Sony MDR-IF3000 Additional Infrared Wireless Dolby Digital Headphones for MDR-DS3000 Transmitter

I needed a replacement headphones for an older Sony XBR TV with an Infrared Wireless Receiver built in the TV. The headphones that came with the TV broke at the ear peice, I understand this is common with that style headphones. The MDR-IF30000 did the trick. They work great for what I need them for. To watch TV late at night with out disturbing the Family while they sleep. They are GREAT for a replacement in this application. The DOWN FALL is the odd size batteries for replacement down the road. If Sony would have use a AAA battery, you could get replacements anywhere, since the headphones come with NO CHARGER. It looks like Sony wants to be the only company to sell you your replcement batteries. I did not get a price on the BP-HP550/1.2V 550mAh, Nickel-Metal Hydride Battery by Sony, but they have that high dollar look about them, for what they are. You may want to get a price on the batteries first, before you buy a pair of headphones for this type application. Rick.

Acoustically and ergonomically, the MDR-IF3000 is all that Sony claims it is. Unfortunately, it can be recharged only on the base station: no separate battery charger is available for it. With prolonged use and/or many headphones, juggling multiple headphones on one charger is sure to fail. If you need multiple headphones, perhaps a product line that provides extra battery chargers as well as extra headphones would be preferable.

I've had two of these, one for my wife and one for me for over 3 years now-since our boy was born. Our house is tiny and watching tv when he went to bed was impossible before. Since that time we've had only one battery go out-so I'm looking for one now. Nonetheless 3 yrs on a battery is a pretty good deal.
PS there have been multiple times I've gotten up not remembering I was wearing headphones so the comfort level is good (don't try lying down w/them on though) and the sound quality is fine--it's tv so I don't have an expectation of outstanding audio. There are no pops hisses and clicks though and it faithfully reproduces what's happening on the program.