PD170: Gray Market vs. authentic USA model - Any way to distinguish between the two? at DVinfo.net

Joe Prus · February 16th, 2004, 06:38 PM

Hello all,

I have a question that I cannot seem to get answered, not even by Sony:

Is there any way to tell the difference between a "gray market" PD170 versus a bona-fide USA model? Can you tell by the serial number (do they have different numbers)? Can you tell by the markings/numbers on the Sony factory box or the contents inside the box?

I want to make sure I get a USA model, not a gray market version that is being falsely sold as a USA model. Any information would be appreciated.

Joe Prus

Craig Seeman · February 16th, 2004, 08:55 PM

I suspect the serial number is key. In the old days you could check to see if there was a US warranty in the box but with so much "online" registration I'm not sure if that holds true any more.

A reputable dealer should be able to give you the serial number which is printed on the outside of the box. You can then call Sony and check. Often times just giving them the dealer name will set of a response.

Ken Tanaka · February 16th, 2004, 09:26 PM

Joe,
Craig hit the nail on the head: buying from a reputable dealer. If you're looking for a Sony camcorder buy from an authorized Sony dealer.

Our sponsors are good examples of rock-solid dealers manufacturer-authorized for their goods.

Monte Merritt · February 25th, 2004, 12:09 PM

Yes, but what is the difference in quality/features between a gray market product and the U.S. version?
I'm new here, and I looked at the prices at B & H and was shocked. I was all set to buy the PD170 at Royal Camera for $2239, almost $1000 less. Is Royal Camera not a reputable dealer?

Monte

Ken Tanaka · February 25th, 2004, 12:17 PM

Royal Camera is most definitely NOT a reputable dealer. Search here for other threads on them. Also see ResellerRatings.com.

Calvin Chang · February 25th, 2004, 12:19 PM

Joe:

If it's too good to be true, then it's not true.

Otherwise, everybody(other venders) will be 'out of business'.

Calvin

Monte Merritt · February 25th, 2004, 12:44 PM

So what is the difference in quality/features between a gray market product and the U.S. version?

Ken Tanaka · February 25th, 2004, 01:13 PM

The term "gray market" refers to the practice of buying goods overseas outside the normal channels for resale domesitcally. Depending on the item there may not be any functional difference. You will not, however, receive a domestic warranty and probably will not be able to send it to a U.S. service center, either.

February 16th, 2004, 06:38 PM	#1
Joe Prus Tourist Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Arlington Heights, USA Posts: 1	PD170: Gray Market vs. authentic USA model - Any way to distinguish between the two? Hello all, I have a question that I cannot seem to get answered, not even by Sony: Is there any way to tell the difference between a "gray market" PD170 versus a bona-fide USA model? Can you tell by the serial number (do they have different numbers)? Can you tell by the markings/numbers on the Sony factory box or the contents inside the box? I want to make sure I get a USA model, not a gray market version that is being falsely sold as a USA model. Any information would be appreciated. Joe Prus __________________ JP

February 16th, 2004, 09:26 PM	#3
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	Joe, Craig hit the nail on the head: buying from a reputable dealer. If you're looking for a Sony camcorder buy from an authorized Sony dealer. Our sponsors are good examples of rock-solid dealers manufacturer-authorized for their goods. __________________ Lady X Films: A lady with a boring wardrobe...and a global mission. Hey, you don't have enough stuff! Buy with confidence from our sponsors. Hand-picked as the best in the business...Really! See some of my work one frame at a time: www.KenTanaka.com

February 25th, 2004, 12:09 PM	#4
Monte Merritt New Boot Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Utah Posts: 10	differences Yes, but what is the difference in quality/features between a gray market product and the U.S. version? I'm new here, and I looked at the prices at B & H and was shocked. I was all set to buy the PD170 at Royal Camera for $2239, almost $1000 less. Is Royal Camera not a reputable dealer? Monte

February 25th, 2004, 12:17 PM	#5
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	Royal Camera is most definitely NOT a reputable dealer. Search here for other threads on them. Also see ResellerRatings.com. __________________ Lady X Films: A lady with a boring wardrobe...and a global mission. Hey, you don't have enough stuff! Buy with confidence from our sponsors. Hand-picked as the best in the business...Really! See some of my work one frame at a time: www.KenTanaka.com

February 25th, 2004, 01:13 PM	#8
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	The term "gray market" refers to the practice of buying goods overseas outside the normal channels for resale domesitcally. Depending on the item there may not be any functional difference. You will not, however, receive a domestic warranty and probably will not be able to send it to a U.S. service center, either. __________________ Lady X Films: A lady with a boring wardrobe...and a global mission. Hey, you don't have enough stuff! Buy with confidence from our sponsors. Hand-picked as the best in the business...Really! See some of my work one frame at a time: www.KenTanaka.com

February 16th, 2004, 08:55 PM	#2
Craig Seeman Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Brooklyn, NY, USA Posts: 3,841	I suspect the serial number is key. In the old days you could check to see if there was a US warranty in the box but with so much "online" registration I'm not sure if that holds true any more. A reputable dealer should be able to give you the serial number which is printed on the outside of the box. You can then call Sony and check. Often times just giving them the dealer name will set of a response.

February 25th, 2004, 12:19 PM	#6
Calvin Chang New Boot Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 9	Joe: If it's too good to be true, then it's not true. Otherwise, everybody(other venders) will be 'out of business'. Calvin

February 25th, 2004, 12:44 PM	#7
Monte Merritt New Boot Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Utah Posts: 10	So what is the difference in quality/features between a gray market product and the U.S. version?

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