When you playback a tape on your vcr and dark bars flash across the screen , what does it mean?

I have played a new tape I had recorded on my vcr and I see when I play it back, dark bars flash across the screen.

When you playback a tape on your vcr and dark bars flash across the screen , what does it mean?
Most likely two causes:





1) The video heads are dirty and need to be cleaned. If it happens with all tapes, and if the sound blanks out when the video does, then this is the likely cause.





2) You tried to copy protected content, such as copying a DVD, recording a show off digital cable or satellite, or copying another tape. A small signal is included with a lot of these video programs to prevent you from copying them. It allows the program to play OK on all but the oldest TVs, but messes up the video when you try to record it. If the sound is OK (no static or interruptions) when the video blanks out, this is the likely reason.
Reply:Dirt in the tape probably transfered from your vcr drum.