rip off??

[stilllearning]

:mad:
I just got misled by a store in Texas called HomeTheaterStore. Those crooks talked me into buying a more expensive TV, the Mitsubishi Diamond series, with a built-in tuner, when all I needed was the Gold series-plus. I was converting my satellite box anyways, and I found out there was a port for an outside antenna that would allow me to get HD local channels. I paid about $1000 more than I should have for a useless tuner. They claim to be HD experts....just a bunch of low lifes.
Buyer beware....I wanted a refund but they were going to zap me $240 for trip charges...
Buy somewhere else!

[Brigadeer]

I have been looking to buy and HDTV from Home Theatre Store in Dallas. I'm looking at an integrate HDTV myself. How exactly did they mislead you? Don't get me wrong, I have been in there and have felt their sales pitch, they sell hard, but I found them to be very knowledgeable.

I'm just curious what they told you to make you think that they mislead you. Please let me know as I plan on purchasing my HDTV from there. Thanks!

[stilllearning]

They are fast talkers and do not listen to your needs. If they were such experts, they would have told me to just buy a solid HD TV without a built-in tuner and upgrade your satellite system. I would have saved $1000. I found this out later, confronted them and they agreed with me. Is that being HONEST?
HD is new to lots of folks and the information is confusing. If I knew about great websites like this before I made my purchase, I would not have been deceived. I reported them to the Better Business Bureau. They feed off of the confusion.
They do not have the best pricing and can be negotiated down.
They set their prices high and try to make you think they are giving you a great price, but shop around first.
Tell me what TV you are looking for and I can tell you where and what is a good price.

[jonzun]

Their is several differences between the Diamond series and the Gold Plus. If having a better pix, cabinet, and several other features is not worth 1,000 to you than you did purchase the wrong TV but to say that you got charged 1,000 for an integrated tuner is incorrect. I'm sure they could have done more for you on an exchange but to say that Home Theatre stores are crooks is a pretty general statement.

I bought from them in Houston and could not be happier. You might not have had the best experience but I would hate for the readers to feel they are a bad retailer to work with. Good luck--you purchased a Great HDTV!!

jonzun

[jonzun]

Sorry guys, this was a respones to the Home Theatre rip off post. I hit the wrong button.

[Brigadeer]

I replied to his post as well. I was upset that my salesment kept steering me away from the cheaper HD ready sets and into the slightly more expensive integrated models.

After much research, I find that he was trying to do me a favor. He knew that I was not willing to fork out another grand on HD satellite equipment, yet I wanted to experience true HD. So he showed me the prime time lineups for CBS, ABC, NBC, etc, and all that was being broadcast OTA in HD, along with the superbowl this year, as well as all SEC college footbal on CBS.

That was enough for me to see the light and want to purchase an integrated set. He also showed me how easy the menu was to use and jump from cable/satellite to your antenna. Very very easy.

I haven't purchased yet, but I will more than likely do so within the next week. Wish me luck, lol!

[Brigadeer]

I am going to buy the Platinum 55" Mitsubishi Integrated HDTV, model WS-55511. They have it listed for $2999, and I think I will get it for $2499. I am also going to buy a 5 year extended warranty for $299. I figure out the door with tax and delivery, I will be paying around $3100.

Good deal? You tell me?

By the way, here is why I think you should buy an integrated set, my opinion of course. I am having a hard enough time spending $3000 for an HDTV. That said, I am willing to do so. What I am not willing to do is to spend another grand on a HD satellite dish and receiver to only get a few channels. My guess would be that here in a year or two, satellite WILL have a lot of HD channels, and I will want to then buy one, but most likely at a much reduced price from the current $1000 investment it would take.

For now, there is a lot of HD being broadcast over the air. It took my sales rep a long time to beat it into my head, as I was stuck on buying a HD ready TV.

Thats just my opinion, I could be wrong, but I felt I would share it with you.

[eboller]

Hmmm, both my friend and I have bought from their store and never had any problem. I think mostly because we did alot of research before hand and shopped around at different places. I agree some stuff can be confusing, but I guess also from your story I don't see how they mislead you...but you know the full story. They are also a higher end store so it's not surprising they showed you the "higher" model.

I hope they "fixed" things for you. BTW which store was this? My friend and I have both dealt with the Preston store.

Eric

[mikehbkwm]

I dont think they mislead as in your screen name is stilllearning........hmmmm

[stilllearning]

Dude...
If you check what is REALLY available in 1080 format over the air..you will be disappointed. That was the same bull HomeTheater was selling me...that all primetime programming was in HD.
Its still very limited and just a select number of shows that is in 1080. That is why I upgraded my satellite system. Once you experience 1080...you want more....and only satellite gives you 24/7 1080 programming.
One more note...do not get the performance warranty...its pure profit...only 80% on these warranties are ever used.
I will get back to you later on the price of your set.

[Brigadeer]

Eboller, I am going to buy mine from the Preston location as well. How was your experience with them?

Still learning. I totally agree with you that the extended warranty is almost all profit for the rep and store, IF, nothing goes wrong with your set, and buying a Mitsubishi, I hope that would be true. If I am going to drop around $3k on a piece of equipment that requires 100% in store maintenance, I am going to protect myself for $300. I think that is a small price to pay for 5 years of peace of mind.

Going back to the integrated vs non-integrated issue. Integrated HDTV's only run about $300 more than the non-integrated set, at least from what I can tell comparing apples to apples. If its any more than $300, you usually aren't comparing apples to apples, meaning that you are usually getting a lot more features as well as the integrated set for the money.

