I bought DCR-TRV38 camcoder about 10 months back, It's been working fine but last week when I tried to record something the screen is blank.
Did anyone get this kind of problem, please help me in identifying the problem. The screen is just blank when I go to record mode.

Is the viewfinder also blank? Do you hear the camera running? or is the whole thing dead?

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Digital ISO Productions
Sony DSR-PD170, Sony DCR-VX2000 & Sony DCR-TRV900
http://www.digitaliso.ca
http://www.pbase.com/toogy

Yes, I can hear the camcoder running when I turn it on.
But when I go to the Camera mode only the time left in battery, casette elapsed time are only seen.
I can go to VCR mode and see the video that I've so far recorded but I can record no further. In the sense the screen is blank both with LCD screen or View finder. But if still record and play it only the sound is recorded, picture is blank.

If some one came across the problem before please let meknow what to do?

Have you tried a different tape?

Is your camera still under warranty?

__________________
Digital ISO Productions
Sony DSR-PD170, Sony DCR-VX2000 & Sony DCR-TRV900
http://www.digitaliso.ca
http://www.pbase.com/toogy

Yes, I tried a new tape and new Battery also but in vain.

The camcoder is still under warranty but only for parts not labor.

Just so I am clear, this happens as soon as you put the camera in camera mode? Or just when you press record?

__________________
Digital ISO Productions
Sony DSR-PD170, Sony DCR-VX2000 & Sony DCR-TRV900
http://www.digitaliso.ca
http://www.pbase.com/toogy

It happens as soon as I put camcoder in Camera Mode. It also happens if I go to still picture mode too (photos in to memory stick).

Despite this if I go ahead and record and play back latter on in VCR mode, I see blank picture with what ever sound it recorded.

It looks like as if there is a problme with CCD or some wire came loose etc.
But something tells me it could be some s/w bug in camcoder that needs some kind of reset. I've reset the camcoder couple of times but no use.

It is sounding to me like the Iris motor is not opening the lens.
I hate to say this, but it looks like you might have to take it in for service

__________________
Digital ISO Productions
Sony DSR-PD170, Sony DCR-VX2000 & Sony DCR-TRV900
http://www.digitaliso.ca
http://www.pbase.com/toogy

Same situation exactly as I am experiencing. Sounds like there
might be a weakness. Did you find out what the problem was?

I am having the same problem with my sony dcr-trv38. No image is displayed through either the LCD or viewfinder. It is pitch black as though the lens cap is put on. I can view previously recorded stuff on my miniDv cassette. If I try to record , sound is recorded with just black blank screen, but no image. Any idea what might be wrong?

Thanks!!

I started experiencing the same problem today. It looks like this is a weakness with this camera. If anyone did get this working without going for service, please let me know. It appears that the iris motor is not opening the lens as mentioned in one of the earlier posts.

See the posts in the 33 forum. I had this problem with my old 110e and have seen similar to posts on a variety of Sony cameras.

I brought in my TRV-38 yesterday for repair and the shop manager said he's seen an inordinate amount of these same issues with Sony camcorders; especially in this model.

Failures range from 2 months to 2 years and doesn't seem to be directly connected to usage, bumping, dropping, or any end user abuse.

It just goes belly-up without warning.

I'm really happy we purchased the extended warranty.

Strange.

. . Falcon

I bit the bullet and sent mine in to Sony to repair. It works now, but I am out $233. They said they replace a couple of boards, but didn't explain what the problem was. I will be following up with some customer service phone calls. Maybe they will admit a defect (doubtful) If enough people report this problem, you would think they would act, but the last rep I spoke with said there is no internal recall, etc... on it.

After several attempts at emails and phone calls, I found someone who was able to explain that the main problem was with a CCD assembly (board) that had to be replaced. They offered no hope for Sony to pick up the tab, but I did get the national customer service address to write. This along with a letter to the appropriate VP (along with all of you writing as well!!!!!!!!!!!) and maybe Sony will wake up and admit to a fault in their camcorders. At least I have a working camcorder again!