![VHS_Video_Head_Assembly[1]](https://www.azureproduction.com/wp-content/uploads/VHS_Video_Head_Assembly1.jpg)
What is a video head?
A video head is a component in a video camera or VCR that scans the video tape when the tape is being played or when the device is recording. Video heads are small ferrite chips that touch the tape in order to play or record information.
When and why should you clean a video head?
Video heads can get dirty, resulting in a snowy picture or no picture at all. Cleaning video heads should not be performed as a type of maintenance or done frequently, as this can lead to wear. Cleaning video heads should only be done when there is an issue or they are dirty, while VCRs themselves can be cleaned periodically for better performance.
However, sometimes video heads become damaged and cleaning won’t solve the problem.
Basic video head cleaning tips
Video heads are extremely delicate and must be cleaned properly to avoid damage, while only cleaning them when absolutely necessary.
When you do need to clean video heads avoid using anything other than head cleaning sticks, even cotton swabs or gentle cleansers. Head cleaning sticks can easily be found in electronics stores or online.
You can either use head cleaner or alcohol to moisten the head cleaning stick, but only a small amount so that residual liquid in your machine is not an issue.
Video heads consist of two cylinders, an upper and a lower, gently place the head cleaning stick where they meet and rotate the upper cylinder so the video heads touch the stick. Always avoid moving the stick up and down, otherwise the heads may be destroyed.
This series of articles incorporates a number of different techniques for cleaning and caring for video heads.
image from wikimedia.org