How do I change EP,SP,and other? - Sylvania SSD803 DVD Player/VCR

Which plug did you change? "EP" stands for Extended Play. A VHS recorder has three speeds. EP is the slowest. A standard 2-hour tape will record for 2 hours at the highest speed (SP), 4 hours at the middle speed (SP) and 6 hours in EP. There is a trade off. The faster the tape moves past the recording/playback heads, the higher the picture quality and visa versa. So EP gives you long recording time at a cost in quality.

I doubt that the unit being in EP mode has anything to do with the cable. You did not say what brand and model recorder you have, but in general, the speed is adjusted with a switch on the front panel (older models) or via your remote control.

Are you asking how to change the record speed to extended play? This is usually given as a choice when programming a recording. You use your remote to scroll through various options on the input screen and you should find that you can choose between sp/ep/lp (standard, extended and long play)

You may have dirty heads in the vcr---most 4 head machines use two for sp and the other two for lp and or ep.

Tape residue will usually be seen on the drum where the heads are when this happens--also look for the black residue on the tape guides that hold the tape in position against the drum-------

Most VCR's have a default recording setting for recording speed or other settings. It's just a question of finding the right menu. Have a good look around the menus. However the VCR might default to SP after recording in EP, however the playback should switch to EP when playing.

Camcorders have a software setting in their menu for picking the modes. Refer to your manual, or look around the menu on the cam.

Vdumitre -

No, not usually. If you've recorded a tape at LP and put it another machine that doesn't have LP, it usually won't play properly. Some machines that have only SP/EP will do this, but they are got scarce as more manufacturers dropped the LP speed. Your best bet is to buy an older one from a thrift shop or a garage sale, making sure that it will play LP. Then, copy your older LP tapes to SP or EP (Run the OUT from the LP unit to the IN on the SP/EP unit, and choose "record from line in", "aux", or "rear input").

Thanks,

videoman7

If I remember correctly there is a switch on the front behind a small door that you pull open.

Hi;
I have a Panasonic VCR with a different, but I know how to 'fix' your problem on my m/c. The remote for my m/c has a "REC MODE" button; operating that button changes from SP to EP etc. Check it with the "Program" button on your TV screen.
harrisonmx3

I have an inexpensive universal remote that allows me to make the switch.

If you have a remote, there should be a button labeled "SP/EP" or "RECORDING SPEED." Otherwise, I might try looking in the VCR's main menu.