Buyer Beware or Maybe Best Buy isn't so bad.

[kevinw]

Recently stopped in at a local Home Theater store One of those that specialize in building you a home theater room from scratch..Front projectors, screens, surround systems.. leather seating system with rump shakers etc....
Talking to the salesman(Home Theater Specialist) and he gave me a tour of the 6 seperate rooms. Talks how he works with builders by having systems pre installed and sold with house. ( Roll the cost into the mortgage)
I noticed a Monster power conditioner and he gave me the spiel about power conditioners, which was Ok since it made sense. BUT THEN he starts saying how Monster wire is the best and all the best speakers have Monster in them.
Next he starts telling me about some homes about 7 miles from me in an exclusive neighborhood that he had put systems in. I asked how OTA reception was and he says "not very good". They do not have much success. Keep in mind that I get all of Atlanta's digital stations in the 90 plus range. Made me more curious why the reception was so bad. " What kind of antenna are you insatlling?" His reply floord me-"Terk!!"
After pulling my jaw off the ground, I asked if he even views any of the HD/Home Theater websights and of course he didn't.
So how does anyone even know who is knowledgable and who isn't these days? These guys get there info from the Rep for the products they sell..



:( :(

[DoubleDAZ]

Originally posted by kevinw
So how does anyone even know who is knowledgable and who isn't these days?

Pretty simple actually. Just read everything in these forums twice and then read them again! In fact, you should have to PROVE you read them before they even sell you anything, kind of like a Microsoft License Agreement. :D

[pradike]

Originally posted by DoubleDAZ
Pretty simple actually. Just read everything in these forums twice and then read them again! In fact, you should have to PROVE you read them before they even sell you anything, kind of like a Microsoft License Agreement. :D

This is actually pretty good advice.

That said, some other good advise is to read, read, and read some more...get Home Theater, Sound & Vision, or some other good magazines at your local Barnes & Noble. I did 3 months of reading, plus talking to at least 6 others who already went the Home Theater route, before I began to narrow my equipment choices. Then I did more reading on WEB sites like this one, as well as manufacturer sites.

Then I went to 3 of those showroom places (there are several good ones in Atlanta, including Sound & Cinema and Evolution Home Theater). remember - they'll only try to push the brands they sell (as a rule).

Then I read some more...and talked to more folks who had theaters (references from vendors).

Then I built and bought. Never regretted it. Installation went flawless with no surprises. Performance results are outstanding.

Like the carpenter...measure twice, cut once....

Plan/study equipment repeatedly...buy once....

[mhdiab]

I thought of starting a similiar thread a while back after walking in to WOW - no wow experience there :)

Pushed Monster, overpriced with lots of lack of knowledge....that is all they had lots off. Their setup was so far from optimized and you could tell they spent a lot of money on it - I was so surprised. At least when I go to BB I know they are High-school kids etc and respect that and do my homework. However, many people go to the more expensive stores because they don't know to much and honestly don't have time so they want a custom solution that works great....they are not getting it.........

[DoubleDAZ]

mhdiab, THAT is an excellent point! Most folks, me included, think that the sales staff at the higher end places will be more knowledgeable and honest. That is one reason I went to them, a lack of faith in the sales staff at BB based upon past computer purchases.

I think we all know that sales people are in it to make a buck or 2 and commissions often "make" them do and say things that they might not otherwise. But, the part I don't like the most is that they may or may not "offer" information and I think that is dishonest. Oftentimes it's not what you say, it's what you don't say that can make the difference.

Fortunately, I believe I was treated fairly and honestly, with the possible exception of cables. I did buy 1 Monster component cable solely because it all was a new technology for me and I probably should have returned it. Even though I've seen all the negative stuff on Monster cables, I'm still not sure if the store was being dishonest or if they actually believe Monsters are better than the other cables they sell. I myself don't know the answer and, even if there is no discernable change in PQ at the time you swap cables, will that be the case when you get a new STB, receiver, etc.? How will you know if you have the best PQ possible?

Anyway, I guess you walk into a store and get a feel for the sales person. If they seem to be honest, they probably make a sale. I feel sorry for folks who have only stores like BB and nothing else to compare, though our BB is really upgrading their HDTV space and doing quite a good job putting together whole system setups for people to check out.

My biggest problem with BB is that they sell products made special for them and you can't readily find out what the difference is between their model and the "regular" model of the same size. Sometimes it's only packaging, but.... To me a Mits should be Mits or they should tell you how a model A55 differs from a model SWX20B, etc., if it does.

[HiD-ho]

Trust no one! When I was looking for my HDTV set I had heard repeatedly how the one of the leaders in RPTV was Hitachi. When I shopped around it floored me that my local BB didn’t even carry Hitachi brands! It made me stop to think about the advice given at various places. They have to sell what they have and they generally cater to the general public. It is not so much that what they say is total BS, but that it is based on a limited knowledge base on their part. There is no reason for most of them to learn about products that they don’t sell.
The answer is to learn as much as one can and trust in ones own judgment. The informed eye of the beholder will provide the best view in town.

[Hopeless]

After reading this thread, I have to say that my last couple of trips to Besy Buy were very impressive.

Most recently, I purchased a hd set. I'd done some research here, but still didn't really know what I wanted when I walked in the door. THe salesman who helped us was pretty darn knowledgeable, helpful, and low pressure. He showed me the advantages/disadvantages of each type of set, and everything he said agreed with what I've read here. I even learned a few things from him, which I've since found to be true.

So, I've either been very lucky with my last couple of major purchases at BB, or they're making some effort to upgrade their salespeople.

[Lowpro]

I'd comment about the BB experience, but it would end up turning into a rant and I still have not gotten my last paycheck yet. :-P Perhaps in a few weeks I'll break my vow of silence and give everyone an insider's look at my experience working the video salesfloor at big blue. I've never been more happy to leave a job in all my life. Goodbye big blue. May you rest in peace one day. Sooner rather than later. :eek:

[Skylab™]

Perhaps it's better to go with the local guy's big screen store. Most independent shops offer free delivery and installation, even convergence tuning. :D


Skylab™