View Full Version : I got "Rayed" at Best Buy
eliocon
12-09-06, 02:06 PM
Okay so I go the the Best Buy near me in Brick and the following exchange takes place:
Me: Hi. Do you guys have the new Toshiba HD player?
Salesclerk: The 500 dollar one? Yeah we got few in today.
Me: Cool. Do you have one set up yet?
SC: Nah.. But you should really take a look at Blu Ray.
Me: I've seen it. I'm not really interested. I have an HD player at home and just wanted to check out the new model.
SC: Dude the Blu Ray looks SO MUCH BETTER THAN THE HD DVD. You can't even compare it.
Me: That's actually inaccurate. The best of both look pretty much equal.
SC: No way man. And besides Blu Ray is OUTSELLING HD 6:1.
Me: Okay. Now you're a total liar. You should look at Amazon sales rankings before you make a stupid statement like that.
SC: Well at this store it outsells HD 6:1.
Me: Well this store is in the middle of A*** F*** nowhere New Jersey. If you're going to make idiotic statements like that you should really do a little more homework and check what sales figures are nationwide. New Jersey, and specifically this store, will not be the deciding factor in the format war.
It got momentarily uglier with me calling him a moron when he tried to push the Panasonic player on me but you get the picture. I'm pretty format agnostic but this scene really annoyed me. I had, to this point, not been "rayed" by anyone at my local BB. I HATE hard sells.
Just wanted to share this experience. Shame BB fells it necessary to diss a format that could really sell well because they either have some subsidy from Sony or they just want to upsell to the more expensive machine. Either way they do the consumer a disservice when they pile on the disinformation.
dlhoppe
12-09-06, 02:14 PM
Okay so I go the the Best Buy near me in Brick and the following exchange takes place:
Me: Hi. Do you guys have the new Toshiba HD player?
Salesclerk: The 500 dollar one? Yeah we got few in today.
Me: Cool. Do you have one set up yet?
SC: Nah.. But you should really take a look at Blu Ray.
Me: I've seen it. I'm not really interested. I have an HD player at home and just wanted to check out the new model.
SC: Dude the Blu Ray looks SO MUCH BETTER THAN THE HD DVD. You can't even compare it.
Me: That's actually inaccurate. The best of both look pretty much equal.
SC: No way man. And besides Blu Ray is OUTSELLING HD 6:1.
Me: Okay. Now you're a total liar. You should look at Amazon sales rankings before you make a stupid statement like that.
SC: Well at this store it outsells HD 6:1.
Me: Well this store is in the middle of A*** F*** nowhere New Jersey. If you're going to make idiotic statements like that you should really do a little more homework and check what sales figures are nationwide. New Jersey, and specifically this store, will not be the deciding factor in the format war.
It got momentarily uglier with me calling him a moron when he tried to push the Panasonic player on me but you get the picture. I'm pretty format agnostic but this scene really annoyed me. I had, to this point, not been "rayed" by anyone at my local BB. I HATE hard sells.
Just wanted to share this experience. Shame BB fells it necessary to diss a format that could really sell well because they either have some subsidy from Sony or they just want to upsell to the more expensive machine. Either way they do the consumer a disservice when they pile on the disinformation.
I've heard similar crap three different times by three different employees here at my local BB. I'm convinced it's a store/management policy to do that.
Cooper0103
12-09-06, 02:15 PM
I worked at a BB back in college....I lasted a whole week there. It was the worst job I ever had.
They hired me as "a guy that new about macs"...or course this was way back when they carried apple computers. Anyway, I worked in the computer dept. and I never had anyone approach me about macs. Not to mention when I would steer them away from a crappy HP PC they would get downright angry at me (the customer). So I quit pushing the macs but I really didn't know much about PC's at all so I asked my manager what I neeed to do to learn more so I can answer question and be somewhat educated on the products we sell. His reply "Just read those tags while your talking they have all the info you need on them....that's what we all do".
eliocon
12-09-06, 02:20 PM
I worked at a BB back in college....I lasted a whole week there. It was the worst job I ever had.
