Hi--

I've read some posts regarding video and audio drop outs, head cleaning, etc. I have a VX2000 that hasnt seen much duty lately and has worked flawlessly since day 1--but the one day I pick it up to follow my kid around I go to capture (FCP 4.5) and get all kinds of data failures. After some investigation and experimentation I conclude it's the cameras fault. Im getting dropped audio/video on playback and during record.

I tried cleaning the heads, playing a tape all the way through, recording all the way through but the problems persist. What happened to my VX2000?

As a test I put some color bars down, then black and code with terrible results. I've posted a short movie with a few clips that show whats going on. Can anyone give me any advice about this? Is this a $150 or $600 fix?

Here is a link to the video (MP4):
http://www.paulperreault.com/pub/VX2000_Problems.mov

Welcome to DVinfo Paul. I also have an old VX-2000 which has always worked fine but I haven't used it in awhile.... so now you're making me paranoid ;-) Seriously, I wouldn't want to sink much into a camera of that age myself, but I've got a couple newer cameras and only use the VX as a deck these days.

You can get a repair estimate using the web form on Sony's site here:

http://eservice.sony.com/webrma/web/index.do

In the "for a new repair" enter "dcrvx2000" in the model number field and fill in the other info about purchase date, location and zip code, then click the search button. This will take you to another form where you can get an estimate. There might be other places in your area which could also do this service but I don't have any info on them unfortunately.

Let us know how it works out since questions like this come up from time to time. Good luck!

I'd be more inclined to send it for a quote to Armatos than Sony. They will never, in my experience, be more expensive than Sony and usually much less expensive. They are a NYC company.
800 628-6801

Thanks for the replies so far. I've read good things on this forum about Armatos and will contact them.

I take it by the replies that you all think this is a hardware issue, not a head cleaning issue...?

Thanks again for the helpful replies.

You didn't have it switched to LP, maybe?

No--I've never recorded in LP.

The more internet research/reading I do the more I think this is a dirty head problem. I'm trying to resist my natural inclination to take the camera apart...I'll call Armatos next week.

Thanks again--

Paul,

Can you check back in with us to let us know the status of your camera and repair when all is done.

I have a VX2000 that is acting up and want to know how your situation progresses.

i had drops outs when i started using my vx2000 after it had sat for a year. it went away after using it on regular basis, with new sony premium tapes. Your next step would be have a local camera guy clean the heads. You could do it yourself if you wanted to take the time to pull it apart and buy necessay cleaning equipment. Otherwise its like an over $600 sony repair bill to replace the heads.

Probably less than $100 at Armatos in NYC