Sony DCR-VX2000 / VX2100 / DSR-PD150 / PD170

C:31:30
C:31:22
C:32:22
C:21:00
Dead
Distorted picture in camera mode
Broken tripod mount
Lines in picture on playback
Intermittent time code on playback
Catches or eats tapes
Intermittent loss of power
Head cleaning interval
Reliability

C:32:30
C:32:23
C:31:23
C:31:40
No Firewire
No Blue or No Green in camera mode
Dirt or dust in lens
Intermittent audio dropout on playback
Pixelated picture on playback
Head cleaning warning
Recommended maintenance intervals
Recommended tapes

The Sony DCR-VX2000 and the Sony DCR-VX2100 models are Mini-DV. The Sony DSR-PD150 and the Sony DSR-PD170 are identical, but also shoot in DVCAM. All models are SD, or Standard Definition camcorders.	Sony DCR-VX2000
Sony DCR-VX2100	The VX2000, VX2100, the PD150 and the PD170 are considered THE most reliable camcorders to this day. They are considered THE number one choice for many a professional for its rugged construction, durability, and overall quality. Excellent low light capability.
The Sony DCR-VX2000, DCR-VX2100, DSR-PD150 and the DSR-PD170 are the only cameras that can shoot flawless video inside a church with no little, if no, external illumination. Very dependable, with years of continued use before any maintenance is required.	Sony DSR-PD150
Sony DSR-PD170	These Sony camcorders employ the “C chassis” – which is both rugged and reliable. Properly maintained, these models can live for decades.
Common Problems:

C:31:30 ^ Top
C:32:30 Defective capstan motor.

C:31:22 Take-up reel fault ^ Top
C:32:22 " " C:31:23 Supply reel fault C:32:23 " " Possible defective parts include both reel tables, idler, belt, and pinch roller. Also have seen debris on drum and/ or tape path, to cause unit to catch tapes with resulting error codes.

C:21:00 Clogged video heads ^ Top
Change brands of tapes. If persists, it’s most likely time for new video heads.

C:31:40 Drum fault ^ Top
Rare cases, debris on tape causing drum to stop spinning when in contact with tape.

Dead ^ Top
Internal power supply repair. Less frequent - capstan motor shorts out motor drive and in turn –short out the internal power supply.

No Firewire ^ Top
Either defective connector, or firewire IC, or both.

Distorted picture in camera mode ^ Top
Defective optical imager, or CCD imager. If camera was dropped, or suffered an impact – problem can be caused bad electrical connections

No Blue or No Green in camera mode ^ Top
Defective optical imager, or CCD imager

Broken tripod mount ^ Top
Over tightening of tripod mount.

Dirt or dust in lens ^ Top
Complete disassemble of unit to reach optics block. Complete disassembly of optics block to clean lens elements.

Lines in picture on playback ^ Top
Dirty or clogged video heads, or defective video heads.

Intermittent audio dropout on playback- ^ Top
Defective parts in the mechanics, and/ or alignments.

Intermittent time code on playback ^ Top
Defective parts in the mechanics, and/ or alignments.

Pixelated picture on playback ^ Top
Defective parts in the mechanics, and/ or alignments.

Catches or eats tapes ^ Top
Defective parts in the mechanics, and/ or alignments.

Head cleaning warning ^ Top
Change brands of tapes. If persists, it’s most likely time for new video heads.

Intermittent loss of power ^ Top
Defective battery terminals or defective switch block

Washed out picture in camera mode ^ Top
Defective optical imager, or CCD imager

Smeared vertical lines in camera mode ^ Top
Defective optical imager, or CCD imager

No picture in camera mode ^ Top
Defective optical imager, or CCD imager

Recommended maintenance intervals ^ Top
At the very least, once every two years, with yearly recommended.

Head cleaning interval ^ Top
NEVER, unless problem presents.

Recommended tapes ^ Top
JVC, Panasonic, Fuji, are all good choices. The professional version of any brand is highly recommended. NOT Recommended tapes - Cheap tapes you can buy at Sams, Walmart or Kmart – Maxell, TDK, Radio Shack – you get the picture. This is the single most important decision that affects the life and performance of the video heads. Go cheap and you’ll pay for it in the end.

Reliability ^ Top
One of the most reliable camcorders ever built. Excellent build quality, and designed with service in mind. Legendary reliability.