They hired me as "a guy that new about macs"...or course this was way back when they carried apple computers. Anyway, I worked in the computer dept. and I never had anyone approach me about macs. Not to mention when I would steer them away from a crappy HP PC they would get downright angry at me (the customer). So I quit pushing the macs but I really didn't know much about PC's at all so I asked my manager what I neeed to do to learn more so I can answer question and be somewhat educated on the products we sell. His reply "Just read those tags while your talking they have all the info you need on them....that's what we all do".
That's really sad. I used to be in management at an Apple Store and I always tried to stay informed. We worked really hard to make sure all our staff was knowledgable. Sales are always better when you know the product and you can steer the customer to the appropriate solution. What kills me is that I wasn't coming in to challenge Blu Ray or the SC's knowledge of the product lines they carry. All I wanted to do was see the new freaking mahine.
I love the term "I got Rayed." I'm going to have to start using that when I get confronted by a BB Sales Guy.
I support both formats, but getting "Rayed" sounds annoying as hell.
Mostly, when I go into any big box electronics store, I just get "Lamed." As in, lame information all day long from idiots.
My personal opinion is that when a person signs the W4 to accept a position with Best Buy, that person should be smacked one time across the face -- hard.
Then they can "Ray" all day long.
1loudsuv
12-09-06, 02:37 PM
thats exactly why im not buying my def tech's from then and their gonna lose out a $4,0000 purchase. i rather give someone else the money.
it was probably a blu ray fanboy
you should of asked him if he owns one and what display he owns :p
WOW I got Rayed today also...Called BB in Joliet IL first thing in the morning to see if they received the A2 yet. I was told they had 4 and would have them on the shelf before I got there. I get there 2.5 hours later...and could not find one. I go into the Mag part of the store and asked one of their so-called professional A/V saleman were are...he told me they don't carry HD-DVD anymore....he directs me to a Samsung BD playing through a 70" SXRD...by the way the PQ was terrible...no lie...it was really bad...they had a concert playing. I know it should of looked better...anyway I told this saleman that I called earlier and they said they had 4 in stock...he asked another saleman and he did not know either...they asked the girl behind the counter and she finally located them after asking a dept manager...they were so high up...they had to use one of ladders....I am talking 12- 15 feet up...they were never on display...and they only took one down for me and left the rest up...guess they will never be displayed. :(
In all honestly after talking to these people they are completely Rayed to a fault. :mad:
The good news is with the 12% discount coupon I bought it for $439.
thats exactly why im not buying my def tech's from then and their gonna lose out a $4,0000 purchase. i rather give someone else the money.
it was probably a blu ray fanboy
you should of asked him if he owns one and what display he owns :pI actually just listen to those speakers at Mag...very nice!
PRO-630HD
12-09-06, 03:06 PM
I got the same thing yesterday looking for the HD-A2. The salesman are clueless, then I went on to inform him the just released Sony and Pioneer Elite player cannot decode DD+, True HD or DTS-HD at 2 to 3 times the price.
LCD1080
12-09-06, 03:08 PM
I had a much more pleasant experience at BB yesterday.
Me: Do you have the new HD-A2 HD-DVD player?
Salesclerk: Yes would you like to see a demonstration of the player on the floor?
Me: No I'd just like to buy one.
Salesclerk: Well we have one available. It's sitting right over here. (He walks over to the the most heavily travelled area of the sales floor and easily reaches for it on a shelf at waist height.).
Me: Thanks I really appreciate it.
Salesclerk: Great hope you enjoy it.
Now admittedly this is not the reaction I got from another salesclerk at the same BB a few months ago. Then it was Blu-ray, 1080P, Blu-ray, blah blah blah. I guess I just got lucky and found a good sales guy.
I had a much more pleasant experience at BB yesterday.
Me: Do you have the new HD-A2 HD-DVD player?
