These guide pins pull the tape out and against the drum where the video heads are located. More guide pins push the tape against the other heads and components.

The tape travels along the tape path, passing the erase head (which is only active in record mode).

Next come the tension rollers (newer VCR's don't seem to use these anymore, probably because with better engineering, the tape doesn't vibrate as much), which stop any tape vibration. The roller guides align the tape to the drum, then the tape travels around the drum, being read by the video heads as it passes by.

More roller guides (and maybe another vibration reducing tension roller) align the tape for the next head, the Audio Control head (A/C). This reads the sounds that have been recorded onto the tape.

The tape then passes between the Capstan Shaft and the Pinch Roller before reentering the cassette and winding onto the take-up reel.

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How a VCR works - Next - Opening the Case