Camera Head Wear
 

Is there any difference in head wear between recording and playback....or is it the same physical stress on the head during either process?

Good question.I believe that there is no mechanical difference as the rollers , guides and drum all have the same contact and motion.On some vcrs the record heads were seperate and didnt contact during playback but all new ones the heads are in the drum and the circuitry is turned on or off.