marker

I ordered the XYYMan from Amazon it arrived this morning damaged !! I am not surprised as most of these so called professional sellers/manufacturers fail to include a simple small piece of internal foam packing in the case, with the effect that the discs get jolted out of there clips in the post and arrive in a disgusting scratched state,
This has now happened many times to me, when oh when will these people wake up and do the job properly there must be thousands of discs getting damaged in this way what a shear waste of time money and effort it makes me so annoyed dont they ever learn even a couple of sheets of bog paper would stop this happening ok rant over now I will go and have a cup of tea:

Cheers Marker

Modular

This has been noted a particular problem (though not exclusively so) with sets from Network, who use Scanavo boxes.

The problem is known as ‘receiving a rattler'.

The root cause appears to be with the packing of the individual discs at the manufacturer before being sent out to the retailer. If the discs aren't properly snapped onto the spindles, they will come loose in the box during transit with the Royal Mail. For some reason, Amaray cases (as used by 2|entertain) seem less prone to the phenomenon.

Some Australian retailers take the trouble to open the case, put a polystyrene chip in there to hold the disc in place, and then reseal again before posting. Conversely, UK retailers do not.

Whether scuffed discs prove to be a problem largely depends on your own individual DVD player. Some are more sensitive to surface scuffs and scratches than others.

If you've suffered a rattler from an online retailer, they will usually offer to replace the title for another if you contact them about it.

I hope you enjoy The XYY Man, and would recommend the follow-up series Strangers (also from Network).

Incidentally, Sendit are currently holding a sale of most Network television titles...

Click!

marker

you are quite right about the Aussie sellers Devoted do this but charge .49p extra for the service, I have just re ordered the Xyy Man from sendit,after telling Amazon I dont want a replacement which would prob be damaged just the same, I do have the follow up series Strangers 1st series and will prob get the second series soon.
I have had quite a lot of these rattlers in the past and always send them back even though they might play ok I just dont like badly scratched discs that are supposed to be new.
you wont like this next paragraph, I have just bought the Invaders series from an ebay bootlegger Superb case Superb discs Superb artwork Superb postage next day delivery excellent communication and a rock bottom price, now for the punchline all six discs in the case packed with foam this guy is better than a professional, I have never had a dvd from a bootlegger not packed internaly

Cheers Marker

Modular

Network are hoping to have the second series of Strangers out sometime next year. Let's hope they follow it up with Bullman too.

marker

yes it would be nice if we could get Bullman as well it was an excellent series

Cheers Marker

Aaryk Noctivagus

I often get rattlers whether through the post or off the shelves... however, I've never known one to be scratched from the soft plastic within the cases - I'm very very particular about the surface of my DVDs. The only times I've been worried have been when I didn't know it was a rattler, and upon opening, the DVD almost fell out.

Sometimes I have seen marks on the surface of DVDs... but this occasional flaw is not associated with rattlers... non rattlers sometimes have marks also. Fortunately, I've never had difficulties playing such DVDs and the marks have never been extensive.

Modular

Believe me... it's a fairly common problem! That's why online retailers rarely question a replacement request.

Harbottle

Thanks for the tip Modular just picked up the complete series of Brass Thus far I have been pretty lucky reqarding rattlers especially from abroad, my last purchase had one though the Special Branch 1969 series from....Sendit No scratches though fortunately!

marker

If I get a rattler now |I just send it back unopened, I believe some sellers wont accept discs back if the cellophane has been removed.

Cheers Marker

Modular

They have to if there's a genuine fault with the product.

I believe UK consumer laws state a product must be fit for purpose. So if it's scratched and scuffed in transit, and thus unplayable, they have a duty to replace it.

After all, how does one know if a disc is damaged and unplayable if it remains unopened?

Aaryk Noctivagus

I have well over 1,300 DVDs in my collection. I've had faulty DVDs that needed replacing, but never because of any scratches... mainly because of occasional pressing errors.

Modular

You've been quite fortunate. Others, less so. As I said previously, some DVD players and recorders seem more capable than others in coping with transit damage.

Aaryk Noctivagus

Maybe... but I've had plenty of rattlers... I always check new DVDs' surfaces because I'm obsessive.

I must admit I've sometimes found fingerprints on DVDs sold as new in shops like HMV or MVC... but that's about it as far as surface marks go.

And yes... I do have good eye-sight - lol

marker

I am also obsessive I dont like rattlers at all when I pick up the box from the mat and it rattles it sends a shivver through me.

perhaps I am just unlucky but in the past I have opened them and in the main they have been damaged a few have not,so I send them back I am a rattle free zone.

Cheers Marker

Modular

I understand.

I too examine the disc play surfaces... though not because I'm obsessive, just ruddy annoyed!!