In reference to true HDTV, you are right, some stations broadcast in 480 (I think), and only a few are transmitting true HD. Even so, how much is satellite transmitting in true HD? I don't know if it's more than OTA, and if it is, it certainly isn't worth $1000 more in equipment yet, at least in my opinion anyway.

I totally agree with you that HD through satellite is going to be the way to go in the future, but right now in the present, I just don't see it worth it for the price.

I don't mind spending an extra $300 for an integrated set now to enjoy HDTV right now, and then dropping some cash on the special HD satellite equipment later when it has dropped some in price, and has a good amount of HD programming.

Let me know what you think.

Eric

[Soultwist]

Originally posted by Brigadeer
My guess would be that here in a year or two, satellite WILL have a lot of HD channels, and I will want to then buy one, but most likely at a much reduced price from the current $1000 investment it would take.


I just bought into a HD reciever and Dish, and it only cost me $580 with a set of $80 Monster Cables and a $100 extended warranty. Now I got lucky on a great open box deal, but the list on the reciever/dish was about $600.

Also, I agrre that the extended warrantys are pure profit, but sometimes that will allow you to talk the price of the TV down if you agree to the warrenty.

[Marty]

Originally posted by Brigadeer

By the way, here is why I think you should buy an integrated set, my opinion of course. I am having a hard enough time spending $3000 for an HDTV. That said, I am willing to do so. What I am not willing to do is to spend another grand on a HD satellite dish and receiver to only get a few channels. My guess would be that here in a year or two, satellite WILL have a lot of HD channels, and I will want to then buy one, but most likely at a much reduced price from the current $1000 investment it would take.

For now, there is a lot of HD being broadcast over the air. It took my sales rep a long time to beat it into my head, as I was stuck on buying a HD ready TV.


You are certainly entitled to your opinion but I disagree with you. Spending a $1000 on a HD Sat receiver and dish will only occur if you purchase the Sony HD-200 STB and have a multi-room installation done. There are HD Sat receivers ranging from $400 - $800. The Sony is the high-end one ($800) and like all high-end models, no matter what year they debut, they will always be expensive as they are the latest and greatest at the time. Besides, by purchasing the HD TV with the integrated tuner, you are paying ~$1000 more than by purchasing a HD-ready tv so either way, your total overall cost is going to be relatively the same as if you had bought the HD-ready tv + HD sat receiver. The difference comes when do decide to upgrade to HD satellite, you will not have only payed the extra $1000 for the integrated HD tuner, but you will end up paying another $400 - $800 for the HD satellite receiver, which is able to receive and decode over-the-air high definition signals (so you are duplicating the HD tuner your tv has builtin that you paid an extra $1000 for). Also, say you decide to go with HD cable, you will likely need the cable company's HD STB (which are rented for a nominal fee), that will give you your local HD stations and therefore the builtin HD tuner in your tv will not be utilized.

Finally, if all you want is HD OTA signals, I would still go with the HD-ready tv, buy the $500 - $600 OTA only STB, and you will still save compared to the extra $1000 you would have paid for the tv with the integrated HD tuner.

[stilllearning]

You are assuming HomeTheater will be around in 5 years?
Think not...its a small local Texas chain with poor financial books. That is why I did not purchase the warranty from them. I talked to a dude at BestBuy and the Mitsubishi rep is giving them additional discounts to sell their products. Bestbuy is now their number one distributor. Bestbuy is getting feedback from their customers that they need to sell more of the higher end models. I expect BB to begin carrying the Plat. and Diamond series soon.

[stilllearning]

Originally posted by Marty
You are certainly entitled to your opinion but I disagree with you. Spending a $1000 on a HD Sat receiver and dish will only occur if you purchase the Sony HD-200 STB and have a multi-room installation done. There are HD Sat receivers ranging from $400 - $800. The Sony is the high-end one ($800) and like all high-end models, no matter what year they debut, they will always be expensive as they are the latest and greatest at the time. Besides, by purchasing the HD TV with the integrated tuner, you are paying ~$1000 more than by purchasing a HD-ready tv so either way, your total overall cost is going to be relatively the same as if you had bought the HD-ready tv + HD sat receiver. The difference comes when do decide to upgrade to HD satellite, you will not have only payed the extra $1000 for the integrated HD tuner, but you will end up paying another $400 - $800 for the HD satellite receiver, which is able to receive and decode over-the-air high definition signals (so you are duplicating the HD tuner your tv has builtin that you paid an extra $1000 for). Also, say you decide to go with HD cable, you will likely need the cable company's HD STB (which are rented for a nominal fee), that will give you your local HD stations and therefore the builtin HD tuner in your tv will not be utilized.

Finally, if all you want is HD OTA signals, I would still go with the HD-ready tv, buy the $500 - $600 OTA only STB, and you will still save compared to the extra $1000 you would have paid for the tv with the integrated HD tuner.

THIS IS MY POINT!!!!;)
I am glad someone else has figured this out...and it wasnt HomeTheater...I paid $1000 too much.
I paid $600 for a new Hughes satellite receiver and dish. DirectTV now has 4 24/7 1080 channels.

[HDTV MAN]

Originally posted by stilllearning
THIS IS MY POINT!!!!;)
I am glad someone else has figured this out...and it wasnt HomeTheater...I paid $1000 too much.
I paid $600 for a new Hughes satellite receiver and dish. DirectTV now has 4 24/7 1080 channels.

and eight more to come in 2003....

