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Flip Video Headaches, Problems, Customer Support Idiots, etc.

flipvideoi.jpgIn addition to a tony Nikon D40, I bought myself a Flip Video camcorder for Christmas.

It’s a cheap, pocket-sized point and shoot vido camera weighing in at 4.8 ounces. It captures 30 fps VGA video — suitable for YouTube but not full-screen TV.

I wanted one for posting concert and family videos to YouTube. I have a high-end Sony video camera we use for the important stuff. But the ability to conveniently carry a point and shoot video camera that holds 60 minutes and runs on two AA batteries for $100 bucks was too good to pass up.

The Flip Video has a handy, built-in USB stick that plugs directly into a powered USB port. It has built-in software for downloading, viewing, etc., but it also functions like a hard drive (just like other digital cameras).

The first test run pulling videos off the camera was a little rocky. My Windows XP laptop took some time installing the avi/divx codecs for the Flip Video’s on-board program, so I got bored and tried to drag/copy the video files on my desktop. Those timed out. Eventually the program loaded and let me save the files onto my hard drive. Awesome.

But since that first time, unfortunately, I’ve had two days of headaches trying to get my Windows XP laptop and Windows XP desktop to recognize the camera, let alone pull videos off it.

My desktop can’t recognize the camera at all. It says, “One of the USB devices attached to this computer has malfunctioned, and Windows does not recognize it.”

My laptop recognizes the camera, assigns it a drive and even AutoPlays the software, but then the entire process crashes and/or times out. I downloaded the firmware update, but was notified it already has the most up-to-date software.

Flip Videos onsite Q&A isn’t helping much. I submitted a help ticket and will let you know what happens.

You know, Oprah loves the Flip Video, but I bet they made sure her’s worked perfectly.

UPDATE 12/31/07 2:40 PM:

Flip Video customer service are sending me a return shipping label. “We will then make all necessary repairs and return the camcorder to you. We will attempt to recover any videos on the camcorder.” I’ve asked them for an estimate of how long this will take. I’m super bummed. I wanted to take it to Vegas next week. Hope it’s back in time!

I’ll keep updating this post as events unfold.

UPDATE: 1/3/2008:

After three days, I got an e-mail back from customer service with a UPS label attachment stating: “Upon receipt of your camcorder, we will do our utmost to retrieve any videos you may have and make all necessary repairs. If we are unable to repair your camera, we will issue you a replacement. We will return your camera as quickly as possible.”

Unfortunately, that wasn’t the estimate I was looking for, PLUS the label they sent was UPS 3-Day select, which is just poor customer service when your product fails on a customer.

So I took the camera back to Best Buy today and exchanged for a new one. I’ll let you know if that one craps out, too.

UPDATE: 1/5/08:

Here’s the e-mail I wrote Flip Video customer service after getting a brand NEW Flip Video camera and having it crap out again:
“Yesterday I exchanged my defective Flip Video Classic 60 min for a new one at Best Buy. This camera also synced to my computer just once and now is corrupt. I just got off the phone with Robert with your 24/7 customer service who was trying to be helpful but unable to shed any light on why your cameras don’t work on either of my brand new Windows XP machines.

Apparently I’m having the same exact problem as the Ultra Series where the camera’s software times out when copying videos to the hard drive and then cannot be recognized by Windows Explorer. He says he hasn’t heard of this problem with the Classic series, so I obviously am the exception to the rule with two cameras messing up on two machines in less than a week. From reading message boards, I can actually see I’m not the only one.

Robert was unable to help beyond simple troubleshooting problems and said your technical support has been overwhelmed by customers plagued with problems, so I am unable to speak with someone directly.

I would like someone to call me at XXX-XXX-XXXX to discuss what the issues on my two computers could be that the camera will start downloading videos, crash (time out) and then not be able to be recognized. I deleted the divx file starting with the number 3 and was unable to locate the Muvee file he said should be visible within Add/Remove Programs. Perhaps you can tell me where to manually delete the muvee driver. Robert did not know if it was necessary to manually delete the “My Flip Video Prefs” and “My Flip Video Library” folders, but I went ahead and tried it. Robert also told me if I was able to get Windows Explorer to recognize the camera enough to format the drive, it may allow the camera to reinstall itself — albeit erasing all my videos yet again.”

Before I sent the e-mail I booted up a different profile of Windows XP and tried that. I was able to get the Flip drive to come up and copy off two videos (of 25) before it crashed again. Then suddenly I got a strange error to the effect, “This device requires a high-speed USB drive and there are some available but not the one you are using.”

A-ha! Turns out the USB ports on the front of my desktop tower are not high-speed. I unplugged my printer, mouse and other USB cords in the back of my computer to get the Flip to fit nestled amongst the wires.

It worked perfectly! So I never sent the above e-mail, although I do think Flip should have known to offer this as a possible solution to the above issue. Also, their customer service comes across like a teenager sitting in a warehouse getting paid minimum wage to frustrate customers. I’ll see if I can track down Flip Video at CES next week and get a real live human to weigh in on my experience.

December 31st, 2007 | Category: Tech
  • Customer 07/07/2009 0527 PM

    Flip Staff,

    I have tried to go through customer service tech help, but the site always
    seems to be down (go figure)

    My Flip camcorder looks like new, because I have been able to use it only
    twice. I received it through Dell with the purchase of a PC.
    The model is "Flip Video".

    It has ceased to move past the initial start up screen, I called your tech
    line and stayed on terminal ignore forever, then left
    a message, which was real tricky to do (it doesn’t work well either)

    I have now waited over a week and a half for a call back, nothing.

    I have tried new batteries, leaving them out for 72 hours,
    even did all the other hokey - pokey type crap talked about all over the
    Internet to no avail.

    I have come to the conclusion after reading everything I can about this
    thing that it is junk.
    The fact that you supply not nearly enough tech help exasperates the
    problem.

    I have contacted Dell and told them they need to check their vendors out
    better and left a complaint with them about you're complete lack of customer
    support.



    Response (Flip Video Support) 07/07/2009 07:50 PM

    Hi Xxxxx,

    Thank you for contacting us.

    We apologize for any confusion on our part.

    Can you please tell us when you purchased your PC and camcorder? Also, have you had any results when leaving the batteries out for 72 hours?

    Thank You,

    Flip Video Support


    Customer 07/07/2009 11:32 PM

    Yeah, after the 72 hour rest the camera needed to work it loaded up fine, but as soon as I turned it off, it wouldn't reload again.

    I didn't buy the camera to sit on the shelf with the batteries out.

    12/01/2008 so I guess I should feel lucky it lasted this long?



    Response (Flip Video Support) 07/10/2009 12:05 AM
    Dear Xxxxx,

    Thank you for your continued patience as we work to resolve your issue.

    Pure Digital warrants Flip Video camcorders for a period of 90 days from the date of purchase.

    As you are beyond the warranty period and our troubleshooting efforts have not allowed us to regain power on your camcorder, we are unable to further offer or suggest any means by which we can repair the camcorder or retrieve the videos; and our warranty policy does not allow for replacement of the camcorder after the 90 day warranty period.

