RCA CTC-121 video input issue...
 

My beloved RCA CTC-121 unexpectedly took a dump today by no longer input video correctly. It will no longer input VCRs but only DVD players. :tears: The top side of the picture is eaten off by showing distorted picture instead (see attached picture). I have already tried more than 5 VCRs and 5 video cables, and they all show the same thing. Only the TV has no problem accepting video from DVD player. Tuner works fine with full picture. I don't understand why my TV can no longer input from VCR? What is wrong here? Is it time for another vintage TV, or is it time to send it to e-waste recycling (assuming non-repairable)? Disappointed to hear that my RCA don't last as long as Sanyo (made in same year).

Not time to pitch it in my opinion.

You might just have a cap going bad in the video input circuit, or a bad solder joint. Whatever's wrong with it, it sounds like a simple fix.

Could be the vcr is bad and not the tv at all.

Bill R

Well I reread the original post and you said you tried different vcr's. Flagging like this could be caused by bad caps in the tv sync circuits. Usually seen on older sets though.

Bill R

Look for overheated caps in the horizontal circuitry... Melted plastic on electrolytics, especially when they are in places on the chassis that gets really warm. That set has a good picture on it.

All good answers here. We've talked about our 121's before. This flagging just reeks of compatability issues. Does this 121 have the fancy jack panel with all the switches and controls? If so, any of the switches out of place or controls (ie: video level control) dirty?

My 121 has flagged since new even with the matching VCR that was made for it. Not to the extreme as yours (about an inch at the top) but it flagged from the beginning. It plays beta and dvd's just fine.
-Tony

What model number was your matching VCR?

The flagging just occurred only 2 days ago. Prior to that, everything worked perfectly. Yes, this one is an upgraded model since it came with the optional filter glass screen on front, and all the switches at front and back as well. This TV is now only a TV/DVD combo hookup. Who wants to watch a widescreen DVD on this TV. Not impressive at all. :tears:

I couldnt tell you now as it died a few years ago but when these came out i bought the vcr that was the same line as the tv. I had the huge remote that controlled the tv and the vcr.
-Tony