How to open a flip camcorder?

JVC camcorder tape slot stuck open...and how to put mini DV tape onto computer?

• I was filming a project at a friend's house, and I had to switch out the tapes but when I took the tape out the slot got stuck open and wouldn't close. My dad fixed it, but I don't know what he did and I can't contact him until tonight, but I need to fix the camcorder because I think the tape needs to be in the camcorder to put it on the computer. Which brings me to my other question, how do you put the tape onto the computer? I have a small laptop so ther's no slot for it or anything. Thanks!

• Answer:

  Hi young Yahooligan with no screen name: [Update -- see below] If your JVC uses miniDV or HDV tapes, you'll notice a yellow or red warning sticker "Do Not Close or Press..." since the cassette mechanism & loading slot is motorized. Make sure the battery isn't dead (or just plug in the JVC's AC/charger supply) otherwise nothing will move or close. If it's an older VHS, VHS-C, or the rarer D-VHS model, you may have to wait to talk to your dad to see what he did to fix it earlier. And yes, with miniDV, HDV, D-VHS, and the small VHS-C, you will need the camcorder to transfer the tape to a computer (the VHS-C and regular VHS require a video capture device plugged into your laptop, though, since they aren't a digital format). The other digital tape formats require a FireWire cable & FireWire port on your laptop for transfers. No computer, large or small, has a videotape drive built-in. Feel free to update your Question using the "Additional Details" link on the Y!A Action Bar, to tell us the exact JVC model number, and perhaps I or another Yahooligan can give you better info. hope this helps, --Dennis C. ========== UPDATE edit: ========== Thanks for the Additional Details. You have a miniDV model, and it is one that can actually transfer video via USB 2.0 as well as via FireWire, so you have two options, if you ever get the cassette to load. There's a link to a PDF copy of the JVC manual in my Sources below. Read pages 17 & 18 on proper cassette loading and removal (page 18 covers problems with the cassette holder not opening). Hopefully nothing is permanently jammed (I have a whole box of miniDV camcorders that high school students have managed to mangle the cassette mechanisms, from improper loading/unloading attempts). Make sure the "Cassette Holder Cover" gets opened all the way until it locks, to properly activate the cassette holder's motors & gears. So you don't feel too bad, here's someone else on Y!A that had the same problem with their JVC miniDV camera 5 years ago: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070428052246AAHYl0N Other than that, have your dad work his "magic" since he knows what's been jamming & got it working before. --DC