I purchased a JVC GR-D244 camcorder for around $275. Since batteries have such a short 'live' time. I purchased a second battery. I used the camera and partially filled only 2 tapes. Counting the playback time to show what I taped, I used the camera for maybe 6 hours, at the very most. Now when I play back, there are solid black lines across the screen and there is no sound. The instructions say you should clean the heads with a special tape after 1000 hours of use. I was planning a trip to China, and with time being short, I asked a friend, who had the same camcorder if I could use hers. When I tried to show my tapes in her camcorder, I couldn't get the cassette holder to close...and it is still in that condition today. I could not find the receipt for the camcorder, but I knew it was less than a year, but more than 3 months that I owned it. To make a long story short, JVC will cover material costs for one year and labor costs for only 3 months. I was in phone contact with a JVC representative and he told me that labor is at $90 per hour!!...and further stated that it could cost me more than a new camcorder..EVEN IF I HAD THE RECEIPT AND DATE OF PURCHASE!! I told them that with that little use, a camcorder should be repaired for nothing. To make matters worse, the closest service center is over 60 miles away, and you KNOW JVC will not reimburse you for either shipping or travel expenses. I warned them that I would put this complaint on the internet and here was the response I got: Thank you for your recent email inquiry. We, at the JVC companies, regret the difficulties you have experienced with your JVC product, as well as any inconveniences those difficulties may have caused you. In regard to your inquiry, As with electronic components it is not possible for the manufacturer to determine when a malfunction will occur. We wish they would never require service. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. A warranty card is enclosed with each purchase stating the time frame to be serviced free of charge, should the need for it occur. While we regret that we are unable to offer a more favorable reply, we do appreciate you taking the time to share your concerns with us. PLEASE be warned that if you buy a JVC product, there is no.. I mean NO way they will help you economically if you have a problem. My friend is also in the same bind....she bought hers AFTER I bought mine