TRV900 on its last leg?...video and audio problem

The camcorder recently started having pixelation problems, vertical bars
and the audio started cutting out. Tried 2 passes with a Sony head
cleaner and also cleaned the capstan and pinch rollers. Still having the
same video and audio problems. Is it time to send in the camcorder for
repair? I think it has a serious hardware problem.

Sony will fix it for a flat fee of 289.00$ if you live in the USA. I just got mine back with the same problem. They replaced the drum assembly, that part alone cost 179.00$, to me it was worth having the camera fixed.

Thanks,

There is an authorized Sony repair shop near my area. I'll check check
out for a quote before sending the camcorder to Sony.