This XH-A1 is only three months old (it's one of two that I bought at the same time). While my other A1 is working great, this one has a problem. On all of the footage I've shot with it (maybe five events or so), I get this wierd pixelated horizontal line appearing sporadically, every few minutes or so, for only a few seconds at a time. Here is a short clip with what I'm talking about:

http://www.lifetimeproductions.net/XH-A1_Problem.wmv

Any idea what this is? It seems like it might be a dirty head, but being so new, I can't imagine it would have shipped from the factory with dirty heads. Canon has provided a shipping label for me to send it in for service, and it will be going out today. But it is so strange, that I'm wondering if any of you might have seen this before, or might know what the problem is.

Thanks,
Dave

Very odd. I doubt its the head. A dirty head usually results in a dropout. With HDV's GOP structure that means 15 frames of video. All your frames seem to be there, just with an occaisional white zap noise.

Definately a job for the Canon repairman - good luck

Please let everyone know what Canon service had to do. - Thanks

Wow, that is obviously a problem. By any chance are you using a wireless mic with the camera? Just a shot in the dark, but I wonder if it could be some type of RF interference?

Wow, that is obviously a problem. By any chance are you using a wireless mic with the camera? Just a shot in the dark, but I wonder if it could be some type of RF interference?

Interesting thought, but I don't think that's it. I do use a wireless receiver on that camera on occasion, but not always. The dance recital in this footage, for example, did not have the wireless.

Dave

Please let everyone know what Canon service had to do. - Thanks

Will do. I didn't have time to package it today, so it will have to go out tomorrow.

Dave

Possibly a nextel walkie interference? It seems to be more of a data error... The pace seems to be consistant with something like a cell data signal....

That's really strange though... I am at a loss for ideas on that one...

Did somebody have their cell phone on near the camera? Phones communicate with the base stations even when they are not recieving calls or when they are in silent mode. It it THE rule to have all radio transmitters OFF near video cameras and mic cables.

Did somebody have their cell phone on near the camera? Phones communicate with the base stations even when they are not recieving calls or when they are in silent mode. It it THE rule to have all radio transmitters OFF near video cameras and mic cables.

This camera doesn't get used as much as my other one, as I use it for 2-camera shoots only (i.e. wedding ceremonies, dance recitals). My other A1 gets much more use. So each time this camera is in use, my other A1 is also there, and it never has the problem. It is always this camera, and this problem has presented itself on footage from several events.

It's a mystery, that's for certain.

I have this nagging feeling that Canon will look at it, not find anything wrong with it, and send it back.

Dave