Sony TRV58 Can't Record- help!

[AlastorX82]

I have a Sony TVR58 Camcorder that no longer displays a picture in camera mode. I can use the player with no problems. I can zoom in, out, anything. I have tried resetting it many times, and yes, the lens cap is off. The only thing I get is a black screen when I attempt to record, its as if the lens cap was never taken off. Any suggestions? Thanks

 

[AlastorX82]

anybody?

 

[Ornery]

Are both the LCD and eye piece blank? Can it output an image to a monitor connected via the RCA jacks? Can it record an image and output to the monitor also?

 

[AlastorX82]

Yes, theyre both "blank". Its not like the camera isnt sending SOME signal out. The signal is just black. It records only black. I can however watch what I've already taped through either the RCA outputs, or the lcd.

 

[Ornery]

<gulp>, it needs to be serviced. I think it's about $75.00 just to look at it. Parts will probably have to be ordered from Sony, so it will be out of commission a while. Sorry to hear this...

 

[AlastorX82]

What causes this problem? It seems to me that it happened at random. I didn't drop the camera or anything.

 

[Ornery]

Try recording with it and smack it on the sides, top and bottom to see if it kicks back in. If it momentarily works, that means a connection or run in a circuit board is loose. There's a chance that the CCD itself puked or some other component in the circuit. It may be that one of the switches isn't making good contact on one of it's positions. Try jiggling them, especially the large standby lever around the record button. Also, swing the LCD around it's full range while trying to record. Either way, it's going to need service.

Now that I've thought more about it, I doubt most switches or LCD mount could effect it.

Try sending a signal into the camera from an external source and see what it does. I'm trying to remember how it switches between input and output on those RCA jacks...

 

[AlastorX82]

I've been smacking this thing around for like 15 minutes, and it still doesn't work. This pisses me off :|

 

[Ornery]

Can it record from an external source? I'm wondering if the switch that kicks those RCA jacks from input to output is not switching to the CCD section when it's supposed to.

 

[AlastorX82]

Where and how do I do that? Thanks for all your help so far...

 

[Ornery]

Plug a VCR or video game output into those same RCA jacks. Put it in VCR mode and hit record. I'm not sure if you'll be able to see that in the LCD or not. If nothing else, check out the manual for the procedure. I'm just curious about pinpointing where the trouble really is.

Edit: You have to press Record and Play buttons simultaneously. The RCA jacks automatically switch to input when in the record mode.

 

[AlastorX82]

VCR mode?

 

[Ornery]

Yeah, the switch that selects Power, Camera, Off and VTR. It's in the front left side of the camera by the lens. You have to press the green button in the center of it before you can shift it down to the VTR position. Who knows, it may even be that green button causing the trouble!


Edit: I'm going by my own, which is a TRV85, so yours may be different.

 

[AlastorX82]

So I put it in "player mode", and then press record and play at the same time?

 

[Ornery]

I just looked at your unit at Sony's site and I'm beginning to wonder if it can even record from an external source. Check your manual to be sure.

Edit: Sorry, but I'm going to have to pick this up tomorrow, good luck!

 

[AlastorX82]

I don't have the manual

 

[AlastorX82]

Bump