Update: Mitsubishi converter to be incompatible with Samsung TVs (link)

Mitsubishi’s upcoming 3D converter box will be compatible with 2007 and 2008 Samsung 3D ready DLP rear projectors and plasma TVs, in addition to the Mitsubishi 3D compatible rear projectors, according to an industry source. Mitsubishi and Samsung previously sold about 4 million HDTVs in the US as “only” 3D compatible with games using a 3D capable PC.

The Mitsubishi adaptor converts the over/under 3D Blu-ray signals for display on these pre-2010 3D capable TVs. A Mitsubishi spokesman said its converter will operate with other 3D formats and resolutions too, including those to be used by DirecTV on its three 3D satellite channels launching this June. The legacy 1080p 3D capable HDTVs will display all 3D content at a maximum resolution of 960 x 1080, the same as DirecTVs upcoming 3D signals.  The 3D legacy DLPs display exactly one-half the resolution of 3D Blu-ray player, and provide excellent 3D image reproduction. We saw the adaptor demoed at January’s CES.

The Mitsubishi 3DC-1000 adaptor box will ship this spring, rumored to sell for around $100 .

Samsung no longer sells glasses or IR emitters necessary for viewing 3D on its legacy HDTV 3D displays.  Don’t fret, IO Display Systems in California makes 3D shutter glasses specifically for these earlier Samsung 3D TVs along with the IR emitters required for 3DTV viewing. IO sells their shutter glasses for $59.99 a pair or you can buy them in discounted packages. The two pair 3D glasses package with the IR emitter sells for just $111.75. Add on a 3D Blu-ray player and/or a subscribed DirecTV HD box to your legacy 3D Samsung  with the Mitsubishi 3DC-1000 adapter box and you’re set for 3D sports, movies and programs.

Here is link to the IO Display store and a link to a list of all the 3D compatible 2007 and 2008 model Samsungs and Mitsubishis.

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(February 22, 2010)  The Internet is replete with bad information regarding 3D ready Blu-ray player/ surround sound receiver/ Full HD 3D TV (FHD3D) HDMI connectivity. Unfortunately, HD Guru is not immune from this: we recently passed along misinformation received in an email from an official Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) spokesperson, for which we apologize.

To set the record straight HD Guru recently met with Waheed Rasheed, director of product marketing for Silicon Image, the company that created HDMI and its related standards. He provided us with clear and precise information regarding the recently published HDMI standards as they relate to 3D products.

Full HD 3D

Transmitting uncompressed Full High Definition 3D (FHD3D) signals (defined as 1920 x 1080 resolution for both the left and right eye [each frame]) requires connecting a 3D Blu-ray player to a FHD3D TV using a suitable HDMI cable. The FHD3D signal’s bit rate is 6.75 Gbps (gigabits per second). The HDMI 1.4 standard’s maximum bit rate of 10.2Gbps is identical to that of the older HDMI 1.3 standard.

The 1920 x 2205 pixel at 24Hz (see drawing above) FHD3D signal differs from any previous HD or 3D signal. 1920 is the number of active pixels across each frame while 2205 pixels is the vertical resolution of two Full HD frames plus 45 pixels of active blanking separating the FHD left and right frames.

As the drawing illustrates, the signal places the two frames in a configuration known as “over/under.” This is the first and currently only FHD3D TV standard signal and because it is totally new, no non-FHD3D display can accept it.

This is important, as some consumer electronics writers speculate incorrectly that a modification will allow legacy 120Hz and 240Hz LCD displays to handle Blu-ray FHD3D content.

That said, Mitsubishi’s 2007, 2008 and 2009 legacy rear projection sets can be adapted to play these new FHD3D signals. Mitsubishi announced and demonstrated at the 2010 CES a converter box that down-converts the Blu-ray FHD3D HDMI signal (albeit at half resolution [960 x1080] for each eye). The converter box is due to arrive around the same time the first 3D capable Blu-ray players ship this spring.

The new HDMI 1.4 standard also permits another “over/under” 3D configuration at the lower 720p HD resolution (1280×720) at either 60Hz or 50 Hz Blu-ray player output.

All 3D Blu-ray players output FHD3D movies at 24 fps. Both LED LCD and CCFL backlit FH3D HDTVs internally convert the signal to sequential display (alternating left and right frames) at 240Hz (synchronizing with shutter glasses that provide 120 views per second for left and right eyes [120+120 =240]. All announced FHD3D plasma displays internally convert the 3D Blu-ray movie signals from “over/under” to frame sequential at 120 Hz for 60 views per second for each eye.

Surround Sound Receivers

Unfortunately, your current HDMI equipped surround sound receiver will not pass the new FHD3D signal and no upgrades are possible according to both Sony and Denon. Why? A system called EDID (Extended Display Identification Data) currently handles communications between your TV, receiver and source components and it works fine. However, when your new 3D television communicates that it is an FHD3D television, the receiver will not understand because the 3D ID was not part of the standard when your receiver was designed. The receiver will shut off the HDMI signal and your new 3D TV screen will go black.

Your only solution will be to replace your receiver with a new one that’s 3D compatible or use one of a number of available “work arounds.”  You can still use your current HDMI receiver with Panasonic’s upcoming 3D Blu-ray player because it includes a separate “audio only” HDMI output. Connect the video HDMI directly to your 3D set and the audio HDMI to your receiver to decode Dolby TruHD or DTS lossless codecs. No other manufacturer has announced this feature. You can also use coax or optical digital “outs” from the 3D Blu-ray player but you won’t get lossless audio and you’ll still have to connect the 3D Blu-ray player directly to the 3D HDTV to see the picture.

3D HDMI Cables

Will your existing 1.3 HDMI cables handle the FHD3D signal or will you have to replace them? The only way to really know is to connect it and see if they work. Some will, some won’t. If the cable can handle the 6.75 Gbps FHD3D data rate, it probably will.

