WALMART adds WIDESCREEN HDTV

[Eyedox]

I was in my local Wal-Mart today and noticed that they added a plethora of new HDTV's finally in the widescreen 16:9 format from Phillips, RCA, etc. There original HD sets were all 4:3. They are widescreen HD "ready" sets. They even have a new 30" widescreen direct view CRT TV. Too bad I don't give Wal-Mart any of my money.

[mikehbkwm]

NOOOOOO DAMNNNNNNNN WAYYYYYYYY....

you know somethings up when Wally World is selling pioneer HD sets heres a link and i was laughing the whole time i saw this

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=1978033&cat=3996&type=19&dept=3944&path=0%3A3944%3A3987%3A3996

I wonder how old that model is...1 to 2 years old........

im still laughing ahahhahhahahahahahahah look at all the models they have........

[57U]

Damn, I hate it when things go mainstream.

I'm no longer on the "cutting edge".

Time to find a new hobby.

[FullBandwidth]

Originally posted by 57U

Time to find a new hobby.

Well, triathlon is big now, so you could take your unique format mainstream - Moderate, Cycle, Run ...

[57U]

Sounds good, although I swim, I've never been competitive - too "dense" ;) , I cycle weekends, I run on evenings when I don't cycle, and I moderate (well I post anyway) when possible.

Running was "interesting" this afternoon. Temperature was 38.4 C, with a "humidex" (I think you say "heat index") of 47C. I think that's above 115F... Many glasses of water today and a good Belgian beer and I feel great - temperature has dropped to 32C now on my Davis Instruments Weather Station. The "Great White North..."

[DoubleDAZ]

If you could handle that, you should summer in Phoenix, it's a daily thing here! :D

[57U]

Yep, summer of 1980, stayed in Phoenix when the temperature was in the mid-40's - around 120F. It was a dry heat though. Many people died that summer in the southern US. I remember having to open the hotel room door using a towel because it was literally too hot to touch the doorknob. Cicadas were buzzing like crazy and we couldn't walk barefoot on the concrete at midnight because it was still too hot from the day. Very memorable. Sorry, got off topic again...

Hope the fires south of you are contained soon.

[BigJohn]

I decided to leave Tucson in 1992 when a summer overnight low was 90 degrees.

What was the topic again?

[lonestar]

I feel that 57U, I was staining my deck today and I had to stop because my sweat kept mucking up the wet stain. And I'll be dead before I stain my deck in a headband. I'm a maniac, maniac that's.........nevermind. :D

[DoubleDAZ]

Well, I deliver mail here, so I'm out in it for more than 6 hours a day. Once I get out of the office, I really don't let it bother me much, I won't melt. Besides, it beats delivering the mail when it's -10 and the wind is blowing in a midwest winter (originally from Wisconsin). :eek:

As for the topic, there really isn't much more to say. Seems like the first post said what needed to be said, though I must admit I had to chuckle at 57's 'cutting edge" comment. :)

[spaceman_spiff]

Whew, its been hot here in DC area. 105F. :eek:

We had 3 months of rain and now we have heat wave.
Had been out shuttling to customers offices for meetings all week, boy its hot out there.

[spaceman_spiff]

Originally posted by Eyedox
I was in my local Wal-Mart today and noticed that they added a plethora of new HDTV's finally in the widescreen 16:9 format from Phillips, RCA, etc.

Cant imagine listening to the uneducated statements made by the salesmen in WALMART on HDTV. :rolleyes:

[FullBandwidth]

Originally posted by spaceist
Cant imagine listening to the uneducated statements made by the salesmen in WALMART on HDTV. :rolleyes:

I submit that Wally World's business model is based entirely on the consumer who buys on price - that kind of consumer really doesn't need any technical info. Hell, people buy bicycles (Schwinn no less) there, who knows if they've been put together by competent people, to save a few bucks over going to a bike store where you'll actually get something that won't fall apart in 2 weeks.

People will buy cheap HDTVs at WalMart, even if 30% of them return them, it still increases the penetration of the product into the market. Which for all of us fanatics here, can actually be a good thing, as it incentivises producers to put more HD content onto the network.

[mhdiab]

or it can be a bad thing based on incorrect information and people going home installing the TV expecting two hundred HD channels - complaining like crazy when they don't get it - returns the tv and loudly announce to anybody that will listen that HD sucks and they sure didn't see a better picture........

It can go two ways - there has to be more general info out there that tells the consumer what HD material is available and how to receive it.....

[Wooger]

No different than buying your HDTVs at Sears really... Except Sears has a bit of the higher-browed folks! Not as many sticky kid fingerprints on the screens at Sears. But, since you are purchasing a sealed boxed unit, I don't imagine you'll even notice the difference.

You don't go to the stores to view the actual demos, right? We all do that online, and when we finally go to the store, it is to purchase only?! Well, maybe not, but that is the idea at least. If you MUST do a comparison, maybe do the high-end stores (that stocks what Walmart stocks? LOL!) and THEN buy it at Wally's deep-discounted price!

IMHO

[MickeyGee]

Originally posted by FullBandwidth
I submit that Wally World's business model is based entirely on the consumer who buys on price - that kind of consumer really doesn't need any technical info. Hell, people buy bicycles (Schwinn no less) there, who knows if they've been put together by competent people, to save a few bucks over going to a bike store where you'll actually get something that won't fall apart in 2 weeks.

People will buy cheap HDTVs at WalMart, even if 30% of them return them, it still increases the penetration of the product into the market. Which for all of us fanatics here, can actually be a good thing, as it incentivises producers to put more HD content onto the network.
I agree. Remember also that Walmart's business model is: high volume at low prices. This would indicate that they foresee being able to sell large numbers of HDTV units at the right price point. In turn, this should drive price competition amongst the other retails (BB, CC, etc.). All in all, a good thing.

[FullBandwidth]

Originally posted by mhdiab
or it can be a bad thing based on incorrect information and people going home installing the TV expecting two hundred HD channels - complaining like crazy when they don't get it - returns the tv and loudly announce to anybody that will listen that HD sucks and they sure didn't see a better picture........

It can go two ways - there has to be more general info out there that tells the consumer what HD material is available and how to receive it.....

