I had a problem with my A1 when shooting a job in June, see this thread:

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/canon-xh-g1-a1-hdv-camcorders/124243-urgent-help-a1-only-works-auto.html

They fixed it, got it back in late June. Today I went to use the camera for the first time since then (been shooting with my little cam on vacations), and it won't record. I push the record button, and nothing happens. I can see the image and so on, but there's nothing in the upper right that shows the tape. It's as if the camera isn't seeing the tape inside.

Also, the tape won't come out of the camera unless I put the camera in VCR mode. When I open the door to release the tape, nothing happens.

Any ideas? Am calling Canon, since apparently the "fix" wasn't... Grrr...

That sucks, sounds like its bust. You sure the over-write protect slider thingy on the tape is closed?

Jeff... I tend to agree. I think your baby needs to go back to Canon for some more therapy.

It sounds like it needs a brain transplant. AFAIK, the tape should eject regardless of the position of the mode switch and the standby switch. As long as there's a battery or external power attached, it should kick out the tape.

Before you ship it back, try a different tape. I doubt it will make a difference, but it's worth a shot.

Thanks, guys. I tried different tapes, etc. No dice. Called Canon, it's still under warranty from the repair. Just very weird stuff. There's a gremlin in that chip. Thank goodness I wasn't about to use it for a paying job. Taking it back to Orange County next week, let them massage it some more.