I think you also have to include "customer service"--the two go hand in hand IMHO. That doesn't necessarily mean that a reliable product will have great customer service, and poor reliablity entails bad customer service--it just means the two are important together--in context. For example, I have a Faroudja 2200. It had a problem. It took me a while to conclude it was the Faroudja, but I did before I called Faroudja. To my surprise, without my proof, they acknowledged the problem had me send it to them and they fixed it in a day and fed-xed it back to me. This was an expensive unit--but with that kind of service and response I don't mind that I had a problem. I've also had problems with a Krell amplifier--similar situation--fixed quickly and sent back quickly.
On the other hand I've had to deal with Sony on technical issues--different story altogether. If it's a Sony product--it better be reliable--very reliable--because I would not count on technical or service from them--I completely discount any warranties figuring they will come up with a way to tell me it's not warranted.
On the other hand I've had to deal with Sony on technical issues--different story altogether. If it's a Sony product--it better be reliable--very reliable--because I would not count on technical or service from them--I completely discount any warranties figuring they will come up with a way to tell me it's not warranted.