Salesclerk: Yes would you like to see a demonstration of the player on the floor?
Me: No I'd just like to buy one.
Salesclerk: Well we have one available. It's sitting right over here. (He walks over to the the most heavily travelled area of the sales floor and easily reaches for it on a shelf at waist height.).
Me: Thanks I really appreciate it.
Salesclerk: Great hope you enjoy it.
Now admittedly this is not the reaction I got from another salesclerk at the same BB a few months ago. Then it was Blu-ray, 1080P, Blu-ray, blah blah blah. I guess I just got lucky and found a good sales guy.this is the way it should go...ask and receive...nothing more! Congrats on your purchase so far I like it a lot...now what to do with my A1. EBAY TIME! :)
Okay so I go the the Best Buy near me in Brick and the following exchange takes place:
Me: Okay. Now you're a total liar.... {SNIP} ... you make a stupid statement like that... {SNIP} ... Well this store is in the middle of A*** F*** nowhere New Jersey. If you're going to make idiotic statements like that...
It got momentarily uglier with me calling him a moron...
Wait... You spoke these words to another human being because of a DVD format?
1loudsuv
12-09-06, 03:45 PM
Wait... You spoke these words to another human being because of a DVD format?
i doubt he acted like that just cause of hd-dvd but just cause the employee is an idiot.
HPforMe
12-09-06, 03:54 PM
Wait... You spoke these words to another human being because of a DVD format?
Probably because the BB employee is trying to pick his pocket by falsely representing the quality of a stand alone player costing twice as much, i.e., blu ray. Someone trying to misrepresent the facts to take your hard earned money don't expect a big wet kiss in return.
eliocon
12-09-06, 04:08 PM
Wait... You spoke these words to another human being because of a DVD format?
Not because of a DVD format but because i was being either lied to or taken for an uninformed idiot. I didn't ask him about the difference between the systems or whether I should go for one or the other. I asked a simple question about availability and was suddenly on the receiving end of a hard sell. BAAAAAAAD bad move. It's one thing to be an aggressive salesperson. It's another to make uninformed, snotty and downright untrue statements just to make a sales quota. And I don't' care whether it's a DVD player, an iPod or a roll of toilet tissue. Never assume the customer knows less than you do...
Probably because the BB employee is trying to pick his pocket by falsely representing the quality of a stand alone player costing twice as much, i.e., blu ray. Someone trying to misrepresent the facts to take your hard earned money don't expect a big wet kiss in return.
I agree a 100% no one would earn my respect if they lied to me just to make a profit. I work in the IT field and have to keep up with the ever changing tech world. If was not up to date with technolgy I would be out on my butt at my job.
Rob
Wait... You spoke these words to another human being because of a DVD format?
EDIT: OP already answered :)
I bet if we had one of the BB insiders on these boards look up the sales totals for that exact BB store, the guy's claim that "Blu Ray outsells HD-DVD 6 to 1 in this store" would be proven false too.
which best buy in jersey ? I'm up in the paramus area and no one but the pricing has stoped me from buying at the local bestbuys
Apophis906
12-09-06, 05:01 PM
When I got mine the lady asked if I needed any help. I had already got the A2, so I showed it to her and told her I had what I was after. She said that I knew my stuff, that it was a good player. She never said anything at all about Blu-ray, she did of course do the normal ask if I needed any cables or the service plan.
dlhoppe
12-09-06, 05:54 PM
"Blu Ray outsells HD-DVD 6 to 1 in this store"
This might be true considering the way they behave as sale-people....
g_bartman
12-09-06, 06:17 PM
One of my co workers got rayed. He was looking into hdtv at the local bb.
One of the sets (a sony bravia) was playing a br of ice age (or some other pixar flick.) My friend was impressed but just asked "isnt there another format?"
