Sony HDR-XR350V Data Error problem

[satish]

Hi,

I own a Sony HDR-XR350V handycam. Off late, the camera is throwing a "Data Error" message during recording. I have tried resetting the camera (power reset too). Nothing seems to get me rid of this problem. I have also formatted the HDD to see if this resolves the issue. Nothing seems to work. I am very passionate about this camera and don't like the idea of going to service center. Did anyone face a similar issue? Any suggestions to resolve the issue is greatly appreciated.

Thanks and regards
Satish

[Doughie]

Hmm. I have a XR520V which records to hard-drive. Never had that type of error (thankfully). I would imagine that it is a hard-drive related issue, but you've reformatted the hard-drive and no success. In my XR there is a 'recover database' function. Might be something similar to that in your cam, but maybe as you've already formatted HD, it might not help. Sorry to be of more assistance.

[satish]

Thanks Doughie for the reply. To elaborate on the problem, when I start up the camera I am able to record for a few mins (7-8 mins) before getting the "Data Error" message. Next attempt the camera allows me to record for 4-5 mins and then gradually the recording time becomes less with each attempt. Finally after several attempts, the camera does not record. When I hit on the record button there is no "REC" shown on the LCD display, but the HDD activity symbol is displayed during this time I have little control over the camera. The power button does not operate and the camera does not turn off on closing the LCD. I am forced to pull out the battery to turn off the camera.

[Stephan]

I hate to be saying this, but it seems that a trip to the service center is in order indeed :-/

I've seen with computers that when there is an issue with a hard drive, or with the controller electronics that drive it, it seems to be working fine until the whole thing's had time to warm up a bit, and then it starts behaving erratically until it's even warmer then grinds to a halt. Faulty drive maybe, then. Sorry :-/

[satish]

Thanks Stephan. I submitted my camera to the service center this weekend. The service person took a look and confirmed me today that its an issue with the HDD. He has come up with a service charge of Rs 12000 (INR), approx $245 (which is high for me - paying 1/3rd of the camera cost). This includes the spare HDD cost, service charge and tax. Warranty for the new HDD would be 3 months only. As per his experience, HDDs he has replaced have not come back to the service center.

[tvrowlett]

Satish, Did your Camcorder fix? and how much total you have to pay?
Thanks,

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Thanks Stephan. I submitted my camera to the service center this weekend. The service person took a look and confirmed me today that its an issue with the HDD. He has come up with a service charge of Rs 12000 (INR), approx $245 (which is high for me - paying 1/3rd of the camera cost). This includes the spare HDD cost, service charge and tax. Warranty for the new HDD would be 3 months only. As per his experience, HDDs he has replaced have not come back to the service center.