Thanks for the Sony info. A few years ago I used repair service that was about a 45 minute drive for my old GV-D900, it ended up failing within a few months. There used to be a Sony shop in Burlingame. A while back I sent a camera to Sony, it took 2.5 months to get it back, so I am nervous about sending it to Sony again.

No warning message the first time I noticed drop outs. I did get the warning message shortly there after. I use Panasonic AY-DVM63MQ and AY-DVM63AMQ and a pana AY-DVMCLA head cleaner, which I need to replace. I only used air when the cleaning tape doesn't work and then I turn the camera upside down and blow very lightly from the side.

I just dealt with Sony Repair in NJ. They were terrible and over priced. From not shipping it back to overcharging, they were clueless and impolite. They use a flate rate repair cost. I still get audio dropouts on the cam. I don't know the best way to say this, but they care more about their big buisness accounts than the one cam the comes in for maintence. Check this, I was still under warranty, too.

Never again Sony!!!

I go to Armatos in NY and they are the best. A universe of difference. They were polite and shipped my cam back repaired in 1 week. The price was completely fair. I was truly amazed.

I just dealt with Sony Repair in NJ. They were terrible and over priced. From not shipping it back to overcharging, they were clueless and impolite. They use a flate rate repair cost. I still get audio dropouts on the cam. I don't know the best way to say this, but they care more about their big buisness accounts than the one cam the comes in for maintence. Check this, I was still under warranty, too.

Never again Sony!!!

I go to Armatos in NY and they are the best. A universe of difference. They were polite and shipped my cam back repaired in 1 week. The price was completely fair. I was truly amazed.
==========
Last time I sent it to Pennsylvania from NY, but a few years ago the NJ center was good according to some videographers. Times must have changed.

Ditto on Armatos in NY. Great bunch. Have been for years.

So Jeff,

If it takes two and a half months to get a repair back from Sony in LA to San Fransisco, send it to Armatos in NY. It certainly doesn't take two and a half months. I could walk the distance in less time.

Also, I started with Panasonic MQ tapes (dry lubricant) and had drop outs on my VX2000. I used a Panasonic Head Cleaning Cassette and switched to Panasonic PQ tapes (wet lubricant) and never had a problem thereafter. They are also cheaper. I bought them here last time.
Make a decision after you get your camera back and stick with the same tapes from then on.

John

You know, now that you mention it, I had always used PQ tapes bought from DV Resources, and only in the last year or so have I started using MQ because thats the only pana tapes they carry at my local pro AV shop. hmm? Thanks everyone for the feedback.

I've used these guys for repair on a trv900..they specialize in dv camcorders...service was excellent,,,knowledgeable, quick turnaround and great warranty on repair...
www.videoonerepair.com

how was the videoonerepair service price ?

Are you using new tapes each time or do you reuse? Do you do a lot of rewinding in your PD150?

I usually use a different camera for rewinding. Where I switch from one scene to another and rewind, that is usually where dropouts occur, but there is nothing wrong with the camera itself.(PD170).
If you are getting dropouts throughout, however, then you likely need it serviced. It happened to me after I used the camera going from very hot weather outdoors to frigid air-conditioned rooms and vice versa.

Sony did a great - and fast job (within a week), but this was in Toronto. Luckily it was still under warranty, so no charge! Have since bought a second camera as a backup for when it's in the shop next time. A necessity - not a luxury in the business.

As of late I have been re-using some tapes, could that be a problem? I don't do alot of rewinding.

I have re-used tapes on occasion, but as I said, while some people like Panasonic MQ tapes, others like myself have had trouble with them. I wouldn't re-use an MQ tape. Then again I wouldn't use an MQ tape to begin with anymore.

But, can I swear that the tape is the problem? No.

John

John, I am inclined to think you are right because I started getting drop outs in somewhat the same time frame that I switched to MQ's and I was reusing them.

Jeff, if you are trying to do whatever you can before you send it in for servicing why don't you try this:

Get a Sony cleaning tape and use it on the camera. You already tried the Panasonic cleaning tape, but since the lubricant is different on the MQ tape as compared to the PQ tapes perhaps the Panasonic cleaning tape works better on cameras that used PQ tapes. The Sony cleaning tape may work better on MQ residue.

It's worth a try for ten bucks.

John