Public service message

I think of myself as a mellow person.

I bought a SONY Blue Ray Player.

I have experienced the following:

1. Freeze up requiring a unplugging of the power cord.

2. Constant prompts to set up an internet connection when no cable is connected.

3. Not consistent about remembering it was when the movie was stopped.

4. No response from Sony website.

5. Phone calls went to Pakistan and it was necessary to ask questions 2 or 3 times because I could not understand the "technician".

6. Eject button frequently not working.

Not a major problem.

I am taking the advice of a friend and telling everyone I know that Sony is a P.O.S. company.

Have a great day,
:-)

Andy wrote:
I think of myself as a mellow person.

I bought a SONY Blue Ray Player.

I have experienced the following:

1. Freeze up requiring a unplugging of the power cord.

2. Constant prompts to set up an internet connection when no cable is connected.

3. Not consistent about remembering it was when the movie was stopped.

4. No response from Sony website.

5. Phone calls went to Pakistan and it was necessary to ask questions 2 or 3 times because I could not understand the "technician".

6. Eject button frequently not working.

Not a major problem.

I am taking the advice of a friend and telling everyone I know that Sony is a P.O.S. company.

Have a great day,
:-)

Did you check for firmware updates ?

It's easier to check for the history of
products, if you use a model number in your
posting.

Paul

"Paul" wrote in message
...
Andy wrote:
I think of myself as a mellow person.

I bought a SONY Blue Ray Player.

I have experienced the following:

1. Freeze up requiring a unplugging of the power cord.

2. Constant prompts to set up an internet connection when no cable is
connected.

3. Not consistent about remembering it was when the movie was stopped.

4. No response from Sony website.

5. Phone calls went to Pakistan and it was necessary to ask questions 2
or 3 times because I could not understand the "technician".

6. Eject button frequently not working.

Not a major problem.

I am taking the advice of a friend and telling everyone I know that Sony
is a P.O.S. company.

Have a great day,
:-)

Did you check for firmware updates ?

It's easier to check for the history of
products, if you use a model number in your
posting.

Paul

....What !!!! surely you mean, TAKE IT STRAIGHT BACK and demand a refund
!!!

:-)

regards, Richard

RJK wrote:
"Paul" wrote in message
...
Andy wrote:
I think of myself as a mellow person.

I bought a SONY Blue Ray Player.

I have experienced the following:

1. Freeze up requiring a unplugging of the power cord.

2. Constant prompts to set up an internet connection when no cable is
connected.

3. Not consistent about remembering it was when the movie was stopped.

4. No response from Sony website.

5. Phone calls went to Pakistan and it was necessary to ask questions 2
or 3 times because I could not understand the "technician".

6. Eject button frequently not working.

Not a major problem.

I am taking the advice of a friend and telling everyone I know that Sony
is a P.O.S. company.

Have a great day,
:-)
Did you check for firmware updates ?

It's easier to check for the history of
products, if you use a model number in your
posting.

Paul

...What !!!! surely you mean, TAKE IT STRAIGHT BACK and demand a refund
!!!

:-)

regards, Richard

If you didn't try the unit, until you were past the
30 day return period, I could see you being stuck with it.

If the freeze ups indicate a hardware defect, then a
warranty return might not only fix the firmware,
but also get you some working hardware. Checking the
warranty period is in order.

Not all countries have the same consumer protection laws.
We don't have any strict "fit for purpose" here, so
retailers have to accept everything we shoot back at them.
Our consumer protection language is a bit softer than that.

Actually, retailers that do have liberal return policies,
only had consumers take advantage of them. A certain
national chain, people used to buy bicycles, drive them
all summer, then return them in the fall for a full
refund. So it's not like retailers who "did the right thing",
didn't have a heavy price extracted for their largess.

Paul

Paul wrote:
RJK wrote:
"Paul" wrote in message
...
Andy wrote:
I think of myself as a mellow person.

I bought a SONY Blue Ray Player.

I have experienced the following:

1. Freeze up requiring a unplugging of the power cord.

2. Constant prompts to set up an internet connection when no cable is
connected.

3. Not consistent about remembering it was when the movie was stopped.

4. No response from Sony website.

5. Phone calls went to Pakistan and it was necessary to ask questions 2
or 3 times because I could not understand the "technician".

