    I had the same problem and I just tried it too. Thank you so much! <3 <3 <3

  • PJ Hankins
    PJ Hankins Mar 18, 2021

    Holy COW!! this worked for me! For dang near 15 years I thought this camera was dead! Now I can go back and recapture all my old footage! Life Saver!!!!

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  • Posted on Feb 09, 2009
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I did the 2nd solution by recording 15 seconds on a brand new tape and then when I put the other 8mm tape back in it worked and sounded perfectly! The sony website quoted me $311 to fix my camcorder and all I had to do was that! Thanks so much for the idea!

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Related Questions:

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1answer

When i try to record a yellow arrow then a message saying need head cleaner but sony doesnt make that model head cleaner what do i do

Greetings Jerry - You don't need a Sony head cleaning tape. 8mm is a standard that was used by many manufacturers.

Head cleaning cassettes for 8 mm and Hi8 are exactly the same, there is no Hi8 head cleaning cassette except one that Sony used to sell for almost three times as much as a regular 8mm and offered nothing special.

Sony also made a bit of a big deal that you can't use "wet" cleaners inside your Sony Hi8 camcorders...also not true and Sony was just trying to part you from your wallet.

I can understand if you have some concerns about these things so I suggest you Google around something like "head cleaners for 8mm and Hi8."

Good Luck,

Mikeywaf
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I can't play a hi8 cassette recorded in another camera y my camera, what can i do?

DCR-TRV130 is not capable of playing back 8mm or Hi8 tapes recorded on analog camcorders. Digital recording playback only.
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Sony handycam video cassette

To the best of my knowledge 8mm VTR's have not been available for some time now. On the other hand there are plenty of Hi8 cameras and players available after market. eBay is a great source. Keep in mind that Hi8 cameras and decks will also play standard 8mm video tapes.
There are also many video tape transfer services that will transfer your 8mm tapes to DVD or other formats of your choice. Just Google "videotape transfer service"
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NEED Hi8 head cleaning tape

Best Buy sells one.

Dynex® - 8mm Head Cleaner Model: DX-DA100511 | SKU: 6997315 Here is the link. http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=6997315&type=product&id=1099391463958&ref=06&loc=01&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=6997315 Just "google" hi8 cleaner tape or 8mm cleaner tape and you will find many, many places to buy one.
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Sony DCR-TRV510 Playback Blank or Choppy

I recently had similar problem. Sony Phone tech support was very helpful. The answers were strange. You need to make sure the cameral is turned off, unpluged and take the battery out for at least 5 minutes. (something to do with reseting firmware). That sort of worked when coupled with there last comment which was to RECORD about 15 seconds and play it back. Mine was instantly healed!
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Hi8 Playback Compatibility with Digital* Camcorders

I believe all Sony model DCR-TRV2XX and 3XX would play Hi 8 and ST8
Such as DCR-TRV265, DCR-TRV285 DCR-TRV340, DCR-TRV355
I hope that give you some ideas
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Playback static

Your video heads are probably dirty. I have the same problem with mine too. If you buy a 8mm video cassette cleaner, it should work. Unless there is some other problem.
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Problems with playback of HI8 tapes...

What's happening is that the tape in the cassette is being chewed on one side by the camera's tape transporting mechanism during playback, hence the distorted image and sound. The mechanism might be damaged (misalignment) or just dirty. Try not to play other tapes on this unit because they will become permanently damaged. The best way is to find another camcorder (if cleaning does not help). Note that some old cassettes of long recording time will exhibit this behavior more often because of thinner tape used.
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No picture during playback on LCD or TV from my Sony DCR-TRV255E

Just use good quality Video Head Cleaning Cassette. Video head is dirty/ clogged.
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RCA PRO854 camcorder

maybe I would buy your camera,
yes as far as I know hi8 and 8mm are completely different cameras,
where are you and how much for the camera?

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