powerampfreak wrote:

Hello all!
What can be the problem with a VHS player, Panasonic model NV-HV61E
which only gives a decent picture in EP mode? If trying to play a tape
wither standard shortplay or longplay, the picture all flickers and
rolls.
I clean the drum without no improvment. I also clean the capstan
roller and audio/control head. Any advice is warmly appreciated.

It probably needs new heads (upper cylinder).

Most Panasonics used a "4 head" design or dual-azmuith which in simple
terms means there was a pair for the SP/LP mode and a different pair for
the EP mode.

It's quite possible the one set is broken/worn out but the other is fine.

After that thought, you didn't clean them as well as you think you did then
after that you aren't going to get far without poking a scope around.

I'm not familar with that model but some machines (and I don't think it
relates to Panasonics) used a relay to switch between the heads. It's
possible the relay is dirty but I don't think it uses one.

It's VHS, no chance of finding a working one at a garage/yard sale or some
suplus place near you?

-bruce