Playback distorted on Camcorder

Hello - all . Not posted on here for a few weeks , so thought id come back to the party.

I am having problems with my Canon MV700 Mini DV Camcorder.
I have had the camera for nearly 2 years with no issues.
Recording appears to go fine, but when I playback the recording on the camera , the sound keeps breaking up and the picture occasionally flickers as if you have powered off / on very quickly.
When I copy from the camera to my pc , the sound does seem to carry across okay , althought the small breakup of picture is still there.

My local Jessops said I could try a head cleaner , but he wasnt sure it would solve this , and was good enuff to say he didnt want me to spend £20 on one if unlikely to resolve. He said to return it to Canon , out of Warranty, could prove costly.

Does anybody think a head cleaner will fix this (maybe I can get one much cheaper elsewhere ? )
If not, has anybody any other thoughts.

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

That sounds like the remedy

 

Ok - I try this if nobody else recommends anything.

Now to find the best deal on a cleaner !

 

Bought a tape cleaner (£8 ) off ebay... and it has done the trick

Thanks FIGulfer

 

AmiNutall, don't use those cleaners too often. What they actually do is grind the head a little...

 

Thanks TPFKPAS thats a very good tip , as I wouldve assumed cleaning it regular was a good thing.
I have had the camera 2 years, so I guess once a year will be enough, or even only when it needs it ?