On 21 Jun 2002 23:34:32 GMT, iancw1@aol.com (Ian CW1) wrote:

>I've never seen this addressed before, but I'm wondering if there is a head
>cleaner or head cleaning tape for DV cameras. I have a Panasonic PVDV400
>camera. Last fall it was splashed with water, so I sent it in to be serviced
>and it's worked fine ever since. However, just recently I'm getting picture
>break-up (pixels, blocks, etc.) whenever I play anything back on the
>viewfinder, LCD, or computer firewire link. I can't tell if it's recording
>correctly or not. Is my camera fritzing out again, or is there some kind of
>simple solution for this? I don't see any kind of cleaner in stores. Any help
>would be much appreciated.

Cleaning tapes are available from large dealers, like
www.bhphotovideo.com - most recommend staying with the
same brand of cleaning tape as the tape you use.
Since the head speed is very high, and the cleaning tape
may be slightly abrasive, DO NOT exceed the recommended
application times and frequency of use (err on the short
side, for safety), to avoid overheating and excessive wear.