Retuning Your VCR Output Channel
For most viewers in Townsville who receive transmissions from
Mt Stuart, the introduction of digital TV will mean they may
experience some interference to their VCR reception, which in
some cases can be fixed by retuning the output channel of their
VCR and then retuning their TV to pick up the new channel.
Why do I get only snow when trying to
view my VCR
VCRs receive an analogue signal from the antenna and tune into
it so it can be recorded. They then transmit this received
picture and sound, or the picture and sound from the tape when it
is played, on an 'unused' channel to the TV. This VCR channel is
often preset by manufacturers to 36, 37 or 38, as these channels
have not been used by TV stations in the past. But now, these
channels are needed for digital TV.
Many older VCRs will not be affected as they use channels 0,
1, 3 or 4 which are unsuitable for digital TV.
Is my VCR being
affected
You can identify whether the interference you are experiencing
is due to digital TV services or by some other source by the
following:
- Interference from digital TV will make a normally
acceptable analogue TV reception appear to be very 'snowy'.
The picture may resemble a very weak signal or the
reception of a badly tuned channel.
- Interference from digital TV will happen whenever you are
watching TV through the VCR. The interference will be the
same on all TV stations that you select on you VCR and
will also happen when you are playing video tapes.
- As a further check, disconnect the antenna from your VCR,
then play a video tape. Or connect the antenna directly
to the TV and try all the TV services you have normally .
If the interference has gone, it is likely that a digital
TV service is causing interference to your VCR channel.
See below for information on how to remedy the problem.
- If you are trying to tune your TV into you VCR, the TV may
go right past the tuning spot for the VCR as the digital
signal is very strong and has no sync pulses like
analogue signals. Try disconnecting the antenna input
from the VCR while tuning the TV. This will allow you to
view the menu from the VCR and help in changing the
output channel.
- If the interference being experienced is not caused by
digital TV, the Australian Communications Authority
can provide advice and assistance for dealing with it.
Pay TV set top boxes
If your pay TV service suffers interference you
should contact your Pay TV provider. Pay TV set-top boxes should
not be retuned by the subscriber unless so advised by the service
provider.
How do I fix the problem
Warning
Do not open the case of the VCR or TV set, you may receive an
electric shock. There is no reason to open the VCR in order to
retune it. If you are unable to resolve the interference, contact
a qualified person (i.e. a video repair technician). Only allow
qualified personnel to repair or service your set.
If the interference is caused by a digital TV service, there
are a number of steps you can take to fix the problem:
- Connect the TV set to the VCR through the audio and video
(AV) connections found on most TV sets and VCRs. Using AV
connections will improve the picture quality irrespective
of any interference issues. Refer to your VCR and TV
manuals for details on connecting the equipment. AV
cables are readily available from our shop or electrical
equipment retailers. The existing RF cable between the
VCR and the TV should be retained so that the TV is still
connected to the antenna (via the VCR) enabling direct
tuning of a service on the TV. This will allow the TV to
be watched directly while the VCR is switched off or
while recording another program on the VCR. The channel
the TV currently utilises to see the VCR output should be
'skipped' so that the interference is not seen.
- If either your TV set or your VCR cannot use AV
connections, you will need to retune the VCR output
channel.
Newer VCRs with UHF output
The output for most of these VCRs can be tuned to a
channel between 28 and 69 using an on-screen menu. Use
the remote control and/or the VCR front panel. For
instructions on how to retune your VCR check the manual
and make sure to follow all safety guidelines. If the
instructions for your VCR require you to view the
on-screen menu to change the output channel, you will
have to disconnect the antenna input from the VCR to view
the menu. LG owners manuals are available from our
office, they can be downloaded and printed for you for a
small charge. Most other manuals can be ordered in for
you. You can also contact the manufacturer of your VCR if
you need a new manual.
After changing your VCR's output channel, your TV will
need to be tuned into the VCR again. Consult the manual
for instructions, making sure to follow all safety
guidelines.
Panasonic VCR's (not all models)
Output channel change mode is entered by
pressing and holding for more than 5 seconds the Menu
button on the remote control. The display on the front of
the VCR should then change to say something similar to RF
CH37. Use the channel up button to change it to read RF
CH44.(Spare unused channel in this area.) Now enter
tuning mode on you TV for the preset number you usually
use for your VCR. Tune the channel in the up direction.
You should get the picture from channel 9 Win first, keep
going past Win until you see the test pattern from the
VCR. If your TV has a Mem button press that. then exit
tuning mode on your TV
Older VCRs with UHF output
The output for most of these VCRs (Particularly Sharp and
JVC) can be tuned to a channel over a more limited range
(often between 30 and 40) using a small tuning screw in
the back of the VCR. As most of the channels in this
range are now used by transmitters from Mt Stuart it will
be very difficult to find a clear channel. On a set by
set basis, we have been able to tune most of these VCR's
at our workshop. Otherwise you will have to connect to
the TV set via AV leads as in 1. above.
If you need help retuning your TV or VCR please contact
our office on 4775 7774. or the help line on 1800 55 22
88
- As a temporary solution try turning the VCR off when
watching TV services and unplugging the antenna from the
back of the VCR when playing video tapes.
- Do not under any circumstances
open the case of your TV or VCR.
Last Updated
23/04/2008