VX-2000 dropping video

Question from a non-pro here (actually I am a pro media person - journalist - but in print, not broadcast). This is a little off-topic but not much since I use FCP to edit my tapes...

I've got a Sony VX-2000 and it has recently begun to malfunction. On playback I'll get those digitized looking blocks spoiling the shots and even worse I'll lose the sound or it'll get out of synch, even on short clips. Anybody have any ideas? I tried switching mini-DV cassettes back from Maxell to Sony Premium. Didn't do any good.


I've had this camcorder for about 3 years and haven't done much maintenance until now. Could it be a simple matter of needing some cleaning? If so, anyone got any links to where I can learn what I should do to clean it?

When I used to do some audio recording we demagnetized recorder heads ever so often. Do people still do this and do it with video? Might that help?

What avenues do I pursue if it needs repair? Seems I heard it cost $200-$250 to have Sony repair dept unwrap a UPS package, whether it turns out they can do anything for you or not. Should I put the cost of repair on to buying a new camcorder - just figure on buying a new videocassette recorder every two-three years?

Basically, any input anyone has would be helpful,

Thanks,
Richard Davis