posted on October 12, 2001 08:31:12 AM new
There are usually several listings running on eBay for "Go Video Dual Deck VCR" machines. While these are great products and serve a useful purpose, you have to read the descriptions very carefully to protect yourself. I was burned for over $300.00 buying one of these machines and eBay SafeHarbor prefers to look the other way.
Pay particular attention to the following or similarily worded phrases in the listings before you place a bid:
"THIS UNIT WAS TURNED ON PRIOR TO 4-28-00 AND YES IT CAN COPY PROTECTED TAPES!!!"
This is in violation of the Digital Millenium Copyright Act that prohibits the sales of ANY device that can defeat copy protection. In addition, if you visit the manufacturers web site at www.govideo.com and read the FAQ, you will see this stated there: "All VCRs, including the Dual-Deck VCR, are affected by Federal legislation that was passed in October 1998, commonly referred to as the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. One of the effects of this new law requires that all VCRs sold after April 28th, 2000, recognize a type of anticopying signal that prevents consumers from making a usable copy of copy-protected videotapes." The sales of these units was actually outlawed by eBay during the second half of 2000 as a result of the DMC Act, but it appears as though they have become lax in enforcement even after being notified with specific details several times (auction numbers, cuts from descriptions, telephone number contacts for the manufacturer etc.).
"90 DAY MFG WARRANTY"
The manufacturer advises that some eBay sellers are NOT approved resellers of their product, and no warranty service (parts or labour)whatsoever is available to the buyer. If you get a dud, you're stuck with a very expensive boat anchor! The manufacturer also advises that ANY "new" or "factory refurbished" GO Video VCR sold by ANY non-approved seller on eBay is considered "transferred property". There is no warranty whatsoever provided on transferred property as clearly described in the product Owner's Manual. You may wish to contact GO Video to verify this. There is one eBay seller in particular who has caused numerous problems for the manufacturer by misrepresenting this non-existant warranty.
I have asked AuctionWatch how much detail I am allowed to post about the deal I had that went sour (the seller refuses to replace the unit, refund my money, or even cover the cost of repairs). Until then, please make sure you ask lots of questions before bidding. Very few electronics repair companies have the ability or parts to repair these complex machines, and if you get a bad one, it could be a very expensive lesson.
[ edited by RB on Oct 12, 2001 08:32 AM ]
[ edited by RB on Oct 12, 2001 08:33 AM ]
[ edited by RB on Oct 12, 2001 08:35 AM ]
