The cassette load/eject mechanism on my PV-HD1000 died two months ago. Miraculously, the local VCR repair specialist I bring all of my D-VHS machines to when they have similar failures was actually able to fix it! I don't know how he got the correct Panasonic parts but he obviously did.

So now the machine is back in proper mechanical working order (to go along with my DST50, of the "combo").

However ever since I got it back, I have been unable to play D-VHS tapes which were previously recorded on this very machine. The DST50 is in full control of the HD1000, and is fully aware of the state of the device as reflected by the onscreen status display. But I get no picture/sound from the playback. I'm guessing no digital data is being sent from the HD1000.

Also, I can connect the HD1000 to my 34XBR960 and the iLink device control interface of the 960 can also perform full control over the HD1000. Even the digital time display value on the HD1000 (as the tape moves) is passed up to the 960 and displays on the set's interface. However the status of the device shows as "playing, no data".

I've connected the HD1000 to my computer and tried to record something being played back, and again... no data passed over firewire. 0 bytes recorded on the PC.

I'm guessing that when the mechanical load/eject mechanism went out, something else went with it that senses the HS recording from a DVHS tape and goes into proper digital mode to send data over firewire.

Interestingly, the analog mode of the HD1000 is just fine. It can play (out of its composite) and record (from analog antenna input) to VHS tapes. It just doesn't seem to want to enter proper digital mode.

As we Panny combo owners know, "they don't make it anymore". Plus, very few if any service people still work on VCRs, and if they do the chance that they're digital-knowledgeable (especially on the Panny combo) is very very slim.

So I'm exploring the possibility of trying to buy someone's "leftover" HD1000, if it was in good working condition when last used. Anybody have one... for sale?

I've long ago phased out my Panny combo with two JVC DVHS machines, but I have a specific need to read an old HD1000-recorded DVHS tape that exhibits some glitches when read on the JVC machines, but I know used to read perfectly on the HD1000.

So... anybody have one "on the shelf up in their closet", long since taken out of service? Care to part with it? I suspect I'll have more luck just replacing my current unit than trying to find someone who can service it successfully.

Please PM me if you're a possible willing seller.

Thanks.

thanks.

An AVS member has agreed to sell me his unused HD1000.

Case closed.

FYI the Panny recorded tappes will play on a properly running JVC or Mits. DVHS machine.
John