[eboller]

Must be doing half decent because they just opened a Home Theater store in the Southlake area this fall. Although I'm not sure how business has been out of there. It isn't busy at lunch the times I'm in that area.

Anyway, Eric(Brigadeer) I bought at the Preston store...Lee, if he is still there, was my salesman. My friend's too. He was cool, dropped some prices for my friend and I and really knew what he was talking about. If he's still there try to get with him. He's young with curly hair (if I remember).

As for the integrated tv or not, I haven't researched them myselvf. Marty's explanation sounds the best. If the integrated only provides capablity for OTA broadcasts and essentially is the extra $1000 of the cost, then it ain't worth it. If it is producing a better picture than the tv without integrated then it may or may not be. You can get receivers for much cheaper than $1000 at good quality. You can buy the dish later when you decide you want to go satellite. JMO.

Eric

[Brigadeer]

You all make very good points, and you have me somewhat rethinking my position, which is good. That said, please answer me these questions:

1) Lets say I buy HD ready, and then drop the money for the HD satellite equipment. Can I get my local channels in HD? The reason I ask is for football. All college football and pro football will be broadcast in HD next year. Will the satellite be able to broadcast those local channels in HD?

2) Everyone keeps saying that its a $1000 more expensive for an integrated HDTV as opposed to HD ready. Is this really the case? As I stated before, from what I see, they are about $300 more, not $1000. The integrated TV's can sometimes run a $1000 more than the non-integrated, but they also come with a lot more feautures than the HD ready sets, which is a lot of the $1000 extra you guys keep throwing out. If I am wrong, please set me straight with some info as I don't want to be misinformed.

I guess thats it. The big issue is whether or not satellite will be able to transmit local channels in HD, becuase I am a huge sports fan. I love watching football, and all of the sports that are broadcast on the local stations. If satellite will never be able to broadcast those in HD, then I assume I would want an integrated tuner for both OTA HD broadcast and satellite, right?

Again, I won't be offended if I am wrong or misinformed here. In fact, if I am not making sense and am misinformed, please slap me in the head and correct me, as I don't want to make a $3000 mistake. Thanks guys.

Eric

[stilllearning]

Originally posted by Brigadeer
You all make very good points, and you have me somewhat rethinking my position, which is good. That said, please answer me these questions:

1) Lets say I buy HD ready, and then drop the money for the HD satellite equipment. Can I get my local channels in HD? The reason I ask is for football. All college football and pro football will be broadcast in HD next year. Will the satellite be able to broadcast those local channels in HD?

2) Everyone keeps saying that its a $1000 more expensive for an integrated HDTV as opposed to HD ready. Is this really the case? As I stated before, from what I see, they are about $300 more, not $1000. The integrated TV's can sometimes run a $1000 more than the non-integrated, but they also come with a lot more feautures than the HD ready sets, which is a lot of the $1000 extra you guys keep throwing out. If I am wrong, please set me straight with some info as I don't want to be misinformed.

I guess thats it. The big issue is whether or not satellite will be able to transmit local channels in HD, becuase I am a huge sports fan. I love watching football, and all of the sports that are broadcast on the local stations. If satellite will never be able to broadcast those in HD, then I assume I would want an integrated tuner for both OTA HD broadcast and satellite, right?

Again, I won't be offended if I am wrong or misinformed here. In fact, if I am not making sense and am misinformed, please slap me in the head and correct me, as I don't want to make a $3000 mistake. Thanks guys.

Eric

Let me again say why I feel I was ripped off. If you buy a new HD sat. receiver...there is an additional jack for your outside antenna. Once you hook this up..you will get ALL the local HD broadcasts including football and this is the over the air broadcasts. This is independent from your satellite broadcasts...you do not need to pay any addl amount because the locals thru satellite is not in HD. Once you get a new sat. receiver, you do not need a TV with a built-in tuner because the sat. receiver does it for you, plus you get the benefit of watching more 1080 programs (sat&locals).
There is $1000 or more between and integrated TV vs. non...and you get more addl benefits with an integrated (like better speakers, non-glare, better optics) but these benefits do not justify the addl cost unless you add in the tuner which I really did not need.
If your difference is only $300...why pay even that when you can invest the money in new sat. receiver and get more 1080 programming.
I REPEAT..once you see 1080..you will want to see more...there is not enough 1080 in the locals.

[eboller]

Eric,

1) You can get your local stations in HD over the air (OTA) via an antenna (from Radio Shack or wherever...depending on your distance to the satellites you can possibly get away with something under $30 (with a seperate receiver or integrated).

Local channels won't come in HD over the satellite. You get these OTA via antenna.

2) I don't know the difference in costs, I've never researched them. The thing is, if you do want to add satellite later you are looking at the initial $300-1000 difference in the integrated tuner + cost of a satellite receiver/dish. Right? Seems like you are just adding an extra cost for yourself in the future...Unless of course you don't care about any future hd programming over satellite. You could buy a cheaper Hughes E86 for $500 + $99 (?) for the dish and get directtv for that cost...$600 and you'll get both the OTA and satellite channels (after paying for directtv service). That's not a huge difference even with the lower figure of $300 that you quote. You just have to weigh what is important to you right now. For me I there isn't much in the way of HD on satellite that I'm really interested in until ESPN HD comes out. So you may not be interested either if you don't care about HBO or one of the other movie channels offerings in HD. I guess it really depends on the actualy dollar difference between the sets and what the real differences are. If the pricing is equivalent to the sat receiver/dish then I say go for that...you'll get the best of both worlds rather than just OTA.