Well consider this: how many consumers ran out and bought PCs when they ran DOS 2.1 and had 16 colors? It's a heck of a lot harder to do anything useful on that than it is to get a picture on your new Walmart HDTV. But people bought them in droves, drove the prices down and expectations of quality up, until today you actually get something worthwhile when you buy a PC at Walmart (or anywhere else).

We all tossed our DOS PCs in a landfill a long time ago and never looked back. Will the same thing happen with the HDTVs we're buying today? I'd put a dollar on it...and apparently so would Sam Walton's heirs...

[woodman]

Originally posted by Wooger
No different than buying your HDTVs at Sears really... Except Sears has a bit of the higher-browed folks! Not as many sticky kid fingerprints on the screens at Sears. But, since you are purchasing a sealed boxed unit, I don't imagine you'll even notice the difference.

You don't go to the stores to view the actual demos, right? We all do that online, and when we finally go to the store, it is to purchase only?! Well, maybe not, but that is the idea at least. If you MUST do a comparison, maybe do the high-end stores (that stocks what Walmart stocks? LOL!) and THEN buy it at Wally's deep-discounted price! IMHO

Buying an HDTV from Sears makes some sense. Buying one from Wal-Mart makes absolutely NO sense whatsoever! Why? There are a whole bunch of reasons, such as the following:

1. Sears carry genuine models from a mfg. line ... the same sets you'd find at any authorized seller of that brand. What's for sale at Wal-Mart will be stripped down models with DIFFERENT model #s from those from the regular lineup of that mfg.

2. Sears carry a variety of models from a half-dozen or more manufacturers. Wal-Mart will probably only offer a couple of sets from two - possibly three companies.

3. Sears have their own service departments to keep the set performing throughout the original warranty period, and (if you have the good sense to purchase more coverage), for an additional number of years after that. Wal-Mart will NEVER have any TV service dept. of it's own ... ever! Translation: the future of a set purchased there will be in the hands of questionable independent servicers - underpaid - understaffed - and with absolutely NO concern for your happiness or contentment.

4. Sears have a vested interest (more so than ANY other retailer) in making sure you're happy with your purchase. They want to sell you tons of the other stuff that they carry. Wal-Mart is probably at the extreme other end of that particular spectrum.

Enough?

[Wooger]

Dear God. So many flaws, so little time.

OK, I will use small words so you can keep up:

1. Sears carry genuine models from a mfg. line ... the same sets you'd find at any authorized seller of that brand. What's for sale at Wal-Mart will be stripped down models with DIFFERENT model #s from those from the regular lineup of that mfg.

I am not saying go to Wal-Mart and buy a DIFFERENT model. That would defeat the whole prupose of scoping out a specific model and then buying it there for cheap. DUH! You scope out your favorite model elsewhere, then buy it at the cheapest place... online, Wal-Mart, etc. Since I don't exactly trust anyone where you cannot pay the money then walk out the door with the item (cannot do that online, CAN at Wally's) I have no qualms buying a factory sealed unit from Walmart (or, more specifically, Sam's Club).

2. Sears carry a variety of models from a half-dozen or more manufacturers. Wal-Mart will probably only offer a couple of sets from two - possibly three companies.

...so you check to see if the cheap place (Walmart/Sam's) has the one you have chosen in stock... if not, move on. If you want a Hitachi or Mitsubishi... yeah, I'd have to agree that Wally's ain't gonna stock it probably. BUT IF THEY DO CARRY IT, AND PRICE IT CHEAPER, then you buy it there. Seemed pretty straightforward. I am guessing most people understood this rationale. If Wally's doesn't stock it, you cannot buy it from them. Again, DUH! I am not advocating Wally's as the high-tech haven. I am saying that if they have your chosen model in stock, why not save a few bucks and buy it from them?

Let's continue...

3. Sears have their own service departments to keep the set performing throughout the original warranty period, and (if you have the good sense to purchase more coverage), for an additional number of years after that. Wal-Mart will NEVER have any TV service dept. of it's own ... ever! Translation: the future of a set purchased there will be in the hands of questionable independent servicers - underpaid - understaffed - and with absolutely NO concern for your happiness or contentment.

My Sears has NO TV service department that I am aware of. I believe that Sear's has quit servicing TVs (and Hi-Fi equipment and telephones, etc.) for decades now. In this day and age, the multi-brand TV repairman is a vanishing species, you know this all to well I am sure as a retired . The bigger companies defer to the brand-specific servicing. If a Sony breaks down, there is an authorized Sony Serviceperson for your area that is contracted to come to your house and fix your Sony TV. Likewise RCA, etc. If Sears STILL has a multi-brand service dept. and fixes them themselves, then they are the only big outlet left that does so. Walmart would be no different than BB, CC, or any of the other big conglomorate fellas that farm everything out to the brand-specific techs.

Next.

4. Sears have a vested interest (more so than ANY other retailer) in making sure you're happy with your purchase. They want to sell you tons of the other stuff that they carry. Wal-Mart is probably at the extreme other end of that particular spectrum.

Sears is out to make me happy?!? Is that why they stopped honoring their lifetime guarantees on their tools? I just recently discovered that it now costs extra for that wonderful Sears warranty. I honestly believe that Sams and Walmarts are trying just as hard as ANY retailer to make you happy, including Sears. Don't get me wrong, my customer satisfaction with Sears is MUCH higher than with Sams or Walmart, but not enough that I would eschew Sams/Walmart if the price was much cheaper. The explanation above, that Sears "...wants to sell you tons of other stuff that they carry..." holds ture for ANY retailer, INCLUDING Sams and Walmart.

Enough?

No, not really? What caused the crappy attitude? I don't recall pissing in your wheaties this morning? I was merely observing that if the model exists cheaper at Walmart than 'Stans House Of Insanely Priced TVs' and that they are both the EXACT SAME MODEL and both are still factory boxed, why support the price gouger? You jumped on it like I was the next Hitler. As you have done with me before. I am not sure if you are needing a refill on your meds but try and keep in mind that this board is about HELPING PEOPLE and not personal flamewars.

Feel free to respond ad naseum. I am now putting your tripe on the same frequency as RobMX... my personal BLOCKED LIST. Just don't expect any response from me anymore. The only way I will see anything you post is via quotes from those with the stomach to actually reply to you.

Have a nice day Mr. Woody!

[kevinw]

WOOGER Calm down.