6. Eject button frequently not working.

Not a major problem.

I am taking the advice of a friend and telling everyone I know that
Sony
is a P.O.S. company.

Have a great day,
:-)
Did you check for firmware updates ?

It's easier to check for the history of
products, if you use a model number in your
posting.

Paul

...What !!!! surely you mean, TAKE IT STRAIGHT BACK and demand a refund
!!!

:-)

regards, Richard

If you didn't try the unit, until you were past the
30 day return period, I could see you being stuck with it.

If the freeze ups indicate a hardware defect, then a
warranty return might not only fix the firmware,
but also get you some working hardware. Checking the
warranty period is in order.

Not all countries have the same consumer protection laws.
We don't have any strict "fit for purpose" here, so
retailers have to accept everything we shoot back at them.
Our consumer protection language is a bit softer than that.

Actually, retailers that do have liberal return policies,
only had consumers take advantage of them. A certain
national chain, people used to buy bicycles, drive them
all summer, then return them in the fall for a full
refund. So it's not like retailers who "did the right thing",
didn't have a heavy price extracted for their largess.

Paul

But why would a retailer be that "dumb"? I just can't imagine allowing
someone to keep a bike (or anything, for that matter), for a whole summer,
and then giving them all a full refund! I guess they were desperate for
business? Or maybe this was a special service to some disadvantaged folks?

Bill in Co wrote:
Paul wrote:
RJK wrote:
"Paul" wrote in message
...
Andy wrote:
I think of myself as a mellow person.

I bought a SONY Blue Ray Player.

I have experienced the following:

1. Freeze up requiring a unplugging of the power cord.

2. Constant prompts to set up an internet connection when no cable is
connected.

3. Not consistent about remembering it was when the movie was stopped.

4. No response from Sony website.

5. Phone calls went to Pakistan and it was necessary to ask questions 2
or 3 times because I could not understand the "technician".

6. Eject button frequently not working.

Not a major problem.

I am taking the advice of a friend and telling everyone I know that
Sony
is a P.O.S. company.

Have a great day,
:-)
Did you check for firmware updates ?

It's easier to check for the history of
products, if you use a model number in your
posting.

Paul
...What !!!! surely you mean, TAKE IT STRAIGHT BACK and demand a refund
!!!

:-)

regards, Richard
If you didn't try the unit, until you were past the
30 day return period, I could see you being stuck with it.

If the freeze ups indicate a hardware defect, then a
warranty return might not only fix the firmware,
but also get you some working hardware. Checking the
warranty period is in order.

Not all countries have the same consumer protection laws.
We don't have any strict "fit for purpose" here, so
retailers have to accept everything we shoot back at them.
Our consumer protection language is a bit softer than that.

Actually, retailers that do have liberal return policies,
only had consumers take advantage of them. A certain
national chain, people used to buy bicycles, drive them
all summer, then return them in the fall for a full
refund. So it's not like retailers who "did the right thing",
didn't have a heavy price extracted for their largess.

Paul

But why would a retailer be that "dumb"? I just can't imagine allowing
someone to keep a bike (or anything, for that matter), for a whole summer,
and then giving them all a full refund! I guess they were desperate for
business? Or maybe this was a special service to some disadvantaged folks?

I expect the policy has changed, but I haven't asked anyone about it.

The policy was created in another time, when the average consumer
was "square dealing". The notion of abusing their return policy,
never occurred to most people.

The store had "two tier selling". It had a regular price section
and a "clearance center". I suspect some of the clearance center
items were the returns. It was common knowledge that if you
wanted to "buy a fridge with a ding in the door", you'd
drop down to the Clearance Center and there were plenty to
choose from. You'd still get your thirty years of usage from
the thing, but it would have a chip in the paint, or a ding
in the metal work. If you needed to furnish the summer cottage
or needed a beer fridge, that was the place to go.