Eric

[Brigadeer]

Eboller, your position on OTA HD is different than Stilllearing. StillLearning is stating that when he bought the satellite HD equipment, it came with a jack for a normal antenna which will in fact let you get local HD signals WITHOUT the integrated chip.

Pardon me if I read your post incorrectly, but I read that you think you can only get local HD signals through OTA transmission, which would mean the you would HAVE to buy an integrated set. I'm a little confused here.

Can you or can you not get local channel HD broadcast using an antenna with your satellite HD equipment with only an HD ready TV?

[eboller]

You can buy a satellite receiver that is capable of receiving OTA via an antenna (there is an antenna jack) and satellite. You don't need the integrated chip in that case...you just need the hdtv read tv set.

And to my knowledge you can only receive local stations with HD OTA via an antenna. You can either use the integrated TV or the satellite receiver with antenna input jack.

So yes, you can get local HD via an antenna through most hd satellite receivers. Hughes e86, sony hd200, etc. etc.

Does this make sense now?

Eric

[Wooger]

Any time you go into a "Home Theatre Store" or any other high-end audio/video store, you ARE going to be dealing with gentlemen who are dead set in selling you the most expensive equipment that you will buy. If you are going there expecting them to steer you toward the 'perfect' unit for yourself, well... obviously CAVEAT EMPTOR! You are basically saying "...Hi, I have a wad of cash and need to blow it..."

If you want the 'perfect' unit, research it online, buy magazines, go to NUMEROUS stores (including lower-ended hi-fi stores) and ask around, etc. At the lower ended stores you can usually find salemen that will say "...well, if money weren't an object, then blah blah blah..." and make sure they know you're only looking around. Go to Sears too. They aren't hell-bent on making a commission there. THEN... when you have some notes jotted down, MAYBE go to the high-end store and TALK (but don't buy) and repeat a few times. Different salemen. You'll start to get an idea what you want.

I can't say I feel sorry for you, as you should have done this ahead of time. All these high-end salesmen were doing is selling you the most profitable unit they could. I EXPECT them to do so. I would be highly suspicious if they DIDN'T!

This applies to ANY large purchase (home, car, etc.) BTW. If you go in with a wide open checkbook expecting them to give you exactly what you NEED... you will leave with the most expensive item that they have. It is up to YOU to reign them in.

:rolleyes:

[kevinw]

How did I miss this post all day:D

If you check what is REALLY available in 1080 format over the air..you will be disappointed. That
was the same bull HomeTheater was selling me...that all primetime programming was in HD.
Its still very limited and just a select number of shows that is in 1080.
Disapointed? by what 80% of prime time programming is HD-1080i or 720p. and only satellite gives you 24/7 1080
programming.
Well Sort BUT NOT REALLY..PPV are not 24 hours HDnet is but a lot of repetetive programming, Discover channel is just that 24 hours of nature..

My take is that if you do not see HD cable in your future anytime soon then get a STB that will allow you to have service to a satelite provider. OTA will offer mor programming over the next year or 2 but stations going HD are not going to be OTA. ESPN, The new HDnet channels for example are going to be offered via cable or satelite and probally for an additional charge. If you watch nothing but regualar network and never will then get an integrated tuner other wise get what you need for the future not the present. It is not whats on today but next year. HD programming from The big 3 has tripled over the last year.

[HDTV MAN]

Originally posted by kevinw
How did I miss this post all day:D


Disapointed? by what 80% of prime time programming is HD-1080i or 720p.
Well Sort BUT NOT REALLY..PPV are not 24 hours HDnet is but a lot of repetetive programming, Discover channel is just that 24 hours of nature..

My take is that if you do not see HD cable in your future anytime soon then get a STB that will allow you to have service to a satelite provider. OTA will offer mor programming over the next year or 2 but stations going HD are not going to be OTA. ESPN, The new HDnet channels for example are going to be offered via cable or satelite and probally for an additional charge. If you watch nothing but regualar network and never will then get an integrated tuner other wise get what you need for the future not the present. It is not whats on today but next year. HD programming from The big 3 has tripled over the last year.

kevinw,

please do a little research!!!

DSS 509, 453, 199, and now 198 PPV are 24-7 1080i.

UHF programing is not 80% 1080i. please look at the following link:
http://www.hdtvgalaxy.com/broad.html

[BrianW]

It may be brodcast in 1080i but by no means is all the original content.

[HDTV MAN]

Originally posted by BrianW
It may be brodcast in 1080i but by no means is all the original content.


WHAT??

[BrianW]

Not all original content has been filmed in HD. Until this happens not all content on a HD station will be truly HD. It will just be upconveted, the picture will look better but will not be as good as truly HD stuff.

[kevinw]

HDTV man what is your complaint?
Your websight show that CBS,NBC and ABC's primetime programming is mostly in HD. I guess 77.2 % may be more accurate but that was not the point.
HBO and SHowtime are showing old movies converted to HD..Nice picture but we all seen the movie before.How many times can you be entertained by the same story?
Discover repeats its programming every 4 hours and HDnet does 15 hours day and is not all new original programming.
http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/imagine/HDTV.jsp

So now what was your point?