    We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

    Thank you,
    Flip Video Support


    Customer 07/10/2009 12:30 PM

    As I said, It is Junk. 90 days pfft.
    I have a Sony camcorder that is 10 years old, no problems.
    I will be sure to pass on all over the internet just what a low quality piece of crap you sell, so others will not repeat my mistake in trying you're products.
  • Terry H
    I have a very similar story with all the symptoms i that you are having. I have not been able to get it to work even on the back usb ports. Unfotrunately I have had mine long enough that there is no warranty left on it before I discovered the problem. Any suggestions.
  • I had the same problem. After reading above, I plugged it into the back and my pc recognized the camera. My problem now is that when it's plugged in it disables all the other usb ports...one of which is my mouse. Kinda hard to use a computer without a mouse. I'm waiting for a return email from the Flip teenager.
  • Greg
    I have had several problems with my Christmas Flip. The same update probem on my Dell PC at home, at work and laptop. It played the videos but then stopped working. A few days later it worked, but in using it yesterday it shut down dead after a few minutes. In addition, Ithought it might be dead batteries. When I removed them they and the Flip were very warm. The new batteries resulted in the same heating and the camera still does not turn on. I did figure out the USB issue, but all of this has happened since then. Nice toy, but useless if it doesn't work.
  • I've figured out that if I disable the usb enhanced controller in Device Manager that I'm able to download my images. I can't keep the setting this way because the other devices connected via usb start to act funny so I have to re-enable after the download. It's a hassle, but at least I'm able to pull off the videos from the camera using Windows Explorer and edit using whatever software I want. Flip has not been able to help me with this issue as they cannot replicate it. Still, at least they've replied to my emails.
  • Rosemary
    Flip Video. I am on my third. The first one burned out when i downloaded the patch that popped up on my software the first time I used it. I called and the customer service kid said sorry and hmmmmm, ok i will send you a lable and a camera tomorrow. of course he did not do anything so I called again and got to a supervisor who said she would send me the lable and camera and she did, the next day, unfortunately that flip didnt work either! The error message that installation had failed. I called back to kids customer service and explained the whole thing again and this time I got to another supervisor who was pretty rude about the whole thing. must have been a long day of "what the heck???"
    Then I saw the "TELL US WHAT YOU THINK LINK" at the bottom of the home page and did just that by email. The next morning I got a call from a nice person who listened to my entire flip story said and would send me a new flip ultra and he did, I got that the next day and guess what, it will not upload videos for sharing, which is the whole point of having the thing. Further on playback the videos look like a poorly dubbed foreign film when viewed on the flip software. I have tried plugging in the front, back, side nothing helps. I was going to bring this on vacation with me this weekend but what's the point.
    Does anyone have a clue what to do to get the flip to do what it is suppose to do???
    Simply take a video and upload it without pulling your hair out in frustration.
    FLIP GET IT TOGETHER or GO AWAY!.
  • Bernie
    Our Flip malfunctioned after 2 months. My son plugged it into the T.V. and played his videos. When he unplugged it the Flip never worked again, he tried turning it on, but no luck.
  • Jesse
    After reading some of the Flip posts, I must be one of the lucky ones as I have had no problems so far (holding my breath). I have a particular issue that I hope someone can help me with:

    I will be taking the Flip on vacation but will not have access to a PC in order to transfer images after 60 mins. of use. Does anyone know of a USB portable transfer device that will allow me to transfer my images from the Flip to a flash drive? I located a Belkin device that says will do the trick, but the reviews I read stated that it doesn't transfer large files well, if at all. Since the Flip files can be rather large, I'm still searching for a solution. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Jesse
  • miinta
    My story is the same as Gregs. It simply won't turn on anymore. After transferring videos to my computer (which took a good 45min) I thout maybe the battery died or something. It woul turn on fo r a sec. and then immediatly shut off. I sent it in for repair, but haven't gotten it back yet. Hey maybe Oprah can send us a different camera that works!
  • ruthie22
    With the camera off, hold down the Right Arrow button and the trash can button at the same time and turn the camera on.
    A few seconds later, I was at the start recording screen!!
  • Gianna
    Thank you so much! I got a Flip Video for Christmas and was never able to get it to work with my computer. I am so glad I found this!
  • hanna
    When I first got the flip, everything worked great. At some point, when I plugged it in, the flip application stopped coming up. I was still able to access the flip using Windows Explorer. Then, it stopped working. It was still listed in Safely Remove Hardware and the Device Manager, but not in Windows Explorer.
    Several phone calls and (lame) emails from Flip later, I gave up and had my husband download the videos from his Mac.

    This evening, I remembered that there was a conflict between a drive number I had mapped and the drive that the Flip was trying to use - the Flip was overriding the drive number . So, I tried something new (I couldn't remember the drive number). In the Safely Remove Hardware dialog, select Properties and then Volumes. Click Populate. The Volumes list shows the drive number that the Flip is trying to use (on my computer, L:). I deleted the mapping that I was using for that drive letter and the Flip showed right up in the Windows Explorer. At this point, you can click the .exe to bring up the Flip program.

    Good luck!
  • GOTHMOM
    I'm in the middle of my Flip nightmare. I loved that thing - I didn't have the issues you guys are talking about but it gave out on me - the batteries got hot and I pulled them - after that - no go at all. I sent it in and waited more than 2 weeks. I just called to see what the deal was and got some very unsatisfactory customer service from someone who sounded bored and said it normally takes 3-5 weeks so I called too early and I should wait and call again next week. I find myself recommending tech devices quite often to friends and colleagues - if they screw this pooch, then this Maven will be letting the world know.
  • Tracy
    Lame Lame Lame.
    After I read about this in the NYTimes I thought I HAD to have one.
    Got one, went out and shot some classic footage. Can't get it to work on my mini-mac, so tried on my PC. Again, no go. Tried the update and the update just failed, quit with no error msgs. Now my computer doesn't even recognise the device.
    It's going back, and my videos are gone. Ugh...crappiest product I've ever bought...even worse than that Ford Cavalier I got when I was a teenager. Trust me, that's really really bad.
  • Sandra
    Haven't ever been able to get my Flip to work. Took about 5 minutes of footage, which is still on the camera, but have tried installing it and the software on 5 different XP computers (!) and the program always freezes. Have to take the batteries out of the camera to get it to turn off! And I wrote customer support, was advised of the patch, and can't even get the patch to be recognized! Piece of crap. Never again.
  • shelley
    I bought the 60 min version in dec '07. I've used it TWICE. The second time, it wouldn't shut off. Batteries got very hot. Had to remove them to shut it off. When I put them back in, the flip pic comes up and just stays there. The only way to get it to turn off is to remove batteries. Like I say, I've used this product twice and because it's past 90 days, they won't do anything so I've in essence, thrown away $150. Never had an experience like this before with an electronic product. I'm very upset about this. I'm wondering if the good reviews I read prior to buying this were from those paid to say good things.
  • allanperry
    HI, I HAD THE EXACT SAME THING HAPPEN TO MINE, I LOVED MINE BUT 150 DOLLARS GONE, LIKE I ALWAYS SAY, IF THEY ONLY STAND BEHIND IT FOR 90 DAYS IT MUST NOT BE TOO GOOD, I SHOULD HAVE BEEN SMARTER.
  • Stan Thompson
    I had problems with my Flip also. I was very frustrated with the whole experience, until I asked for assistance. I found the support for the Flip to be very helpful. I'll admit, they did sound young, but noone was rude to me and I always got timely responses to any questions I had. Has anyone else with problems tried to contact the technical support for the Flip? Just a thought.

    NOTE FROM THE EDITOR: I e-mailed this guy because his comments seems totally fishy and fake -- this whole thread is about how terrible Flip customer support is, so why would he leave a comment like this? His name seems generic but then my e-mail reply to him bounced, which tells me it's totally fake.
    So that means Flip Video staff, their PR firm or someone involved in the company is leaving fake comments about how great the company is. WHAT A JOKE!
  • Dana
    My flip video has worked fine, but the problem is that it is full and I would like to get a dvd made at CVS like you are supposed to do. The 3 different CVS pharmacies that I have been to are not able to do it. One tried twice but it didn't work.
    Has anyone else had a dvd made yet?
  • Mark
    My flip will not turn on anymore. I am waiting for a reply from tech support but from what I am reading here that will not be much help. Sounds to me like a class action suit is in the near future. I know 10 different lawyers that will be willing to file it. I'll keep y'all posted
  • I have a Flip video ultra (30 min.) that worked fine, until I agreed to upgrade the firmware when I connected it to USB port. I wish I hadn't done that, because now the computer won't recognize it. I am trying to download the software from the website, but my computer still refuses to recognize the camera (brand new computer - Vista premium). Any one else with same problem?
  • My mac stopped uploading video as well, but when I read the comment about using a fast USB slot, I tried it and it worked! I didn't realize one was slow and the other fast... Why not make them both fast? Oh well, now at least my flip works...
  • Sad. We bought this for our 11 yr old for Christmas, she was so into 'making movies' and good at it - until, like many others on here - the flip-pin thing quit working - just turns on and then off - there has to be a fix for this.

    We will call the company, but I fear like others we are out $150... because it has been 5 months.

