Cleaning the video heads

If the video heads are dirty, the camcorder will not record images correctly, and images being played back may be distorted.

If the camcorder shows the following symptoms, the video heads may be dirty and need to be cleaned.

- The movie or sound freezes for a moment during playback.

- The message [HEADS DIRTY, USE CLEANING CASSETTE] appears on the LCD screen.

- During playback, a blue screen or video noise appears.

- The cassette is running in the camcorder, but no image appears on the television.

In cases like these, please try the following things.

- Clean the video heads using a commercially available dry cleaning cassette.

- Replace the cassette with a new one.

If the problem still persists after cleaning the video heads or replacing the cassette, please contact the nearest Canon Service Center.

Video heads may become dirty under the following conditions:

- When using the camcorder under high-temperature and high-humidity environment.

- When using a damaged or dirty cassette.

- When using the camcorder in dusty place.

- When using the camcorder without cleaning the video heads for a long period of time.

Please note the following things to avoid having distorted images.

Prior to recording important scenes, be sure to clean the video heads and make a test recording.

We recommend cleaning the video heads before storing the camcorder after use.