Hi, no display in camera mode but displays works when playing the tape back,thanks Andy

when problem occur while cam is operating, the self-diagnosis function starts working, and may display the service mode display code. in your case, C:31:40, pertains to a part of the cam tape compartment mechanism called the drum that doesn't start up. issues could prevent you from recording, playing back tapes, rewinding or fas forwarding. t/s steps are: try diff tapes esp. w/prev recordings, reset cam (press reset button while cam is on, located just below the menu button, in the panel where the lcd screen goes to), power reset (remove batt and ac adapter and leave cam w/ any power source for at least a minute). if issue persists, unit will require repair. hope this helps.tnx:)

i think you are able too see the video in play back mode. so there is no problem in your LCD.
i think the CCD has got damaged in your CAM. that is why you are not able to view anything in shooting mode.
because CCD is the layer which converts the light falling on it to a electrical signal and shows us as a complete image.

Will it record on a new tape? Will it play a different tape? Have had a similar problem with a different camera. Think it had to do with the record mode / play back. A bit like standard play and long play - are there setting like that you could change?

Cleaning Tape did the trick. Thanks!
Andy

Throw a new tape in, record then playback right away, then you'll know for sure if it's the camcorder or tapes for erased.

i have this same problem for a while and just stumbled on the (yet to be verified) solution. www.samsungclassaction.com. if this settlement is legitimate then Samsung will repair for free! (and refunds for people who paid Samsung to repair). the site asks for contact info but i worry about scams so i'm going to contact Samsung directly.

i hope this is real!

The affected models include:
SCD 23, SCD 27, SCD 103, SCD 107

Tracking is very sensitive on hi-8 tapes in LP mode. This recorder will record and playback in LP mode. It is however recommended that if you record in LP mode that you use the same camera to play it back, that it was recorded with, or you might have problems.
Also from what I can find online, the TR427 is just an video8 camera not a Hi-8 so if you are trying to play Hi-8 tapes on it, it won't play right.

In playback mode the lCD displays the battery time, hi8 symbol and the tape counter. all the functions work the tape will play, rewind, fast forward. The screen stays blank on playback and the tape counter stays at 0:00:00 eventhough I can see the tape turning. I also hooke the camera to my tv and I got no picture.

may still need to be cleaned andy.Sometimes cleaning tapes wont get the dirth out.This is more than likely what is wrong.How old is cleaning tape you tried may be time to try new cleaning tape,.

sorry to say but the problem of your camera is the ccd image sensor....go to a service center for replacing it...