    Bummer

    Guess the lesson here -- you get what you pay for, eh?
  • C D Hansen
    I got a flip camera for christmas and it stopped working 2 months after i got it i have tons of videos of my new born son on it. It pisses me off that they have us buy a product that we are supposed trust that is going to work and put our most memorable events on them and then to have the product stop working. I am not only pissed off but i am sad about the videos that i had on it. customer support offers to take the videos off my camera but i want my camera to work 150 bucks is alot of money for people like me and to have it not work is rip off. Flip is taking advantage of people and not even posting anything about how to fix the issue. For there product they should offer an exchange for those cameras that don't work or extend the warranty on them because they always seem to break a week after the warranty is expired. Its BS and i will never purchase this product again i just am waiting for another company to come out with a similar product so i can go and purchase there product and never let this company have my money again. This company has hurt alot of people for all problems they have caused there customers.
  • Stacy Bryan
    I was only able to download videos from my Flip camera ONE time. Now I get a "Video Preparation Error" on both my Mac and PC. I called the tech help, and they did answer, but it took them a long time to find the software update which is different than the firmware update they have listed on their site. I'm not sure how someone would know that, but here's the link I was given and I'll see if it works!

    http://theflip.com/app/prius/31/update/mac.aspx
  • I just called CS today and they were actually helpful. My Flip Video shows only 18:54 time left to recrod even though it's completely empty. I had this same problem a year ago and CS sent me a download to re-install the software on the Flip. That worked at first, but then it messed up again. I did the re-buy/return and got a new working Flip Video, but experienced the same problem with it after a month or two.
    My Flip is over a year old and I have no reciept at all, but CS issued me a RMA and said they'd fix it for me. Sure there's the delay of waiting for the label and getting the unit back, but all in all I'm satisfied with the RMA since it is an electronic and I'm way over the 90 day warranty period. I didn't even have to argue with them about it.
    I sure wish they'd just send me out a Flip Ultra or Flip Mino instead of fixing mine. :-)
  • T.J
    My Flip Ultra worked twice. The Second time I worked for over an hour to get it to recognize on the PC-XP media. Then it stopped recognizing the connection. I can't find it on My Computer. No USB ports work. The Tech support sucked. they told me my USB ports were bad. Then offered to reformat it but I would lose my video of my son's graduation. It is still sitting in the Flip. I am going to try hooking it up to a new computer that i have never used with Flip before but am out of ideas. There probably should be a class action suit on this product. There is just no solution to these problems.
  • LP
    Found my way here b/c I couldn't get past the "reading videos" stage despite all the fixes on the site.

    Finally just used Windows XP drive access to cut/paste all but one video to the hard-drive and 'voila!' that one it read.

    Seriously, the Flash app errors out constantly... and no, I'm not sending any more data.

    Great little camera - lousy connection with USB and Flash App.

    Hopefully the "new" new one (Mino) will fix the errors, but it looks doubtful.
  • Chris Lomeli
    I have a flip ultra and i cant get it to work on my computer. i plug it in and my computer loads very slow and at times it doesn't recognize the flip video at all. since day 1 i can not get the flip video software to load. Once i unplug the flip video my computer runs great. I don't know what to do i have tried to down load new updated and still nothing Please help i love the product but the software sucks.
  • Alex
    If you guys think you have had problems consider my position. I live in Scotland,and have been trying to get my non working flip to be recognised in 3 diferent computers from across an ocean .After the pantomime dialog with disintrested children,i have now discovered that the $150 dollar paperweight will no longer switch on at all.But all is not lost because the flip is coming to toys are us over here,and i shall take great pleasure in letting the scottish retailers know that the product is utter rubbish and will cause the outlet nothing but greif,long into their future.Lets see how much efort is put into something after they have our hard earned cash.I think you already know the answer to that one.
  • Mom in Wisconsin
    I bought my son's camera for his birthday in January. After some initial trouble downloading the software and videos (I hired a professional to do it), he's absolutely loved his Flip. However, today we went to a parade. The camera was in my chair cupholder. As I stood up to pack up, it fell onto the street. Now, it won't turn on. I've called customer service and since it's outside the warranty, they are telling me very politely that I'm SOL. I've tried to appeal to her sense of integrity - I feel this was a very minor, nonabusive drop and their product should be sturdy enough to withstand a drop of about 1 & 1/2 to 2 feet, tops. If they are unwilling to compromise on a solution, I feel like I need to replace my son's camera, since I "dropped" it...but I also feel very, very hesitant to replace it with another Flip. It's very unfortunate, because he loves making and posting his movies on YouTube, and he loves the Flip. NOTE - I wrote this as I was on hold with CS. She agreed to as a "one time only" service, send me a RMA to see what they can do with the camera. HOPEFULLY, they will actually look at it and fix it. I'll keep you posted! :)
  • Mom in Wisconsin
    Monday, July 7th - I was emailed a UPS shipment label tonight. I'm encouraged by this. So far, so good...My son wrote them a note and gave them his youtube address, so they can see that he indeed uses it regularly. They will hopefully see it and be inclined to fix or replace his flip!

    Keeping you posted,
    mom
  • Mark
    Hey,
    we just got our Flip and bought it mainly because we thought it would be so much easier and quicker to get stuff uploaded to Youtube.
    It turns out that the thing just won`t upload it.
    It says it is converting the video to a better format but gets stuck at 20 percent formatting, always 20 percent, every time.
    http://screencast.com/t/PCzd8ipQ
    Anyone have a solution??? Thank you! Mark
  • Got the Flip Ultra yesterday. Filmed great, uploaded once okay but now will not upload recognizable files to Windows XP or Vista. Windows Movie Maker will not recognize the file "UNSPECIFIED ERROR" is what I get....standard .avi file is what it shows from Windows Explorer.

    How disappointing.

    Going to try again and see how it goes.

    Boom
  • Anthony
    Just thought I would add my experience here. I just got off the phone with BHphoto to return my Ultra Flip. You see, this is the second one within 3 weeks. The issue I had with both is that it would not turn on at all after replacing the batteries. I've used various type of AA and no luck. Both flip would get hot as if it was on, who knows. As it was stated in several posts here, customer service is the same quality as their products. I guest it's true...you get what you pay for.
  • Anthony
    Clarification:
    customer service was referring to The Flip company, not BHphoto. For BHphoto has excellent customer service.
  • MJ
    I could not get my WindowsXP/ MediaPlayer or any of my Sony media software to ever identify my FLIP. Then realized, like others did, that none of my USB ports would recognize the FLIP. So, I am discouraged to even try it plugged to a TV. No Youtube luck either. Another quackery of mass produced pretties that Americans trust will work.
    I should have sent my money to Iraq so one of the soldiers there could buy a cell phone to call his family. Crummy Karma for me!!!
  • Cathy
    Cant get my mac to download my videos what am I doing wrong??
  • john
    My flip mino will not turn on sometimes. It was frozen for half a day yesterday. I now have a black screen and cannot turn it on. It's been at least 24 hours since I've been able to turn it on. The computer does not recognize it either. Anyone have any suggestions? Should I contact the company?
  • Matt
    Not sure what I did but I was able to get my vids off after seeing similiar symptoms.

    SYMPTOMS:
    - Flip will not turn on
    - Flip will turn on but screen freezes when press record button.
    - Flip will turn on and play 1-2 videos then freeze with still image left on screen but not as bright.
    - Flip powers on when connected to USB but files only visible for 30-60 seconds then XP doesn't recognize.
    - Flip hot
    - Batteries warm

    FIX
    - Get new batteries
    - Blow in holes near battery contacts.
    - Gently Twist like you would an ice cube tray
    (twist top and bottom in opposite directions)
    - From this point forward handle flip by edges and gently.
    - Put in new batteries
    - Leave cover off
    - Power on flip with side switch
    - Immediately start playing a video
    - Sit Flip on flat surface allow it to play for 30 seconds or more.
    - While still playing connect to USB
    - Because I have a laptop I actually flipped my laptop on it's side to connect flip to USB on the other (so there wouldn't be any forces pushing
    up or down on USB connection).
    - Tell XP to open as a folder (I did not use the Flip program)...
    - You may only be able to view videos if you previously installed the flip software (otherwise download from their site)
    - Have your folder open on your computer and drag the whole \VIDEO\ folder to your PC not a specific file.
    - Support the flip without shaking it during copying.


    I think there is a short in the circuit board beneath the buttons on the back of the flip. Potentially form someone pressing too hard on ont in the center of the record butotn. The twisting potentially disconnects this short temporarily and the gentle treatment does not allow short to reconnect. Pulling out the batteries

    - If at any point flip freezes, take out batteries and start over. Don't leave batteries in flip. The warm battery symptop leads me to believe there is a short in the circuit board that could drain batteries left in the flip.

    Sorry I didn't have time to deduce the specific problem and solution, but something in this made it work just long enough to download my videos. (took 5-10 minutes)

    Hope that helps!

    Matt
  • Matt
    ps-Mine is a Flip Ultra.

    If you have a flip Mino there is a video on youtube about doing a "reset"
  • I sent my flip to be reloaded as no sofware was ever even loaded. It has been over 4 weeks and after many emails to customer support to find out where my flip is, I am totally ignored.
    Does anyone have the phone number available? I can't seem to locate it.

