My DCR-VX2100 purchased in 2005 has started producing pixellated video in random patterns enough to make the video unusable. I've blown out the tape deck with canned air but no change. Is the problem dirty heads or bad tapes or what?
Sony DVC mini tape
Have the heads ever been cleaned? How many hours are logged on them? Have you recently switched tape types/brands? Most likely they're dirty and just need to be cleaned. To determine if its a tape or not, try a different tape in the camera, and try the tapes in a different source whether it be a deck or another camera.