Need major help with Pioneer 640h s purchase

[NiteLite]

Hi all:
I have a situation that requires some advice.
I own a Pioneer 220-s DVD Recorder. I have been looking extensively for a PVR / HDD for interface from my Sat to my recorder. For TV series editing.
I've looked at computer software but it's just beyond me at this time... requiring converting ac3 to mpeg to edit and so forth and a time limit to learn (slowly as I'm not the most tech savvy.)
I've decided to bust my budget and go for the new Pioneer 640-H/S DVD recorder with built in HD.
Buying online options seem to be limited. Amazon sells through Onecall. The other is Vanns. Both sell for $369.00. "$30.00 off the list price with free shipping and no tax."
Looking at resellers type sites I find that Onecall can be a nightmare for a lot of buyers with charging for out of stock, long shipping delays, high restock fees for returns and lousy customer service.
"btw, I think in my state and I thought nation wide a company could NOT charge your CC before shipping.(?)"
Vanns has a higher rating but many posted that their purchases were open box with manuals, cables, etc. plastic ripped open suggesting they sell returns at full price. The incidents are somewhat rare but still disturbing.
If I'm to purchase this I need to buy now and have full understanding before July 11th.
I was hoping for a go between cheap PVR with simple manual timer but extensive googleing and site searches are dead ends.
Being shocked at the number of Onecall complaints I'm leaning toward Vanns.
The 640-h has eliminated the problematic EPG / TVG-OS that so many people had problems and made complaints about. I guess Pioneer finally got the hint.
I prefer manual timer setup as I'm used to it with my Pioneer 220-s.

If "anyone " has a choice between the two or a reason for a preference I would be ever so grateful for your opinion. Or if you know of another reliable place that offers as good of price I would appreciate the info.
Buying decisions are not easy to me when I'm new to the sites offering the product and the product itself.
So once again - opinions are very welcome. I hate to closet my 220 but with ten video inputs I'm out of connects. btw the 640 only offers coax digital output. Throw back to the ninties I guess...

Highest regards, and desperate.
Thanks,
NL

[Frobozz]

I haven't done business with either but they both are well established. One thing to note is the Pioneer only honors its warranty when the recorder is purchased from a Pioneer authorized reseller. I'm pretty sure these are authorized resellers but you should double-check.

Where I'd buy it from is B & H Photo which also is selling it for $369 here: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=429920&...ughType=search

[MJA]

I bought my Optura 60 from onecall.com 3 days Fedex (free shipping)12 months 0% APR no issues at all.

does Wal-Mart still selling the Pioneer 531H with 80 GB HD ?

onecall.com positive ratings 96% not bad at all.


http://www.bizrate.com/ratings_guide/cust_reviews__mid--17639.html

[crazythunder]

i bought my pioneer dvr 520 hs and my panasonic camcorder pvgs 150 from onecall along with 5 year service plans. their customer servicer as far as i'm concerned was top notch. i would not hesitate purchasing from them again. now, vanns on the other hand, i've seen horrible reviews for them. one place i would not spend a penny. i spent over1200 bucks at onecall with no issues.

[NiteLite]

First I must apologise about Onecall. Thinking back I think I was looking up Buy.com or maybe another online retailer. Sorry.

Frobozz, I received a huge catalog from B&H sometime back. Had never heard of them and dont know how they got my address but thanks for the link. And I will double check if authorized dealers. Thanks for the reminder.

crazythunder, thanks for the confirmation about Vanns. I know it's one experience but on this forum I have to give it high consideration. Thanks for responding.

MJA, Walmart must of dropped their deal with Pioneer. None to be found on their site. Interesting they do sell that $700.00+ Sony HX715.

I though I would get a few more opinions / options here. I'll leave it open if anyone would spare a couple minutes to post their experience or suggestions.

Thanks guys very much for your time. A few replies here can save hours of searching store ratings and still not know if the ratings are from amatuers or those that know their stuff.
I trust the knowledge obtained here.
Much appreciation,
NL

edit>> B&H lowest shipping $15.25 >>> Onecall free 3 day FedEx.. However in my area FedEx sucks and 3 days is more like a week if they even try to find you. If not they just take it back to the center with them or leave it on anyone's porch in the general neighborhood.

[NiteLite]

Just found that Newegg sells this item although out of stock at the moment. ETA 7/3/6.
Same $369.00 price with $10.26 shipping.
Hard not to do business with Newegg.
Amazed no one here had seen them at Newegg.
NL

[Seeker47]

Just found that Newegg sells this item although out of stock at the moment. ETA 7/3/6.
Same $369.00 price with $10.26 shipping.
Hard not to do business with Newegg.
Amazed no one here had seen them at Newegg.
NL

Yeah, but is Newegg Pioneer-authorized to sell these ?