Does anyone know how to get a Panasonic PV-8451 VCR to release a tape?
We have a copy of "The Last Samurai", which fell from the counter to
the kitchen floor. It looked ok, no visible damage, so I put it in
the VCR. As the VCR was switching from broadcast to playback mode,
nothing happened and then the VCR powered off. When I turn the power
back on, no matter what control I try, it won't eject the tape and it
powers back off after a few seconds. I removed the cover and the
front panel. I see gears and springs on the right side to control
movement of the cassette in and out, but I don't see any way to
release it.
Any help is greatly appreciated.
Regards,
Ed

Hi!

The FAQ for this group covers this topic. Find it at
http://www.repairfaq.org/. You may have to use a mirror site for now as a
post was made not too long ago that said a part of the FAQ was down. You can
select a mirror once you're at the site. There are quite a few of them.

Basically what you need to do is carefully locate the parts in your VCR
responsible for loading the tape and attempt to run them manually in the
unloading direction. Unless you don't like the VCR, use caution when doing
this. Parts in a VCR are usually precisely timed and disrupting any relation
between parts may result in the purchase of a new VCR.

If you don't feel comfortable attempting to release the tape, you might ask
a repair shop in your area if they could help you.

William