Yes, as I think you are possibly aware of! as the problem you describe is one of the symptoms of the classic "lens cap" faulty image sensor defect. However although the "free" repair offer is valid up to the end of June 2009 the qualification on obtaining the repair was that the person requesting it had to be the original purchaser of the device and have proof of this fact, the "original" purchase receipt being the usual item shown. Of course its not completely unknown for JVC to "sometimes" carry out a repair without this, but it all depends on who deals with the request, as this qualification was made to stop dealers buying up defective camcorders on the cheap, getting them repaired free, then selling then on at a profit.