I just about gave up on my handycam with error message C 31:23 when I tried your solution and it worked immediately. Thanks so much!

yeah this worked for me for a while. The question is - why does it work? And is there a better solution without the risk of causing more damage? Maybe someone has worked out what part has the problem and why...? Mine is now so intermittent that it's useless. Time to buy another camera - and gee guess what? It sure ain't gonna be a sony!!

Cheers you guys. My camera showed the error code C:31:21 no mater what tape I put into it. Your suggestion to slap it round a bit worked for me. I did just that. I put a folded towel on the kitchen table and banged it down from a height of about 100mm. Bingo. I can only think the tape mechanism must have been disrupted and jammed. Somehow and the bang freed the mechanism.

It worked for me aswell with a trv245,, allthough when I try to record it won't do it, and shows a big eject symbol... playback works though... well, maybe I just have to smack it around some more

Read the forum, also used the hit solution om my TRV20e with error code 31:30. And it also worked in the Netherlands, my tape got out. Thanks a lot.

Believe it or not. It works in Germany (TRV 480), too. Funny is, that Sony had to exchange my Cam on warranty base because they couldn't fix it. Probably these series have a SM faible and simply likes to get really hard pushed from time to time... Greatest Advice seen for months!

just few minutes ago, I saw on sony's site that it will cost me $211 for fixing my trv140 for error c:31:@3, i did what you all did and now I am slapping every non-working electronic appliance in my home. imagine the appliance bashing at 1:35 AM. I am happy, phew..........

Well, I just tried the same fix here with my TRV-18, and now the tape won't load at all... it's completely broken, for sure. At least now I'm not on the fence.

Hi all, Great it also works for mine Sony DCR-TRV11E, thanks for the tip. regards oTTo

I am so happy!! My video camera was busted...so I thought. I was getting ready to go to my 2nd graders Christmas play where he had a solo. I got on the forum to look for help, found the "hit it" idea...and it worked! No more flashing 31:23!!! I got to video his play...thanks everyone!