The guy said "yeah but its not nearly as good." He then proceeded to tell him he "needed" a 100 dollar monter hdmi cable and some high end monster power conditioner. Thank god my friein figued out this guy was full of it and walked out.
mchuckp
12-09-06, 07:12 PM
I've overheard some getting "rayed" stores and made my blood boil to listen to these schmucks. But it really boils down to that HD-DVD needs to start backing their format with some advertising and paying for floor space at retailers.
I am an XA1 owner and love it. I try and do my best (within reason) to buy HD-DVD movies and push the format onto people but Toshiba and the gang better start pushing on their own. They are at a prime opportunity to really make some waves while BD is too expensive and limited availability.
C'mon HD-DVD, we are doing our part as early adopters and customers. Now do your part and make your product known!!!!!
MidnightWatcher
12-09-06, 07:42 PM
I love the term "I got Rayed." I'm going to have to start using that when I get confronted by a BB Sales Guy.
I support both formats, but getting "Rayed" sounds annoying as hell.
Mostly, when I go into any big box electronics store, I just get "Lamed." As in, lame information all day long from idiots.
My personal opinion is that when a person signs the W4 to accept a position with Best Buy, that person should be smacked one time across the face -- hard.
Then they can "Ray" all day long.
More like "Rayped". I'd feel totally violated! :eek:
The BB Salesperson is correct.
Learn to support Blu-Ray.
MidnightWatcher
12-09-06, 07:46 PM
Okay so I go the the Best Buy near me in Brick and the following exchange takes place:
Me: Hi. Do you guys have the new Toshiba HD player?
Salesclerk: The 500 dollar one? Yeah we got few in today.
Me: Cool. Do you have one set up yet?
SC: Nah.. But you should really take a look at Blu Ray.
Me: I've seen it. I'm not really interested. I have an HD player at home and just wanted to check out the new model.
SC: Dude the Blu Ray looks SO MUCH BETTER THAN THE HD DVD. You can't even compare it.
Me: That's actually inaccurate. The best of both look pretty much equal.
SC: No way man. And besides Blu Ray is OUTSELLING HD 6:1.
Me: Okay. Now you're a total liar. You should look at Amazon sales rankings before you make a stupid statement like that.
SC: Well at this store it outsells HD 6:1.
Me: Well this store is in the middle of A*** F*** nowhere New Jersey. If you're going to make idiotic statements like that you should really do a little more homework and check what sales figures are nationwide. New Jersey, and specifically this store, will not be the deciding factor in the format war.
It got momentarily uglier with me calling him a moron when he tried to push the Panasonic player on me but you get the picture. I'm pretty format agnostic but this scene really annoyed me. I had, to this point, not been "rayed" by anyone at my local BB. I HATE hard sells.
Just wanted to share this experience. Shame BB fells it necessary to diss a format that could really sell well because they either have some subsidy from Sony or they just want to upsell to the more expensive machine. Either way they do the consumer a disservice when they pile on the disinformation.
You know what? People should print out this article (http://news.digitaltrends.com/talkback158.html) and then post multiple copies in various BB stores where they live. Wouldn't that be something! :cool:
Emotep,
As a guy told a car dealer once, I don't want to be your sole supporter.
Who in their right mind would pay double or triple for a Blu Ray?
I would snap up a PS3 20 gigger in a heartbeat just to use it as a BR player. It's the same price as an HD DVD player.
dlhoppe
12-09-06, 08:11 PM
The BB Salesperson is correct.
Learn to support Blu-Ray.
It was just a matter of time......
MidnightWatcher
12-09-06, 08:19 PM
The BB Salesperson is correct.
Learn to support Blu-Ray.
Interesting name, "Emotep". It is backwards for "Petome", which is derived from "Peotomy". Is this why you feel so blue? :eek:
j/k
Emotep,
As a guy told a car dealer once, I don't want to be your sole supporter.
Who in their right mind would pay double or triple for a Blu Ray?
I would snap up a PS3 20 gigger in a heartbeat just to use it as a BR player. It's the same price as an HD DVD player.
