THURSDAY:

they THINK the latest part ordered will fix, but that part is on backorder.

Sony will soon have had the camera longer than I have.

--Ralph

Ughhhh, man do I feel for you Ralph. This is beyond anyones worst nightmares.

I hope all works out soon.

Considering the early age of the camera, it should have simply been replaced by now.

Thanks, Marcus... my thought exactly. ;-)

--Ralph

Yeah, I'd say you should start making a fuss about not getting it replaced. You've been very patient, by the sounds of things, and now it's time for them to get you a camera....one way or another. Remember, the squeeky wheel gets the grease....

Thanks, Paul.

Well, I want to be fair to Sony... we've gotten TREMENDOUSLY good service out of our HC1s. I was (and still) am considering buying an EX when they come out.

BUT, yes, cameras break in the natural course of events, I realize this. I just feel that something so incredibly critical to a small company deserves fast and prompt service, especially while it's still under warranty. Twenty-ones days to date (and still waiting on parts) is not fast and prompt server.

AND... I am making a rather big thing of this for two reasons:

1. It relieves my pain and the pressure I'm under to get jobs done somewhat.

2. And it shows the process and the wait time you can expect if (God please forbid) you ever have to send your beloved V1 off for repair.

To be fair (and also to start tracking), I had my V1 for 58 glorious days, Sony so far has had it for 21 unproductive ones.

--Ralph

It's unfortunate for Sony that making a great product makes people more unhappy to be without. Regardless, my earlier statement regarding replacement is based on the fact that the V1 is listed as a pro camera and the repair window is still open ended. If they had a definite ship date for you by now, I might say be quietly patient.

Sony Prime Support....
 

Hi,

I have a V1e and one the buying points for me was the Prime Support - they get me another cam if they can't repair it in 7 days.

Are you not covered? Or does the Prime Support mean nothing?

thanks..

The "Silver Support" for the pro Sony models like A1, Z1, V1 is standard in Europe, but as far as i'm aware, does not exist for those models sold outside of Europe (eg USA etc).

We do not have nor were offered that kind of support.

--Ralph

mmmm.... that's not really on.

My Canon and Nikon stills equipment comes with similar warranty / backup. Some sporting events have canon/ nikon labs onsite with spares and tecs.

Yes its Europe Only. "Silver Support" is 2years, and if there is a problem that requires service etc, then they come to your house and pick the machine up and return it to you. If it cannot be repaired within 7 days then i think they bring to you a new machine for your exclusive use until your original is repaired.
Its something like that- do a search and i'm sure the exact terms will come up but basically they pick the cam up from you within 24hrs, then they bring it back to you, and you won't be without a machine for more than a few days, guaranteed. I think that they may even always give you another machine on loan for the entire time your malfunctioning cam is being serviced - and you don't have to travel to drop it off or repair it OR package it up and ship it anywhere.

As i said, Europe only. Don't know why Sony doesnt offer this level of service for it's "Broadcast-division" machines globally.

Be aware this is NOT for all Sony camcorders - just the 'pro-division' ones like A1E, V1E, Z1E etc.

i wonder if this is due to the eu laws on new electrical goods having to offer a 2 yrs warranty. however this law does not require a pick and return service hence i wonder why sony broadcast does not offer this worldwide.

something to bring up with Sony dealers and at tradeshows...

Yesterday's call to Sony in Teaneck, NJ ... some good news, the second group of parts (which were backordered) are now in, that is they are in the facility as opposed to being in the camera. Repair is supposed to occur today.

The score is now 58 days to 25 days as Team Sony continues to erode my once comfortable lead.

and up here in the mountains of Western North Carolina, the fall leaf color season is coming fast.

pressure mounts.

I was wrong on yesterday's score, the correct score (today) is 58 - 27.

Today's call: "we are having to replace the subassembly."

Can Douglas or anyone tell me what the subassembly in the V1 is and does?

--Ralph