There are two types of legacy 1.3 HDMI cables: Category 1 and Category 2. The former must be able to handle at least 2.25 Gbps signals, meaning it may not be able to handle FHD3D signal . Category 2 HDMI 1.3 cables handle signals up to 10.2 Gbps. These will certainly work.

The HDMI 1.4 standard has optional features for both TV and source component makers, including an audio return function and Ethernet connectivity (which allows one Ethernet signal to be carried to other connected components via HDMI if the maker includes this 1.4 feature).

To streamline HDMI cable selection Silicon Image dispensed with the old numerical system and replaced it with the following categories  (source: hdmi.org website):

Standard HDMI Cable
The Standard HDMI cable is designed to handle most home applications, and is tested to reliably transmit 1080i or 720p video – the HD resolutions that are commonly associated with cable and satellite television, digital broadcast HD, and upscaling DVD players.

Standard HDMI Cable with Ethernet
This cable type offers the same baseline performance as the Standard HDMI Cable shown above (720p or 1080i video resolution), plus an additional, dedicated data channel, known as the HDMI Ethernet Channel, for device networking. HDMI Ethernet Channel functionality is only available if both linked devices are HDMI Ethernet Channel-enabled.

Automotive HDMI Cable
Designed for internal cabling of vehicles equipped with onboard HD video systems. Tested to a more robust performance standard, and capable of withstanding the unique stresses of the motoring environment such as vibration and temperature extremes.

High Speed HDMI Cable
The High Speed HDMI cable is designed and tested to handle video resolutions of 1080p and beyond, including advanced display technologies such as 4K, 3D, and Deep Color. If you are using any of these technologies, or if you are connecting your 1080p display to a 1080p content source, such as a Blu-ray Disc player, this is the recommended cable.

High Speed HDMI Cable with Ethernet
This cable type offers the same baseline performance as the High Speed HDMI Cable shown above (1080p video resolution and beyond), plus an additional, dedicated data channel, known as the HDMI Ethernet Channel, for device networking. HDMI Ethernet Channel functionality is only available if both linked devices are HDMI Ethernet Channel-enabled.

Edited by Michael Fremer

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Copyright ©2010 HD Guru Inc. All rights reserved. HDGURU is a registered trademark. The content and photos within may not be distributed electronically or copied mechanically without specific written permission. The content within is based upon information provided to the editor, which is believed to be reliable. Data within is subject to change. HD GURU is not responsible for errors or omissions.

Just Posted At HDGURU3D.com- Our 3D HDTV Primer (1/2/10)

(January 2, 2010) 2010 marks the beginning of the 3D home video era. While in many ways it is similar to the introduction of HDTV in late 1998-1999,  in others it’s quite different.

In 1998 and early 1999 TV makers introduced their first HDTVs. The set makers generally limited the initial offerings to one model per company. The changes needed to make a display high definition were huge, requiring modifications to picture tubes, far wider bandwidth circuitry, the incorporation of up-conversion technology and other expenses. Prices ranged from $9000 for a 34″ Sony direct view model to $10,000 for a Philips 64″ rear projector. Programming was limited to a handful of network shows in 1999 and most of 2000. The first full time HD channel, HD Net launched Sept 6, 2001.

The cost delta to enable 3D capability within a HDTV will be small, especially when compared to the standard to high definition switch. 3D requires a high refresh rate (generally 120 Hz for plasma and 240 Hz for LED and LCD), the display’s ability to send a sync signal to 3D glasses, and additional signal processing.

On to the predictions.

3D Full HDTV Prices Will Be Low

1. HG Guru predicts 3D ready versions of flat panels will sell for around the same as their 2D 2009 counterparts, with initial street prices beginning around $1299 for a 40″ 3D ready 240 Hz edge lit LED LCD. By comparison, a 2009 Samsung 40″ 120 Hz Edge Lit LED Samsung sells today on Amazon for $1249.99.

Nearly 50 3D HDTVs To Be Available

2. HD Guru predicts vendors will offer multiple Full HD 3D models in their 2010 lines with an industry total of 40-50 different models using plasma, LCD, LED LCD, DLP and front projection by year’s end.

3D Programming and Content Will Arrive Quickly

3. 3D programming will arrive much faster in 2010 than HDTV did back in the late nineties and early 2000s with dozens of Blu-ray discs, Playstation 3D games, and a full time 3D DirecTV channel. HD Guru predicts one or more cable providers will have a 3D channel before the end of 2010. In addition to movies and games, 3D broadcasts of sporting events will commence.

Low Cost 3D Blu-ray Players

4. HD Guru predicts 3D Blu-ray players will be available from every 3D TV maker, priced about $100-$150 higher their 2D counterparts.

LED HDTVs To Get Local Dimming

5. New thin, edge lit LED LCD HDTVs will arrive from virtually all big screen LED TV makers. New designs will provide edge lit “local dimming” for the first time, for better blacks and better contrast, along with other picture enhancements.

Thin LED HDTVs in 60″ and Above Screen  Sizes

6. TV Vendors will begin to sell thin LED edge-lit models in 60″ and larger screen sizes.

3D Compatible Surround Sound Receivers

7.  All major audio companies will introduce 3D compatible surround sound receivers in 2010. Consumers will learn their pre-2010 models will not be able to handle HDMI 3D signals, requiring the use of external switching and legacy sound formats such as Dolby Digital (instead of  Dolby TrueHD) or the purchase of a new SS receiver.

Mobile Digital TV Arrives Within Portable Devices

8. Mobile Digital TVs will finally arrive with a number of 21st century Watchman-type products as well as inclusion within other screened portable devices.

Home 3D HDTV Will Succeed

9. 3D HDTV will be declared a success with faster consumer adoption than HDTV in year one.

Glasses Free 3D  Will Arrive

10. Our final prediction, a glasses-free Full HD 3D consumer computer monitor and/or laptop computer will be announced before year’s end, though it will be designed for a single viewer.