Walmart Does not sell the same model line as everyone else. They have models just for them. Usually a stripped down or older version of what is currently at other vendors.
Sears does have service group. The service departments are not on sight of the stores. As a matter of fact Sears services the factory warranty of whatever it sells.
The cost of a warranty is built into a product when sold by a manufacturer. Sears buys at a lesser cost without the MNF warranty and gambles they can profit by the difference.

IMO I think it is great that Walmart is selling TV's Every product needs an inexepensive entry level model. Since Walmart survives by it's rural store's they will be filling a market not tapped by the Big Urban BOX Stores.. So I agree with parts of both post that you an Woodman have said.

[Wooger]

BTW, my support of Walmart wasn't "Wal-Mart" but rather it's bastard warehouse son "Sam's Club" as we don't have a Walmart in my area (yet... they are building one though, dammit) and we have TWO Sams Clubs.

I am also aware of the Sears Service Centers, but I think (again, not sure) that they only repair washers, dryers, refrigerators, etc. and not electronics, but... well, I definitely could be wrong there. I KNOW that they occasionally farm out the help as I am in tight with a local Sony Authorized Dealer and he gets Sears work occasionally. But the bulk of his stuff is CC, BB, ABC Warehouse (our local electronics warehouse store).

Sorry. I re-reading my respons, I bristled a bit. Some further thought shoulda gone into my response before firing back the vitrol.

...and again BTW, I THOUGHT I understood the Wal-Mart Special TV brands as being model specific. If the model number is different, you aren't getting the same set. Thus my statement: If you find it elsewhere and like it, and Wally's stock THAT EXACT SAME ITEM NUMBER then why not buy it there? That is all I was saying.

...and another BTW: Wal-Mart apparently offers the same extended warrenties that you get at BB, CC, etc. Multi-year, farmed out thingys. Check out their website. So they aren't completely devoid of customer service.

WOOGER Calmed. WOOGER needs beer. Beer GOOD! Kevin likes beer. Kevin GOOD. GOOD WOOGER...

[mhdiab]

my point when I posted earlier about Wal-Mart being both good and bad is the followin:
1. Market Saturation - good
2. Statement that HD is going mainstream - good
3. People buying HD-ready sets without knowing it like most people today - good (they are ready for later)
4. Customers getting a returned tv without knowing it, worse customer service than BB and CC - bad.

General statement probably wrong, but here it is:
Customers that walks into Wal-Mart will unless they are among the few 5% exception people not have a clue about HD and once they have a clue it will be a very small clue. They are more likely to be misinformed and pissed of and if we start seeing a bunch of official complaints about HD and negative press then it might not benefit the development of HD at all, more the opposite....

So yes good and bad things about HDTV's at Wal-Mart. HDTV's at Wal-Mart in five years - great.

[Leth]

"I am also aware of the Sears Service Centers, but I think (again, not sure) that they only repair washers, dryers, refrigerators, etc. and not electronics, but... well, I definitely could be wrong there. I KNOW that they occasionally farm out the help as I am in tight with a local Sony Authorized Dealer and he gets Sears work occasionally. But the bulk of his stuff is CC, BB, ABC Warehouse (our local electronics warehouse store). "

Actually Sears has the largest national service fleet in the country. We service everything that we sell, that includes mainly appliances, but also any kind of electronics, air conditioners, water softners, tractors/lawn mowers, any power tool. (we no longer repair VCRs, TV's under 20", cheaper DVD players, counter top microwaves, and cheap vacuumn cleaners) As most people are pretty outraged when they findout it will cost as much, if not more to repair than it is to buy a new one. So we don't even try.

As for your friend getting work from Sears. I guess because you are in a rural area but in most areas Sears has full time techs trained in specific areas and when you need service they'll come out to your house, or you can drop it off at the local repair shop.

[runner3061]

direct tv does not even know what channel espnhd is going to be how can they not know that.

[BrianW]

Sears has repaired my TV several times (and replaced it once). So I guess I would say the Sears does indeed have Service people that service TV's.

[kevinw]

Maybe Sony TV's breakdown alot?
Lansing, the capital of Michigan a rural town? I don't think so. East Lansing home to Michigan State Spartans and my 2nd favorite college hockey team after Northern Michigan...
Yes beer is good and I still love ya Wooger :D

[Wooger]

I'm gonna have to catch up with him and ask exactly what it is then. I KNOW that he has subcontracted out to Sears on occasion, but it might be just for parts?!? Possibly? I won't say for certain until I talk to him and find out. Fulton Radio Supply IS the main Authorized Sony dealer in our area, so I wouldn't be surprised if maybe they are hitting him up for parts as they tend to have Sony parts for almost anything right there in stock!

Sorry about the Sears misconception. I knew that they still service heavy appliances (used them recently for that on my dryer) but I thought they farmed out the electronics part to the specialists.

My mistake.

*humbly bows to all, including Woodman, on this point*

[raywwatch]

I was in my local Wal-Mart and saw the HD sets the other day as some of you but what I didn't see and didn't bother to ask about was a STB.
I would have to agree that 90% of the people that will buy one of those sets will be very dissapointed when they got home and found out they just bought a WS HDTV that they will be watching in SD.

[DoubleDAZ]

I'd be willing to go even further and bet that 90% doesn't even know the difference between HD & ED and will simply be amazed at how much better SD cable, DBS, DVDs, etc., look on these sets compared to the large screens they replace.

I was impressed many, many years ago with my brothers 50", but this new 65" I watch now simply blows that away, 4:3 expanded and all, and it's not even hooked up with HD yet. I think many of us who have or will have HD, certainly can appreciate the difference, but I think we forget about a large part of the populace who simply buy a widescreen HDTV to replace an old set. The fact that it's HD is lost on a large number of folks because, other than notices when programs start, there really isn't much mass-marketing of HD yet.

Sure, all the retail outlets put HDTV in their ads in big, bold letters, but it pretty much stops there, especially when it comes to places like Wal-Mart, Costco, Sam's, etc. If you want a widescreen TV for DVD's, where do you go to buy a non-HD 65" TV these days?

The other 10% know what they are doing and simply want the cheaper price.

