Abstract: The specification discloses a video recorder having two recording speeds. The recorder includes a capstan for moving video tape past a recording head. A drive pulley is rotated at a predetermined drive speed. The pulley is movable between retracted and extended positions and has a small diameter portion and a large diameter portion. A belt engages the drive pulley in order to drive the capstan. A solenoid is provided to move the drive pulley between the retracted and extended positions, such that the belt alternatively engages the small and the large diameter portions in order to vary the speed of the capstan.

Abstract: The specification discloses a video recorder having two recording speeds. The recorder includes a capstan pulley for moving video tape past a recording head and a drive pulley rotated at a predetermined drive speed. A speed change assembly is interconnected between the drive and capstan pulleys and is operable to selectively change the recording speed of the video tape recorder. The speed change assembly includes a first shaft including first and second pulleys. A second shaft is provided and includes a first and second pulley, the first pulley of the second shaft having a smaller diameter than the first pulley of the first shaft. A solenoid is provided to move the first and second shafts between a first and second position, such that in the first position the first pulley of the first shaft engages the drive pulley and the second pulley of the second shaft engages the capstan pulley.