Product good, Sony service awful
Written: Jun 27 '04
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Pros: Many features, rapid rewind/fast-forward on VCR.
Cons: Remote control somewhat difficult to learn to use, Sony service and exchange policies awful.
The Bottom Line: If you are interested in purchasing a DVD/VCR combo player, I would recommend a different brand due to Sony's exchange policy and horrible service.
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| Microlen's Full Review: Sony SLV-D500P DVD Player / VCR Combo |
I previously posted the following review of this player:
"My Sony D500P arrived yesterday, and I tried two different DVDs, but both played poorly. Each disk starts out playing fine, then starts to stop and start repeatedly, and finally just stops playing. I called Sony, and they tried to troubleshoot over the phone, but finally concluded that the unit was defective and needs to be replaced. I read reviews of the previous model D300P, and people complained of the same kind of problem I saw with the D500P. I was apprehensive about purchasing it, but saw only good reviews of the D500P, so I thought Sony had the problem licked. I guess not!"
Here's the update: I ordered this unit by mail-order, and called the dealer to arrange to return it. The dealer informed me that Sony had instituted a new policy requiring that all exchanges have to be directly through Sony. I thought this was hard to believe, and called Sony. Sony confirmed that in fact, this is their policy. They also refused to pay the postage for the return.
Given no other choice, I paid the postage and mailed the unit back to Sony's service center in Laredo, Texas. After waiting a month for my replacement, I called Sony's service department. The agent told me that the computer showed it was already sent, and "it was signed for by your front door." I assured him that my front door doesn't know how to write, and that I still had not received my new unit. He then transferred me to another department at Sony which confirmed that it had never been sent. They said they would send it out right away by express mail.
A week later, still no replacement unit. I called Sony again, and again the first agent said it was already sent, then after I explained it hadn't arrived I was transferred to the second department, which again confirmed it hadn't been sent out yet. I demanded to know when the unit would be sent out, and was transferred to a third department to get a tracking number and date of delivery.
Finally, after a total of 6 weeks, I received a player. This one was a model D550P instead of D500P, but it looks similar. The best news is: This unit works! I have been using this unit for one month, and it plays DVDs satisfactorily, as well as videotapes. Additionally, the rewind/fast forward features for videotapes are quite rapid. All functions seem to work appropriately.
I agree with other reviewers who have said that the remote control has small buttons and is confusing to use. The instruction manual is a little confusing, but helpful in explaining how to use the remote. After some time, I found I could get used to the remote.
The one feature lacking on this model is the inability to copy DVDs to a videotape.
In summary, I am satisfied with the performance of my Sony SLV-D550P DVD player. On the other hand, I would not recommend this or any other Sony product in light of Sony's exchange policy and poor service.
Recommended:
No
Amount Paid (US$): 160
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Epinions.com ID:
Microlen
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Reviews written: 2
Trusted by: 0 members
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