Panasonic FS100 S-VHS recorder won't play S-VHS tapes?
 

I have a panasonic FS100 s-vhs recorder and it wont play s-vhs tapes, but it will play the sound and vhs tapes.
Have I come to the right website for help?

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There are a few NV-FS100 users here, so I'll defer to them. << juhok, you there? ;) >>

If my memory and knowledge is correct, this is the PAL version of the Panasonic AG-1970P NTSC S-VHS VCR. That's something to keep in mind, as sometimes the NTSC and PAL service manuals can be semi-interchangeable for helping to resolve errors. It may not be exactly the same, but it may help.

Our full list of PDF manuals is here: http://www.digitalfaq.com/forum/vcr-...r-manuals.html

And yes, you've come to the right site. :)

do you get any picture at all?
what brand are the S-VHS tapes?
i have seen several Maxell "black magnetite" SVHS tapes completely fail.

NV-FS100.. a blast from the past. Sorry, I don't have any idea what might cause this albeit the details are vague. What exactly happens when you play SVHs tape? No picture at all, or it's messed up? If sound works the tape must atleast roll ok. I don't have service manual either but it seems to be a G2 deck, without TBC (yuck). I'd recommend getting 10-15 years newer deck which will probably cost less than the service cost to get this one working if you can't get it fixed yourself. If I'd have to guess something, maybe the SVHS heads are worn out/broken/dirty.

While looking for a VCR repair guide (lost the url) I came up with this answer to the question of Pana not playing SVHS tapes: "Sounds like you are one tooth off somewhere in the gear alignment. Also check to make sure your pinchroller is in the proper gear slot."