Recording with Canon XL H1. Everything running smoothly according to the viewfinder during recording. On playback, the tape experiences occasional stops in the time code. It will continuously play in terms of mechanics, but the picture stops and restarts. Sometimes it drops a few frames. Other times it drops as much as two seconds.

It needs to go in for cleaning and service. It is a vintage recorder and the rubber feed capstans are probably sticky and need replacing.

It is a known issue.

https://www.google.com/search?q=Canon+XL1S+eats+tapes

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Have you tried updating your Zoom's Firmware to the latest version? That may just clear and reset the device to normal operation.

Quality is definitely a factor here. Set tape speed to SP. Standard Play. It uses the most tape, and use a newer tape if possible.

You can also try converting to a newer format like MP4. This is the new standard for web videos. Older codecs might be an issue.

When you're recording do you see any indication that recording is actually happening, like a blinking icon in the viewfinder?

Try to insert a new Mini DV tape and try recording and viewing... if the problem still there then you will have to take it to the service

makes it clean professionnaly. Cleaning tape is not strong enough for real problem, or glued head...

Hello,

Sorry about delayed reply as I just saw it.

Its known problem of ccd imager in Canon ZR85 camcorder and ccd imager needs to be replaced.

Canon will repair your camcorder free of cost as per announced scheme for ccd imager issue.

Click Canon CCD Advisory for details, how to get free repair.

Regarding can't see picture or time code in playback, it is problem of dirty / clogged video heads. Use good quality video head cleaning cassette to clean heads and hope camera will show playback picture.

Good luck.

The monitor you view while recording does not read from the tape where the problem is located, that's why you are not seeing them during recording.
Since they are not visible while recording, the video section is healthy, only the recording is faulty and it is unlikely you can do anything at home to correct it.
This may be a common problem and perhaps Canon is familiar with it.
I recommend you call their service line directly:

email: https://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=SupportMailerAct&fcategoryid=227&modelid=12812

Phone: In the US: 1 (800) 828-4040

You can see an image in a camcorder viewfinder any time the camera's actually on in record mode, whether or not the camcorder is actually recording. So that's no guarantee.

Assuming the obvious (you have the right kind of tapes, they're not in write-protect mode, you rewind before playing, etc). I recommend that you borrow a tape of the same kind from someone else and check it on playback in your camcorder. This should lead you know understand if you have a playback problem or a recording problem.

Some possible cause of lines, noise or pixelation during playback are: 1. Dirty heads on the recording machine. If the heads were dirty at the time of recording, the dirty heads didn't record a strong enough signal on the tape. The damage is done for this tape and recovery is unlikely. Best advice here is to use only premium grade new tapes and keep your camcorder clean by occasionally running a cleaning tape. 2. Physical tape damage. Any distortion of the tape will result in mistracking and subsequent loss of data. 3. Built up oxide deposits or other debris in the guidepost corners can also result in tape edge damage. Keep your machine clean! 4. Improper tape storage - Even short term exposure to high temperatures over 130 deg f. can permanently damage the tape. The black cassette housing readily absorbs the sun's infrared rays and internal cassette temperatures can soar even if left in direct sunlight on just a warm day. It doesn't take much heat to slightly distort the plastic shell or ruin the tape contained within. * Try other tapes to ensure the problem lies within the tape and not the camcorder. * If the problem becomes apparent on all tapes, try a head cleaner. After cleaning the heads, the tapes may not play cleaner if the recording was done while the heads were dirty.