    Anne
  • Jerry
    I was able to download all my videos the very first time and since. My problem is Movie Maker refuses to recognize the Flip videos either in avi or mov? Does anyone have a fix for this? (using Windows XP Pro and/or Home)
  • Doris
    I bought the Flip Ultra in July and took it w/us on vacation and it worked great. Took almost 60 minutes of videos. Yesterday I was looking at some videos on the camera, deleted a few and then when I went to look at another one the sound was funny, kind of crackling and then the screen turned gray and snowy and that was it. I've put in new batteries a few times but it still won't turn on. I contacted Flip support but the response was to download an updated version of the software onto the camera. Of course that didn't work b/c the camera won't turn on. I sent them another email. I'm so disappointed b/c the Flip seemed so great, until I saw all these messages. :[
  • Michelle
    Bought the Flip Mino a couple weeks ago. No problems loading to my Mac. Files play in preview mode easily, as well as transfer -- and pretty quick I might add. Transfer quality to youtube is mediocre, but I love the convenience of this thing. HOWEVER, tonight it froze. Video image froze and I could not turn off/on - rewind - nothing. Luckily I had backed up the videos last night- - but still - I was bummed! So I called CS, and a very nice but, honestly, seemingly in-the-dark girl tried to help me. I explained the problem -- she said hold on while I open a new Internet browser so I can check online (Huh? I can do that). She put me on hold for 6 MINS so she could ask a colleague. Came back -- still unsure -- finally I asked if there was a reset button -- HOLD again - then came back, YES, it's in the same hole as tripod connector, but you will lose all your video (she was sincerely sad for me -- points for that)--- I had no choice. I lightly pressed it; everything came back! I explained to her that they appear to have a "soft" reset. Where if you press it once, it may react and your video won't be deleted -- but if you hold the button down for awhile - it will (I didn't test that theory!) - Who knows, maybe I was lucky. Long story short - my video is back but I have a bad feeling this might happen again. Love the FLIP but when are they going to start offering better technical support -- or at the very least a board where people can post their solutions to frequently experienced problems?
  • Bill
    My flip works just fine. Downloaded the new software after buying a new computer and that works great. However, I'm not using any version of Windows..... Get a Mac!!
  • Lisa
    I just got the new Flip MinoHD (Christmas 2009). The USB on the Mino doesn't fit into my Mac port. Only fits into to my PC. Anyone know why this is?
  • PJ
    i have the exact problem. my new model flip will not fit into my Mac book (about 1 year old). however, the older model flips fit into my Mac and my new model flip fits into a newer Mac book. ideas?
  • Al
    me too......what should we do
  • Jeff
    same problem... guess that makes 4 of us :(
  • Wes
    Sending my camera off to flip video tomorrow. They issued me an RMA... It's a brand new camera and these are the problems I'm having.

    1. Longer videos around 10+ minutes won't transfer onto computer.
    2. Mac computers won't detect it when plugged in
    3. When trying to download longer videos on PC the camcorder screen freezes with the "connected" screen on it... even when unplugged from the PC it stays on. I must take batteries out to turn it off.
    4. The "Time Left" indicator on the camcorder has less than 60 minutes and the only way to view the videos on it, are by plugging it into the PC. The camcorder will not let you view it.
    5. An error pops up on the longer videos when trying to import them onto my computer that says "Data error (cyclic redundancy check)"
    6. Flip Video Update Version 1.0.0.8 does not work and cannot be completed when ran.
    7. Sound does not always match up to the video playing
  • Robert
    Got a Flip Ultra. Same problem as many have stated above. Connecting to and downloading videos worked ONCE...but not twice.

    Following Hanna's advice (SEE her "hanna // Mar 24, 2008 at 11:49 pm ") post... I was able to get the Flip working again. Turns out that our newly re-installed USB external hard drive device was blocking the Flip. I removed the USB external hard drive device via device manager, and now can use the Flip.
    HOWEVER... as I type this, I am waiting for the videos to transfer for the FIRST time since getting this thing working. So, I'll have to test to see if I can do it a second time. And, I believe I have disabled the use of my wife's Canon USB port (just before I leave town) shhhhhh...don't tell her. Also, I guess now I have to figure out how to use the USB Flip AND the USB external hard drive device together. I'd rather have a good backup strategy than the ability to transfer personal videos. ...the testing continues.
  • Alicia
    I am having similar problems getting videos to transfer... :( I'm with the guy about a class action law suit.
  • niki
    hi. my aunt gave me this flip ultra just last month and i loved it until today. i uploaded the videos for the first time and it all worked fine (although i used the windows explorer) then when i was about to use it a few hours later, all i could see was the flip icon. it won't do anything and the batteries as well as the flip was hot. i will try matt's theory about the batteries and hopefully it will work not just to get the videos but to use the flip again..and again...and again, with no problems.
  • Archie McDowall
    Buyer beware at Pure Digital
    I received from Amazon my (Flip Video Ultra Series Camcorder, 60 Minutes (Orange) on July 31st 2008 Initially all went well and the quality was great and no problems with software. however I noticed a problem getting the camera to start and stop, it continued to worsen and I decided to contact tech support on October 11th 2008. After several email exchanges I was given a RMA# but no offer to send a prepaid label, believing that as it was still in warranty, I paid $7.00 to ship UPS. Than on a web search regarding problems with this item I was amazed at the number of very negative responses to their customer service and did discover that some has been issued prepaid labels and when I challenged them about that was told that it was not their policy to pay shipping, however they would make an exception and attached a prepaid label (now was too late as I has already paid shipping and requested a refund which was denied) I requested was action was being taken on my start/stop problem and the only answer I got was that it was being returned to me. They were unable to save any of my video's (that was not an issue)
    So I urge you to consider well before you make a purchase
    If you ever need customer service, BE AWARE
    I am awaiting return to see if the problem has been fixed
  • Alex
    My sister got the flip for her birthday but she was torn between the Kobian HD camcorder which is $99 and the Flipvideo ultra $160. i got the other one to try it and i found that it works great. the only problem with the Kobian is that you also have to buy a SDHC card as well. The problem with the flip on is there is a lot of software issues. all i can say is dont use the software on the product it self but to get new software off the internet.for the flip get the new 3ivx decoder 4.5.0.2 it should clear alot of the problems. the flipvideo to pc or mac should be alright as well. but the problem my sister is having is that now she cant make movies. when it gets to 100% it locks up. plz help if possible.
  • josh
    i have had a problem with the flip ever since ive purchased it.ill plug it into my pc,and it recognizes it but it wont load past 1% if anybody has any answer please help

    thanks
  • Isabel
    @josh this may the same problem I was having. Look for the system folder and then the install folder - you can then pick the option suitable 3ivx thingy for your system. Once you have done that when you try and load the software it should load straightaway.
  • Amanda Galbincea
    I am having a problem with my flip ultra. It will work about once a day it seems. I turn on the camera and it freezes at the initial screen. Has anyone figured out a solution to this? I received this camera as a baby shower present so that I could video the day that my first girl is born and I am afraid if I send it in (as they are suggesting) that it won't be back in time. Should I just chalk it up to a lost $150 (not mine but I still feel badly) and buy a new more reliable one?
  • FLIP VIDEO STOP WORKING AFTER 90 DAYS WARRANTY
    Our Flip video suddenly stop working and we don't know why. I change to a new battery and it will still NOT power on. I can't even retrieved the videos now since my pc can't recognized the usb if the Flip is not on.

    I emailed them and they just said QUALITY IS NO GOOD AFTER 90 DAYS.

    WE SHOULD TELL THE WORLD ABOUT THIS...
    http://flip-video-problem.blogspot.com
  • Michael
    I'm having a similar issue as some. I've had my FLIP (Original Model) for about a year. About 2 months ago my son said it was working off and on. I believe this was the battery going dead but didn't think much of it. I'm now ready for vacation so figured I'd replace the batteries and get it ready to go but...... The little POS won't turn on. I called the FLIP support team and asked about a reset on the older models. They said the only thing they could think of to reset it would be to leave the batteries out for 48 hours and try inserting again. And sorry. No warranty. Until this problem this worked well. No power. No USB connectivity (Mac or PC). I'll post of the 48 hour reset works. Fingers are crossed.
  • Joe
    Michael:

    I am having a similiar problem. I have not heard back from support yet. Let me know how your battery thing goes.

    My problem is that my ultra will turn on, but it wont get past the "flip video" screen. If i leave it connected to my computer for a couple hours and then take it off and try to use it, once in every 10 times it might work. But only until you shut it off and back on again.

