I have a Sony EZ737 casette recorder that will not record in long play mode. If I try to play a tape recorded in long play on another machine, the picture will run up the screen in bands about one inch wide. The sound sounds fine, it is only the picture that is the problem.

Even if it does manage to stay still, the picture will have a lot of interference on it that makes it nigh on impossible to watch.

I would like to know how I can fix it or can it be fixed professionally at a reasonable cost or is it a matter of buying a new machine and dumping this one that has never been very good form the start.

Thank you,

Allan

Allan White, March 2009

hi allan, i would say it either has a broken head or it has a very dirty head, examine very carefully the round silver upper drum, spin very slowly and at the point where the upper drum meets the lower drum you will notice the recording and playback heads, very very carefully use a cotton wool bud (ear bud) dipped in isopropanol alcohol and gently wipe the heads, there may upto four seperate heads on the upper drum and all must be cleaned, wipe the heads after with a clean ear bud, please unplug the machine before attempting to poke about, use a bright light, and be carefull with the alcohol!!!

steve, March 2009