Things in the Clearance Center still had a warranty for defects
(fridge stops working in the first year), but there was no
return policy on stuff there. No riding a clearance bike for
the summer and bringing it back. That was for the full price
stuff in the upper floor of the store. You wouldn't save a lot of
money in the Clearance Center, but if you were short for cash,
you'd definitely be over there for a look.

They got rid of the Clearance Center concept and the two tier
selling a number of years ago. The company has lost touch with
its customers. Just recently, they sold off some of their real
estate holdings. I give 'em another year or two, before
they're liquidated.

They tried their hand at the Internet,
and they come up in search results occasionally, but
with prices that don't make a lot of sense. Almost
like nobody really cares about their operations
any more. (Like they're rudderless, and some CEO
is just doing stuff to earn a quick bonus.) I don't
think you can really build a loyal following,
using adverts in a search engine.

More than one store here has gone weird. Another
chain, got sold to another company, and promptly
went "upscale". A $10 pillow went for $80. I took
a walk around the store, to do some sample pricing.
I wanted to see just how much gouging they thought
a rich person could take. I was impressed. The
store was almost empty. There weren't that many staff
around. When I entered the luggage department, a
supervisor was teaching a new hire "how to be a
salesman". The funny thing was, both individuals
completely ignored me and made no attempt to
serve me. I don't know how long that chain will
survive its new ownership. But when they go, there
will be precious little we can use to "anchor" malls
around here. By and large, grocery stores have
stopped using the malls. And when all the department
stores are gone, there will be nothing left but
Walmart. (Which isn't really that much of a threat,
as they don't have the variety that the others offered.)

These stores are obviously running from a ghost.
I wish I could figure out who they thought the competition
was. Based on the displayed contents of a Walmart here,
it isn't Walmart. Maybe it's just retailing that is
dying. I can't imagine shopping for a $10 pillow
over the Internet, and paying $10 shipping for it.
Or waiting two days to find out the pillow is
hard as rock, and has to go back to the store.
The last time I bought a pillow, it took a lot of
"sampling" before I could make a purchase. Something
that will no longer be possible if ordering over
the Internet. (The pillow I got, conforms to the
shape of your head and shoulders, and it's helped
stop some neck pain I used to get.)

Paul

Paul wrote:
Bill in Co wrote:
Paul wrote:
RJK wrote:
"Paul" wrote in message
...
Andy wrote:
I think of myself as a mellow person.

I bought a SONY Blue Ray Player.

I have experienced the following:

1. Freeze up requiring a unplugging of the power cord.

2. Constant prompts to set up an internet connection when no cable is
connected.

3. Not consistent about remembering it was when the movie was
stopped.

4. No response from Sony website.

5. Phone calls went to Pakistan and it was necessary to ask questions
2
or 3 times because I could not understand the "technician".

6. Eject button frequently not working.

Not a major problem.

I am taking the advice of a friend and telling everyone I know that
Sony
is a P.O.S. company.

Have a great day,
:-)
Did you check for firmware updates ?

It's easier to check for the history of
products, if you use a model number in your
posting.

Paul
...What !!!! surely you mean, TAKE IT STRAIGHT BACK and demand a
refund
!!!

:-)

regards, Richard
If you didn't try the unit, until you were past the
30 day return period, I could see you being stuck with it.

If the freeze ups indicate a hardware defect, then a
warranty return might not only fix the firmware,
but also get you some working hardware. Checking the
warranty period is in order.

Not all countries have the same consumer protection laws.
We don't have any strict "fit for purpose" here, so
retailers have to accept everything we shoot back at them.
Our consumer protection language is a bit softer than that.

Actually, retailers that do have liberal return policies,
only had consumers take advantage of them. A certain
national chain, people used to buy bicycles, drive them
all summer, then return them in the fall for a full
refund. So it's not like retailers who "did the right thing",
didn't have a heavy price extracted for their largess.

Paul

But why would a retailer be that "dumb"? I just can't imagine allowing
someone to keep a bike (or anything, for that matter), for a whole
summer,
and then giving them all a full refund! I guess they were desperate for
business? Or maybe this was a special service to some disadvantaged
folks?

I expect the policy has changed, but I haven't asked anyone about it.