    Frustrated, mine is only 6 months old, but obviously more than 90 stupid days....
  • W.
    Thanks for posting about plugging it into the back of the computer! My (admitted brand-new) camera works great, and it downloads just fine now. When I plugged it into the front USP ports it gave me the same error message that you posted about. I found this post after going so far as to print the return label. Of course, after reading the other posts, I may regret keeping it, but it works just fine so far. For the money, I'll take my chances that I'll be one of the lucky ones whose batteries don't heat up or it flakes out.
  • Sad Shell
    I've had my flip ultra for about three months. I loved it at first and was taking movies all the time, but when I wanted to share them-no dice. Another problem I have had is that I often can't eject it from the computer. I get a message window saying that Windows can't eject it as it is still in use. The flip and the batteries get hot when I use it, and they also get hot when it is plugged into the computer. Yesterday when I was replaying a video, the flip screen scrambled, turned gray and shut off. I was able to get it back on again after letting it cool with the batteries out. It would turn on again but only for a second before it just shut off. Now it won't turn on again at all. How frustrating.

    Customer service has not been helpful as yet, and because I am in Canada, the telephone contact number doesn't work for me. I am stuck communicating with them through email, which is not working so far. Good luck to all of you.
  • W.
    Ugh, never mind! Today it won't even work when I plug it into the back of my computer. Plus, soon after I wrote my last post, I turned it on and it turned itself off again. It's going back! There are too many other options, and it seems to be a constant problem.
  • Katherine Mitchell
    My Flip won't upload videos to my computer anymore, it did the first 2 times or so then just stopped altogether. I have some really great footage I want to email to family and friends but it won't upload :P If anyone can help I would greatly appreciate it. Hasn't been working now for 2 months, always thought it was just my computer but today I tried it at friend's house and wouldn't work on hers either. Goes to upload screen then just shuts off. :(
  • Dan
    I just got a Mino HD a couple of days ago and cannot email videos. Customer service says their network is backed up. Anyone else not able to send in the last few days?
  • C Melzak
    I have had my Flip Video for a little over a year. It has performed almost everytime. Once I had a problem with the program not showing up on the computer. Today I went to download my videos that I took in Nov. and Dec of 7 minutes and when Flip is connected all I get is work CONNECTED. I tried to download the 3.1 software program from online. Wasn't successful because it said I needed to connect my Flip which won't connect. I was downloading the 3.1 software so I could store in permanently on line and not have to depend on the camera's hardware. But it didn't work. The camera doesn't have any other issues, only connective issues. If there are serious problems with most of these cameras, then there should be a class action suit against Pure Digital with full reimbursement for everyone. I am waiting to here from them through an email. I am sure it won't solve the problem.
  • Dawn L.
    My husband just had to have a Flip Ultra after seeing a friend's e-mailed videos of their little girl singing Christmas songs. He wanted to send video greetings to family overseas. The downloaded software created problems with my PC recognizing my 500GB external hard drive, which I use for additional storage and program files, and several times I was forced to reboot my PC and disconnect the external drive, then reconnect after boot-up to get my PC to recognize it again.

    Also, attempts to e-mail video files of more than a few seconds-worth hung interminably at 20%, and the short test videos I succeeded in e-mailing had fast-forward the audio so I sounded like one of Alvin and the Chipmunks on amphetamines. Husband had same problems on his PC, which admittedly has 1.0 USB ports (slower). But I have 2.0 USB ports (the faster variety) so slower USB hardware and drivers is not the problem in this case. Attempts to download the upgrade software helped nothing. Oh, and BTW, their uninstall executable is absolutely worthless ... had to manually uninstall, and there are still 2MB of Flip software I am unable to delete (thanks, Flip dudes ...).

    Husband returned the Ultra after a day of frustration and a fruitless conversation with Flip's "NO HELP DESK" (a.k.a. customer support). He traded it in for a Mino, and no better luck with that, so far. I'm telling him to take the bloody thing back and forget about the Flip devices altogether.

    What unqualified pieces of techno-garbage these are! Poorly designed, numerous hardware and software glitches, incompatibility errors, flawed executable files, and clueless customer support. It just doesn't get any worse than this. Any high-profile recommenders of this product should think twice about soiling their reputations by tying their good names with these Pure Digital products. I smell a big class-action lawsuit coming ...
  • I have Several Channels on You Tube, I have use the Flip Camera for All the Video I have ever taken! I make the mistake of UPGRADING to the new stupid Flip Upgrade! So, I can no longer use Windows Movie Maker to make Videos for You Tube! They make you use their stupid program...
    Crap some videos, and a song and pray it all goes together? Well It just does not work for me! I still can not get to all the hundreds of videos I have ever taken! I deleted the new program and still can not find them! I even sent May at Corparate a screen shot of the blue empty file I see (3 weeks ago) I have not heard back from her! I warned Flip Camera, I would make a video, I even gave them my Channel name... As soon as I uploaded the video, I was attacked by some flipvideoroxz freak! This Channel was created that Day! and the guy is friends with the Famous FRED of You Tube! Now you just don't become friends with Fred that easy! I got scared and I put the video on private for now... I have created a New Channel: Filpedoff I just emailed them minutes ago... I gave them 24 hours to make this right, after three months of BS. This brand new Channel Will include parts of the Video I pulled, the threatening comments posted on that video from this coward, from this fake Channel... and the Emails I received from them!
    There is a huge network here, so big it scared me to death! I have read the complaints above. I can not be the only one that Hates the new UPGRADE!? I have had my camera long before Oprah ever even saw it! I am Talking about the "NEW UPGRADE" only, and how it has ruined everything that I ever did on You Tube! I know I am one of the first to speak openly about this.
    The people a Flip act so surprised to to hear of my dislike? I am sorry you guys, but I am so upset! I did cut out the bad language here. Lol
    I am glad this site is here! I am about to take on Flip Camera on International You Tube! Once I post the Video, I don't think they came remove it, because it is the truth? However, if they are connected to You Tube, I could be taken down!
    You are all my witnesses! I mean Business!
    Want my Camera? I'll Flip ya for it! Lol
    If They don't contact me in 24 hours from now and make it right... I will go forward with my plans... Wish me Luck! I may need it! Dale
  • Jim B
    Hi Folks. I've had the Flip Ultra for some time, but not used it too much. I recently ran into the "sorry, Windows doesn't recognize this device USB error" problem. Fortunately, I have a laptop running one of the many flavors of Linux, and it easily recognizes the flip as a USB drive. I can transfer my vids off the camera, and then either use a linux video editor or pop the files over to my Windows XP.

    Now that being said, for those of you having similar troubles, you can download and burn many of the copies of linux (all free!) into a bootable CD. Reboot your windows machine via the CD into the fully functional linux OS...mount your directories, transfer your files to hard drive, reboot to Windows and you're back in business. I have not tried this method explicitly yet, but I think it will work. I use linux versions Ubuntu and Linux Mint, and I think Windows users will find the desktop easy to manipulate.

    Hopefully this will help some of you recover those trapped vids. Good luck!
  • Jim B
    Oh yeah, how about some Linux links...

    http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download
    http://www.linuxmint.com/download.html

    Burn the .iso image file to CD after download. Then make sure your PC checks to boot from CD/DVD. Pop the disk in, and it will boot to Linux. Plug in your Flip and it should auto-mount. Browse the drive. You're off and running.
  • matt
    these things are crap
    i need it for a school proj. tommarow and now my comp wont reconize it???????
    load of bull shit
    im not a thechie
    can someone help me that can explain it in small words
  • john
    i cant belive this flip s*it!!!! i been trying to upload videos on youtube and it wount let me at all, 45 minutes loading and noting, i swear that am about to smash it on the floor if i dont figure this sofware bulls*it, the camera is nice but is horrible to upload and edit videos specially that avi format, why whould they build this camera to carry only avi format???? yo flip!!!!!! people are spending money in your product at leats have the respect to show people how to fix this problem.
  • Autumn
    Yep I agree with all of you. I am a teacher and bought them for my students to use for class projects. We have not been able to upload a single thing, or if we do, you can only hear sound, but no picture. I have updated everything and still nothing. It burns through batteries like a kid with candy and now I can't even get it to turn on. No good at all! The whole point of the Flip is to be simple and easy to use. The fact that I have to spend 2 hours searching for answers, downloading more programs, etc. ruins the whole thing. What a waste of money!
  • Beth
    I received the iflip as a gift. After downloading the videos to my comp (with no problems), the screed on the flip camera totally freezes for no apparent reason when I turn it on.
    I have been trying to troubleshoot how to resolve this...anyone have a solution?
  • My flip camera worked beautifully for 8 months, but now it refuses to turn on! I changed the batteries so I think the on/off switch must have died.

    It turns on when connected to a computer but won't do anything when I use the switch.

