That's a relief to know, Merc. I firmly believe that NEC has made the best economy DVD burners in their 3500 series (I've got a 3540).
But I can't find any NEC burners here these last year. My research tells me the Sony's have NEC chipsets in them. But sad to say Sony makes tin-can burners, so flimsy in construction. I wouldn't be surprised if they conked out in 6 months or less.
Whatever business arrangements they've got will have to end sometime.