Lcd problem When I turn my camcorder on, whether it's in record mode or playback mode, there are thick grey lines across the lcd, in front of the picture. This happens with every tape and on the tv also. Also, are my tapes that I have tried to play ruined now?

I had this problem with my camera. If it was the same problem as I had, I had to get the mainboard replaced due to a couple of burnt out chips.

I had the exact same problem with my Sony TRV22. I knew it wasn't the tape or the screen because the gray lines appeared on all tapes and on the capture screen in FCP. I followed the advice above and rewound the tape to the beginning, the end and back again. I suppose this does get the heads back into alignment or something because now the gray lines are gone. Much relieved.

Ok i had this problem with my sony, managed to find the solution but don't remember the link. happened after i put a dusty tape in to see what was on it. the solution was to wind the tape fully to the end and back, after a few times of winding the lines disappeared, also changed the format from LP to SP after someone also suggested this. it seems the tape heads were out of alignment and doing both the above managed to sort things out

Sounds like you have either a problem with the CCD block or on the mainboard where the encode/decode section is. If it is the CCD block it is defective or you have a loose or dirty connection on the ribbon cable from the CCD block. In record mode you are seeing the video E/E, which means you are looking at the video from the CCD block which has passed through the mainboard. That would explain the lines on the viewfinder. When you playback a tape you are looking at the recorded signal, but it also passes through the mainboard. It is not clear whether the tapes you are talking about playing were pre-recorded previously (prior to this problem) and played previously, with no lines present. If they were recorde previously, played back previously with no lines, and not re-recorded. They should be OK provided the problem is not tape damage. Since you say that all tapes do it, I would think it is not tape damage. The best place to start, to sort out the problem, would be to locate a known good camcorder and try your tapes in it. If they play fine the problem is on the mainboard but after the record circuitry, ie. only in the playback circuitry. If they have the lines the problem could still be on the mainboard but also could be the CCD issue I talked about. This is a tough problem to isolate and will take a good repair tech. If you are not familiar with troubleshooting camcorders you will need to locate a reputable and experienced repair facility. First you should do the test I mentioned on a known good camcorder as this will help a repair tech make a diagnosis. If there are no repair shops in your area here are several which offer free estimates: http://www.camcorderrepair.com or http://www.videotech.com or http://www.videoonerepair.com Good luck.