There is the possibility that this happened during the recording, although if the tape dragged during it, the playback would result in a "chirpy" high pitched erratic sound. If you have any other previously recorded tapes try them out and see if they play in a similar fashion, or if you don't have any, try and find someone else with a VHS-C machine to try your tape in, and to determine if this is only happening during your playback. It should be said that it could also be condensation on the tape drum causing the tape to drag, and if there is any suspicion of this leave the camcorder in a warm place for a few hours, do similar with the tape. Of course it could purely be a problem with that particular cassette that you have used, and only carrying out the aforementioned procedures would determine if it was. John (UK)