HD Guru Wishes Our Readers a Happy New Year

Just Posted At HDGURU3D.com- Our 3D HDTV Primer

To learn more about choosing an HDTV please click this link.

For a list of the Best HDTVs under $1000 please click this link.

For a list of the 10 Best HDTVs please click this link

.

Edited by Michael Fremer

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Copyright ©2010 HD Guru Inc. All rights reserved. HDGURU is a registered trademark. The content and photos within may not be distributed electronically or copied mechanically without specific written permission. The content within is based upon information provided to the editor, which is believed to be reliable. Data within is subject to change. HD GURU is not responsible for errors or omissions.

Learn more about 3D and Mitsubishi’s 2010 3D plans at our new HDGURU3D.com website

(December 28, 2009) DirecTV intends to launch the first US 3D HDTV channel early next year. The satellite TV provider plans to make the announcement at the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas on January 7th.

Tonight, DirecTV is scheduled to blast its latest satellite into orbit. The new bird gives DirecTV the capacity to add an all HD 3D channel, along with additional  HD  channels, though the technical specs of the broadcast are not yet clear. The new satellite goes fully operational in March 2010.  The new DirecTV 3D channel will feature an assortment of movies, sports and programs in 3D. All programs are in HD 3D and meet the new 3D standards the major TV manufacturers support, according to sources.

Sources tell HD Guru DirecTV’s current HDTV boxes will receive a firmware upgrade to allow its existing subscriber base to receive HD 3D programming. The shows will then be compatible with the new 3D capable HDTVs expected to debut at CES by Panasonic, Sony, Samsung, LG and other TV makers, as well as existing Mitsubishi DLP models that are accompanied by a forthcoming 3D converter box. Viewers will need one of these new 3D HDTVs to view DirecTV 3D programming, along with compatible 3D glasses.

To learn more about choosing an HDTV please click this link.

For a list of HDTV deals please click this link.

For a list of the Best HDTVs under $1000 please click this link.

For a list of the 10 Best HDTVs please click this link.

Have a question for the HD Guru?
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Copyright ©2009 HD Guru Inc. All rights reserved. HDGURU is a registered trademark. The content and photos within may not be distributed electronically or copied mechanically without specific written permission. The content within is based upon information provided to the editor, which is believed to be reliable. Data within is subject to change. HD GURU is not responsible for errors or omissions.

We are re-running  our set-up article today (with updates added). If you need an HDMI cable, you can save a lot of money by ordering one from Amazon . Here is a link for a popular 2 meter HDMI cable for $9.99 with free shipping.

If Santa delivered a new HDTV to your home today, use this list to help get your HDTV up, running and looking good. Please read the owner’s manual before proceeding.

1) Get It Ready

If it is flat, (LCD or Plasma) the HDTV may need attachment to its table stand (if you’re not wall mounting it.). This requires two or more people. Remember; NEVER LAY A FLAT TV ON ITS FACE OR BACK. HOLD IT UP (vertical) BY HAVING IT SUPPORTED ON THE BOTTOM OF THE BEZEL THAT SURROUNDS THE SCREEN. TO KEEP THE SET VERTICAL HAVE SOMEONE HOLD IT UP TO KEEP IT FROM FALLING OVER UNTIL IT IS PROPERLY ATTACHED TO THE TABLE STAND. NEVER PLACE ANY PRESSURE ON THE SCREEN (SUCH AS YOU PALM) DON’T TOUCH THE SCREEN. IT DOESN’T TAKE MUCH PRESSURE TO CRACK IT! If the screen cracks, the HDTV is destroyed. Always lift by it by the bottom of the outside of the bezel; you may also steady it by grabbing the edges and sides of the bezel.

An added note. While we still don’t recommend laying the TV on its face, the danger is reduced the smaller the screen size and the lighter the display. If you choose to ignore our warning, please make sure the surface you want to lay it on is perfectly flat with no packing materials , dirt or debris on the floor surface. If it is not perfectly flat, the pressure created by an object protruding above the floor can be sufficient to crack the screen, ruining your new HDTV and your holiday.

2) Make Sure Your New HDTV is Functional

This will save you a lot of aggravation. As soon as it is unpacked and supported (such as assembling the table stand and attaching the panel properly by consulting the owner’s manual), connect the power cord to wall AC and power it up. Put the batteries in the TV remote and hit the menu button. If you get an on-screen menu of any kind the HDTV is functional. If it stays black, it is probably dead. After verifying the on-screen menu, proceed to connect the TV to your signal sources.
Note. Many of today’s sets conform to Energy Star rules. If your set does, the first screen to appear will ask if you are using the HDTV in a home or (dealer) showroom. Select the “Home” mode for the best-looking image and lowest power consumption. This screen only comes up the first time you connect your new HDTV, selecting the Home mode will automatically place the user settings far closer to ideal than you can get in the showroom mode and save a lot on electrical consumption.

3) What You’ll Need to View Programs in High Definition

A) For over-the-air reception, you’ll need a TV antenna connected to the HDTV via the HDTV’s F type screw in connector. If there is no F type connector on the back of the set, you received an HDTV monitor, meaning there is no built-in digital tuner. You will need purchase a free standing HDTV tuner box to get the free over the air channels if it’s a tunerless HD monitor.
B) For HD Cable you will need an HD cable box or HD Cable DVR. If you don’t have one yet, you may connect the cable from the wall directed to the TV’s F connector to receive the unencrypted HDTV cable channels (generally the broadcast network stations) provided your new HDTV has an unencrypted QAM tuner built-in (most digital tuner sets do, you need to check the owner’s manual for inclusion and instructions to scan in the channels once connected).

Note: Readers report a number of cable providers are encrypting network broadcast channels over cable, so the direct connection may not yield your local channels. Cable providers are supposed to distribute network channels unencrypted.

