I can get power to my ZR40, and the blue start up screen comes on, but no image shows on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder. When I record all I get is audio no video.

This link may help you :

Canon Camera ZR65 MC

remove the tape and just test that whether its recording or not and try to change the tape and then try

It sounds like you're receiving partial information on the LCD screen and that the image sensor isn't sending information to the screen.

If you know the sensor is working by recording some video on an SD card and being able to view the recorded video on your PC, then there is a disconnect between the LCD and the image sensor.

If you are not recording video to your SD card and only get black images or no files, the image sensor is damaged.

If you are recording video, but no image appears on your LCD for internal viewing/playback, you can try a firmware update if one is available from www.insigniaproducts.com, but this is a discontinued item so there's not much available for support.

Hope this helps!

Go here:
http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/news-item.pl?mdl=DSCF717&news_id=161

Sony had a certain issue with the CCD chip on this camera. If it's this issue, they'll fix it free plus $20 until March 2010.

If camcorder shows old recorded tapes picture with correct colors in LCD but does not show live view in camera mode to record new movie then its ccd imager chip failure.
And if camcoder shows live view and old recorded tapes in its eye piece view finder but does not show any thing in LCD the its problem of broekn/ cracked flexible wire between lcd board and main board of camcorder.
Let me know your finding with bit detail to provide you solution/ helpful info.

I need the CD for my computer but i don't know where to get it?

Troubled

sounds like the LCD screen viewfinder may have been twisted or accidentally catched or got hooked or snagged on on something at one stage and pulled something, if the screen went yellow it means the three wires going to it are possibly broken or the small white clip was slowly coming undone inside the Viewfinder for the red and green to no longer work to complete the image also indicates why the buttons on the viewfinder are not responding, try twisting the viewfinder very lightly whilst on, but most likely the small white clip holding the wires has come off at the elbow inside the camera

Knowledge Article C116445
There is no picture or a black screen appears in the viewfinder or LCD when attempting to record. Follow this procedure to troubleshoot if there is no picture or a black screen appears in the viewfinder or LCD when attempting to record. NOTES:

• Because each of these steps represents a possible solution to this issue, check the viewfinder or LCD status after completing each step.
• It may be necessary to refer to the operating instructions provided with the camcorder for information on how to perform a task on your specific model.

1. Ensure the lens cap on the front of the camcorder has been removed.
2. Ensure a fully-charged battery is inserted in the camcorder.
3. Ensure the STANDBY/LOCK switch is set to the STANDBY position.
4. Turn on the camcorder and set it to the CAMERA mode.
5. Look to see if an image can be seen in the viewfinder or LCD.
IMPORTANT: Some camcorders have both a viewfinder and LCD. To conserve power, the viewfinder and LCD will not display at the same time. To use the viewfinder, the LCD must be closed.

6. If the issue is not resolved, reset the camcorder to factory specifications.

NOTE: If the issue is still unresolved after completing the troubleshootin

it is a common problem with them. sony has a recall on ccd imager for this model. call sony and they will fix it for free

the flex wire of the lcd monitor is have a open line that why it is not functioning....there is also a switch to on the viewfinder connected to lcd....in some model even the lcd is damage you can still use the viewfinder...