That we see such stories from many makers. After the warranty is over, you rarely see a free fix.
I hear you but this is not a Sony only issue.
I have same issue with my DCR-HC30 which was bought in 2004. After about 2 years it went black screen, but menu and arrows are work fine, able to see pic in flash memory card but unable to record anything just black screen.
After I look up online and believe its ccd imager chip failure.
I called SONY at 800-282-2848, and press 4 for TVs, cameras and other consumer electronic support, then press 2 for digital cameras and camcorders, then press 2 for A handy cam camcorder, then one tech support talked with me, I explained to him that my DCR has black screen issue and request for shipping back to texas for repairing. He said that it will cost $169. I told him that it should be free because onine shows that lot DCR which has same issue and got repair for free, so I should get my DCR to be repair for free too. However, he said: "NO THERE IS NO PROGRAM THAT IS FREE FOR MY DCR, IT IS EXPIRED ALREADY, AND I MUST PAY FOR REPAIR OR THEY CAN NOT FIX MY DCR." (sound like he is ill-mannered) and hang my calling up quickly after I told him that well I would not buy SONY again ever!
Oh! That is really bad experience with Sony tech support. I will swear that I will never buy damn SONY stuff again!

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