[ajasmin]

I don't know much about manufacturing either. But, wouldn't Sony also make sure their units "more or less work" before they leave the factory?

I mean, the thing could be working on departure and dead on arrival.

[jlgreco]

That possibility is where this section applies:

"Or if the QA is fine, what the hell is happening during the shipping? Are the devices overly fragile? If they are being damaged during shipping, could the same damage occur in the home?"