Abstract: A housing is provided for encasing a video cassette playback machine with selected portions of the machine being accessible through relatively small access openings in the housing to permit restricted operation of the machine. The housing comprises an impact resistant portable carrying case which can be opened for reception of the machine loaded with a selected video cassette and then closed and locked. The carrying case supports a face plate in a position covering the machine control panel wherein one or more access openings are formed in the face plate to permit access to selected machine control devices, such as, for example, the "play" switch, while masking and thus preventing access to other machine control devices, such as, for example, the "record" switch. In one embodiment, a hinged panel is mounted on the inboard side of the face plate and is selectively positioned to open or close access openings in the face plate.