C) For HD Satellite Reception, you will need an HD satellite box and the appropriate dish already installed (check with your satellite provider for more information)

4) To See HDTV, with a HD satellite box or HD cable box you must use either the component video connection cable (YPrPb) or an HDMI cable. Oh no, you don’t have either one of these cables. Here is a tip to get you up and running until you get one. Temporarily use an audio/video cable you may have lying around (it came with your VCR, DVD player or other video component). This cable is the one that has three RCA type connectors, a yellow one, a red one and a white one at each end. Connect the yellow one to the Y output jack on the source box and the other end to the HDTV’s component video Y input. Then connect the red one to the Pr output jack on the source box and the Pr input on the HDTV and finally connect the white one to the Pb jack on the HDTV and source box. Make sure all three are on the same numbered input on the HDTV (i.e. input 6, see owner’s manual for identification of the component video input on the HDTV) With the same numbered input selected on the HDTVs video input via the “input” button on the remote control, you will be able to see an HDTV image once you tune to an HD channel (the how to is in the owner’s manual). Not sure which channels are in HD? Use channel up on the remote, till you see a widescreen HD image (tip- make sure the HDTVs aspect ratio you selected is the “FULL” mode and the source box is in its 1080i output mode) You will need an audio cable too, in order transfer the audio from the source box to the display (unless you are using an HDMI cable and connection).

5) Once you have your HD image on the screen, change the user picture controls. (If the set did not have the home/showroom option mentioned above) manually get the set out of “Vivid” mode and into standard, movie or cinema (depending on the set). If you don’t have an input named “movie” the HDTV will have one of the others and either one will produce a more accurate image than Vivid. This function is usually under Menu button on the remote followed by picture mode setting. Next, use the remote control to turn down the contrast (aka picture) control . If the contrast is set too high, the light details will turn white and be obscured, such as wrinkles on a white shirt. Adjust the brightness control low enough to get the deepest black possible but do not bring it any lower, for it will bury the dark detail. This will require some experimentation by raising and lowering the control to you reach the ideal level. Adjust the color and tint control to produce the most natural, accurate skin tones.

Special instructions for new LCD HDTV set owners.

A) Many of the new LCD HDTV have a control that will be new to you. It’s called a “backlight” control. You will need to adjust the backlight control alternately with the contrast and brightness controls. The objects, for the set to produce the deepest level of black and natural (not overblown) whites and maintain dark detail.  Here’s how.

Alternately use the backlight adjustment with the brightness control. The object is to get the deepest black, yet still be able to see low level details such as a black suit against a dark background. You must alternate back and forth these to controls; every time you lower the backlight, you will make the blacks darker including dark details. Go back and forth until you see reach the level that the blacks are the deepest, while you still can see objects that are dark or black such as Batman’s costume against a dark sky. If set too dark, much of the costume will disappear into the background. Next, make sure the overall brightness of light colored objects such as a white shirt correct via the picture (also called contrast or white level control). The object is to have an overall adequately bright picture. If after raising the contrast control to 100% whites are gray and/or the overall brightness of the image is too dark, you will need to slightly raise the backlight control and readjust the contrast and brightness controls, because they may now need a little more tweaking. On many LCDs, we have adjusted, the backlight control ends up at the low end of the range (around 0-20%) for the best image.

Remember, the object is to get the best light and dark detail in the image and the blackest blacks. This will provide the highest contrast ratio the set is capable of producing while maintaining fine detail in the light and dark parts of the image.

6) Sit back and enjoy the HDTV experience.

To all our HDGURU and HDGURU3D.com readers, we wish you a Happy Holiday.

To learn more about choosing an HDTV please click this link.

For a list of last minute HDTV deals please click this link.

For a list of the Best HDTVs under $1000 please click this link.

For a list of the 10 Best HDTVs please click this link.

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Copyright ©2006, 2007, 2208,2009 HD Guru Inc. All rights reserved. HDGURU is a registered trademark. The content and photos within may not be distributed electronically or copied mechanically without specific written permission. The content within is based upon information provided to the editor, which is believed to be reliable. Data within is subject to change. HD GURU is not responsible for errors or omissions.

(Sept. 28, 2009) Samsung chose CEDIA to unveil the remainder of its 2009 HDTV line to its dealers. The showings included Samsung’s new 2009 LED backlit LCDs, the B8500 series (bottom photo) and a new 65″ CCFL (cold-cathode fluorescent) backlit LCD (top photo).

The 8500 series consists of two models, the 46″ LN46B8500 ($3599.99) and the 55″ LN55B8500 ($4499.99). These two LCDs (note: Samsung refers to them as LED TVs in the USA) are the 2009 replacement for the well received A950 LED backlit models. Features of the 8500s include:  true 240 Hz refresh, white LED local dimming backlights, 2ms rated panel response time and a “rated” dynamic contrast of 7,000,000:1 (to restate the HD Guru’s position, dynamic contrast is a meaningless spec, though HDTV makers keep publishing a spec.).

Features include 1.6″ depth (a new record for backlit LED displays), Internet connectivity for access to Yahoo, Flickr, YouTube and other web based content and widgets. The 8500s are shipping now.

The LN65B650 is a CCFL backlit LCD (Samsung calls it an LCD TV). The 65″ size is new for Samsung and according to industry sources Sharp manufactures the 65″ LCD panel within the LN65B650. A Samsung representative would not confirm who makes the panel.

As stated in the press release “LCD 650 Series TVs will deliver Auto Motion Plus™ 120Hz refresh rate, fast 4ms response time for motion clarity and high dynamic contrast ratios for deeper, more natural blacks. The LN65B650 will also include expansive networking and connectivity capabilities including Samsung’s Medi@2.0 Suite, the unique Touch of Color™ design, and it will meet the latest Energy Star® qualifications. ” The rated dynamic contrast ratio is 100,000:1 The 65″ retails for $6000 and ships this month.

