Playback problem on SP Tapes - Top 1/3 of screen wavy lines

The only real cure will be to clean the video head. If that doesn't work then I'm afraid that whatever recorded you EP mode tape was not set up well tracking wise. So other machines struggle to track the tape. Some VCR's will only playback SP or LP tapes and don't have EP mode. In which case you should check to see if these VCR's can play the EP tape and if they can't find one that can.

Try cleaning the heads, but it seems like the heads may be faulty, you might need to replace the vcr, they don't cost much these days, the repair might cost more than a new vcr these days.

heres a cheap headcleaner, look for one at local shops, wallmart bestbuy and so on
http://www.pcconnection.com/IPA/Shop/Product/Detail.htm?sku=7632166&oext=1038A&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=7632166

The VCR has at least four "heads" two are for 2 hr and two for 6 hour (sp and slp)

It is most likely one of the heads used in the SLP mode is slightly blocked with tape debris--heads need to be manually cleaned in the right way.

I left it in today for an estimate of repair. Thanks for your interest.

Your playback heads might be clogged. I am not sure if this camera with give you a RF warning if your record heads get clogged. Also most professional machines drums are rated at 1000 - 1500 hours before they need to be replaced. If you are at 500 and never cleaned the heads it is time to. Run a cleaning tape a few times.

If it plays back pre recorded tapes then there is nothing wrong with that section of the unit. Does it playback audio and not picture or does it not playback anything.
Also, when trying to playback a recording what is seen of the screen? Snow(black and white dots or wiggly picture?

The unit uses two separate circuits to record and playback tapes. Is any thing else connected to the unit while you are recording? If you are using anything plugged into other ports on the recorder it may not see the camera input causing it to not record anything..

The deck needs a good cleaning. Try using a brand new tape and run it on playback for 20 min or so. You could try using a cleaning tape, but many of them are abrasive. If this doesn't work, you need a deck re-alignment which will cost more than your set is worth.

No, this U-Matic VO-9800p ist a PAL Model, it only Records in SP and High Band Mode. If a SP Tape is inserted, it Records SPMode, otherwise High Band. Low Band Mode is only for Playback !
(Low Band Playback is of very poor Quality, do not use this for Digital DVD Captureing )

Unit might be picking up 60 cycle hum or other electromagnetic field. Is VCR sitting on/under another piece of electronic equipment? If so, it could pick up such from the power supply circuitry of that other device. Try moving the VCR away from other equipment and see if the unwanted sound disappears.

Are these prerecorded tapes or ones that you recently recorded? Or are they all normal audio tapes?? Try a pre recored and turn off the HI fi audio and thats an easy thing to do as put it in normal and mono.. Get back to us so we can assit. Not enough info as could be 100 things.