there are three things you can do that i have done.
1. turn the cassette upsidedown take a parerclip (straightened out) insert the paperclip ito the small square hole inbetween the two sprocket reels then press down and towards you-this releases the internal break mechanism, then maintaining this pressure to release the break function, take an eraser(#2pencil)and gently try to turn the sprocket so that the damage tape is drawn one way or another. if this works, then after 20 turns either way insert the tape into the camera, rewind all the way and then prepare to dub the tape from your camcorder to another one. this will enable you to dub the tape from the beginning to wherever the damaged section of tape is located.Typically the camera will stop at the damaged tape point, however depending on the extent of tape damage you might get lucky and wind up dubbing the entire tape. also, if you are looking at the back of the dv cassette and the tape is visibly sticking out, lift the little white lever on the upper left of the cassette housing then lift the hinge which protects the tape across the top of the cassette.holding the hinge open and with the break mechanism released turn the sprocket reels several turns then release the hinge, continue turning the sprockets several more turns, then try to play the tape back from there.If your tape is actually broken, it needs to be spliced.Your best bet at that point is to contact a local video production business or wedding videographer for more detailed splicing assistance. i have spliced several tapes in my day and strongly suggest at that point that you have someone personnaly demonstrate the proceedure for you or just pay someone with the experience.if you splice a tape improperly you can damage your camcorder during playback.
mark mcconnell, March 2007
