Bad quality video channel after NTL upgrade

leche solara

Following a recent NTL Cable upgrade to my house the quality of all the channels on the NTL basic package is greatly improved. However on the video channel on my TV the picture keeps flashing. I have tried fine tuning, retuning but all to no avail. When watching something recorded there is a constant flashing like strobe light that annoys and eventually gives a headache. Watching ordinary TV programmes there is no problem at all.

Anyone any ideas.

The cable goes into the VCR first, then from there to TV.

The tax man

Sounds like the output frequency of your VCR if clashing with something on the UHF band most likely E4.
Try this to find out>>> Put the TV on the VCR station and then put the cable feed straight into the TV(bypass vcr) If a station shows up on the TV you now know that you've a frequency clash on the VCR end of things.
Very common problem with Sony and Panasonic VCRs.(rf output ch21)ch21 now has E4 on it.
You can change the rf output frequency of the VCR to something else higher up the band.I tend to choose something in the 40's due to the lower end of the band having more channels to clash with. Ch48 is a safe bet.

leche solara

The VCR is a Panasonic.
How do I change the output frequency?

The tax man

Older VCR's have a tiny screw pot near the rf in/out sockets.
Most though are done through the vcrs set up menu. You are looking for something called "rf output".
Can't remember step by step how to change it on a Panasonic. If you still have the manual it should show you how to do it.

leche solara

Thanks I'll give it a go