You are supposed to play or record for 30 seconds, and my Panasonic won't do the play, so I have to use record, but it keeps stopping every 3-7 seconds. Have to keep repeating to get to the 30 seconds and I worry that I may damage my VCR. But, I find this with all cleaners the last few years.  There used to be a Maxell (I think) dry cleaner that had an under water scene. When the scene was finished it told you to hit stop. Great cleaning and no stress on the VCR.  I can't find them anywhere for several years now.