Camcorder technology is advancing like that of other electronics products--moving away from tapes and discs to the superior and more convenient hard drive and flash drive models. Still, Sony camcorders are built to last for years under normal conditions, and with the proper care and maintenance the digital 8 cassettes can maintain their quality whether you're re-recording on them or preserving your favorite moments and events.
Instructions
1. Keep the tape in the protective case at all times when not in use to keep dust away from it and lessen the chance of it being damaged.
2. Use a soft, damp cloth to clean the outside of the cassette, taking care to not let any moisture build up and get inside.
3. Moisten a cotton swab and clean the nooks, crevices and the spokes of the cassette reels. Press lightly on the reels to better clean around the edges where dust can get in.
4. Press the release, lift the tape hatch and run a swab along the inside if any dust has accumulated there as well.
5. Clean the surface of the tape itself with the swab if necessary, but moisten the swab with only water and no cleaning solutions that can damage the tape. Manually advance the tape and continue the process for especially troubled areas.
6. Open the camcorder's tape-loading hatch and check for any dust or grime built up inside. Blow into it and use the cloth or swabs to remove any you find, again taking care not to let water get into the works.
7. Purchase and use a head-cleaning cassette in the camcorder from time to time--keeping the heads clean can keep dust from getting into the tape as well as improve recording and playback quality.
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