[akthor]

Wal-Mart is the biggest company in the world something like 5 of the Waltons are on the 10 richest people in the world list, Wal-Mart did not just become this giant succesful company over night and if you believe they didn't do it with far more good customer service than bad you are crazy. True they have fallen away from some of Sam Walton's ideals since his death. But the reason they grew while everyone else shrunk or failed outright, Kmart, Sears etc. is because they offered not only better prices but a better shopping experience than everyone else, greeters at the doors, many registers and cashiers so short lines, great customer service with associates ready to help you all over the place. As I said, things have slipped a little since Walton's death but it is still the fastest, friendliest store I know and always with the lowest prices. I have also never had a problem returning anything for any reason.

Now I don't work for Wal-Mart but I have a deeper appreciation for what they have done because I had to read Sam Walton's book and myself and a team of 5 others had to do a sememster long project on Wal-Mart and make an hour long presentation to the class in my final year of college for one of my clases on my way to my BA in Business.

[mhdiab]

akhtor - it sure is not the friendliest, cleanest or cheapest place where I live. Also the lines are often long. I go to Target and find the place much cleaner, nicer people, less returned items on the shelfs and at the same prices. I do shop at wal-mart at times and it is when I think they have the cheaper price on a product - It is in and out as quick as possible.............

I think what is being forgotten in all these discussions are that analog will be history - yes people today are having tv's with more capabilities than they know about or use, but it is changing and will keep changing. Wal-Mart helps out in filling people's home with HDTV's - great. Wal-Mart and any other store - gives out incorrect information making people turn away from HD - bad.......

[akthor]

Yes Target is doing what Wal-Mart used to do better at, we covered Target in our report as well. I hope we get a Target here in my town soon there are always rumors that they've bought this piece of land or that ;) And anyone I know who has shopped there out of state always has good things to say about them. Wal-Mart has definetely slid downhill since Sam's death even I notice it here at our Wal-Mart which is a fairly tight run ship, but I remember what it used to be like.

[anselansel]

I admit that I would not want to buy a hdtv from walmart but to imply that a bike is better at a little shop is silly. Same manufacturer, same truck, different address. That is what the little guy promotes otherwise he would be crushed on price.

[57U]

Actually bikes typically come from the manufacturer not completely assembled. Most smaller shops would have a bike tech complete the final assembly, test brakes, derailleurs, shifting, etc. They will show you how to shift and ride it, set seat height, etc.

The "assember" at Walmart will likely not provide these services.

The first thing I do when I purchase a bike is almost completely disassemble it (down to the ball bearings and regrease, etc.). This makes me totally familiar with all the working parts, sure of their condition and fine tuned for my particular needs. I still buy from the small shop simply because larger stores don't usually have what I want, or the price difference is not enough to make it worthwhile not having the service and camaraderie associated with smaller shops.

I'm sure most people don't have my type of bike expertise and a small shop would therefore be of benefit, the same way a small shop often can be with HDTV/service.

As America (and to some extent the rest of the world) continue to buy from "big box" stores in order to save a few pennies on toilet paper, the smaller, more convenient, more service-oriented stores will disappear, and the world will be a sadder place for it.

[kevinw]

Walmart is the biggest reason smalltowns in rural America are vanishing.
Walmart does 2 things- they place stores in Urban areas and rural areas.
In the Urban areas they place them near the competition ie Kmart/Target and put prices lower and make a profit on volume.They cater to the low income customer.

In rural areas they are near small to medium size towns. The prices are higher than the urban stores but lower than the family business that has operated for years. They put the local Pharmacy, clothing store, hardware store, shoe store, independant grocery, auto parts and repair shops,florist and others out of business.

Walmart is a scourge that ruined many a small town in America. Family business lost. Great for the Walton family and its shareholders. Of course that is what American business is about survival of the fittest.
There is no place for the independant family business anymore. Family farms have disappeared because they cannot compete against a mega- corporation. Small market TV station gobbeled up by mega-media giants. The American dream is no longer to own your own business but invest in the MegaCorp that pays the best dividends to its share holders. And we have Wal-Mart to thank for that.

[anselansel]

Kevin, we have only our own greed to blame. Walmart does not force anyone to buy anything.

[kevinw]

Your right about the greed part.
They also have been known to put small manufacturers out of busines by setting a maximum price they pay for a product.
Say a guy makes a semi-unique product.
Walmart will order a large quantity forcing the supplier to hire more people,add additional equipment to meet the demand and forsake other customers to meet the supply demands. Walmart often only allows them only to sell the product to Walmart.

Then after doing business for a time Walmart says sell it to us at an even lower price or we cancel all orders. Since the guy can not meet the price requirement Walmart pulls out and has the same product made overseas by a foreign supplier. Putting the guy out of business.
This practice is not peculiar to Walmart, the auto industry is notorious for this also. It may be bad businees to put all ones eggs in one basket but when your customer does not allow you to sell to the competition.

[57U]

Read ---> NoLogo (http://www.geocities.com/finghin2000/syucd/articles/nologo.html)

[Hmetal]

Hey I just smiled when I saw saw an HD set at Wallmart. Just imagine all those lucky shoppers going home, plugging in their cable, turning on the TV, and checking out HD for the first time. Brings warmth to the heart doesnt it.

Maybe, just maybe, we will get some new shows out of it next year. You never know, some of those shoppers may even be lucky enough to have a freind who is reading this.

[stringman57]

Walmart, it will be understood in the future, had more to do with the destruction of the US manufacturing base than anything else anyone can name. i wouldn't buy toilet paper from them if I had messed my pants.

[mjtate]

The destruction of manufactoring base has a lot more to do with the US's high labor cost than Wal-Mart.

[sto22]

Originally posted by mjtate
The destruction of manufactoring base has a lot more to do with the US's high labor cost than Wal-Mart.

Yeah, if the U.S. would just allow slavery, child labor, and a hundred other civil rights violations, U.S. manufacturers would again be on top.

sto22

[alexgtp]

WOW sounds like a lot of elitists on here..LOL!!

I am a newbie..and I have always been on the cutting edge of technolgy.... Started when I got my first tandy.. :-)..

Well I think that everyone has a right to purchase a HDTV..

I for one bought my TV at a cookie cutter place. Does that make me less knowledgable of a consumer.. No i think not.

