Repairing a Panasonic video device, be it a camcorder or video player, is not for those inexperienced in high-tech electronics. Video equipment employs sophisticated engineering and there are no user-serviceable parts inside. However, there are a few troubleshooting steps one can try without causing further damage to the unit.
Power Troubleshooting
Check to see that there is electrical power going to the unit. In the case of battery-powered units, ensure that the battery is sufficiently charged. Rechargeable batteries have a limited life and their chargers can sometimes malfunction. Try swapping out the battery with one that is known to work, use the A/C adapter that came with the device or bring the battery and the charger to a service center for testing.
Video Head Cleaning
If your video plays back or records poorly, the cause may be dirty heads. Video tape players and camcorders which record directly to tape need periodic cleaning with a tape head cleaner available at department and electronic stores. If cleaning doesn't clear up the problem, the heads may need to be replaced or aligned by a trained service technician.
Other Troubleshooting Ideas
Consult your Panasonic owner's manual for other troubleshooting ideas. These may include resetting the unit, replacing any internal "button" batteries, or looking up displayed error codes that may give you an idea of what is causing the trouble.
Factory Servicing
If all else fails, go the the Panasonic website for service return information or drop the camera off at a local authorized Panasonic repair shop. If sending the unit to Panasonic for service, you will pay the shipping to the facility and await an estimate by phone or email. If the estimate is not within your budget, the service facility will send it back at their expense.
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