Samsung introduced its latest front projector (photo) from its “Joe Kane” series. The A600 boasts a glossy black finish, low noise, under 13 pound weight, 220 watt lamp, inputs include two HDMI, component video, composite, S-video and a 15-pin VGA connector.

The A600 is “Full HD” using a 16:9 Texas Instruments 1080p DLP chip with a six-segment color wheel, 1000 ANSI Lumen rated brightness and a 3,000:1 rated contrast ratio. The A600 retails for $1795.

Panasonic

Panasonic announced the release of its 2009 58″ and 65″ S1 and V10 series plasmas along with prices. (TC-P58S1 $2295.95; TC-P65S1 $3199.95; TC-P58V10 $2699.95; TC-P65V10 $3999.95.) You can find these HDTVs for far less by checking out at the HD Guru Pricegrabber website by clicking this (LINK) or under the “Check Prices” banner in the left side column of this page. The HD Guru Pricegrabber website currently offers the TC-P65S1 for as low as $2249.

Panasonic’s finally unveiled at CEDIA  its 85″ plasma monitor (photo). Unlike its 103″ version, the 85″ operates on a standard 120 volt AC outlet. The image was bright and clean. Panasonic’s Pro division sells it and with sales geared to commercial installs such as conference rooms. It retails for $30,000, a far cry from the 65″ S1 streeting at under $2300.

Panasonic displayed to the CEDIA crowd its new 3D truck which housed a 103″ 3D Full HD Plasma and featured new 3D demo content, including the trailer for the upcoming movie, AVATAR.

LG

LG brought its upcoming wireless and wired LCD flat panel HDTVs to Atlanta. The top-of-the-line 55LHX combines slim contemporary design, LED backlighting with local dimming, wireless HD reception and it’s the first LCD in the US to receive THX certification.  The LHX has a rated dynamic contrast ratio of 5,000,000:1 and is 240 Hz with a scanning backlight. The 55″ 55LHX retails for $4799 and should be in stores next month. The image looked quite impressive and could be one of the best LCDs ever. We look forward to reviewing when it becomes available.

The LH model has wireless 1080p connectivity and 120 Hz refresh, but uses standard CCFL backlights instead of LEDs. The LH85s have a rated contrast ratio of 80,000:1. They’ll be available later this fall as a 47″ model (47LH85, $2399) an as a 55″ (55LH85, $3199).

The SL90 series (photo) is an LED edge-lit, 120 Hz, LCD HDTV besting Samsung’s LN6000 series product by .05″ with a depth of just 1.15″. According to the press release “LG uses a special film lamination technology for better color tuning, gradation and reduction of glare – all in a sleek, minimalist package.  The lamination process completes the flat surface, virtually eliminating the visible line between the screen and the bezel when the set is turned off. “

The SL90s have a rated dynamic contrast ratio of 3,000,000:1 and like the others listed, has LGs proprietary “Picture Wizard” for easy set up of the user picture controls without tools or test discs. It also includes ISF CC for expert calibration with proper measuring devices. The SL90s will be available later this fall in the 47″ and 42″ screen sizes with retail prices of $2,599 and $2099 respectively.

The SL80 models are 1.8″ at their slimmest point, have 240 Hz with scanning CCFL backlights and the same flat all-glass face as the SL90 models. They’re available now in the 42″ ($1599), 47″ ($1899) and 55″ ($2799) screen sizes.

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Copyright ©2009 HD Guru Inc.  All rights reserved.  HDGURU is a registered trademark.  The content and photos within may not be distributed electronically or copied mechanically without specific written permission.  The content within is based upon information provided to the editor, which is believed to be reliable.  Data within is subject to change.  HD GURU is not responsible for errors or omissions

(July 29, 2009) Buy a high-ticket electronics item like an HDTV today and you can be sure the salesperson will try to sell you an extended warranty that’s supposed to protect your considerable investment well beyond the length of time offered by the manufacturer.

Adding a relatively inexpensive extended warranty seems like a no-brainer so many consumers do, yet because the HD Guru frequently receives emails from buyers complaining about difficulties getting the terms of these warranties honored, we decided to investigate.

Not surprisingly, we found that often what you hear on the sales floor, read in the literature and see online is not what you get.

Best Buy, for instance, recently introduced its “Geek Squad Black Tie Protection” plan. It’s “Like Having A Geek Always With You,” proclaims the pamphlet handed out in the stores by blue shirted staff members. “If a product guarded by Black Tie Protection needs four qualified repairs throughout the duration of the plan,” the pamphlet assures consumers, “we’ll make sure that you get a new one.”

While that sounds reassuring and in and of itself may provide sufficient comfort to induce one to buy the plan, unfortunately, it’s not exactly true. According to the terms of Best Buy’s service contract rather than being “a new one,” the replacement “…may be new or rebuilt…” (“rebuilt” meaning used and refurbished) “…at our discretion.”

Best Buy’s pamphlet also states that “…for TVs 30″ and up… we’ll loan you a TV ASAP if it looks like we can’t get yours fixed on the first visit.” Sounds good, but read the actual service contract and you’ll be surprised to learn that there is no mention of a loaner TV.

Best Buy’s service contract (available upon request at a Best Buy store or on its website) does go to great lengths to state terms and conditions, with the list of terms opening with “This is a legal contract, (hereinafter referred to as ‘The Plan’). By purchasing it, you understand that it is a legal contract and have had the opportunity to read the terms and conditions within.”

However, take the time to actually read the contract rather than relying on the pamphlet and you would also learn that if Best Buy (BB) can’t repair the TV it will “…replace it with a product of like kind and quality that is of comparable performance, or reimburse you for replacement of the product with a voucher or gift card, at our discretion, equal to the fair market value of the product, as determined by us, not to exceed the original purchase price of your product including taxes  (italics added by HD Guru)”.

The “fair market value” is not you might reasonably assume, the price you originally paid, but rather the covered product’s market value at the time of repair as determined by a BB employee. Of course by the time the extended warranty kicks in, the product can be up to four years old and worth next to nothing!