    Any suggestions?
  • CRAP
    I've been getting getting really popular on youtube because of this
    and it bums out
    I can still record and stuff
    but my xp says it doesn't reconize the device
    And on vista nothing shows up at all
    And I tried installing the firmware update
    The pc said "please connect a flipvideo camcorder"
    It just won't reconize the device
    I'm gonna return it, get my money back, and buy a camcorder that's auctually GOOD
    And I just got the cam 2 weeks ago
    I don't even bother to contact costumer service cause they'll just ask for it, and try to repair it, and then everything will repeat.
    DON'T BUY THIS CAMCORDER
    ...You'll regret it.
  • Kit
    I’ve had my Flip Video Pure Digital since the summer of 2007. The only problem I’ve ever had with it was the software, both the original as well as the upgrades. The current upgrade crashed within the first two minutes every time I opened it. I was never able to process a single video with it. Like you, I became extremely frustrated and sent an email to customer service. Expecting at least a 24 hour delay in response, I started combing the Internet looking for other options. In short, on the first day I received three very pleasant and timely responses from Flip Video’s support staff, but nothing worked; they finally offered to call me on the phone. By then, however, I had come up with a solution that works great for me. I use Win Vista, so don’t know how this would work on other os’s. (1) Format your camera (save all videos on it before formatting because EVERYTHING disappears from the drive). (2) Shoot your video. (3) Re-connect your camera to your computer. (4) A pop up message asks you if you want to import the videos; click yes. After importing my videos, I close that program and open up my solvergmm (avi trimmer freeware: http://www.solveigmm.com/?Products&id=AVITr...) and cut the front and back edges of the video. I can then save the video to the directory of my choice or watch it from that program. It’s extremely simple and gives me pretty much everything that the FlipShare software aspired to give me. Also, when I delete the videos from the camera I get back my complete 60 minutes instead of the time decay one gets with Flip Video’s software. Hope this helps others – it made my day!
  • Another_Frustrated_User
    The Flip Customer Support is really useless--they had me reformat the Ultra, and now its a brick! They provided a link to a Flip Video Software update program, and requested that I download and run after reformatting. However, that updater application required a previous version of the Flip Video Software in order to run! Some Customer Support?!

    Anyway, has anyone been successful at updating to FlipShare? I keep getting the following error "FlipShare has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for the inconvenience." Clicking on the error detail indicates:
    -----------------------------------------------------------
    Error signature

    AppName: flipshare.exe AppVer: 4.0.6.31692 ModName: ippvideodecoder.ax
    ModVer: 4.0.6.31692 Offset: 0007c58b
    -----------------------------------------------------------

    There is a bug with FlipShare but Customer Support is not owning up to it...
  • Viren
    I read alot of comments about poor customer service. I just called at 11pm on a Saturday and got tech support to help me fix a minor issue in less that 3 minutes. They were courteous, quick, and friendly without wasting my time.
  • TAMECA
    your product is not manufactured properly. i say so because i tried different battries and the camera is not working with any of the battries. It only on the computer using the usb
  • Joanne
    I just ordered the flip video for my son. He had it only 1 day. Used it for about 50 minutes and now it won't work at all. I am so disappointed.
  • Jon
    Just bought a Flip Mino HD. When we got it, there was a small "dead spot" on the screen where it is just static. This is very small, only a pixel or two I guess (?), and it doesn't appear on the video itself (just the screen), but so far I'm getting nowhere with Flip Support and am just thinking of charging this off with the Credit Card company and buying a competitor's product like the Creative Video offering (or whatever - this is not an endoresement). Before I do - does anyone have a PHONE NUMBER for Flip Customer Support? They insist on a slow e-mail complaint system, and their lack of support on a brand-new product has me a little miffed, frankly.
  • GEM-NY
    My Flip Ultra also stopped working after six months of use. It's really disappointing that so many people are having the *exact* same problem. It seems there's some design or quality issues going on. Three words: class action lawsuit.
  • Yuri
    got the flip mino for christmas. used it for a week, nice toy. put it away, and a month later got back to it. it died and wouldn't turn on, email tech support and the told me to reset it. I did that and play around and got it up again. afew days later, it's now dead ... again.
  • Jon
    Update on Post #78: 'The Flip Inc. ' ignored me and my brand-new defective product UNTIL I called Discover Card and reversed the charges. THAT made Flip sit up and take notice - then they answered IMMEDIATELY. They provided return shipping and promised a full repair of the defective unit. "No" I said - "It's going back", custom case and all. Keep it. I'll buy something else. I shipped it out today. I liked it, IF IT ONLY WORKED RIGHT OR I HAD FAITH IN THE COMPANY TO STAND BY IT. Neither is true, sadly. The phone numbers they gave me (but ONLY after I stopped payment) were 866-523-FLIP (3547) or 408-848-3854. I do think a Class-Action suit is in order. I just can't wait that long. I'm buying a much less expensive product from a company with a good service track record, as in the end THAT matters most when people are trying to rip you off, which is what I believe The Flip Inc. is set up to do through their "No Service Whatsoever" Department. Also see Posting #15 above - truly frightening.
  • ok so im borrowing my friend's flip video camera because my really nice camera was taken by my dad (im 15). it worked great for the first couple weeks. i make sketch comedy videos for youtube (www.youtube.com/kylewuzhur). but for some reason it just stopped working. it wont cut on all the way. when i flip the power switch it doesnt do anything for 5 seconds and then, for a split second, it says "flip video" and makes a telephone sound and cuts off. when i plug it into the computer it doesnt recognize it. i changed the batteries. i even yelled at it. nothing works! i have the kind that holds like an hour of footage. im really pissed because i was going to enter a film festival and now i have nothing to film. if anyone has a solution my youtube is www.youtube.com/kylewuzhur
  • Winston Powell
    Don't waste your $$. I've spent the last 3 months doing everything FlipVideoTeenage Support has suggested. They even set up a telephone conference with me, which they failed to show up for. Great idea, lousy product.
  • Brian Jones
    My THIRD Flip arrived via UPS today, after problems with the first one I bought from Amazon.com and the second one which was a replacement from the company. I haven't had the courage or the interest to try to start this third one. If it doesn't work I'm going to start in on Amazon. Yes, it's been 7 months since I bought my Flip but man, they need to do something.
  • Anna Koban
    I haven’t even received my camera yet and I’ve already had a ton of problems with this company. I placed an order over two weeks ago. I was using my personal credit card but I wanted it shipped to my work address. Their website kept crashing every time I tried to enter a billing address different than the shipping address.

    A few days later, I got a call from them saying they needed more info to process my order. The entire call took over 30min as I was dealing with a very incompetent CS rep. I had to give her my address several time as she kept getting it wrong. Then, her computer crashed and we had to start all over again. When she finally got it under control, I was informed that it would be another few days before my order can be released because Accounting had to do it and they were gone for that long (RIDICULOUS)

    About a week later I finally got an email that my order shipped, including a tracking number (it was shipped to the wrong address, of course). It’s now been two days and USPS still has no record of this shipment.

    After my initial experience and reading about your technical problems, I think I will just send it back as soon as it gets here. Can anybody recommend a similar, portable, small and RELIABLE device that can be used for making web-friendly videos?

    Thanks for sharing everyone!
  • Jon
    I bought the 60 min one and only had it about 4 months and it died, literally wont turn on i have tired tons of batteries no luck

    Now realizing that its broken I emailed support they were as useless as a wet blanket. Absolute IDIOTS at that company. The place should be shut down, I have a good mind to file a report with the better business bureau or take legal action against them.

    Deciding that im not going to get a replacement and it doesnt work. I opened it using the screws and now i see why it broke so easily. Its the cheapest looking electronics unit i have ever seen.

    The turn on slide button is shit, it attaches itself to a low cost plastic part.

    I wont be buying from these criminals again! Expect to hear from my lawyers Flipvideo
  • JohnB
    I posted this solution about certain software-related Flip problems on FixYa. Perhaps this will be helpful to others with the same problems:

    http://www.fixya.com/support/t1429045-flip_shar...

    best,
    JohnB
  • -dan
    i picked up my minoHD right before christmas and it worked for a couple of weeks, now it's dead. i wish i knew why it worked out of the box then stopped. i don't even have a program strong enough to play the .mp4s (VLC can't even do it at small display).

    i just received this e-mail from flip:

    Please send us your computer statistics (i.e. CPU, Ram, OS, Vendor, Model, etc) and your camcorder model number (located either on the bottom of your unit or within the battery case). If you are on a PC, you can do this by right clicking on My Computer (“Computer” on Vistas) and choosing the Properties tab. You can then forward us the information found on the General tab. If you are on a Mac, you can open the Apple Menu in the top left corner of your screen, and About This Mac will give you the basic information needed.