That's what I did... except I got the 60Gigger. :D
Arguing with a BEST BUY salesperson is about as productive as arguing with a MOONIE
Also, remember the #1 rule "NEVER EVER CALL FOR THE MANAGER - BECAUSE THE MANAGER IS THE CHIEF MOONIE"
larryep
12-09-06, 08:33 PM
I HAVE been rayed 3 times from 3 different stores. i also wanted to see a new hddvd in action. is sony making I-ROBOTS. :D
good job BB
at this rate BD association should just give Best Buy a seat at the board of directors :D
1loudsuv
12-09-06, 08:36 PM
I HAVE been rayed 3 times from 3 different stores. i also wanted to see a new hddvd in action. is sony making I-ROBOTS. :D
with no hardrives and no memory all they do is walk around and speak nonsense. espeacially of something they most likely dont own cause they cant afford it
videonut
12-09-06, 08:37 PM
"Half the work that is done in this world is to make things appear what they are not."
E.R. Beadle
I went to the BB located in the Palisades Mall to try my luck. A pleasant salesgirl took a moment to figure out what exactly it was that I was asking for, but then the light bulb went on: "oh -- yes! Those Toshiba's came in yesterday, let me go to the back and check."
She returned after a minute or so and gave me a shrug, "They were all sold. But we get a few deliveries a week, so keep checking back."
I thanked her, and glanced at two full shelves of Blue Ray players while heading out of the store.
Toshiba has to get production up, or they'll remain invisible to the uninformed masses.
1loudsuv
12-09-06, 08:43 PM
good job BB
at this rate BD might go as high as 10 (hd-dvd)to 1 (bd)sales versus hd-dvd :D
sad with all the advertising all the support from studios and manufacturers and they cant even compare to hd-dvd sales
I love BLU-RAY. HD-DVD sucks!!!
I agree
b.greenway
12-09-06, 08:50 PM
The BB Salesperson is correct.
Learn to support Blu-Ray.
hahahaha. :rolleyes:
I've overheard some getting "rayed" stores and made my blood boil to listen to these schmucks. But it really boils down to that HD-DVD needs to start backing their format with some advertising and paying for floor space at retailers.
I am an XA1 owner and love it. I try and do my best (within reason) to buy HD-DVD movies and push the format onto people but Toshiba and the gang better start pushing on their own. They are at a prime opportunity to really make some waves while BD is too expensive and limited availability.
C'mon HD-DVD, we are doing our part as early adopters and customers. Now do your part and make your product known!!!!!I agree Toshiba needs to push there format...blu-ray is everywhere and its being pushed down our throats everywhere we go...hopefully some good news will come out of CES. They better not miss this opportunity...or it WILL be good news for Blu-ray. :eek:
1loudsuv
12-09-06, 08:54 PM
blur ray 21st century betamax
dam sony and their umd,memory stick etc etc etc
when will they suceed i guess never since their latest creation blur ray cant sell even if they give it away. its kind of like doo doo no one wants it no matter if its free or a $1000 :p
Wait... You spoke these words to another human being because of a DVD format?
Flowers, flowers everywhere.............
Even flowers have stems! ;)
hdmi4ever
12-09-06, 08:55 PM
I thanked her, and glanced at two full shelves of Blue Ray players while heading out of the store.Guess why you're seeing shelves full of BR players but the Toshiba is out of stock? The Blu-Ray's ain't sellin'.
kanefsky
12-09-06, 08:57 PM
I love that expression "I got Rayed." We totally have to make that a standard expression that goes beyond Blu-Ray and applies any time that a salesman tries to sell you a bill of goods.
--
Steve
Larry Sutliff
12-09-06, 09:29 PM
The BB Salesperson is correct.
Learn to support Blu-Ray.
