about 5 or 6 months ago that Philips replaced my glass optical lens unit with a plastic lens unit. My before symptoms were error messages when recording on HQ and various mode timer recording. My model was made in Hungary, March 2003. Philips Regional center in Houston said that this plastic lens unit was a much better lens unit. After a lot of recording since , I have had no problems whatsoever. I originally paid $344 plus 30 bucks for a 3 year ext warranty back in August of 2003. Still glad I got the ext warranty.