[Resolved]  Sony India — Sony Handycam HDR - XR350E - Repeated failure of the HDD

ve bought Sony Handy cam HDR - XR 350E in Dubai at Sharaf intl around Mar/Apr'11. I have been shooting pics and videos using this camera ever since. But in Mar'13 for some reason when I started using the camera it was very slow in capturing the scene and the shot was not complete. After powering on/off it was showing HDD format error. I have showed it to the authorized service stations ( report copy is attached) & they have recommended HDD renewal at a cost of 13201/- which is nearly 25% the cost of the eqpt. To add my problems they could not retrieve the data and entire data of 2 years was lost. They have returned the old HDD which is of Thoshiba Make. They have renewed the HDD of 160G which is of Philippines Origin. In the month of Sept'14 again( nearly after 1.5 Months again the same error came on my Handy cam. I have showed it again to the Same service centre & they confirm that they can't retrieve the data and the HDD is to be renewed at a cost of 14225/- which is another 30% cost of the eqpt. Enclosed herewith is the Estimate. The repeated failures have caused me mental agony as I lost the entire data on two occasions, and the cost of repairs is nearly touching the cost of eqpt. We choose Sony for the brand name and this kind of performance is not upto the name of an international company. As per my friend's suggestion I have browsed information on the internet and found that Sony Handycam - Hard disk HDD format error is a common thing faced by many customers. Kindly improve your design and advise me a practical solution. I am ready if you can recall the eqpt for analysis and fault finding. The eqpt is of no use. I want to use the eqpt with mental piece without a fear. I am an Engineer with a reputed shipping co having 20 years of experience in maintenance and always chose branded items due to reliability. When Sony HD TV was launched a W series, I was one among the first few customers who have bought it. You may check this fact in your data base. Kindly advise. Thanks &; Brgds Pendyala S S Prabhu +91 [protected]