[HDTV MAN]

Originally posted by BrianW
Not all original content has been filmed in HD. Until this happens not all content on a HD station will be truly HD. It will just be upconveted, the picture will look better but will not be as good as truly HD stuff.

good point!

[HDTV MAN]

Originally posted by kevinw
HDTV man what is your complaint?
Your websight show that CBS,NBC and ABC's primetime programming is mostly in HD. I guess 77.2 % may be more accurate but that was not the point.
HBO and SHowtime are showing old movies converted to HD..Nice picture but we all seen the movie before.How many times can you be entertained by the same story?
Discover repeats its programming every 4 hours and HDnet does 15 hours day and is not all new original programming.
http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/imagine/HDTV.jsp

So now what was your point?

no complaint here.

not all of us have seen all the movies.

but anything in 1080i is outstanding!!!

i could watch squirels having sex in 1080i.

ya know..

[kevinw]

I got ya. I to sometimes watch the worst program just for the picture--Check out Less than Perfect...Now what channel has the squirrels:D

[stilllearning]

Originally posted by kevinw
HDTV man what is your complaint?
Your websight show that CBS,NBC and ABC's primetime programming is mostly in HD. I guess 77.2 % may be more accurate but that was not the point.
HBO and SHowtime are showing old movies converted to HD..Nice picture but we all seen the movie before.How many times can you be entertained by the same story?
Discover repeats its programming every 4 hours and HDnet does 15 hours day and is not all new original programming.
http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/imagine/HDTV.jsp

So now what was your point?

Dude,
Check the local programming for tonight...
prime time hours = 7-10PM
There are three major channels
so there is 9 hours of available programming
Of the 9 hours, only 5 hours are broadcasted in HD
Thats only 55.5%...of the five hours only 3 hours is in 1080i...hmmm thats just 33%...
I sure am glad I get alot of local HD programming...

[Knight]

I purchased a Mitsubishi WS65869 from the Home Theatre Store in Arlington Tx, and got one hell of a deal on the TV,
in my opinion the Home Theatre Store is an excellent place to purchase a new HDTV set. I would disreguard the comments of anyone who would spend the money required for HDTV with out researching the technology enough to decide if they wanted a set with a built in tuner or not. The sales people are going to recomend sets with built in tuners unless you tell them specifically you do not need/want a built in HD tuner.

The Home Theatre Store is an excellent place to buy an HDTV with very compeditive prices, and a good solid price guarentee.

frys electronics had my Mitsubishi ws65869 on sale for $3200.00...
not knowing this I went to the Home Theatre Store and was looking at spending $3500K on a sony set with no tuner, the salesman pointed out that since frys had the superior WS65869 with tuner on sale that after their price guarentee I could purchase this set from them for an evel 3K plus tax...

this model was at the time avaliable everywhere else for about $4500.00 so I saved almost $1500 by going to the Home Theatre store on this TV and it had a built in Tuner that I was not expecting!!!

I got such a good price from the Home Theatre Store that another user on this very forum who purchased the same TV around the same time acused me of buying a refurbished model because he spent so much more money!!!

It was all because the sales person voulenteered this information to me...

basically HDTV is still expencive enough that you do not purchase one with out doing research first.. and once you do know what you want stick to your gun's and don't pay for anything you don't need... it is not the store's fault.

[BadCamper]

All I have to say about high-end home audio/video electronics stores is HAGGLE HAGGLE HAGGLE!

I have a friend who negotiated with a salesman in that very "Home Theatre Store" into selling him a current model brand new Mitsubishi 65" Integrated TV for $3300!

I believe Wooger has given the best advice on this thread to date as far as what to do for future purchases.

It seems none of you can win here. The number one complaint I hear about retailers on this website is a combination of "that 17 year old working at Circuit City/Best Buy/etc sold me the wrong equipment and doesn't know what he's talking about" and "that fast talking 25 year old at the Home Theatre Store/Magnolia Hi-Fi/Ultimate Electronics/Tweeter (who used to work at a Circuit City/Best Buy/etc) sold me the pricier wrong equipment..."


Before I settle down and purchase anything major I plan long and hard about it. It took a couple of weeks to pick out a 27" flat-screen TV.
I return to individual sales people time and time again picking their brains for information, weeding out the individuals who are commission-crazed or BSers with no substantial knowledge. I never buy from the first "chum" I see...not even if it's the "Manager's Special" day or the "Sale of the year!"

[kevinw]

DUDE,
720p and 1080i are both HD.
A quick check for the next week gives us at least 30 hours of different programming on the big 3. Of course the Presidents state of the Union Address eliminates 6 hours worth of programming -So oops out of 57 hours worth of programming 30 is HD 52% is HD. Yep your right not enough programming to bother with even buying a HD TV. So hurry back to that store that ripped you off -DUDE..

[Wooger]

Yeah. Actually... on those TVs that can display 720p natively as well as 1080i, I believe that the 720p might actually look BETTER!! I have read various ideas about this... most think that the reason is that 1080i = 540p and also that 'p' looks better than 'i'.

Anyway, 720p is DEFINITELY HD. As is 1080i.

[LeeS]

Quite a thread :) I thought the Mitsi Diamond series sets I saw looked pretty good. More to em than just the internal tuner.

I believe 540p has the same horizontal sweep frequency as 1080i, 1080i just has twice as many horizontal lines. I'll let you know how my set converts the 720p to 1080i after the game Sunday. :) 1080i and upconverted 720p have been looking pretty good so far.

