Toshiba RD-XS52 DVD Player/Recorder with HDMI
Designed to last... one year
I have the previous model RD-XS32, and was very satisfied with it until, like magic, it started malfunctioning right after its first birthday.  Now, even after repeated cleanings, it fails to read many of the DVDs it created, and getting it to create a usable new DVD is nearly impossible.  This is very disappointing because I'm running out of brands whose products DON'T poop out after one year of use...  I have always thought those extended warranties were useless but I'm beginning to wonder whether or not it's necessary protection these days.