    Please also provide details regarding the types of issues you are experiencing, including any error messages you may receive, and at what point they occur. Also, have you tried to use your camcorder with multiple USB ports and/or multiple computers? Are you connecting your camcorder directly to your USB port without the aid of an extension cable?

    Please do the following:

    1 - With the camcorder turned off, hold down the record and delete button at the same time while then turning the camcorder back on.
    2 - The firmware version as well as the camcorder serial number will be listed on the line beginning VER on the screen.
    3 - Record and reply with this information and we will be able to better assist you in resolving this issue.

    If this does not provide that requested information, please do the following:

    1 - With the camcorder turned off, press the right arrow key “>” while then turning the camcorder back on.
    2 - The firmware version as well as the camcorder serial number will be listed on the 4th line of the camcorder’s screen.
    3 - Record and reply with this information and we will be able to better assist you in resolving this issue.

    Also, please tell us when and where you purchased your camcorder.

    -----

    hope we can get this fixed
  • -dan
    i goofed in my first post and forgot to mention that it is the flipshare program that died....NOT the camera itself.

    i LOVE my camera
  • Flip Owner
    I have had horrendous problems with the Flipshare software. An undesired upgrade erased my hundreds of videos, which were organized in folders and labels. A Customer Service representative claimed they could be retrieved.

    Over two days later, I'm still waiting for the promised direct contact from Technical Support. I've emailed, I've called but they're callous jerks. And stupid, because obviously this is terrible PR.

    The Customer Service branch claims it can't call the Technical Support people. How convenient.

    I have wasted two days on this, waiting for a phone call that never comes. In addition I have spent hundreds of dollars on software and equipment and storage that I didn't realize I'd need in order to burn replayable DVDs. They try to sell you a pricey service and don't make clear in their materials that you creating a DVD on your own takes a great deal of expense and effort.

    Beware of this highly unprofessional company and its awful software.
  • Zr-71
    Lots of complaints but very few responses on fixes. Mine worked great for 4 months and now has frozen in record mode with a freeze frame. Cannot do anything including turn off. Waiting for the battery to run out and then will try again after charging
  • Paul Forkner
    My screen developed a "splotch" and now is useless. Support says they're sorry, but the warranty has expired. The warranty is only for 90 days and I bought it five months ago. Thought it was a quality product, but it's junk. No wonder they only warranty it for 90 days.
  • helen uk
    As a Uk resident am having same problems with my 60 minute version. I bought care of my daily paper special offer 2008 ( on offer before being released for general sale ) has been Ok till now but only 9mnths old !! & getting NO help from Flip support. What a pain
  • J
    new camera, computer won't recognize it after 2 test runs. crazy. customer support folk sound like middle school kids with good manners and no answers. wish i had not read the Times glowing review...
  • Zhiruo
    I purchased the Flip video ultra from Tigerdirect on 11/24/08. I used it occasionally and only recorded approximately 45 min of video before this piece of crap won't turn on anymore. Buyers be aware, this seems to be a very common problem and not just an isolated incident.
  • Dan
    I just went to Coachella on the weekend was front row for every show I saw. Used my brand New Flip Ultra Series... The camera worked great and provided me with excellent videos. I had planned to use these videos to help promote my new web based business. I renamed and saved all the videos to a new folder and was watching them on the plane trip home (palm springs to calgary a $400 flight).
    One of the videos was a little longer than I wanted so I plugged the camera back in to my computer to do a quick trim. The device decided to reload it self thus deleting the 4 hours of video I had shot all weekend. E-mailed Flip - they asked me if my forward had the word retard written on it and if I had tried to search for the files. Phoned in - the representative acted like this was the craziest thing she had ever heard of.... Flip should license some data recovery software to issue customers experiencing these problems. Now I get to pay 139 USD (on top of all the other expenses I have already had with this trip), so I can at least retrieve the last 60 minutes of video. Unbelievable!
  • Rod
    I am the latest Flip victim. Mine worked fine until my wife bought the ultra. I connected my Flip to her laptop said yes to upgrade the software and that was the last she wrote. The product was not tested well and has lots of fatal problems. A class action law suit is warranted.
  • Billie Jo
    Holy Cow, I have a new Flip camera, was having trouble with it on a Mac and PC and google came up with this webpage.

    Only read down about half way and now I want to go out and run over it with my car. Do I even keep trying to get it to work or do I destroy it before I get it to work for a month so I can go though this all over again.
    What a piece of cr@p! Great idea but beta product that didn't wait to take the bugs out.
  • Billie Jo
    Rod -

    A class action law suit is warranted.

    ----
    That's the best idea I have read on this page so far.
  • LTS
    This is the most frustrating camera I have ever owned. From the camera to my MAC desktop is a total nightmare. Not even 40 second videos will transfer, everything locks up and freezes. I am going to attempt a replacement from Flip video, if I do not get one I am going to smash the one I have into thousands of pieces and mail it back to them. I am also going to post a video blog (using a different camera of course) to Youtube, Google video, Metacafe etc to let the world know my thoughts about the product. If you are thinking of buying one I suggest not doing so, I give the product a failing grade of F.........
  • Charlotte
    I so loved this Flip.cam.
    But like the rest
    it has been a failure !!
    Locks up and is very undependable.
    I am very disappointed ! I am not rich and I feel
    I just threw away a lot of money.
    Too bad , because it the picture and sound was
    good. Just didn't last anytime !!!
  • Jeffinprov
    Like others, I bought a Mino HD on the strength of the David Pogue/NY Times review. As is the recurrent theme, it died after two months; Flip sent another one, five weeks (!) later. It didn't work. I sent it back... we're pushing 4 weeks now. This is really, really bad.
  • HEATHER
    HELP!!! I pluged in my flip to my computer, and it says that there is an error with the program, nad to close after 5 seconds- i really need these videos soon. please HELP!!
  • Bruce
    Well in 6/09 I bought a Flip ultra 2hr. $149 at Best Buy.
    Cool, cool, cool, works as advertised. Going rafting on Amearican River, wow, get the waterproof case (from B&H) Heck only $32.
    Well constructed but the Flip Ultra will not fit! The case says for Flip Ultra only but I think it must be an older version of Ultra, maybe the 1 hour version. Anyway, if you have a newer Ultra, beware.
    Bruce
  • RB
    Hi

    I am looking to replace the lcd display unit for my FLIP video camera.

    After about a year's use, the screen began to display grey, white and black lines but recording can still be done, just one cannot see what is being filmed..

    The company said since the warranty is up, they cannot advise or help me out.


    This is the camera
    http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000V1MLCI/ref...


    please advise/help

    thanks!
  • Michael Brown
    My images wouldn't copy to my Macbook.
    I upgraded my camera, still nothing. Then I saw a notice about upgrading software.
    I did that ...also, thanks to your page, I tried a different USB port.
    Now I'm amazed to report all is well.
  • gmr248
    Add me to the list of people p*ssed off about a crappy product. A few months back, I was able to pull videos off, but now, the camera isn't recognized in XP at all. The camera thinks it's attached, but XP doesn't see it. I've tried multiple USB ports (front and back of the PC), rebooted the PC, rebooted the camera (pulled the battery). Still nothing. I'm an IT guy, so I'm gonna try connecting this POS camera to various PCs I own (a Mac, a Linux box, a Vista box, a Win7 box). I'm hoping something recognizes it. You can bet this is the *last* Flip product I will *ever* buy.
  • solesister
    I got this flip-n camera for a leaving present at work. I managed to record some videos and uploaded them to my sister's laptop while we were on holiday. When i got home i took more videos and then tried to upload to my home PC. The software looks like it has uploaded 100% then an error comes up to tell me it has failed. I tried to upload the software through mycomputer, manually, but again an error message comes up saying installation aborted. No reason given for why this has happened. I happened to have read the agreement and the software says that it should only be uploaded onto one computer, so i am thinking that the camera has recognised that i have uploaded to my sister's laptop and therefore won't let me upload it to my desktop pc. Surely not, a portable camera like this needs the videos to be deleted as there is only 1 hour of video, you can't possible take your Desktop on holiday with you. I have written to the company asking for an explanation as to my problem, I await their reply, but judging from the above comments, i won't hold my breath. Piece of crap if you ask me.
  • johnjohnsonII
    I BOUGHT ONE FOR MY SISTER FOR XMAS 2008. IT HAS WORKED FINE UNTIL NOW. 6 MONTHS IT DECIDES TO QUIT WORKING. I CALLED THEY SAID 90 DAYS IS ALL YOU HAVE . I SPENT 200 ON THE TOP ONE. I PAID TO SEND IT TO THEM THEY SAID IT CANNOT BE FIXED AND SPENT AT LEAST 20 DOLLARS TO MAKE A DVD OF ONBE STUFFED ANIMAL. AND NO EXPLANANTION OF WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT. THEY SAID ITS NOT THE BATTERY WE DONT KNOW. MAYBE YOU DROPPED IT. AT LEAST TELL ME WHY YOU CANNOT FIX IT SO I CAN TRY TO IF IT IS CHEAP. ANY WAY THE SECOND ONE I PURCHASED FOR MY NIECE BROKE DOWN 1 WEEK AND THEY REPLACED IT 3 TIMES AND THAT ONE STILL DONT WORK. IF YOU BUY IT IS UP TO YOU, BUT YOU WILL BE SORRY. THANKS
  • Michael P. O'Connor
    I thought I was the only Flip Mino customer who had a problem with Flip's customer support. Then I did a Google search with the query: “Flip video customer support sucks”. I don't feel alone any more.

