Moisture (dew or water droplets) can condense on the aluminum video drum if the VCR is moved from a cold environment into a warm one. The reverse is also possible. Moisture can cause the videotape to stick to drum, which prevents proper tape travel. This Beta has a protection circuit that senses the moisture and shuts down operation until it has evaporated. An indicator on the front notifies the operator that the VCR has detected the DEW and is in shutdown mode. Once the VCR reaches room temperature, usually 15 to 30 minutes, the DEW light will go out, and operation can be resumed. Some models have a heater that will assist in the removal of the moisture. ©Misterßetamax go to homepage