Posted by Richard Crowley on 05/10/06 17:55

Brian wrote...
> The technical truth (and bad news) is that your ccd image sensor needs
> to be replaced. The good news is that JVC is replacing them for FREE
> until October 2007
>
> http://www.jvc.com/support/notification/index.jsp?pageID=2
> http://www.jvcservice.com/service/custnoticecamcorder.asp?ReqType=CCD
>
> If your camcorder is still under warranty, send it before it's to late.
> This is a wide spread problem with the CCD Assembly on this line of JVC
> products and the company is jumping to action.
>
> If you are handy with electronics you could replace the CCD Assembly
> yourself- it's a Sony part and can be purchased for about $50.

Seems unlikely that parts for a JVC camcorder will be available
from Sony. It may be an OEM from Sony, but likely with a JVC
part number. Unless somebody has documented the cross-reference
part numbers, etc.

Replacement of the imaging assembly is typically a rather critical
procedure. Repairing anything in modern miniaturized camcorders
is challenging even for people who work on them for a living. I
would not recommend attempting to repair your own camcorder
unless you have BOTH the service manual (which may cost >$50
by itself) AND previous experience working on very small consumer
electronics devices. (And a set of good jeweler's screwdrivers, and
a good magnifying work lamp!) Frequently special tools are required
for alignment of optical and tape-handling areas of camcorders. These
typically cost several times more than you paid for the camcorder.

If JVC is acknowledging this problem and repairing units for free,
highly recommend Brian's advice to take advantage of this offer.

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