Help! VHS tape suddenlt decided to stop playing. Some sort of configuration problem..

[stevie P]

Hello, I need to get a clip from a VHS tape I watched just a few weeks ago on my VHS player. Now though, when I put it in the machine it just flashes up the #2 or #4 and switches itself off. Then when I turn it on again it ejects the tape. Why would this be? I've had the same problem with some of my other tapes and just assumed they were incompatible. But I watched this tape on the same machine the other day! Is it something to do with 'long play 2' and 'longplay 4'? What are these and any ideas on how I can sort this problem out??? Thanks!

[tinker]

You do not say what size of tapes are you using (how many minutes it is rated for).
Long play 2 or 4 means that the player will slow down tape to last 2 or 4x longer than tape is rated for (quality of recording will suffer this way).
To play it back the player should figure out what speed is needed, but since this is not happening, you should consult manual to see what you have to do.
Other possibility is that the tape is sticky. This can be fixed be rewinding the tape before play.

[stevie P]

Ah ok. It says it says the running time is approximately 87 minutes. Is that lp 4 or lp 2? I don't have a manual unfortunately - got it from a charity shop! I'm sure it's not a fault with the tape or the machine though. I just can't work out how i'm meant to change the setting or whatever it is that will get it to play. Thanks for your help though, much appreciated!

[classfour]

87 min should be SP. I had a Philips that acted similarly - the transport mechanism was messed up.

[stevie P]

Oh, maybe it is the machine then - mine is a Phillips, too! What's the transport mechanism? Can I fix it?