Black screen when trying to capture video on my Sony DCR-HC42

I have a Sony Handycam DCR-HC42.
When I try to record, the lcd is black almost like the lens cover is closed. The lcd screen is still good, I can play back old videos from the camera, and use all the menu options but when I go to record something new it just shows a black screen...but it does pick up audio.

Spoke to Sony, they said to send it to them and they would repair it for a fixed price of £172.25 - thats about the price of a new one! Arrgghhhh