The policy was created in another time, when the average consumer
was "square dealing". The notion of abusing their return policy,
never occurred to most people.

The store had "two tier selling". It had a regular price section
and a "clearance center". I suspect some of the clearance center
items were the returns. It was common knowledge that if you
wanted to "buy a fridge with a ding in the door", you'd
drop down to the Clearance Center and there were plenty to
choose from. You'd still get your thirty years of usage from
the thing, but it would have a chip in the paint, or a ding
in the metal work. If you needed to furnish the summer cottage
or needed a beer fridge, that was the place to go.

Things in the Clearance Center still had a warranty for defects
(fridge stops working in the first year), but there was no
return policy on stuff there. No riding a clearance bike for
the summer and bringing it back. That was for the full price
stuff in the upper floor of the store. You wouldn't save a lot of
money in the Clearance Center, but if you were short for cash,
you'd definitely be over there for a look.

They got rid of the Clearance Center concept and the two tier
selling a number of years ago. The company has lost touch with
its customers. Just recently, they sold off some of their real
estate holdings. I give 'em another year or two, before
they're liquidated.

They tried their hand at the Internet,
and they come up in search results occasionally, but
with prices that don't make a lot of sense. Almost
like nobody really cares about their operations
any more. (Like they're rudderless, and some CEO
is just doing stuff to earn a quick bonus.) I don't
think you can really build a loyal following,
using adverts in a search engine.

More than one store here has gone weird. Another
chain, got sold to another company, and promptly
went "upscale". A $10 pillow went for $80. I took
a walk around the store, to do some sample pricing.
I wanted to see just how much gouging they thought
a rich person could take. I was impressed. The
store was almost empty. There weren't that many staff
around. When I entered the luggage department, a
supervisor was teaching a new hire "how to be a
salesman". The funny thing was, both individuals
completely ignored me and made no attempt to
serve me. I don't know how long that chain will
survive its new ownership. But when they go, there
will be precious little we can use to "anchor" malls
around here. By and large, grocery stores have
stopped using the malls. And when all the department
stores are gone, there will be nothing left but
Walmart. (Which isn't really that much of a threat,
as they don't have the variety that the others offered.)

These stores are obviously running from a ghost.
I wish I could figure out who they thought the competition
was. Based on the displayed contents of a Walmart here,
it isn't Walmart. Maybe it's just retailing that is
dying. I can't imagine shopping for a $10 pillow
over the Internet, and paying $10 shipping for it.
Or waiting two days to find out the pillow is
hard as rock, and has to go back to the store.
The last time I bought a pillow, it took a lot of
"sampling" before I could make a purchase. Something
that will no longer be possible if ordering over
the Internet. (The pillow I got, conforms to the
shape of your head and shoulders, and it's helped
stop some neck pain I used to get.)

Paul

Maybe that's what's going on. People find shopping on the net so much
easier and convenient. Plus if you don't like it, you can send it back in
the mail. And usually "the price is right" (although the shipping might get
you a bit, but you sometimes don't see that until the end of the order, and
by then you're already kinda hooked, so to speak.

I think dept stores, along with the mom and pop stores, will be struggling
for survival for the foreseeable future. It seems to be "where we are now",
which is kind of a sad commentary.

On Monday, December 2, 2013 6:59:47 PM UTC-6, Paul wrote:
RJK wrote:

"Paul" wrote in message

...

Andy wrote:

I think of myself as a mellow person.



I bought a SONY Blue Ray Player.



I have experienced the following:



1. Freeze up requiring a unplugging of the power cord.



2. Constant prompts to set up an internet connection when no cable is

connected.



3. Not consistent about remembering it was when the movie was stopped.



4. No response from Sony website.



5. Phone calls went to Pakistan and it was necessary to ask questions 2

or 3 times because I could not understand the "technician".



6. Eject button frequently not working.



Not a major problem.



I am taking the advice of a friend and telling everyone I know that Sony

is a P.O.S. company.



Have a great day,

:-)

Did you check for firmware updates ?



It's easier to check for the history of

products, if you use a model number in your

posting.



Paul



...What !!!! surely you mean, TAKE IT STRAIGHT BACK and demand a refund

!!!