    It's too bad that a product like the Mino is being marketed with such morons in their technical support staff. Flip's 'customer support pledge' is a complete joke.

    Michael P. O'Connor
  • DLATH337
    Flip Video aka PURE DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES has made a product that has a major piece (the glass lens cover) irreplaceable and unrepairable. I made a complaint to the Better Business Bureau after being told by their customer service rep to bring it to a camera store for repair. Their respons well it still takes videos! Yes it does BUT YOU CAN'T SEE THEM. They offered A DISCOUNT COUPON TO BUY ANOTHER ONE. I would not accept that. Then they wanted to send me a refurbished one - I ONLY HAD THIS A MONTH AND A HALF. The carrying case they supply offers NO PROTECTION. SO NO PROTECTION NO REPAIRS NO REPLACEMENT DO NOT BUY THIS PRODUCT!!!
  • Michael P. O'Connor
    how very easy it would have been for Flip to have offered an attachable / detachable clear protective lens cover for their cameras. Even if such a product cost $50.00 I would have purchased it. I have several SLR and digital SLR cameras and wouldn't think of using them without a protective lens cover.

    With the introduction of video on the new iPod products as well as digital cameras that are now offeriing far better results than anything Flip has, it is only a matter of time before iPod's, digital cameras and Flip Videos 'we don't care, we don't have to' customer service policy will bring an end to Flip. It's amazing to me that although Flip has received such bad press on customer service that they continue to conduct business as usual. I'm thinking of re-naming my Mino the Edsel; or the Oldsmobile; or the Pontiac, etc.........
  • bellydancer
    DITTO on this "It has ceased to move past the initial start up screen." My batteries never got hot but my camera, for the short amount of time it actually worked properly, went through lithium batteries like a starving kitty through a can of stinky food. The cameras that are causing the batteries to get hot sound like a lawsuit waiting to happen when one actually starts a fire. My opinion - this product is a POS and possibly dangerous as well since people are experiencing them getting hot. The initial purchase is a waste of money since it's useless in such a short amount of time and then you waste a lot of time trying to get the thing to work again. My advice - do not purchase a Flip camera.
  • zolatte
    My Flip comes up with the Flip video screen then hangs. I think they should change the name of their company from Pure Video to Pure Crap.
  • I'm getting a similar issue. When I power the flip on it goes to the usual screen, zooms all the way in and then does nothing. No buttons work except for the power button. Of course, this starts happening right after the 90 day warranty period. Has anyone else had a similar issue?
  • David
    Yes, I have experienced exactly the same thing. The camera is totally unreliable and has now given up altogether. The problems within mine started before the 90 day warranty period but unfortunatley I did not return it thinking it might right itself, but it never did.
  • Doug
    Mine worked just OK with Windows Vista, but when I upgraded to Windows 7, the laptop won't even recognize the camera when it's plugged in to the USB slot. They have no effective Customer Support and I don't think they will be around much longer. It's a piece of junk.
  • simone
    I had no problems with the software but with the exterior. I bought a flip video with a white shell and after storing it in the black pouch that comes with the camera the whole white shell became permanently stained black. Tried alcohol to clean it but its permanently stained. I am trying to trade it in for a black or silver.
  • Abdul faraj
    Im having a problem with my flip. it is empty and its showing me that there s no time left.
    its not recording..
  • Abdul faraj
    i have a problem with my flip it seems not to be ok.
    the main problem is that it shows me it is full and i know it s empty.
  • David
    My new Flip Ultra camera barely lasted six months. Frequently he function buttons would not operate or the Flip icon and would remain on the viewing screen and you could not switch it off without removing the batteries. The camera does not operate at all now. I emailed Flip and received a very courteous reply to say the matter had been referred to their customer support team and I would hear from them within four hours.... Of course,I have heard nothing more. It appears their pledge is worthless along with the camera they sell
  • Mike Clement
    As at 15 Dec 2009 I have had four Flips, all have failed. Customer services at their UK offices could not recover any of my videos and returned the last unit to me telling me to send it back to the supplier. They have had all sorts of excuses as to why it was my fault that their Flips had failed. All in all, a very, very poor after sales service.
  • stevetraher
    I have used a Flip Ultra for a couple of months and have been very happy with the quality of the video and ease of use in creating and sharing videos. Suddenly, my MacBook Pro will not recognize the camcorder when I plug it in. I have gotten into the technical support queue, and have spoken twice with customer support reps. It has been a disconcerting experience thus far. The support reps were polite and friendly, but not helpful. I'm now a bit upset after reviewing the long history of issues with the product. I wonder if anyone has taken the trouble to escalate these concerns to the executive level at Cisco?
  • R Menon
    I placed an order on 12/13 and the Website said it would be ready in 3-4 days. I have not seen my product yet (12/17).
    This is a warning to anyone using the Flip store - DO NOT TRUST THEIR TIME FRAMES!
  • Jenn
    So do us all a favor and don't buy the darn thing. Fool you once, shame on me, fool you twice... well you know how it goes.
  • george
    i bout flip 2 month ago and it das not tarns on
  • Karen
    Ok. So after reading all these complaints here and on various other sites, I know now not to buy this p.o.s. But what kills me are the reports of you people going through multiple cameras and having the same problem. WHY would you continue to buy a product you already know is faulty? Did you learn NOTHING?
    I wouldn't go so far to call customer support idiots... more like corporate drones being spoon fed hogwash to customers to placate them and getting paid minimum wage to boot.
    Sounds like people are too easily swayed by slick advertising and the promise of ease of use. Glad I did not become one of the sheeple this holiday season.
  • MikeC
    Hi

    I kept accepting a replacement Flip in the hope it would work. I'm now waiting for a credit on the last one - the fourth!
  • Sean
    i have a problem......mine dropped 2 times and now when i turn it on it freezes where it says "flip video" what should i do?
  • MikeC
    Hi

    Ask for your money back.
  • adadssa
    the problem with my flip video it just stays on the flip video screen.could you help PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • Got Jacked By Flip
    MAYBE WE SHOULD JUST CALL THIS PRODUCT (SHIT VIDEO)
  • Karen
    Sooo true. Why do people keep buying these things. It's all over the place what crap they are!
  • Jef Wallace
    Dude, you gotta see this. My friend's new Flip Mino HD, which her aunt got her at the Apple store, does not plug into her MacBook. No warning of that, together we have killed three hours trying to fit into the port until i finally googled this: http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?thread...

    hopping mad about this... insanely bad, a USB plug that does not plug into a USB port ? this should be ILLEGAL ! the cheapest crap made in pogo pogo at least gets the USB port right !!!!!
  • ladonnachad
    That's a really good idea.
  • Diana
    Maybe you can help me...my Flip issue is that the battery keeps crapping out and the thing won't even turn on. Have you heard of that one?
  • Sandy
    When the camera works, it's great, it's fun, it's easy to toy with (because it looks like a toy at the cost of a REAL camera) but if it breaks or the software fails, it's 'sorry you are out of luck'.
    Overall the customer service aspect leaves something to be desired. First they won't acknowledge a glaring flaw in their product and then they market it to the hilt with little to no support when things go wrong.
    You know why Kodak doesn't have to advertise their cameras or Ferrari doesn't have to push their cars? Because they are good products, they have good name recognition and they are reliable. You know why a company like flip needs to advertise? To sucker people into buying their malfunctioning crap and make a profit while leaving the consumer out in the cold when it fails.
    If the camera breaks and it's outside of the 90 manufacturer warranty, guess what? Sucks to be you. If the software fails and you call for assistance, not only do you get to sit on hold forever but, it sucks to be you because hey, they cannot help you.
    So overall, don't waste time or money on this product. Clearly Cisco bought themselves a lemon!
  • susan
    i had to purchase a new computer and installed flip in it. my videos although saved will not play; any suggestions?
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