SLV-595HF Sony VCR playback darkens intermittently

[Scribe3]

Picture reddens, then goes almost to total black, then comes back to
normal after 5 minutes or so.

Is this an amplifier problem? Cleaning? I'm not qualified to insert
whatever parts might be needed (I don't think) but wonder if it's a
major or minor thing.
Maybe it wouldn't be too risky to do myself (in terms of causing
further damage).

It's a great VCR that has performed over the years and I'm debating
whether to have it serviced or buy something new.

Thanks for any help and opinions.

 

[Sofie]

Scribe3:
Try playing a different tape..... an original commercial movie tape.... NOT
a copy. Also try recording off air.... a television station.... then play.
Post the results of these tests.

 

[Mark D. Zacharias]

Sounds like Macrovision copyguard.

mz

 

[Sofie]

Mark D. Zacharias:
Obviously from my reply comments to the original post.... my thoughts
EXACTLY.
The results of the "tests" I asked him to perform should yield confirmation
of our suspicions.
--
Best Regards,
Daniel Sofie
Electronics Supply & Repair
------------------------

Sounds like Macrovision copyguard.

mz

.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 

[Richard Crowley]

Mark D. Zacharias:
Obviously from my reply comments to the original post.... my thoughts
EXACTLY.
The results of the "tests" I asked him to perform should yield confirmation
of our suspicions.

5 minutes is kinda long for the artifact cycle that Macrovision
uses, isn't it? The Macrovision stuff I've seen is cycled several
times per minute.

 

[Scribe3]

I'm the original poster. I should have added that when I'm in the VCR
mode and not playing back either a commercial tape or one I've
recorded, the reddening/darkening syndrome occurs also -- obscuring
whatever programming the VCR is tuned to. I hope this helps to narrow
down the reason for this technical malfunction.

 

[Sofie]

Scribe:
Is your VCR "tuned to" an off-air channel from satellite, cable, ? .....
or is it hooked up AFTER another VCR??

 

[Sofie]

Richard Crowley:
Might be a little long, but without more information from the OP.... what
ideas can you come up with??