:santa:

[Scott5626]

Originally posted by spaceist
Cant imagine listening to the uneducated statements made by the salesmen in WALMART on HDTV. :rolleyes:

Would it really be any different from listening to the Best Buy or circuit city boys.:(

[spaceman_spiff]

I wouldnt think it would, but it definitely helps to have a educated sales rep. I would do my research anyway.

[multmin]

I just purchased the Sanyo HT30744 from Wal-Mart, and so far I am enjoying it. What about it? The zoom feature and the integrated ATSC tuner are two big ones. One thing I wish it had (or how to access it in a hidden menu, if possible): tilt adjustment. Otherwise, I am enjoying it immensely. Oh yeah...the price. It was only $747! Sure, they'll go down more, but this is a steal for the average-income HDTV enthusiast like myself. (FYI They had the Philips 30PW850H but it was 30 dollars more and no integrated tuner.)

[Biggers]

What kind of tilt are you talking about? Do you mean tilt of the whole box as in some kind of knobs on the bottom of the set or some kind of picture adjustment like stretch, horizontal, vertical, etc?

[Ratman]

Tilt occurs primarily with 27" and larger direct view CRT sets. It is caused by the earth's magnetic field and causes the entire picture to not be perfectly horizontal.

The larger the tube, the more noticable.
And with widescreen sets... it's more noticable.

Some sets have a control setting in the user menus to compensate.

[summerfun]

Can't you just put a deck of cards or something under the front leg, to offset the tilt? :whistle:

[gparris]

It is good that a mass merchandiser wants to sell HDTV sets.
But the typical Wal-Mart salesperson might as well be selling blenders or clothing as selling HDTV sets.

Hopefully, the buyer has internet access so they can log into our forum for answers before they go to the store and get upset and tell their friends.

This is no way to get HDTV sets sold by uneducated salespersons.
Yes, the big-box electronics store salespeople are not always the best informed either, but I think the chances of getting better information from them as that is there primary mode of business, is greater. ;)

Many parts of the country, particularily rural, where Wal-Mart excels in its business, have little or no HD programming OTA and cable is poor or non-existant. If HD is so important, why wasn't the Country Music Awards broadcast recently, in HD like the other award shows:
Because the biggest watchers of these shows cannot get or do not understand HDTV, IMO. :whistle:

Wal-Mart should offer an OTA antenna setup with built in tuner HDTV sets
(if applicable to the area they selling in), or a satellite-for-HD sales venture along with it.
Combine that with a progressive-scan player hooked up correctly using component cables (at very least) for free or at reduced pricing with purchase and they will do better.
You should see the bad setups I have seen in stores, like theirs.
Otherwise, Wal-Mart will make HDTV a difficult sell or dissolve any good ideas the average non-informed buyer has about HDTV.

Not a good thing. :mad:

[woodman]

Tilt occurs primarily with 27" and larger direct view CRT sets. It is caused by the earth's magnetic field and causes the entire picture to not be perfectly horizontal.

No, Ratman - that is not correct. Picture "tilt" (horizontal) is caused by the deflection yoke not being adjusted correctly ... not from any effect of earth's magnetic field(s). If it was caused by earth's magnetism, it could be corrected by simply moving the set to a different location within the viewing room. Also, the picture tilt can happen with any size CRT - not just with 27" or larger.

The really large CRT sets (35",36", and 40") did have problems with earth magnetic fields, but those problems had to do with screen purity (color) and not with picture tilt.

Sorry I had to jump in here and correct you - but ncorrect info serves no useful purpose ... it just confuses people unnecessarily.

Regards,

[woodman]

It is good that a mass merchandiser wants to sell HDTV sets.
But the typical Wal-Mart salesperson might as well be selling blenders or clothing as selling HDTV sets.

You should see the bad setups I have seen in stores, like theirs.

Otherwise, Wal-Mart will make HDTV a difficult sell or dissolve any good ideas the average non-informed buyer has about HDTV.

Not a good thing. :mad:

I must agree with most of what you have to say about this. Wal-Mart is very likely to cause as much harm as good in getting the masses of consumers to buy into HDTV. Unfortunately, they will buy up "B-stock" and "re-furbished" sets for resale (without telling anyone) and with the serious lack of competent techs out there to deal with problems - especially in the rural areas that you mention - there could very well be a sort of backlash against HDTV by those consumers that have serious problems with their grand and glorious new TV sets.

I'm most inclined to agree with your final summation - "Not a good thing"

[Ratman]

No, Ratman - that is not correct. Picture "tilt" (horizontal) is caused by the deflection yoke not being adjusted correctly ... not from any effect of earth's magnetic field(s). If it was caused by earth's magnetism, it could be corrected by simply moving the set to a different location within the viewing room. Also, the picture tilt can happen with any size CRT - not just with 27" or larger.

The really large CRT sets (35",36", and 40") did have problems with earth magnetic fields, but those problems had to do with screen purity (color) and not with picture tilt.

Sorry I had to jump in here and correct you - but ncorrect info serves no useful purpose ... it just confuses people unnecessarily.

Regards,

Wrong!....
If I move/turn my TV to the opposite side of my room, it tilts in the opposite direction.

As I said the larger the set, the more noticable.

Lot's of TV's have a "picture tilt" function. Do they have a 'motorized yoke' to compensate?

Page 49 of the F38310 manual:
Picture Tilt is available in model F38310 only. Your TV has an extra-large picture tube, which makes it vulnerable to the effects of the Earth’s magnetic field. You may need to adjust picture tilt. Use the left and right arrows to adjust the picture tilt.

Additional references:
Samsung 27 inch Flat CRT HDTV - Model TXN-2775HF
* 181-Channel Synthesized Tuning * Tilt Correction Allows for picture adjustments due to Earth's magnetic field. *

Panasonic CT36HX42 36 HD Ready
* Geomagnetic and Tilt Correction *

Sorry I had to jump in here and correct you - but ncorrect info serves no useful purpose ... it just confuses people unnecessarily.

I agree...

[Hippie]

here we go!!! :boxer:

[multmin]

Hopefully, the buyer has internet access so they can log into our forum for answers before they go to the store and get upset and tell their friends.

True. I've been researching HDTVs for awhile (my roommate bought one in Jan. 2003, so we've been able to learn more about it through our experiences with this set). The Wal-Mart price made it most attractive to me; they didn't try to tell me anything about it. I said, "I would like this TV." It was that simple.

