[Brad Ferree]

I have been using an XH-A1 for about 5 years now and that happen to me a few times, and each time the fix was something completely different.

1. It was an import issue – tape was fine and ran back on playback just fine but the import came in chopping every 30 seconds to a minute

2. DVC tape issue – try out a tape from a different batch or a brand new one. I had a package of tapes I got last minute that you could actually see the magnetic strip wind as uneven through the clear plastic. Make sure the tapes don’t get knocked around too much or go through extreme heat or cold.

3. Head cleaner – I use sony tapes and I make sure to use a sony head cleaner, because I used one of the aftermarket head cleaners a while ago and it was absolutely worthless.

I hope this gives you some direction, because I know how frustrating that problem is.