How to find out if a Pioneer DV-353k player is REFURBISHED?

[edu79]

I just got my defective DVD Player Pioneer DV-353k serial number BDTE019455US replaced for a new (?) one with serial number BDTE018243US. Both have APRIL 2002 date on label.

I would like to know, by the serial number or another way, if one of these are refurbished, because the vendor exchanged the box by another one and, same way, he may have removed any "refurbished" label existing on the player.

I asked Pioneer but I have still no answer.

Thanks.