Many parts of the country, particularily rural, where Wal-Mart excels in its business, have little or no HD programming OTA and cable is poor or non-existant. Wal-Mart should offer an OTA antenna setup with built in tuner HDTV sets

I agree. I had to buy a CM4221 antenna. Since I am in the Dallas area, we get plenty of HD programming (when available, right?!). But yes, the Wal-Marts in the middle of nowhere might confuse the issue. That's when they should sales-pitch Voom, DirecTV's HD package, digital cable with HD stations, etc.

And, regardless of what causes it, if someone can figure out how to deal with the tilt on this thing, let me know.

[Ratman]

And, regardless of what causes it, if someone can figure out how to deal with the tilt on this thing, let me know.
Have you tried to contact the manufacuter? They may be able to provide an answer (either online or phone) about a tilt adjustment.

Here's a URL for Sanyo to submit a question:
http://www.sanyo.com/service/form.cfm

[multmin]

Yeah, I just wondered if maybe someone on here knew how to access a service menu on the Sanyo, so I thought I'd ask here first. Thank you for the link!

[Ratman]

Here's an excerpt from another forum:
Access service menu:
Unplug, hold "Menu" button, plug in
Channel Up/Down moves you between the service items
Volume Up/Down changes the items
Menu backs you out

Please take heed to another comment:
They have stated that the menu is pretty cryptic and don't want to change anything unless they have a description of what the options are.

If you are successful entering service mode, be sure to "write down" any values/settings BEFORE you make any change(s).

Have fun!

[Eyedox]

I was an eye doctor for Wal-Mart for a brief period of time when I was fresh out of med school ... They treat the professionals just as poorly as the drones at the check-out lanes. I vote with my checkbook. I am sometimes in Wal-Mart if someone I am out and about with runs in ... but I have not purchased anything from those crooks since I left my clinic there years ago.

[multmin]

Here's an excerpt from another forum:
Access service menu:
Unplug, hold "Menu" button, plug in
Channel Up/Down moves you between the service items
Volume Up/Down changes the items
Menu backs you out

Thank you again for your help. However, there is no MENU button on the TV, and holding it down on the remote while unplugging/plugging does not work. There must be another way.

[Ratman]

Other than power, ch, vol (up/down), what other buttons available? Did you try one, just for kicks?

Also... did you fire off a question to Sanyo?

[multmin]

I haven't tried other buttons yet. I did send an email to Sanyo, but they haven't replied. I just got the "We've received your message and we will get back to you" email. I'll let you know.

[Ratman]

Try this...
unplug from power
press and hold the VOL Down button on TV (not remote)
plug in TV
Keep VOL Down depressed until service menu appears.

[multmin]

Holy crap! That worked! But I don't know what I should do! There is no menu...just numbers. Something in the lefthand corner marked "VS 116." Then a long string of numbers in the middle-bottom of the screen. I closed the menu since I didn't want to make any changes. If you know what numbers mean what and how to access other parts of the menu, I'd love to know. Thanks again!

[Ratman]

If I knew... I'd be charging $80 per hour! :)

As I said earlier... the menu is cryptic. You probably will need a 'service manual' (usually run about $50) or save your boxtops for 'secret decoder ring'!

You'll probably have to either call for a tech or be patient and search around on the web for something to turn up. If I see anything, I'll let you know.

[Ratman]

multmin...

This may help:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=3911268#post3911268

BE CAREFUL!!! Write settings down BEFORE changing anything!

[multmin]

Hey Ratman, thanks for the post. I haven't been around here in awhile, but I checked out the chart that someone eventually posted at that forum. They didn't have descriptors yet, so I still haven't found out how to adjust the tilt. But you've put me on the right track. Thank you.

EDIT: I got some of it fixed after fooling with some of the settings (I used the THX Optimizer and got the wide and 4:3 pretty much vertical now). That service menu is nice thing to know about. Thank you again!

[deckard]

Hey Ratman, thanks for the post. I haven't been around here in awhile, but I checked out the chart that someone eventually posted at that forum. They didn't have descriptors yet, so I still haven't found out how to adjust the tilt. But you've put me on the right track. Thank you.

EDIT: I got some of it fixed after fooling with some of the settings (I used the THX Optimizer and got the wide and 4:3 pretty much vertical now). That service menu is nice thing to know about. Thank you again!

I purchased the same tv just over a month ago and I too am thrilled with it.
A REAL HDTV for $1100 :canada:I can't believe I'm watching hi-def in Canada
for so little money. AH western Canada though so no OTA just yet but its coming...I hope. Cablebox hi-def for now. Tilt is a non-issue in my particular unit in fact its geometry is very close to my 42" plasma set; which is perfect.

[gparris]

Damn, I hate it when things go mainstream.

I'm no longer on the "cutting edge".

Time to find a new hobby.

Not time to find a new hobby. New HD channels come out, new technology to deliver them via disc, hard drive, MPEG-4, etc.

It just keeps on changing. :whistle:

Wal-Mart is selling HDTV...kind of scary. No one there knew what they were selling at the Super Wal-Mart I visited recently...very scary.
It must be the store and the way the sell almost everything.
HDTV just another thing for them and you might notice a distinct lack of other home theater products to buy from there nor any suggestion selling to "get it together" as you ask about the HDTVs. No training.
It might as well be farm products and jeans rather than HDTVs.

If ever there was a time to have this forum, it is now.

More HDTV buyers - now - from Wal-Mart- more of a need for us to help out and untangle the questions from newbies, confused and uninformed, misdirected.

The hobby has not gone away...it just changed direction a bit. :wave:

[Hippie]

More HDTV buyers - now - from Wal-Mart- more of a need for us to help out and untangle the questions from newbies, confused and uninformed, misdirected. :wave:

Hmm.. ever go to the walmart and "play dumb" and ask HDTV questions just to hear the answers?

[HDCowboy]

Wow,
Can these things ever go on a tangent..... although I did enjoy somewhat the link to NOLOGO... Sorta a NO NAME, President's Choice thing I thought at first. Funny (in a strange way) how NO NAME is a brand name too!!
but I digress.....

I am one of the uneducated that will get no answers at the local Wal-mart, with it's long and short line-ups, clean and arranged and not so clean and arranged shopping experience, uninformed and eager or not-so-eager staff..... More to the point.

