Laserdisc playback problem

[JoeyOhhhh]

Hey guys,

I'm having a little trouble with a LD (it's Empire Strikes Back, Face cover side 1). The first few minutes of playing, there are these "bars" that roll down the picture.

I was wondering if it was interference from something else, the player (a Lasermax), or the disc itself.

Any help is appreciated.

[CrashMan]

I had plenty of LD's over the years that had the same problem. I didn't ever find out the exact cause but it has something to do with imperfections in the layers when the discs are pressed. I had a couple that were bad enough they would lock up after a few seconds. But for the most part, the rest played through.

[Frank S]

Usually when it is not constant (as you indicate) it is a smear or something similar on the LD itself. It is duplicatable? i.e. it happens at the same place on the LD each time. If so it is definately the disc itself.

[JoeyOhhhh]

Yeah it does happen in the same part.

Am I stuck, or will it just take a good cleaning?

[Frank S]

A good cleaning is a start but if it continues it may be a problem with the disc under the plastic and then you are SOL!

[CrashMan]

I'm very particular about my stuff so my discs didn't get dirty or collect fingerprints. Every disc that had the problem you describe turned out to be in the disc, not a dirt problem on the exterior. I'd have to say you are SOL, but hopefully it doesn't last too long during the movie.

[Josh Z]

Are the "bars" like darker bands of black level that slowly roll down the picture? This is usually the result of a ground loop somewhere near your HT system. Or it might be that the power supply in your LD player is crapping out.

[CrashMan]

The rolling bars I've experienced have been thin, multi-colored bars that roll at a pretty good rate.

I would guess if it was a ground loop problem it would occur through the entire disc and not just the first few minutes?

[JoeyOhhhh]

Originally posted by Josh Z
Are the "bars" like darker bands of black level that slowly roll down the picture? This is usually the result of a ground loop somewhere near your HT system. Or it might be that the power supply in your LD player is crapping out. Yes, I couldn't think of how to put it, but that is what I am experiencing.

[Josh Z]

Originally posted by CrashMan
I would guess if it was a ground loop problem it would occur through the entire disc and not just the first few minutes?

The effect is sometimes more noticeable on certain types of scenes depending on picture content.

There could be something else wrong as well. That's just one theory.