How do I stop my video recorder flickering when I play tapes?

Question

I have an video recorder which I use to play pre-recorded tapes. Recently the kids sat down to watch a film and the screen rolled and flickered, despite me trying to adjust the tracking from the button on the machine.

Does anyone have any ideas how to sort this out please, and restore calm in my house?!

Thank you.

Answer 1

idk

Answer 2

Is the VCR connected directly to the TV?  If not, you may be seeing the results of the MacroVision copy protection signal that's on all pre-recorded tapes that you would have bought in the store.

Otherwise, it could just be an old or damaged tape.  Even stored under ideal conditions, VHS tape starts to degrade after just 5 years.  After 10 years, some of them aren't even watchable, and after 20 years...well, let's just say it'd be a miracle if you could actually get any sort of a picture.