One question before I try to get this unit. Although, I appreciate the simplicity of the unit and the wood finish, I am more on the modern side, so glass, metal and dark wood are part of my home theater. Not asking to redesign the unit, but what if I was to paint the wood portion of the unit to make it blend in with my equipment, do I invalidate any sort of warranty? Will it affect the performance of the unit if the wood gets painted? From what I see on the website, the IR emitters/receivers and power are only on the middle portion of the SQ Blaster, and the wood is just a casing, so my immediate assumption is that I can do anything to change the color of the wooden portion, but I would appreciate an answer on this matter from SQ Connect.
I suspect our lawyers would have a seriously expensive conversation with me if I asked them about our liability if I give an unqualified 'go ahead'...
So I won't ask them, and give you a bit of a weasily answer: We will always try to be reasonable about ensuring that our customers are delighted in our products and service and treat any situation on a case by case basis. That being said:
Clearly, refinishing the case would invalidate the waranty on the case and inserts used to fasten the device together.
To refinish the case I think you would be wise to remove the electronics first. Damage caused by a new finish leaking onto the electronics would also invalidate the waranty.
Like any electronics, there is a risk of damage to the circuit boad if you remove it from the case, and any damage obviously caused by this would not be covered. Damage caused by static build up might also void the waranty.
To new finishes. The only issue I might see is that the antenna is internal, so any metallic finish or finish that includes Mica (or any other material that blocks radio waves) might reduce the signal strength. Our manufacturer adds a lacquer finish as part of the manufacturing, and I think you would want to strip that before you refinished it.
Mat