On, 17.09.2007, I had deposited my camcorder (make – SONY model DCR-TRV355E) to the local service centre, ( i.e. - The T & F Customer Care Division, Sony authorized service centre, GL-4, Abhiyank Estate, University Road, Gwalior (M.P)), for checking & repair, as it was not ejecting the cassette, which was inside it and was continuously showing, on its LCD-screen, - the 5 digit self diagnosis display – read as – C:32:11.

{The meaning of this self diagnosis display (C:32:11), as described in its camera operational manual is – a malfunction other than the above that you can service has occurred.

Eject the cassette & insert it again, then operate your camcorder. As per camera manual, all self diagnosis displays starting with prefix Câ?ªâ?ª, interprets that – A customer (layman) itself can service its camcorder and no need of service engineer to call.}

But as a extra precaution, I contacted to the local authorized Sony’s (company’s) service centre to diagnose and rectify it. At the time of (camera) submission too, it(the service centre) agreed that it was a trifle problem only and I can collect my repaired camera in the evening on the same day (by paying Rs. 1000/- as its labour charges).

But unfortunately, in the evening, it had not proved its words. Next day, on 18.09.2007; “the service centre” called me and told that some part/s are malfunctioning in the camcorder, which need replacement and intimate me a estimate of Rs.4000/-(including its labour charges etc.) for its repair. For that, I deposited Rs. 2500/-(by cheque) as an advance, as demanded by “the service center”.

Now a month passed, but it had not repaired and returned my camcorder till date. For the last one month, every time I phoned/contacted “the service center”, but no satisfactory answer had been provided regarding the status of my camcorder nor any tentative date for the delivery had been intimated.

On 17.10.2007,(after one month later), the service centre intimated that some more parts are defective/broken and demanded more additional amount for replacing these additional parts, (as the camcorder may be get damaged during its course of repair by service technicians). For the last one month, the camcorder was in the possession of “the service center” only, so I may not be held responsible for any damage (made by “the service center’s staff, result out during its repairing) during this long (one month) time. As demanding an additional amount (after estimation) is totally against trade practices and rules.

I am still awaiting the fate of my camcorder. The service centers are fully incapable and incompetent to repair these highly sophisticated equipments. Its service engineers and franchise service centres are making fool of customers and robbing them actually by making trifle problems a huge problem (in greed of large amount of money).