I recently ordered an old time recording from a supplier but twice I've recieved tapes that won't play any sound, yet when I sent them back, the supplier says the sound is fine. I've no reason to doubt them, but that doesn't help my problem. I've got two VCRs and neither one will play any sound, although the picture's fine. Tried playing other tapes on my VCRs right after and they play sound fine. Anyone know a reason this could be? My VCRs are a Magnavox (several years old) and a Shinsonic (approx. 2-3 years old). Supplier says he has a $50 Sanyo (age not given). Thanks for any ideas you have.

Terry B., October 2005

Try running a head cleaning tape. You can pick up anywhere for a few bucks. I've had this happen, and after cleaning the heads, it was fine. I know it seems strange that the picture is fine. And I can't explain why it works this way, but I have seen this a few times.
Hope this helps!

Brad S, June 2007

Some suggestions:

1) Press the button to the side of the cassette flap and lift it to check for tape edge damage. If it's curled that may be the problem and prevent playback on most VCR's.

2) The recording may only have a mono soundtrack but you are connecting to a stereo line in your TV (scart).
If there is an audio button on the VCR remote control, switch the audio output to L + R. Choices may be Off/L/R/L+R channel audio. Otherwise, connect to TV using RF only instead of AV.

3) The tape path on one or more of the machines is not aligned correctly.

Cobweb, October 2005