VHS Grey Playback

[atomant2012]

Hi
I hope you can help, this is my first post. I've searched for similar threads but only found one archived one.

I have a Panasonic DMREZ-45V.
It plays and copies VHS tapes to DVD really well.

I have a lot of tapes that playback just fine.
However, I have one tape that only shows a grey screen when playing. On fast forward, pause or rewind it looks just right, but when playing it is totally grey with no audio.

I have cleaned the heads a couple of times as suggested in the archived thread, but it didn't help.
I don't think that was the issue anyway as I said because other tapes play just fine.

Any help would be appreciated as I'm trying to copy a tape for a friends mother who has a lot of memories on this only VHS tape.

Thank you very much

 

[John Canon]

Did you try playing that tape in a different machine? If unavailable, then try fully rewind and FF the tape several times.

 

[atomant2012]

Hi. No I don't have another available. But I'll try what you suggest. Thank you.

 

[John Canon]

I did a search for "VHS playback is gray" and I found this.

Link: https://vhstodvdwales.com/the-biggest-problem-with-vhs-and-how-to-fix-it/

 

[Martaine2005]

You may have an issue with NTSC vs PAL/secam.
Although physically identical, they are not compatible.

Martin

 

[atomant2012]

I SOLVED IT!!!

Thanks for your answers bu I stuck with it and found the issue myself.
There is an option in the settings called "blue screen\grey screen" I can't remember which.
Basically, what this does if if there is a lot of noise on the screen, it shows a grey screen!

A bit silly if you ask me, but I turned it off and it worked again!
Sadly, I then opened up my unit to try adjusting the rollers to remove the black and white lines which worked well.
However, ever since then, it now displays the error about not being able to write to any disk.

Apparently that means the DVD regorded is screwed!

Unless you lot know how to help with that ? lol

 

[Bluejets]

I recommend

I recommend you look at the age of the post before adding comments...they're long since gone......

 

[Delta Prime]

 

[Archie77]

Experiencing grey playback on a VHS tape is usually a sign of tape degradation or dirty VCR heads. This can happen if the tape is old or has been stored improperly. To fix it, try cleaning the VCR heads with a head cleaner or carefully winding the tape to check for visible damage. If the issue persists, you may need professional restoration, as the tape could be deteriorating beyond home repair.

 

[Harald Kapp]

Old thread from 2022 -> closed