Can't I give this NO stars as a rating?

In my ongoing pursuit of video nirvana, I recently added a Dazzle Hollywood DV bridge to my collection of toys.

After purchasing the unit I took it home and went to import some video. First I needed to install the software, as I found the DV bridge to be incompatible with any of my high end video editing software. But then I got another surprise. It seems that the mensa rejects over at the Dazzle company did not think to include a serial number in the package. So I checked the website - under the heading of "Dazzle Hollywood DV Bridge missing serial number" but the replacement number listed on the website was rejected by the install. So I called tech support. and waited ... and waited..... and three and a half hours later I was awakened by the tech support guy picking up the phone. This clown must have been the real life version of the comic book store geek on the Simpsons. After giving me a lecture on checking the website before bothering the tech, it took ten minutes to convince him that the number did in fact not work on my system. So he gave me another number... and it didn't work either. The third replacement serial number finally did the trick. At that point I had just paid for 4 hours on the phone to Connecticut.

So I started importing video. What a mess! The video would only import in one format... which was clearly contrary to what was printed on the box. I got no sound with my video and the picture was so grainy and jerky that I could hardly make out what was going on. And this was importing from a digital camcorder! I called tech support again. This time I opted for the express option... paid tech support, and my call was answered in 5 minutes. Do you remember a time long ago when customer service really was service and you didn't have to pay extra for it?

Of course I had to give up my visa card number before the guy would even hear about my problem. (In all honesty it was only $ 15, but it's the principle of the thing, you know?) After reluctantly giving him that information, I explained my trouble to the brainless boob on the other end of the line. This guy did not know word one about video. He had no idea what I was referring to when speaking about industry standards and guidelines. (I am a Hollywood refugee, and I do know a thing or two about moving pictures...) We did eventually get some sound, but it was all out of synch and looked like a bad Godzilla movie. Finally, after wasting another hour of my time, the tech said that he couldn't help me and that I would have to wait for a level 2 technician to call me back within the next 48 hours. That was 3 weeks ago. No call.

Finally in disgust I took the product back to the store and disputed the charge on the credit card for the hellish night of customer no service.

If you value your time - or your sanity , steer clear of Dazzle!





Recommended: No

Amount Paid (US$): 299.00