While we can’t cite an actual example of compensation received by a customer for an un-repairable TV covered by Best Buy’s “ Black Tie Protection Plan”, we do know that this past April,  Best Buy voluntarily recalled one of its “house brand” Insignia LCD HDTV models (Post Here). Many of these recalled sets were less than three years old and sold new for up to $1000 plus tax. Best Buy provided gift cards amounting to $500 or about half of the original purchase price.

When asked to comment about the pamphlet’s claims versus the written legal contract’s actual terms, a Best Buy’s spokesperson pointed out that its service contract program’s underwriter, AIG Warranty Group, a division of AIG (yes, that AIG), ultimately determines a covered product’s value.

The spokesperson also acknowledged that despite the pamphlet’s claim, Best Buy’s service contract does not include a loaner program but that the company currently supplies 37″ Insignia LCD loaners to customers whose TVs can’t be repaired during the first service call. Whether the set in need of repair is 32” or 65” the loaner is 37” because it’s the only set size the program offers.

Here is Best Buy’s official response via email (verbatim in bold).

Replacement value

We continue to advocate for the best possible scenario for our customers, and we think they know that. We’ve had virtually no complaints from them about replacements. Replacement value is complicated because the establishment of value for replacement is determined not just by Best Buy, but by the underwriters of our plans.

We’ll continue to work with our underwriters to clarify replacement criteria in our terms and conditions, and to represent the best interests of our customers.  Our progress will be reflected in our service plan literature, and ideally in continued customer satisfaction with our service plan fulfillment.

Timing for loaner TV

We say ASAP in our Geek Squad Black Tie Protection brochure because timing on loaner TVs varies depending on whether Geek Squad is doing the repair – or we’re relying on a third-party.  When we’re doing the job, we can provide that replacement TV immediately, usually right out of our Geek Squad van.  But in some cases, we rely on third parties to reach customers who aren’t in our service area.  Still, we agree that our customers may want more details around when a loaner would be available to them.  And we’ll make changes immediately in our Geek Squad Black Tie Protection literature to include more details about timing.

On line Sellers

Our recent article “On Line HDTV Stores Get Nailed For Consumer Fraud” (Link) reports that a number of Brooklyn based etailers were cited for fraud and fined by the NYS Attorney General. We checked one of the merchants still in business called “Foto Connection” that sells service contracts written by Brooklyn based Consumer Priority Service (dba CPS). We contacted CPS’s customer service department and asked for a copy of its contract. The customer service rep said it’s not available online and that a written request by US mail was required to obtain a copy—not exactly a forthcoming policy for a legitimate company, which we then suspected CPS of not being.

A check of the New York City office of the Better Business Bureau revealed that “BBB processed a total of 23 complaint(s) about this business in the last 36 months, our standard reporting period. Of the total 23 complaint(s) closed in the last 36 months, 21 were closed in the last 12 months. 2 regarded contract disputes;1 Customer Service; 12 Warranty Issues; 3 Refund or Exchange; 3 Repair Issues and 2 Service Issues.”

To Buy or Not To Buy?

Retailers and etailers offer either their own or third party service contracts. Before purchasing either kind, be sure to read it carefully, even if you need a jeweler’s loupe to clearly see the exclusions and other conditions hidden within the contract’s fine print.

HD Guru checked out the service contracts offered by 6th Avenue Electronics and P.C. Richard and Son, two NY/New Jersey Metropolitan area retail chains. Both contracts proved to be far more straightforward and concise than either Best Buy’s or Target’s.  Best Buy’s plan is printed on twenty pages of a 4″ x 8.25″ pamphlet, P.C Richard’s contract terms occupy just 2/3 of a single sided letter size page.

Consider the cost before purchasing a service contract. For instance, Target’s total three years from purchase service contract for a $1300 HDTV costs $79, while BJ’s Wholesale club’s three total years from purchase service contract for the same price TV costs $119. Fined web retailer Foto Connection’s three total years CPS service contract costs $209.30

Best Buy’s four years from purchase date “Black Tie Protection service contract (including the manufacturer’s standard one-year warranty) is $229.99 for a $1299.99 HDTV. In other words you’re paying 17.5% of the set’s total cost for the three additional years of coverage. After reading all of the contract’s terms and conditions, is that a worthwhile investment? Thats your decision!

Remember too that many credit cards will double the manufacturer’s warranty, so check the terms of your credit card(s) before using one to make a purchase.

-HDGuru® with Michael Fremer
——
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(6/27/09 by HDGURU®) The old adage “If the deal sounds too good to be true, it is” applies to purchases of HDTVs, camcorders, digital cameras and other consumer electronics on the Internet.  This week the office of the NY State Attorney General concluded a settlement agreement with seven Brooklyn based e-tailers, making them pay $665,000 to consumers they cheated, adding another $100,000 in investigation costs. “These companies engaged in the worst kinds of consumer fraud, from classic bait-and-switch schemes to blatant lies and bullying sales tactics.” said Attorney General Andrew Cuomo.

The press release adds “Under the agreements secured today by Cuomo, two of the companies, Camera Wiz and Sonic Photo, will dissolve completely.  The following five companies will completely revamp their business practices and be subject to ongoing monitoring: Best Price Camera, Foto Connection, 1 Way Photo, 86th Street Photo and Broadway Photo, LLC.  All of the companies will pay substantial monies to provide restitution for consumers who were subjected to the companies’ illegal business practices.”

How do unscrupulous retailers “bait and switch” customers?  While methods may vary from store to store, the first part of any good con is to snag the victim. Prospective buyers want the lowest price possible, and bait and switch operations offer prices that are lower than offered by legitimate dealers (often below cost).

The games begin after the order has been placed. The victim gets a phone call from a dealer sales rep who either advises switching to another, supposedly superior product, or claims the product purchased is designed for a foreign market and lacks the US warranty and English language instructions. Or the salesman will attempt to get the victim to buy upgraded or overpriced items (HDMI cables, screen cleaning kits, mounts, practically worthless extended warranties, etc.) Say “no” and the store will simply not ship the product.