The new Toshiba 57" DLC does 1080p. Wonder if we will ever see that broadcast? If so, we are all screwed :D

Lee

[BadCamper]

Originally posted by stilllearning
Dude,
Check the local programming for tonight...
prime time hours = 7-10PM
There are three major channels
so there is 9 hours of available programming
Of the 9 hours, only 5 hours are broadcasted in HD
Thats only 55.5%...of the five hours only 3 hours is in 1080i...hmmm thats just 33%...
I sure am glad I get alot of local HD programming...

Wooh, regardless of what is actually broadcast in HD or not, you've got some screwy numbers going on man! It's no wonder a salesman had a hay-day charging you the full MSRP.

I'd reccomend you go ahead and tack on a commission for that TV for all the great folks on this website who've offered advice without asking anything in return.

[stilllearning]

Correct my math then...genius....did you run out of fingers and toes....you must be a Home Theater employee...

[stilllearning]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Knight
[B]I purchased a Mitsubishi WS65869 from the Home Theatre Store in Arlington Tx, and got one hell of a deal on the TV,
in my opinion the Home Theatre Store is an excellent place to purchase a new HDTV set. I would disreguard the comments of anyone who would spend the money required for HDTV with out researching the technology enough to decide if they wanted a set with a built in tuner or not. The sales people are going to recomend sets with built in tuners unless you tell them specifically you do not need/want a built in HD tuner.

The Home Theatre Store is an excellent place to buy an HDTV with very compeditive prices, and a good solid price guarentee.

frys electronics had my Mitsubishi ws65869 on sale for $3200.00...
not knowing this I went to the Home Theatre Store and was looking at spending $3500K on a sony set with no tuner, the salesman pointed out that since frys had the superior WS65869 with tuner on sale that after their price guarentee I could purchase this set from them for an evel 3K plus tax...

Bet you purchased the extended service warranty and a shit load of monster cables...I hope you continue to support the salesman and sales manager that has 3 HD TVS and satellite in every room.

[BadCamper]

You're quite the pessimist aren't you?

"Correct my math then...genius...you must be a Home Theatre Employee..."

As a matter of fact I've never set foot in the Home Theatre Store...who's the genius now?
The person who has real knowledge on consumer level audio/video electronics and knows when he's getting screwed over (me) or the person who gets shammed and then comes to a forum of strangers to bitch his life away and then skoff at people like Knight for no apparant reason (you)?

And by the way, I have found that some steel wool dipped in paint thinner works WONDERS on the lenses and mirror of Rear-Projection TV's...even BETTER than dish-washing soap!

[fanshen]

And by the way, I have found that some steel wool dipped in paint thinner works WONDERS on the lenses and mirror of Rear-Projection TV's...even BETTER than dish-washing soap!

rotfl...wait...now I have these lines on all of the pictures... ;) haHA!

[Knight]

Originally posted by stilllearning
Bet you purchased the extended service warranty and a shit load of monster cables...I hope you continue to support the salesman and sales manager that has 3 HD TVS and satellite in every room. [/B]

Actually, I did not purchase the warranty, I do not have a single Monster cable, (all S-Video from Walmart), and I will continue to support any salesman who helps me to save the amount of money that I saved by going to the Home Theatre Store.

No salesman in the world could convince me to buy something I didn't want or need...

[eboller]

Originally posted by stilllearning
Bet you purchased the extended service warranty and a shit load of monster cables...I hope you continue to support the salesman and sales manager that has 3 HD TVS and satellite in every room.

Not trying to start a fight but it seems funny that you are ripping on someone that wasn't even ripped off by Home Theater Store, yet you came here complaining about being ripped off by the store yourself.

I still don't see from your story how you were ripped off, although you are obviously not pleased. It sounds more like a misunderstanding between you and your salesperson and you not having fully researched the options available. Ask Home Theater to correct the situation to your satisfaction. I'm sure if you explain your position in a non threatening matter they will remedy it. It sounds like most of the folks here have had a good experience with them...and that doesn't mean they were suckered. I know I got a deal of the audio equipment I purchased from them. My friend got a deal off all of his equipment. You just need to research and not commit yourself right off the bat to one store. Let them prove why you should shop there. Check other stores out.

Best of luck. I hope things work out in the end the way you want.

Eric

[stilllearning]

Originally posted by BadCamper
You're quite the pessimist aren't you?

"Correct my math then...genius...you must be a Home Theatre Employee..."

As a matter of fact I've never set foot in the Home Theatre Store...who's the genius now?
The person who has real knowledge on consumer level audio/video electronics and knows when he's getting screwed over (me) or the person who gets shammed and then comes to a forum of strangers to bitch his life away and then skoff at people like Knight for no apparant reason (you)?

And by the way, I have found that some steel wool dipped in paint thinner works WONDERS on the lenses and mirror of Rear-Projection TV's...even BETTER than dish-washing soap!

Sorry...dont want my lens to look like your face...

[stilllearning]

Originally posted by eboller
Not trying to start a fight but it seems funny that you are ripping on someone that wasn't even ripped off by Home Theater Store, yet you came here complaining about being ripped off by the store yourself.

I still don't see from your story how you were ripped off, although you are obviously not pleased. It sounds more like a misunderstanding between you and your salesperson and you not having fully researched the options available. Ask Home Theater to correct the situation to your satisfaction. I'm sure if you explain your position in a non threatening matter they will remedy it. It sounds like most of the folks here have had a good experience with them...and that doesn't mean they were suckered. I know I got a deal of the audio equipment I purchased from them. My friend got a deal off all of his equipment. You just need to research and not commit yourself right off the bat to one store. Let them prove why you should shop there. Check other stores out.

