stay away from JVC
Written: Dec 01 '07 (Updated Dec 01 '07)
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Pros: pretty good picture
Cons: new remotes don't work!
terrible customer service;
can't watch one show and tape another
The Bottom Line: Do not buy JVC. Their customer service is terrible, and you'll be sorry if you need it. If you do buy this, DON'T LOSE THE REMOTE!!
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| lysippe1's Full Review: JVC TV-20242 20 inch TV/VCR Combo TV |
I've had this set for awhile, and need to state that I've had no problems with the television or VCR, per se. The picture is quite good, although I wish I'd chosen the one with SmartSound rather than the flat screen.
HOWEVER, some time ago the remote was ruined when something spilled on it. I tried a couple generic all-in-one remotes but they didn't work for everything. I finally gave in and ordered one from JVC -- for about $40 plus shipping and handling.
It seemed fine...but when I went to program the VCR, I noticed that it didn't have all of the buttons that the original remote had -- specifically, I could access the on-screen menu, but I couldn't do anything in it. So there's no way for me to program the VCR. Also, I can't adjust any TV settings, such as color, contrast, etc.
I checked the manual that came with the set and it said to use buttons THAT AREN'T ON THE NEW REMOTE. I tried everything I could think of, then contacted JVC.
On their website, they have one of those fill-in online forms. The site claims you'll get a response within 5 business days. I filled out the form and sent it in...and heard nothing.
I waited awhile, then re-submitted the form. Again, NO RESPONSE. Not even a "we got your question" reply.
Checking their website carefully, I found that the new remote is now the ONLY remote available for this set. I finally found their toll-free number and called.
At first, the woman who answered was nice. I explained the problem and she began to look things up, occasionally putting me on hold. The remote I'd received was RM-C389, and it's listed on their site as RM-C389-1H; I asked if there was a difference and she said no.
After about 20 minutes, she asked if there were buttons on the TV that I could use. There aren't. Then she had me access the Menu and try using the Channel and Volume buttons on the remote. These also have Up/Down/Right/Left arrows, and, not being a total idiot, I'd tried these before. Unsurprisingly, they also didn't work while using the phone.
Here's where it gets good. When those buttons didn't work, she said, "Well, then there's something wrong with the television." WHAT??? And just how did that happen? It's working fine except for the Menu problem!
She tells me I need to take the set into a repair shop, or have someone come to my place. The nearest shops are an hour away, and mean unhooking everything and hauling it in. Oh, and let's not forget the COST for this!
This is JVC's solution to a problem they obviously created. I asked to talk to her supervisor and she said that wasn't possible. I said her solution wasn't adequate, and she began typing away. I thought maybe she was looking something up or writing a report. No -- she simply left me on the line while she began doing other work. She wouldn't talk to me any more. I finally hung up after several minutes.
UPDATE -- My sister-in-law has this same set (I didn't know this). They moved a month ago and lost the remote; bought a new remote directly from JVC. Now they can access the Menu but not move within in...the exact problem I have.
Avoid JVC like the plague! They have horrible customer service, and, apparently, either engineer problems into their stuff, or overlook really important things when doing updates.
p.s. -- For those who don't know (I didn't), on a combo set, you can't watch one program while recording another.
Recommended:
No
Amount Paid (US$): 400
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Epinions.com ID:
lysippe1
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Reviews written: 1
Trusted by: 0 members
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