Panasonic AY-DVMCLWW digital video head cleaner

In simple words:1) It took precisely 10 seconds with my camera playing in VCR mode in order to have it back to life. (and product arrived very fast)NOTE: If you have problems with very small letters I recommend you having magnifying glasses to read the instructions.To give you an idea of the procedure I have reproduced below the instructions that came with my tape, but be sure to read yours in case there is any update from the manufacturer......The Panasonic AY-DVMCLA is a high performance cleaning cassette tape designed to clean heads in just 10 seconds.Instructions:CAUTION - to avoid misuse and possible video head damage please read carefully. Do not use cleaning tape more often than necessary. Frequent use may cause head damage. This tape can not be used for recording and playback.For cleaning only.• Prior to use, play another video tape to see that the problem does not lie in the tape.• Also, make sure tracking control is properly adjusted.• Play the cleaning tape for 10 seconds only. Check result by playing a prerecorded tape.• If picture is still unclear, try again. DO NOT USE MORE THAN 3 CONSECUTIVE TIMES.• Do not rewind the tape after each use. When it reaches the end, do not rewind it to the beginning.• If video noise does not clear up after use, service may be necessary.• Be sure to keep the cassette tape in the cassette case when not using it.

This head cleaning product is useful for anyone using a vintage Digital Video (DV) camcorder or tape deck. Many of us are transferring DV videos from old tapes to disk files before the lifespan of these tapes runs out. The treasured videos are best transferred using a camera or tape deck that has clean tape heads, and this need is where this product comes in handy.Before using the camera or deck to playback a DV tape, run this cleaning tape once through the product for ten seconds. Most devices will automatically sense that this is a cleaning tape and only run for ten seconds. Remove the cleaning tape and insert your recorded tape. If the playback produces a clean onscreen picture, then you are ready to import your treasures to your computer.If the playback still produces black horizontal bars or other noise, then repeat the cleaning process for up to four times, but no more. Always check the playback between cleaning runs so that you don't inadvertently wear down the tape heads.

You just insert this item into your camera and run it for 10 seconds. It is very clear: only do it for 10 seconds, maybe do it twice, but stop there. I guess it's abrasive and prolonged use could ruin the heads.Well, I didn't have my glasses on, and ran the thing for 10 seconds, then removed it and inserted the normal tape. But I got distracted or something, and stuck the cleaner back in the camera and played it for a couple of minutes before I figured out what was going on. The camera seems to be working OK for now but I really thought I had ruined it.This product's case should be the same bright orange that's on a cop's traffic vest, with "HEAD CLEANER" written in big letters all over it. Apart from that, the product did fix my camera and I was pleased with it.

Just what I needed! Works well! TY!

Did not help with the 'grey bars' in any way. And as these tapes are not cheap, this is especially disappointing. Buyer beware.

I think it works OK. But it didn't fix my issue!

Wow. Just like the instructions said on the package, this head cleaner fixed the wide, gray, horizontal lines on the video playback of my precious home movies.The backstory: I was trying to transfer to a computer using a cord and some software, and all was going well, until 2 tapes in, I started to get horizontal lines in playback. The lines appeared when I replayed the tapes I had already completed, too, so I knew something was up. A quick search for the problem online led me to this product, and it fixed the issue in 10 SECONDS of playing the cleaner tape; just like it said it would. WOW.It's a pity I can't give this 6 stars.

When you are looking for a cleaning cassette for your camera, I have found it is best to use one that is made by a reputable company. I bought a Panasonic brand cleaner for my Panasonic MiniDV and a JVC cleaner for my JVC MiniDV. I almost bought a "off-brand" cleaner (or at least a brand I had never heard of) at a store that sounds like "Video Hack". Luckily there was an opened item and upon examining it, I saw it consisted of a "feathery" brush in a DVC housing. The JVC MiniDV Head Cleaner was for sale at the big yellow and blue electronics store for $34.99. This is too much to pay for a simple cleaning cassette. I purchased one on Amazon and it worked perfectly. This review will be similar (if not identical) to the other MiniDV Head Cleaner because I purchsed one for each MiniDV camera I have. They both worked as advertised and I will buy one again.