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Home: Video University Forums: Sony DV and DVCAM Forum:
problem and Sony flat rate repair now 461.00???

watsonvideo
Novice

Aug 1, 2005, 12:50 PM

Post #1 of 10 (2175 views)
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problem and Sony flat rate repair now 461.00???	Can't Post

I'm experiencing a problem with my third, fairly new, vx2000.
Tape is recording and getting "warbled" (not fully "eaten") - has serious audio and video dropouts.
not just dirty head issues - the tape looks like it has "digital wrinkles" and destruction to the aud and vid
Happens on every tape recorded. Completely worthless content as a result. Disasterous.
Called Sony about repair - quoted flat rate at 461.00! Ouch.
Last time I inquired about service it was something like 250.00 just a couple years ago?
Any advise about problem or service?

alanm
User

Aug 9, 2005, 11:32 PM

Post #2 of 10 (2119 views)
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Re: [watsonvideo] problem and Sony flat rate repair now 461.00??? [In reply to]	Can't Post

I also think that Sony repair is a huge rip-off......... I have a VX2000 with an on/off switch problem. I got an estimated repair of almost $500.00 . I also recently sent in a DSR 30 deck with a bad firewire port. The Charge for repair was nearly $900.00!!! I've heard that macies may be a bit less expensive but haven't tried them yet.

01/20/09
The madness ends

sky writer
Enthusiast

Aug 11, 2005, 3:35 PM

Post #3 of 10 (2046 views)
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Re: [watsonvideo] problem and Sony flat rate repair now 461.00??? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Can you be more specific as to what the problem looks like or how it presents itself.

Is there physical damage on the tape itself? Do you see pixelization on the right hand side of the screen? etc.

watsonvideo
Novice

Aug 12, 2005, 6:05 PM

Post #4 of 10 (1987 views)
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Re: [sky writer] problem and Sony flat rate repair now 461.00??? [In reply to]	Can't Post

sky-
it has pixelization mainly originating all down the right side (sort of looks like a digital wrinkle to me) - sometimes close to the edge and then it will spread all the way out into the center. Also there are small chunks of pixilizations here and there throughout and intermitant. Audio is affected with dropouts.
This is my newest of three cameras - just a couple of years old and not many hours or wear and tear at all.
Any thoughts?

sky writer
Enthusiast

Aug 12, 2005, 7:34 PM

Post #5 of 10 (1982 views)
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Re: [watsonvideo] problem and Sony flat rate repair now 461.00??? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Take one of the troublesome miniDV tapes and flip the protective cover up. Is there physical damage on the tape itself? Along the bottom edge?

I would bet my last dime that if you open the tape door and shine a light in there, you will see a thin "dark" line about 3mm above the base of your capstan.

Get a video cleaning kit with a chamois or foam swab (NOT Q-TIP!) and clean that capstan (I use the Radio Shack "Anti-Static Head Cleaner Kit" (44-1115 Canada) chamois). The build up is caused by heat building up from the capstan motor at the base, causing oxide to adhere to the capstan.

Make sure to let the tape path dry completely before running a tape through, or you may cause oxide to adhere and possibly a head clog. Running a "test tape" through first is always a good measure so that you don't lose important footage. If necessary run a head cleaning tape for 5 seconds. But don't make a practise of overusing tape head cleaners.

I was "this close" to sending my pd150 to Sony for $$$ repairs, when I tried this fix. It has been flawless ever since. Just keep an eye on that capstan, and clean it from time to time. Changes in humidity and long term sustained use will speed the buildup process.

Let me know how you make out.

Cheers!

watsonvideo
Novice

Aug 18, 2005, 3:24 PM

Post #6 of 10 (1930 views)
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Re: [sky writer] problem and Sony flat rate repair now 461.00??? [In reply to]	Can't Post

I re-reading and lookin inside and wondering - is that the capstan? I seems to have a line dark line around it close to the far side (base?). So then I go and look inside my new pd170 and the same part does not have the line. Then I go and pull out my other two older vx2000s and they both have the line.
Now I'm wondering? Is this what Sky is talking about? Or is this something all VX2000s have and not the pd170?
Well it seems like the exact same part and it is most surely not supposed yto have that line.
Hmmm - don't see any other lines anywhere - but then again - it's all greek in there to me.
Capstan...is that the thin metal rod at the bottom left of the drum?
I am getting excited and need to find me a good swab!!

watsonvideo
Novice

Aug 19, 2005, 8:51 AM

Post #7 of 10 (1915 views)
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Re: [sky writer] problem and Sony flat rate repair now 461.00??? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Sky-
Went to RS and picked up their swabs and cleaner liquid and cleaned all three cameras capstans and pinch rollers (how can alcohol be ok for the rubber rollers?). Swabs came out quite dirty - ran test tapes in the camera that was haveing the current issue - seems to be fine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am extatic.....and feel quite stooopid for not having more common sense over the years to clean properly. I found the guideline pages you sent fascinating. Thank you once again for your help and advise. Best regards, Watson Smile

sky writer
Enthusiast

Aug 19, 2005, 10:59 AM

Post #8 of 10 (1908 views)
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Re: [watsonvideo] problem and Sony flat rate repair now 461.00??? [In reply to]	Can't Post

I wouldn't use Alcohol on the pinch rollers. It will cause damage to the rubber. Use rubber cleaner/rejuvenator.

watsonvideo
Novice

Aug 19, 2005, 11:38 AM

Post #9 of 10 (1905 views)
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Re: [sky writer] problem and Sony flat rate repair now 461.00??? [In reply to]	Can't Post

well durn - i did it - (is there ever going to be an end to me doing dumb things?) hope it won't cause to much issue this once and I'll not do it again and use the rejuvenator next time. Thanks

SouthNdixie
New User

Aug 21, 2005, 11:12 PM

Post #10 of 10 (1865 views)
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Re: [watsonvideo] problem and Sony flat rate repair now 461.00??? [In reply to]	Can't Post

hey friend, use my tech, he is very reasonable and fix's all my camcorders [ i have VX1000 and TRV350], and when he repairs he cleans and lubricates free of charge, free estimates and free return shipping, they even will check it out and tell you what is wrong and how much to repair, if you decide that's not worth it, they'll ship it back to you for free http://www.mdlrvideospecialist.com

e-mail addy and phone number are on the main page

(This post was edited by videobear on Aug 23, 2005, 10:02 PM)