:-)



regards, Richard



If you didn't try the unit, until you were past the

30 day return period, I could see you being stuck with it.



If the freeze ups indicate a hardware defect, then a

warranty return might not only fix the firmware,

but also get you some working hardware. Checking the

warranty period is in order.



Not all countries have the same consumer protection laws.

We don't have any strict "fit for purpose" here, so

retailers have to accept everything we shoot back at them.

Our consumer protection language is a bit softer than that.



Actually, retailers that do have liberal return policies,

only had consumers take advantage of them. A certain

national chain, people used to buy bicycles, drive them

all summer, then return them in the fall for a full

refund. So it's not like retailers who "did the right thing",

didn't have a heavy price extracted for their largess.



Paul

I bought it brand new from Ebay.

It was my first purchase from Sony in a very long time.

I bought a expensive digital camera from them, and did return it for a refund after the usual lack of support.

(I bought a Nikon and it has been great.)

I will give feedback to the seller, but don't expect an offer of a refund or credit.

I figure the seller will at least know how shoddy Sony products are.

They used to be a good company.

I have a Sony Megablast Sports Radio and have not had a lick of trouble with it.

Andy

On Monday, December 2, 2013 11:38:12 PM UTC-6, Paul wrote:
Bill in Co wrote:

Paul wrote:

RJK wrote:

"Paul" wrote in message

...

Andy wrote:

I think of myself as a mellow person.



I bought a SONY Blue Ray Player.



I have experienced the following:



1. Freeze up requiring a unplugging of the power cord.



2. Constant prompts to set up an internet connection when no cable is

connected.



3. Not consistent about remembering it was when the movie was stopped.



4. No response from Sony website.



5. Phone calls went to Pakistan and it was necessary to ask questions 2

or 3 times because I could not understand the "technician".



6. Eject button frequently not working.



Not a major problem.



I am taking the advice of a friend and telling everyone I know that

Sony

is a P.O.S. company.



Have a great day,

:-)

Did you check for firmware updates ?



It's easier to check for the history of

products, if you use a model number in your

posting.



Paul

...What !!!! surely you mean, TAKE IT STRAIGHT BACK and demand a refund

!!!



:-)



regards, Richard

If you didn't try the unit, until you were past the

30 day return period, I could see you being stuck with it.



If the freeze ups indicate a hardware defect, then a

warranty return might not only fix the firmware,

but also get you some working hardware. Checking the

warranty period is in order.



Not all countries have the same consumer protection laws.

We don't have any strict "fit for purpose" here, so

retailers have to accept everything we shoot back at them.

Our consumer protection language is a bit softer than that.



Actually, retailers that do have liberal return policies,

only had consumers take advantage of them. A certain

national chain, people used to buy bicycles, drive them

all summer, then return them in the fall for a full

refund. So it's not like retailers who "did the right thing",

didn't have a heavy price extracted for their largess.



Paul



But why would a retailer be that "dumb"? I just can't imagine allowing

someone to keep a bike (or anything, for that matter), for a whole summer,

and then giving them all a full refund! I guess they were desperate for

business? Or maybe this was a special service to some disadvantaged folks?



I expect the policy has changed, but I haven't asked anyone about it.



The policy was created in another time, when the average consumer

was "square dealing". The notion of abusing their return policy,

never occurred to most people.



The store had "two tier selling". It had a regular price section

and a "clearance center". I suspect some of the clearance center

items were the returns. It was common knowledge that if you

wanted to "buy a fridge with a ding in the door", you'd

drop down to the Clearance Center and there were plenty to

choose from. You'd still get your thirty years of usage from

the thing, but it would have a chip in the paint, or a ding

in the metal work. If you needed to furnish the summer cottage

or needed a beer fridge, that was the place to go.



Things in the Clearance Center still had a warranty for defects

(fridge stops working in the first year), but there was no

return policy on stuff there. No riding a clearance bike for

the summer and bringing it back. That was for the full price

stuff in the upper floor of the store. You wouldn't save a lot of

money in the Clearance Center, but if you were short for cash,

you'd definitely be over there for a look.



