Look and see if there is any reset to factory defaults before you arrange for service.
Bob
I have a Sony HDR-HC9 (about 2.5 years old) and it has been randomly making some of my footage blurry. It is always on autofocus, and the blurriness is kind of unique looking - it is vaguely like looking through heat (as in above a fire) - it has a slightly wavy quality to it. It just randomly happens, and doesn't appear to have anything to do with how far in or out I am zoomed. And it's not like where it has autofocused on something close then must refocus on something farther away. It just comes and goes. I film a lot of sports, for the sake of collecting highlight video material. So it is not being a deal breaker, but it is starting to really get to me. And for the record, it is recording it to tape that way - I have stuck the tape in a different camera, and it looks the same. I can post an example if it helps.

Chowhound
Comic Vine
GameFAQs
GameSpot
Giant Bomb
TechRepublic