Best of luck. I hope things work out in the end the way you want.

Eric

Its funny how folks in here have selective reading..
When I go in a high-end type store...I expect knowledgable salesman to sell me a product that meets my needs...if I knew everything about the products...I would have shopped at BBY or CC where those folks are not on commission and primarily order-takers. When you shell out that much money for a TV...you want to feel good about that purchase...I gave those jokers a chance to right the situation, but it would cost me more money for the trip charges. In my opinion, they should have offer to pick up those charges and then I would be a happy camper. Their arrogance showed when all they did was continue to talk about the addl features outside of the tuner.
This has been quite a fun thread...outside of the insults... the lesson learned is that you dont need a integrated tuner in your HD TV to pick up locals if you upgrade your satellite.

[BadCamper]

Oooh, you're making me shake in my genius pants with these crude insults! I can only wish that you missed some of that precious 22.139% HD broadcast trying to come up with a futile come-back for me on this thread.


eboller: Ask Home Theater to correct the situation to your satisfaction. I'm sure if you explain your position in a non threatening matter they will remedy it.

Hahahahahahahaha! "non threatening matter"...as somebody who has witnessed this thread, you should know that stillearning isn't cabable of socializing with people in a non threatening matter!


Knight, I didn't know Walmart carries S-Video cables...are they "Walmart Brand?" You ought to write a review comparing Walmart Brand S-Video to Monster S-Video!

[stilllearning]

Originally posted by BadCamper
Oooh, you're making me shake in my genius pants with these crude insults! I can only wish that you missed some of that precious 22.139% HD broadcast trying to come up with a futile come-back for me on this thread.




Hahahahahahahaha! "non threatening matter"...as somebody who has witnessed this thread, you should know that stillearning isn't cabable of socializing with people in a non threatening matter!


Knight, I didn't know Walmart carries S-Video cables...are they "Walmart Brand?" You ought to write a review comparing Walmart Brand S-Video to Monster S-Video!

Hey dude..
Tell me what equipment you own.

[Knight]

Originally posted by BadCamper



Knight, I didn't know Walmart carries S-Video cables...are they "Walmart Brand?" You ought to write a review comparing Walmart Brand S-Video to Monster S-Video!

They are not WalMart brand, if I remember right there are RCA brand, but the point was that they were not expencive...

as for writing a review, I don't have any monster cables to compare my current cables to, but if you would like to send me some I will be more than happy to write a review :)

you big scratched lens face!!! hahahahaha

stillearning must be about 12yrs old

[garpt]

The responsibility ultimately lies with YOU as the consumer. In this day and age, with rapidly emerging technologies, and chain stores where sales training and product knowledge seem to be low on the list of priorities, one should do their homework well. With all the resources available to a buyer on the internet, thru friends, etc. , there is no excuse to not educate yourself before spending your hard-earned money. I don't even buy a toaster or microwave without doing some internet research, and checking a consumer publication or two. And don't expect to just be able to fall back on a store's return policy if you ultimately make a wrong decision.
Just my .002.

Former Audio/Video Retail manager.

Gary

[BadCamper]

Originally posted by Knight

as for writing a review, I don't have any monster cables to compare my current cables to, but if you would like to send me some I will be more than happy to write a review :)

you big scratched lens face!!! hahahahaha

Yeah, I looked around, and I'm fresh out of Monster S-Video...haha.
I don't have any components that use S-Video, so I jump straight from Composite to Component Video.


As for what garpt says, it's perfectly logical.

If Person A goes to the Ford dealership with absolutely know substantial knowledge about televisio---err automobiles, Person A is going to drive home with "the best truck in Texas" or "the most reliable automobile in the industry" probably along with all the not-always necessary packages (leather seating, 4WD, etc). I'm not just bashing on Ford here, it would happen at ANY automobile dealership.
I have a friend who works with Hewlett-Packard and swears up and down that they make the best computers, printers, cameras (hahahah!!!!), etc etc.

[stilllearning]

FYI...Dudes...

That wonder HD TV they sold me....I had to call Mitsubishi today to get them out to repair it. The worthless integrated tuner is not receiving a signal from my outside antenna to see an HD broadcast.
This adventure is getting so much better. Of course...if I did my research I could have prevented this from happening.

[jonzun]

I'm not sure but I do not think this forum was intended for this type of BS!! Most of this rhetoric is a waste of time. Let's please end this nightmare and "turn the page" I think we can all learn from this.

jonzun

[mikehbkwm]

I know this post is getting well lets just say old...................

[Animalism]

As a newbie I don't mean to jump in, but working non-commission sales for the past five years I can honestly say 9 out of 10 customers that buy HDTVs from me pick up a maintenance plan. HDTVs are very expensive to repair and it's even harder to find someone certified by the HDTV Manufacturers to do the repairs. My company has actually had to have technicians flown in to do on-site repairs. An HDTV is an investment, so I would encourage you to pick up a maintenance plan to protect that investment. I've seen customers in awe when saved by the maintenance plan and I've also seen upset customers without a maintenance plan. Thanks.

