Can anyone tell me if those Mini DV cleaning Cassettes are ok to use in the Xl1s or are they harmful. And how often (hours) should you have the camera professionaly cleaned and serviced?

Thanks Dan O'Bannon

Depends on what is wrong with your camera, but a cleaning tape will not harm your camera if you follow the instructions exactly. Do not run the tape longer than the directions call for or more times.

Thanks Jeff!

Remember that a head cleaning tape does that and only that Jeff. It won't clean any of the numerous guides, pins and rollers that it comes in contact with, as it moves at zero velocity relative to them. Worse, it won't clean the capstan or pinch roller, and it's for this reason you need to clean the tape path and not just the head drum.

tom.