I bought at that home of capitalism, yes, the bastion of consumer anarchy, Wal-Mart. (I feel as if I'm in an AA meeting or something with that admission.)
I feel compelled now to defend the issue raised about good or bad deal....
My history..... please be patient, (though I feel it is a somewhat humourous)

I started by getting tired of worn out VHS tapes and everyone wanting to rent a DVD. (I had no player)
Christmas changed that and I got a Combo JVC unit which would play every format of the day and display "Progressive images" also (whatever that meant). I had to go Combo at the time due to the need for "RF modulation" to display the DVD image on my SANYO wooden console model Solid State Television. (This was a high-end unit with 13 channel push button tuner and some kind of 3 volume level remote control, rather than the dial tuner of the day.)
DVD's were letterboxed on this TV, but looked great - except for the odd flickker of the screen. (At one point I called a 1-800# on the back of the DVD "Pearl Harbour" to complain about the movie and they sent me another - recieving this second copy I fast fwd to the flicker point of the original and found the same problem in the new copy!!!!!) AH HA! I said to myself (alone in my room) "Self, the DVD player salesman was right, the 70's wants their TV back." I was faced with a dillemna. What now? I got this nice DVD/VCR and upgraded my Pioneer Surround Sound (from the earliest available VSX3900 to a VSX812k ES/ unit with all new JBL's) and now I am forced to buy a new TV!!!!

The whole thing seemed so out of reach. I was devastated. :mecry: I resolved to shop (read SHOP not BUY) for a TV. Many knowledgable sales staff in many stores began to try to sell me on HDTV and WIDESCREEN televisions as well as many mediocre substitutes. However; the SAMSUNG DLP I wanted would have forced me to take on a second mortgage. (I lost the first mortgage with the house in my divorce)..... digressing again. NO. I thought to my self NO.... my greed is not going to put me and my sons on a diet of KD with no trips out to McDonald's..... I'll wait.

Wal-mart changed all that. One day while buying shoes for my boys (ages 7 & 8 - not yet BRAND NAME influenced Except for McD's and Disney) I found the PHILIPS 30PW633R for $999. CDN. Costco had the same TV for $699. and Wal-Mart price matched it! :rockon: (The model # matching was a fluke.... you see I know for a fact that the reason you only find one off model #'s at some of these stores is so that they won't be forced to price match another discount outlet or advertisement.---- That's why they call it "exclusively at SEARS or WAL-MART or VISIONS or FUTURE SHOP aka BEST BUY")
Long story shorter.
The Philips WS was great for most DVD's I now own. (I am very aware of widescreen aspect ratios now - 1.85, 2.35, 2.40:1 anamorphic or enhanced for widescreen TVs or just Letterboxed in it's original Theatrical presentation - read - no enhancement- need to "Zoom In")
BUT - When zooming in, the scan lines in a blue sky background was what I was focused on. The color guns are not the greatest in this Philips unit either, and were adversely affected by the JBL center channel speaker. (Less, as the speaker was pushed back to nearly falling off the TV.)
FINALLY - having had enough of scan lines and discoloration in the top left corner of the screen..... I returned the set. No reciept.... 6 months after having bought it and WALMART said "sure". Just like that......
Well obviously I couldn't be without TV and when I returned to the electronics dept. :bow: LOW AND BEHOLD - The SANYO HT30744 HDTV Widescreen with integral ATSC compliant tuner. HDMI input, Toslink fiber optic audio out and TWO component and TWO composite (or S-video) inputs at the rear!!!!

I am aware that without DTH Satelite service I am stuck with Regular Cable TV. (I used to work for them as a telephone troubleshooter/dispatcher of service technicians.) Condo bylaw restricts putting up DTH dishes. But thanks to Wal-Mart (exceptional customer satisfaction program and return policy) and SANYO (terrific one-off exclusively at) affordable HDTV ($999. CDN + GST of course) and to you folks here on these forums, I have found out so much more about exciting advances in television. I may even call up the Company that bought out my old employer and try out their meager 5 ch. HD offering.

Just happy to be near to HD, HDCowboy..

OCTOBER 15/04 Addendum.... Only one complaint about the 30744 and that was screen tilt issue.... this was very minor and had to be pointed out to anyone who watched this set. It bugged the hell out of me. Sanyo has a customer service line for Walmart customers and the agent was very helpful. He said that to fix the tilt problem was very involved and that if I should return the set to Walmart and they would gladly exchange it. I took it back this evening and bought the Toshiba 34hfx84 instead.... but again kudos to Walmart for the full refund and great service. (I wish they sold Toshiba)

[Matt27]

HDcowboy, i give you my respect, for such a long post.
welcome to the forums:)!!

[Rich]

I thought the Sanyo looked pretty good when I saw it at, and the store had a really good feed to it as well. As to the poster who said Walmart should outfit the customers with STBs so they could get HD, the Sanyo has the tuner built in. Further, in the store I was in, that US Digital STB was right under the HDTVs. As far as the "one off" bit goes, the Panasonic I saw looked just like the ones at the big box stores. I doubt it was missing anything you would notice (remember, we are all instructed to turn half the so called "features" on our tvs off as part of our initial set up!) As to the greed/putting the small stores out of business, I can agree to a point. But lets not forget that the small guys can also rip you off. I mean, I am willing to pay $25, $35 more at the techie store and get the knowlegable service. Not $100, $200, $300 more. And the Walmart salespeople generally do not lie to you or BS you to make a sale.

[wgmcnatt]

Would it really be any different from listening to the Best Buy or circuit city boys.:(
just had to say ... while shopping at local Walmart yesterday, I say my 1st HDTV, plasma Samsung 42", I ask the kid if he knew anything about HDTV & he knew a lot, answered a lot of questions for me & then told me to go home & read all I could before buying at crutchfeild http://www.crutchfieldadvisor.com/learningcenter/home/tv.html I did & I was impressed :) soon to buy a set ... great forum... reading, reading, & still learning & trying to figure out what the best set for my family will be....

[soze]

our HDTV Faq's are pretty good too....almost too detailed ahaha!

[Ratman]

FWIW....
Here is the service manual for the Sanyo HT30744 (available at Walmart)

http://www.slf.us/sanyo_servicemanual_page5.pdf (clearer page for pincushion adjustments)

http://www.slf.us/sanyo.pdf (entire service manual)

AND... be careful out there!