If you have a problem with your main purchase, or are dissatisfied with an accessory, according to the press release, these unscrupulous companies make returning them almost impossible by requiring customers to speak to a live representative during limited business hours and then refusing to answer those calls.

The press release adds “all the fined companies obtained fake ‘consumer testimonials’ through websites that claim to be impartial consumer based ‘rating’ websites, but are in fact are pay-per-click-based websites filled with content provided by the websites proprietors.”. Here’s the full release (NY AG Secures Agreement With Electronics Companies Using Illegal Business Practices).

The Complete List

The seven companies fined operate under over one hundred company names and websites! The HD Guru obtained the list from the NYS Attorney General’s Office, posted here (List of Bait and Switch E-tailers).

Recourse

If you believe you are a victim of illegal practices of one of the listed companies you may qualify for restitution. The NYS Attorney General appointed The New York Better Business Bureau to handle claims. They must be submitted from July 1, 2009 to December 1, 2009 by calling the NY BBB at 212-533-6200 (as of July 1).

How To Avoid A Scam E-tailer

Be wary of sellers located in Brooklyn, NY. For reasons not exactly clear this NYC borough has the highest concentration of scamming e-tailers. The state of New Jersey appears to have the second highest number of bad retailers; however there are many legitimate merchants in the Garden State.

Check out http://sheddingsomelight.com/ for a list of dealers and their business aliases having high numbers of complaints. Here you’ll also find helpful tips on how to detect scam merchants.

Go to review websites, look for the volume and severity of the bad reviews while disregarding the positive reviews because many may be self-generated by the scammers.

Check out the e-tailers’ local Better Business Bureau website for complaints and to learn if they were resolved.

Always check out return policies, restocking fees and freight charges for returns prior to a purchase. Many e-tailers have sterling reputations, so don’t allow the bad ones to inhibit your online purchasing; the HD Guru has made many satisfactory etail purchases by following his own advice!

-HDGuru® with Michael Fremer
——

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Copyright ©2009 HD Guru Inc.  All rights reserved.HDGURU is a registered trademark.  The content and photos within may not be distributed electronically or copied mechanically without specific written permission.  The content within is based upon information provided to the editor, which is believed to be reliable.  Data within is subject to change.  HD GURU is not responsible for errors or omissions.

US District Court Rules Class Action Against Best Buy To Proceed

(3/21/09)  The US District Court, Southern District granted a motion on 3/19/09 for Class Action Certification to allow Plaintiff Thomas Jermyn and any similarly situated NY State residents to sue Best Buy for violating its “Price Match” policy.

According to the ruling, the plaintiff alleges, “Best Buy uses false and deceptive trade practices in advertising and applying the company’s well-known “price match guarantee” policy.  Best Buy tells the consuming public it will match a competitor’s lower price on any item purchased in the store.”  Plaintiff alleges that Best Buy uses its “price match guarantee policy as a ploy, to lure unsuspecting consumers into its stores and to induce them to purchase its merchandise, while allegedly having an undisclosed “Anti-Price Matching Policy,” pursuant to which employees aggressively deny customers’ legitimate price match requests.”

Among the major revelations listed from evidence within the decision based on internal BB documents, depositions of current BB employees and declarations by two former BB employees are the following allegations:

·    Best Buy had an undisclosed Anti-Price Matching Policy

·    Corporate headquarters disseminated the anti-price matching policy to regional managers, store managers, assistant managers, and necessary store personnel

·    Best Buy taught its employees how to deny price match requests in its training facilities in New York

·    Best Buy provided financial bonuses based, in part, on denying proper price match requests

·    Best Buy denied more than 100 proper price match requests per store per week.

The court decision lists parts of an internal Best Buy document dated 10/19/2006, written by Phil Britton, a member of Best Buy’s Competitive Strategies Group. Its entitled “Competition Insider Templates”, here’s an excerpt:

“Price Matches

It looms on the wall, on a 9 foot sign.  Our Price Match policy.  There it is plain as day in English (Y en espanol para los de usted que puede leerio.)  However, just because it is our policy, do we abide by it?  Does it really help the customer?

What is the first thing we do when a customer comes in to our humble box brandishing a competitor’s ad asking for a price match?  We attempt to build a case against the price match.  (Trust me, I’ve done it too).  Let’s walk through the “Refused Price Match Greatest Hits:”

Not same model?  Not in stock at the competitor?  Do we have free widget with purchase?  Is it from a warehouse club (they have membership fees, you know)?  Limited Quantities?  That competitor is across town?  We’ve got financing!  Is it an internet price?  It’s below cost!…..”

Contrary to the above quoted document, Best Buy’s posted Price Match policy does not list any price match restrictions based on: competitor’s distance from store (it states “local retailer”), warehouse club-based prices, or whether the competitor’s price is above or below cost.

Best Buy continues to promote its Price Match policy.  Tomorrow’s (March 22, 2009) Best Buy weekly circular, page 3 states “We’ll meet or beat their lowest price.  If you see a lower advertised price, we’ll match it on the spot.”

Last week the HD Guru wrote about the Best Buy’s refusal to provide a policy compliant price match at three of its stores.  Best Buy’s corporate office responded via email with the following statement.

“We apologize for the confusion over this price matching incident, and appreciate that there’s room for mis-interpretation of what we’ll match and when.  The price match in question was over $700 difference from our pricing at the store; while our pricing may vary from our competition, such huge fluctuations in price are rare and
rightfully set off red flags to our employees.

Our full price match policy for in store can be found here (Link).

We encourage customers to become familiar with our price-matching policy and use it to their advantage, especially in these tough economic times.  The key elements of this policy are:

If a customer elects to make a purchase and discovers a lower advertised price offered by a local retail competitor on the same available brand and model, we will fulfill a price match request once proof of price is verified via the competitor’s ad.  The Price Guarantee does not apply to limited-quantity items.

