Unfortunatly, I read on this very symptom. Apparently, it is very common to many JVC camcorder: more than it should have been. I even read that in the UK customers can come an have their cam fixed with no charge. the faulty is, very probably a broken CCD. I have the same problem, and I wonder where could I purchase the CCD. If you have any idea, I'll be glad to hear. Yossi