Sony Camcorder HDR- HC3

Bought camcorder new 4 months ago.
Used many times to capture video to Final Cut Pro on my iMac G4 running Tiger.

Suddenly in the middle of a capture the camcorder is not working.
No output video on the LCD screen. No output video being recognized by the computer. The only time I can see any output video at all on the LCD is when Fast Forwarding the tape.

I have changed all the settings....Between HD- HDV & Auto- No effect.
I have read the manual and tried the different setting changes. Many times a screen pops up saying there is no output video....Change format.

On my selection wheel there is a Format tab but will not allow you to select it.
Two months now I have not been able to use the camcorder and appreciate any help possible!

Best Regards

Perry