If customers believe they’ve met the applicable criteria and are unable to price match at their local Best Buy store, we urge them to contact our Customer Care Center at 888-Best Buy (888-237-8289) for further assistance.”

The HD Guru contacted Michael Braunstein, the attorney representing the plaintiff in the class action lawsuit.  Mr. Braunstein invites readers who believe they have been “murfed” (refused the price match in compliance with BBs written policy) or have inquiries regarding the class action, to contact him by email or phone.  The class action lawsuit applies to NY State residents only.  However, Mr. Braunstein stated in the phone interview that he would like to hear from anyone who has been rejected for a price match by Best Buy, regardless of the state in which they reside.  His contact information is
Michael L. Braunstein, Kantowitz, Goldhamer and Graifman, P.C. (845) 356-2570; email mbraunstein@kgglaw.com

A copy of the US District Court ruling can be found here decision-and-order-granting-class-certification.pdf

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These are tough economic times.  Facing lower sales volume and declining revenue, some “big box” electronics retailers are apparently fighting back by not honoring their own pricing policies.

After reading a recent report by laptopmag.com that cited Office Depot stores for ordering its sales clerks to tell customers that “sale” laptop computers were out of stock—unless the customers first agree to purchase software as well as extra cost, extended warranties and in-store set-ups (see link here)—the HD Guru went undercover to investigate sales and price matching policy performance at local Best Buy outlets.

The HD Guru visited three Best Buy stores in the New York market area and asked to purchase a Panasonic HDTV priced in a competing regional multi-store electronics retailer’s advertisement at more than $700 less than Best Buy’s price.

When asked to match the price, salesmen at all three stores said “no,” giving the same excuse: “The advertised Panasonic was on sale for three days and Best Buy’s price match policy exempts limited time sales”.  However, there is no “limited time exemption” in Best Buy’s price match policy. Store personnel simply made up a phony excuse, or were instructed to do so by higher-ups.

Denying a customer a price match price is nothing new. It’s been going on for decades. It even has a name: “murfing”— a code word often used by managers to instruct sales people to disregard the price match policy so the customer either leaves the store or pays the tagged price!  The origin of the word (as legend goes) began with NY City Canal Street consumer electronic stores.

Though the HD Guru didn’t hear the word spoken at any of the Best Buys visited, he was definitely “murfed”. Determined not to be “murfed” at the last Best Buy store after hearing the same denial, the HD Guru claimed that there is no limited time sale exemption in Best Buy’s price match policy and asked for proof.  In accordance with NY State law, Best Buy posts its sales policies both at the customer service area and at the Best Buy website (Link).

The salesman (we’ll refer to him as Chuck) read the Best Buy’s website store policy page and confirmed a limited quantity policy did not exist.  At this point, Chuck and I walked over to the manager to get some guidance.  Shortly thereafter, the manager turned around and requested me to leave so he could speak privately to Chuck.

I moseyed over to the other end of the department figuring Chuck was telling his boss to match the price because I might be trouble, which would have been a very perceptive observation! Chuck returned a couple of minutes later and said the manager had decided he would make an exception to the (non-existent) store policy and match the price.

Asking Chuck to write up the sale and include the Best Buy free delivery as advertised (for any HDTV $999 and up, this HDTV was over $1000),  Chuck replied, “delivery and hook-up would cost $100 additional,” claiming the chain’s price match policy exempts free delivery.  Once again, Chuck falsely cited a non-existent policy!  Murfed again, I made my exit. Later, a call to Best Buy’s corporate customer service representative confirmed free delivery should have been provided in accordance with Best Buy’s policy.

Why is Best Buy doing this?  According to a Best Buy source, its salesmen have been instructed by management to not honor its price match policies in order to increase the store’s profit margin.  Salesmen, (according to the source) are encouraged to provide  bogus policies including:

The sale is for a limited time, i.e. a one-day sale, a five-day sale etc.

The competing store is a single outlet, as opposed to a multi-store chain like Best Buy.

The competing store does not have in-store stock for X  (i.e. TVs over 32”) and that they must be delivered from the warehouse so therefore the price match policy won’t be honored.

Best Buy’s media relations dept. has not responded to a request for comment.

How do you avoid getting “murfed”?  The HD Guru believes if you want to do business with a company that doesn’t want to honor its price match policies, consider these ‘do’s” and “don’t’s”, however if you use these “techniques” you will be stooping to the level of the dishonorable retailers:

Don’t have a competitor’s ad in your hand when entering the store.  Produce it after you establish the store has the item in stock.

Don’t say you have been shopping around and know exactly what you want to purchase (the sales person may get suspicious of a price match and simply tell you the TV is out of stock).  Do give the salesman a general idea of what type of HDTV you desire ( i.e. 46” LCD) and let salesperson suggest the HDTV you want to price match.

Don’t make a scene if you get murfed.  It won’t accomplish anything.  Simply leave and, if you desire, call the store’s corporate customer relations department.  It may contact the store and tell it to honor the price match policy (because you complained).

Do ask the salesman if they offer extended warranties (even if you don’t want one) and inquire as to how many years coverage you can buy, because you want the longest protection you can buy (the salesman’s belief that you will be purchasing an extended warranty will motivate his manager to match the price.)  You may purchase the warranty and cancel it at the checkout or the next day without penalty.

Indicate you will need cables and accessories and tell the salesman you want the best—more motivation for the salesman to get his manager to honor the price match.

Do bring your business to a reputable store that honors its policies.  They are out there.

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Copyright ©2009 HD Guru Inc.  All rights reserved.  HDGURU is a registered trademark.  The content and photos within may not be distributed electronically or copied mechanically without specific written permission.  The content within is based upon information provided to the editor, which is believed to be reliable.  Data within is subject to change.  HD GURU is not responsible for errors