My NES has some sort of interference problem. Every now and then a couple of (mostly black, but sometimes a lighter color) lines are flashing for a short moment. It sometimes causes my TV (Sharp 32" LED connected though composite, TV on Auto zoom) to zoom out and back in. I've made a short video of it. It's noticeable right at the start of the level and at 10s: What's causing it, and how can I fix it?
Try: 1.)Another TV to see if its the TV, or the Nintendo. 2.)Turning auto zoom off. 3.)Switching to game mode. 4.)Checking to see if there is any other "processing features" enabled(a wide term for any on/off setting that will improve the picture quality ie; autozoom etc...), and try toggling them off individually to see if that's the issue, make sure you turn them back on afterwords if you don't know what they do. 5.)A shorter size(6ft or less), or higher quality/gold composite cable.
K, seem as if you tried it, but didn't post your results... in any case, I'll bite; Questions: Which is the issue the Nintendo or the TV? What is the difference between autozoom/no autozoom, game mode/no game mode? Did changing the settings help? One other thing, try switching to RF to see if you have the same issue. If the issue can't be replicated on another TV, and there isn't a TV firmware update for your TV, get a new TV(and relegate the other one to watching movies and such). If the issue is with the Nintendo, try replacing the caps, if that doesn't work, get a new motherboard/NES.
The problem seems to be in the Nintendo. It's also present on another TV. Other consoles (SNES, N64) on the same TV input don't have the interference. Playing with the zoom settings, game mode doesn't make a difference. I'll try the RF cable! If that doesn't work, I'll look into the caps. Thanks!
If it were the caps the issue would be present no matter the cord. I'd say clean the av contacts (on the console) before reflowing the solder joint though. Also, by chance have you noticed any issues with the audio when you have an AV cable connected (trying to determine if its just the yellow AV or the entire AV unit)
You say you tried it on 2 TVs, but did you try it on a CRT ? Modern flat screen TVs are often not so good with old consoles output. If you do not have access to a CRT, maybe try a known working NES on your TV and see if it does the same thing.
Today, I cleaners the AV contacts with contact spray, boiled the 72 pin connector with dishwashing liquid for approx 5 mins. I also cleaned my games with an eraser (already cleaned them with alcohol). Everything seems to work fine now. But it does need some more testing.