Oh well... it's appears the links have been removed.
You're on your own! :)

[pcfl]

The Pioneer at Walmart looks pretty good, what is the down side ?

[pjr]

yea,im a newb here but can you tell me whats wrong with the sd533hd Pioneer?Seems to get rave reviews on every board out there.I dont think thats a model exclusive to WM:}The only issue I know of is the lack of DVI.Thats another debate all by itself.

[pcfl]

How important is the DVI if you just want a descent set to watch and the wow factor to others isn't that important.
When I was younger I had a lot of $ invested in stereo equipment, but now I am just as happy with a $500 unit. The HDTV isn't going to be a hobby, we just want a decent picture for nightly viewing and a few movies.

[oman321]

How important is the DVI if you just want a descent set to watch and the wow factor to others isn't that important.
When I was younger I had a lot of $ invested in stereo equipment, but now I am just as happy with a $500 unit. The HDTV isn't going to be a hobby, we just want a decent picture for nightly viewing and a few movies.


It seems that DVI is not terribly important right now and yes you will get that wow factor with the family. Just be cautious because DVI will help you future proof you purchase. Pioneer looks nice but for the money you can probably get something with DVI if not HDMI(DVI plus sound in one wire). Good luck.

[kevinw]

How important is the DVI if you just want a descent set to watch and the wow factor to others isn't that important.
When I was younger I had a lot of $ invested in stereo equipment, but now I am just as happy with a $500 unit. The HDTV isn't going to be a hobby, we just want a decent picture for nightly viewing and a few movies.

DVI is very important as HDCP or HDMI compliant. Eventually-next 5 years DVD players will all be DVI and HD. NO DVI- NO HD
BTW almost all new models have DVI connections as well as component.

[Scott5626]

Buying an HDTV from Sears makes some sense. Buying one from Wal-Mart makes absolutely NO sense whatsoever! Why? There are a whole bunch of reasons, such as the following:

1. Sears carry genuine models from a mfg. line ... the same sets you'd find at any authorized seller of that brand. What's for sale at Wal-Mart will be stripped down models with DIFFERENT model #s from those from the regular lineup of that mfg.

2. Sears carry a variety of models from a half-dozen or more manufacturers. Wal-Mart will probably only offer a couple of sets from two - possibly three companies.

3. Sears have their own service departments to keep the set performing throughout the original warranty period, and (if you have the good sense to purchase more coverage), for an additional number of years after that. Wal-Mart will NEVER have any TV service dept. of it's own ... ever! Translation: the future of a set purchased there will be in the hands of questionable independent servicers - underpaid - understaffed - and with absolutely NO concern for your happiness or contentment.

4. Sears have a vested interest (more so than ANY other retailer) in making sure you're happy with your purchase. They want to sell you tons of the other stuff that they carry. Wal-Mart is probably at the extreme other end of that particular spectrum.

Enough?The Walmart sales person who sold me my tv had more knowledge than some Sears stores (or CC & BB) that should not matter us HDTV buffs anyway were suppose to know the ins and outs of what were buying . Besides Sears guys will tell you whatever they think you will want to hear because they are paid on commision, where as Walmart people are paid by the hour, no reason to lie. Just a point.

[wkrasl]

DVI is very important as HDCP or HDMI compliant. Eventually-next 5 years DVD players will all be DVI and HD. NO DVI- NO HD
BTW almost all new models have DVI connections as well as component.

Actually, I think the standard is now HDMI, backward compatible with DVI to protect prior investments. I would not buy anything new with DVI.

[Ratman]

Actually, I think the standard is now HDMI, backward compatible with DVI to protect prior investments. I would not buy anything new with DVI.

There is no 'standard'.

There are no 'backward' or 'forward' compatibilty issues per se. The video of both is digital. Although HDMI does include a digital audio capability where DVI does not. There are 'converters' to accomodate the physical interface differences.

Agreed, it does make sense to move towards a 'one cable' solution for audio and video, but IMO, makes no sense at this time to limit your choices to HDMI only.

[kevinw]

Actually, I think the standard is now HDMI, backward compatible with DVI to protect prior investments. I would not buy anything new with DVI.
I agree it was one of those rushed answers. The important point is to have the ability to comply with copyright protection. An absolut must on any new monitor purchase.

[jmc98]

i would rather take a chance with a set from wal mart (lower price ) than from a high end store MHO though

[Ratman]

Buy an HD TV from Walmart? Hahahahahahahahaha!

I’ll say it again. Hahahahahahahahaha!

Bought one.. may buy another.

Doesn't matter where you get the HDTV... as long as it satisfies your needs/requirements, meets your budget and has a satisfactory warranty/return policy.

The name of the store doesn't make the set better.

[tonelocdog]

Buy an HD TV from Walmart? Hahahahahahahahaha!

I’ll say it again. Hahahahahahahahaha!

I bought an hdtv from walmart phillip 46 inch, great tv, and paid a lot less than other retail stores, plus free delivery, and hookup. Couldn't be any happier. :hah33:

[Adam77]

Bought one.. may buy another.

Doesn't matter where you get the HDTV... as long as it satisfies your needs/requirements, meets your budget and has a satisfactory warranty/return policy.

The name of the store doesn't make the set better.
OK. My post was rood. For that I do apologize. Guess I should have better stated my opinion. I don’t know how the Walmarts are around where you live, but mine are terrible. Yeah I know that the name of the store doesn’t make the set any better, but the Walmarts in my area, only have a couple of off brand sets. I guess I shouldn’t have generalized that to all stores. Yes you are absolutely right, it doesn't matter where you get your HDTV, as long as it satisfies your needs/requirements, meets your budget and has a satisfactory warranty/return policy. I didn’t mean to make it sound like I was knocking people that bought HD TVs there. That was not my intention at all.

[Eyedox]

I heard Ultimate Electronics filed for bankruptcy and is trying to reorganize to reemerge. They are an example of a good electronics store with well-trained staff. I hope they can pull it out. We have 3 stores here in Kansas City alone! I don't think Ratman was rude, but what wkrasl probably meant is that HDMI will most likely become the standard for video/audio connections. Ratman is right in that there is no standard currently ... we are still messing with Component, DVI, HDMI, IEEE-1394 (Firewire/DTVlink), etc.