[mikehbkwm]

Originally posted by stilllearning

Its funny how folks in here have selective reading..
When I go in a high-end type store...I expect knowledgable salesman to sell me a product that meets my needs...if I knew everything about the products...I would have shopped at BBY or CC where those folks are not on commission and primarily order-takers. When you shell out that much money for a TV...you want to feel good about that purchase...I gave those jokers a chance to right the situation, but it would cost me more money for the trip charges. In my opinion, they should have offer to pick up those charges and then I would be a happy camper. Their arrogance showed when all they did was continue to talk about the addl features outside of the tuner.
This has been quite a fun thread...outside of the insults... the lesson learned is that you dont need a integrated tuner in your HD TV to pick up locals if you upgrade your satellite.



BLAH BLAH BLAH Stilllearning this is the last time I will even waste posting to your ignorance. ADMIT IT YOU KNEW KNOWING GOING INTO THAT STORE AND YOU REALLY KNEW NOTHING LEAVING THAT STORE. THEY DIDNT SUCKER YOU, ITS NOT THEIR FAULT YOU REALLY KNOW NOTHING ABOUT HDTV. STOP YOUR MOUTHING OFF AND GO DO IT AT ANOTHER WEBSITE. WITH ALL THE INFORMATION THAT THE INTERNET HOLDS THERE IS REALLY NO REASON AT ALL SOMEONE CANT FIND INFORMATION ON A PRODUCT BEFORE THEY GO BUY IT. THE INTERNET HAS ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING THAT ANYONE COULD EVER WANT TO FIND.

[Tom]

Originally posted by HDTV MAN
and eight more to come in 2003....

Which ones?

[billw]

I havent loggen in since Thursday ( I think). A 3 page thread - this is more exciting than the Superbowl!

[stilllearning]

Originally posted by mikehbkwm
Originally posted by stilllearning

Its funny how folks in here have selective reading..
When I go in a high-end type store...I expect knowledgable salesman to sell me a product that meets my needs...if I knew everything about the products...I would have shopped at BBY or CC where those folks are not on commission and primarily order-takers. When you shell out that much money for a TV...you want to feel good about that purchase...I gave those jokers a chance to right the situation, but it would cost me more money for the trip charges. In my opinion, they should have offer to pick up those charges and then I would be a happy camper. Their arrogance showed when all they did was continue to talk about the addl features outside of the tuner.
This has been quite a fun thread...outside of the insults... the lesson learned is that you dont need a integrated tuner in your HD TV to pick up locals if you upgrade your satellite.



BLAH BLAH BLAH Stilllearning this is the last time I will even waste posting to your ignorance. ADMIT IT YOU KNEW KNOWING GOING INTO THAT STORE AND YOU REALLY KNEW NOTHING LEAVING THAT STORE. THEY DIDNT SUCKER YOU, ITS NOT THEIR FAULT YOU REALLY KNOW NOTHING ABOUT HDTV. STOP YOUR MOUTHING OFF AND GO DO IT AT ANOTHER WEBSITE. WITH ALL THE INFORMATION THAT THE INTERNET HOLDS THERE IS REALLY NO REASON AT ALL SOMEONE CANT FIND INFORMATION ON A PRODUCT BEFORE THEY GO BUY IT. THE INTERNET HAS ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING THAT ANYONE COULD EVER WANT TO FIND.

[stilllearning]

BLAH BLAH BLAH Stilllearning this is the last time I will even waste posting to your ignorance. ADMIT IT YOU KNEW KNOWING GOING INTO THAT STORE AND YOU REALLY KNEW NOTHING LEAVING THAT STORE. THEY DIDNT SUCKER YOU, ITS NOT THEIR FAULT YOU REALLY KNOW NOTHING ABOUT HDTV. STOP YOUR MOUTHING OFF AND GO DO IT AT ANOTHER WEBSITE. WITH ALL THE INFORMATION THAT THE INTERNET HOLDS THERE IS REALLY NO REASON AT ALL SOMEONE CANT FIND INFORMATION ON A PRODUCT BEFORE THEY GO BUY IT. THE INTERNET HAS ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING THAT ANYONE COULD EVER WANT TO FIND. [/B][/QUOTE]

What crawled up your hole...a dead gerbil?
Didnt know an old fart like you can control web forums...if so many folks were not interested...how come this became a three page thread...go back to your Nazi website..maggot

ESPN is coming to DTV.

[BadCamper]

Perhaps people return to this thread to make rebuttal against the barbaric and unnecessary insults made to them such as "Nazi" or "maggot"

[mikehbkwm]

Well I didnt know that being 24yrs old was considered old. Can one of the moderators please take this guy off the forum. Everyone seems to be getting annoyed by this.

[57U]

All right, let's all stop acting juvenile. This forum is not a place for Flames . This thread has run its course.

[cjhsa]

I was just looking at a Mits 48" Platinum with built in decoder at Good Guys for $2499. Seems like a pretty good deal to me. The other posters on this thread are correct, there is hardly anything coming in HD over the satellite, you need a good UHF antenna.

[hdexpert]

deal a little more i know several peeps who have gotten that set for under 2400

[stilllearning]

Originally posted by hdexpert
deal a little more i know several peeps who have gotten that set for under 2400

I am sure since you are such an hd exjerk that you
you negotiated a great price for your Diamond series TV. An uninformed fool like me paid $3800 for mine... what did you pay for yours?
Hope you find great use for Net Command.

[hdexpert]

3396 plus 299 for service policy tax total 4000.00....guess ya got ripped off again little guy