I have a JVC digital video camera. At times, I will playback the video and it will have lines of "interference" or "blocks on the screen" that greatly interfere with the picture. These "blocks" also transfer if I dub onto VHS tapes. How do I get rid of them. I carry several two-way radios. Could they be causing interference?

In addition, what's the best type of software to download from a digital camcorder to the computer?

-- David Scott (davidscott1@hotmail.com), October 16, 1999

Answers

It seems unlikely that you will be able to restore the tapes. You have probably recorded the "interference." You would be able to tell if the same original tape always displays the same problem. If the problem does not always show up on the same tape at the same place, then you should have been able to copy. The radios could very well be causing the problem if you are transmitting while recording. To test, intentionally transmit while recording. You may need to check several different distances and orientations to duplicate the problems. Also there may be different results depending on the frequencies and power outputs of the radios. Simply having the radios on near the camera should not cause a problem, but, it could. Most of the modern electronic devices (especially microprocessor controlled items) we use are operating at radio frequencies and can cause mutual interference. Solving that can be a technically difficult problem. The bad news: read the FCC Art. 15 (I think) disclaimers that were probably included with the various pieces of equipment. Most likely the video equipment was not designed or shielded to work in the transmission field of the radios. Home electronics manufacturers save lots of money that way. Their equipment may accept interference but can not cause interference to properly licensed and properly operated radio services. It is possible but less likely that the radios are transmitting out of band, etc. Radios are supposed to be type accepted before sale. However, not everyone follows the rules. How many home computers from garage shops, etc. actually are properly tested and compliant with FCC regs.? You may find that the only way to keep interference down is to keep the units well apart. For example, my TV is susceptible to interference from my computer when working from it's rabbit ears but not when on tape from the VCR.

-- Craig Gillette (cgillette@thegrid.net), October 18, 1999.

Got ahead of myself. Is the camera clean and operating properly? Check the camera first. Clean the heads (follow JVC instructions) and then check operation in an electronically clean area such as a park or large open space. Keep in mind that there are lots of interference sources. Check in the day time away from cell phones, powerlines and operating streetlights, field lights, vehicles, etc.

-- Craig Gillette (cgillette@thegrid.net), October 18, 1999.

im having the same problem, lines in the playback, at first i thought it was the tape , but now it does it with all my tapes and its a brand new 700$ JVC camera, im calling them tomorrow to vent a lil, anywho ill keep you posted!

-- bill n (phillytech@comcast.net), June 24, 2003.