Philips DVDR985 Progressive-Scan DVD Recorder and Player
GREAT PRODUCT FOR 8 MONTHS-LOUSY CUSTOMER SERVICE
I purchased my DVDR985 from Amazon in August 2002. I recorded about 250 DVDs during my first eight months of use. However, gradually the recorder got more and more errors until it stopped recording altogether to both DVD+R and DVD+RW. <br />I turned the unit into the local drop-off center for shipping to the factory in Chattanooga. When I got it back three weeks later, it would crash after 20-30 minutes of recording and power down. I took it back and had it shipped back to the factory. I got it back the second time (they replaced the same part as the first time). When I tested it, it now crashed after 20-30 seconds and I had trouble powering it back on and after one such test, it simply wouldn't power back on. Also, when I got it back from the factory the second time, the firmware had been reloaded with the firmware for a DVD75 or DVD80 because now I had six recording speeds up to six hours at EP+. But that is little consolation if the device won't record. The unit is back at the factory as I write this. <br />I have written a detailed letter to Philips and if they don't fix or replace the recorder this time around I will be filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. I would strongly recommend to those of you who are dissatisfied with their unit or service (even if the warranty has expired): file a complaint with their local and the Georgia Better Business Bureaus. It only takes a few minutes and can be done online. I have filed complaints with companies in the past and I have always gotten results. Companies don't like to see their reputations sullied by bad BBB ratings and will take extra steps to settle with their disgruntled customers. But you must demonstrate that you made every effort possible to get restitution from the company on your own. That's where writing the company a letter comes in handy. Their North American Address is here in Atlanta, GA.