Some video cameras record onto analog Hi8 tapes.
Over the years, there have been several different video-recording formats for camcorders. Before miniDV and digital8 came the Hi8 format. Hi8 uses the same-sized tape as digital8, but it records in an analog method. With the video camera using a tape, the device does have video heads for recording and playback. If the heads are dirty, the recording is going to have static and other distortion on it. Because of this, it is extremely important to clean off the tape heads before recording your next video.
Instructions
1. Eject the current tape you have in the Hi8 video camera. You are not able to clean the heads while a tape is currently inserted.
2. Place the cleaning Hi8 tape into the tape deck and close the cover, then press "Play." This plays the cleaning tape over the heads. The cleaning tape has a special cleaning solution that adheres to dust and other debris stuck to the heads.
3. Eject the tape after a minute or so of play time, then spray a few shots of compressed air into the tape deck. This removes dust stuck in the tape deck itself and helps dislodge dust stuck to other interior equipment.
4. Press the small, plastic button on the side of the Hi8 tape you want to record on. Flip open the plastic cover to inspect the tape itself. If the tape is dusty, you must either clean it off with a cotton swab or insert a brand new Hi8 tape.
Tags: cleaning tape, tape deck, dust stuck, have video, into tape, into tape deck, video camera