Pioneer DVR-233S DVD Recorder
Lack of reliability for Pioneer DVD recorders
I purchased the similar Pioneer 310 DVD recorder at the end of last July.  The unit received little use; I would estimate 30 movies and 3 recorded discs in a 12 month span.  Unfortunately for me, just at the 12 month Pioneer warranty mark, the unit stopped working.  When putting a dvd in, it says 'loading' for about 30 seconds, makes some strange noises, then ejects the disc.  I tried a lens cleaning dvd but it would not recognize that either.  I contacted Pioneer customer service and after a few emails back and forth, they stated that they would not cover the unit under warranty - I would need to ship it to them with a $70 non-refundable evaluation fee enclosed!?  The unit will go in the garbage and the $70 will go toward a more reliable brand DVD recorder.  Lesson learned.