Recently the XL1 I use at my job has started to produce pixilated images when the footage is being dumped. While recording the image looks fine through the viewfinder. The heads were recently cleaned because of this problem, but it hasn't gone away. What can be done?

If repeated head cleaning doesn't cure the problem it's possible your XL1's heads have reached their "end of service" period and require replaceing.

Considering the age of the camera this really wouldn't be suprising.

Preempting your next question, no, I don't think it's worth it, time and technology have well and trully left the XL1 for dead.

That's always assuming you could even find someone to do it now, I don't think Canon will.

I can heartilly recommend the XH A1(s) as a worthy replacement.


CS

Try capture the tape in another player. If that works then you know the issue is probably with the camcorder. A good cleanign might help, but as noted above, repair may not be wirth it at thsi point.

The XL1 model is about 11 years old now, and was discontinued about 8 years ago.

If you can afford to buy a new camera, now is the time to probably do it. But, if you can't, or really need/want your XL1 working, you may want to investigate a repair.

I see you're in Chapel Hill. I'm in Charlotte. I found this website for a repair firm in Florida. I haven't used them, but it might be worth a shot to get an estimate.

Canon Camcorder Repair - DM XL1 Service (http://www.avrepair.com/camcorder/canon_xl1.htm)

Good luck!

Alan

The problem is not with the player because I tested a few old Mini-DV tapes and they don't come across as pixelated. It seems like my options are to pay a few hundred to get the heads replaced and hope for the best or pay a few thousand to get something brand new.