They got rid of the Clearance Center concept and the two tier

selling a number of years ago. The company has lost touch with

its customers. Just recently, they sold off some of their real

estate holdings. I give 'em another year or two, before

they're liquidated.



They tried their hand at the Internet,

and they come up in search results occasionally, but

with prices that don't make a lot of sense. Almost

like nobody really cares about their operations

any more. (Like they're rudderless, and some CEO

is just doing stuff to earn a quick bonus.) I don't

think you can really build a loyal following,

using adverts in a search engine.



More than one store here has gone weird. Another

chain, got sold to another company, and promptly

went "upscale". A $10 pillow went for $80. I took

a walk around the store, to do some sample pricing.

I wanted to see just how much gouging they thought

a rich person could take. I was impressed. The

store was almost empty. There weren't that many staff

around. When I entered the luggage department, a

supervisor was teaching a new hire "how to be a

salesman". The funny thing was, both individuals

completely ignored me and made no attempt to

serve me. I don't know how long that chain will

survive its new ownership. But when they go, there

will be precious little we can use to "anchor" malls

around here. By and large, grocery stores have

stopped using the malls. And when all the department

stores are gone, there will be nothing left but

Walmart. (Which isn't really that much of a threat,

as they don't have the variety that the others offered.)



These stores are obviously running from a ghost.

I wish I could figure out who they thought the competition

was. Based on the displayed contents of a Walmart here,

it isn't Walmart. Maybe it's just retailing that is

dying. I can't imagine shopping for a $10 pillow

over the Internet, and paying $10 shipping for it.

Or waiting two days to find out the pillow is

hard as rock, and has to go back to the store.

The last time I bought a pillow, it took a lot of

"sampling" before I could make a purchase. Something

that will no longer be possible if ordering over

the Internet. (The pillow I got, conforms to the

shape of your head and shoulders, and it's helped

stop some neck pain I used to get.)



Paul

Actually, Sears still has one clearance center left in Houston.

It's been there at least 50 years.

You are right about some customers abusing return policies.

And that has added on to the price of everything.

Andy

Andy wrote:

I bought a SONY Blue Ray Player.

What is the model number ?

Paul

On Tuesday, December 3, 2013 10:24:53 PM UTC-6, Paul wrote:
Andy wrote:



I bought a SONY Blue Ray Player.



What is the model number ?



Paul

BDP S185

Andy

Andy wrote:
On Tuesday, December 3, 2013 10:24:53 PM UTC-6, Paul wrote:
Andy wrote:



I bought a SONY Blue Ray Player.


What is the model number ?



Paul

BDP S185

Andy

In the UK, there is a firmware upgrade from 02/10/2013.

http://www.sony.co.uk/support/en/pro...s/BDP69G_v0060

This appears to be the US site, and it has the same release. Select
an OS like WinXP (as the OS doesn't matter for firmware loads), and
you should see the entry.

http://esupport.sony.com/US/p/model-...3#/downloadTab

File Description UPDATE
Blu-ray Disc Player Firmware Upgrade
Release Date 10/02/2013
Version M09.R.0060
File Size 55.28 MB

You should get the firmware update from the region you're in,
in case the device supports region codes. You want to preserve
the region code. Some hardware devices, you can only change
region codes five times. If it is a US device, then download
the US firmware version, just in case.

With optical devices (which have a processor inside), you
generally want to do a firmware upgrade as soon as possible.
To avoid the frustration of known bugs.

One burner I bought, it was night and day difference in
media support, after a firmware upgrade. You could
actually burn stuff, with no coasters.

If the problem was flaky hardware, like the
RAM in the unit was bad, then you should have returned
it within the 1 year warranty period. Or better yet,
do all your testing in the first 30 days, and return
it if it looks like it's going to be a dud. For example,
if I bought it, did any available firmware update on day 1,
and additional media testing showed it froze a lot, I'd
probably just return it for money back. I wouldn't
wait around for a firmware update, in the hopes it
might be more stable. But if you're outside the
return period or the warranty period, then try the
firmware upgrade anyway. Maybe you'll get lucky,
brick it, and have to buy a new one :-)

Paul