E-04 can be caused by a couple of things, however one of the main reasons is simply that the tape head requires cleaning, or that a slightly defective tape is being used. Although a cleaning cassette can in certain circumstances give the desired results there is a more professional way of doing it, however this info contains a JPEG for illustration purposes so can only be sent to a DIRECT e-mail address. PS: The tape problem is more likely to occur if non JVC - Panasonic or Fuji branded tapes are being used, the types definitely "NOT" recommended being Maxell or TDK.