I've just sent in my XL1 (purchased back in 2001) to Canon Canada for servicing because I was also getting artifacts/frame jumping towards the last 5 minutes of the tape (Using Fuji tape all the time). Lately I have also been getting the "Eject Tape" message regardless of where I am in the tape. Using a head cleaning tape did not resolve the problem.

Well I got an estimate back from Canon Canada (The XL1 had to be shipped to Toronto for all repair work) and the following needed replacing:

1) Recorder Unit
2) Cushion Stand (what is this?)
3) Cleaning and adjustments

Estimate for all of this is $540.00 CDN

I'll have to call them back to authorize the repairs.

Does anyone know whether this includes new software loads to the camera or is there an extra charge?

Thanks