Yeah, listen to those BB blueshirts, they know what's best for you. And, by the way, don't forget that 175 dollar HDMI cable, and that 600 dollar power conditioner! ;) :p
eliocon
12-09-06, 09:35 PM
which best buy in jersey ? I'm up in the paramus area and no one but the pricing has stoped me from buying at the local bestbuys
The one in Brick off exit 88. They just got a Magnolia. It was actually a better BB before the Magnolia. I'd never had a sales person diss HD DVD there before or treat me like an idiot for not seeing how much better Blu Ray was (not).
eapleitez
12-09-06, 09:44 PM
I love that expression "I got Rayed." We totally have to make that a standard expression that goes beyond Blu-Ray and applies any time that a salesman tries to sell you a bill of goods.
--
Steve
I agree, it's quite clever. Though I like the improvement another person added, "Rayped". So now I can tell the BBB, "Quit Blu-Rayping me!" :eek:
I was at Best Buy this afternoon and left the store in a VERY depressed state. I wasn't "rayed" by an employee, but simply walking around the store I encountered BR at every turn. I had to look hard for the Toshiba display and single player. In the the Magnolia section, every high-def demo was being run on a BR player. If I didn't know about HD-DVD in advance, there is no way I would have even known it existed. The "typical" consumer would assume that BR must be the wave of the future. I've tried to be upbeat about the future of HD-DVD and the fact that I own about 25 HD-DVD titles, but my grim experience this afternoon is making me have doubts. Other manufacturers absolutely have to jump into the HD-DVD camp soon or I'm starting to think it is over.
videonut
12-09-06, 10:20 PM
which best buy in jersey ? I'm up in the paramus area and no one but the pricing has stoped me from buying at the local bestbuys
REPLY: Thanks for the "Heads-Up." I ran over to Paramus tonight and grabbed the last HD-A2 on the shelf. I will be replacing the A1 on my upstairs set (Sony Grand Wega). I'm hoping Black Crush is not an issue with the A2.
And, yes, all the fancy displays were being driven by Blu Ray players. The Pioneer Elite looks like a nice machine, but a lot of people were grumbling at the 1500.00 price tag. The Pioneer was playing a Demo loop (lots of water and sexy females) on an Elite Plasma.
Blu-ray titles are being displayed next to the SD DVDs, and directly across is a stand with HD-DVDs, which is marked, "The Next Generation DVDs."
billymac
12-09-06, 10:31 PM
"Half the work that is done in this world is to make things appear what they are not."
E.R. Beadle
I went to the BB located in the Palisades Mall to try my luck. A pleasant salesgirl took a moment to figure out what exactly it was that I was asking for, but then the light bulb went on: "oh -- yes! Those Toshiba's came in yesterday, let me go to the back and check."
She returned after a minute or so and gave me a shrug, "They were all sold. But we get a few deliveries a week, so keep checking back."
I thanked her, and glanced at two full shelves of Blue Ray players while heading out of the store.
Toshiba has to get production up, or they'll remain invisible to the uninformed masses.
i don't think you can blame toshiba for that. most bb only initially ordered 3-6 to start with. that's not a whole lot and certainly not toshiba's logistics issue.
I was at Best Buy this afternoon and left the store in a VERY depressed state. I wasn't "rayed" by an employee, but simply walking around the store I encountered BR at every turn. I had to look hard for the Toshiba display and single player. In the the Magnolia section, every high-def demo was being run on a BR player. If I didn't know about HD-DVD in advance, there is no way I would have even known it existed. The "typical" consumer would assume that BR must be the wave of the future. I've tried to be upbeat about the future of HD-DVD and the fact that I own about 25 HD-DVD titles, but my grim experience this afternoon is making me have doubts. Other manufacturers absolutely have to jump into the HD-DVD camp soon or I'm starting to think it is over.I know how you feel. We only have a Sears store that is carrying both formats and they really push the BR format and not the HD. The BR is setup right out front where everyone can see it and the HD is setup around the corner facing away from floor traffic on a smaller set. The BR display has signs all around it and the HD setup doesn't even have a item or price tag on it. I've called around to some of the other electronic stores to see if they are going to carry either format and they said not yet but if they do it will be BR. When I mention HD they just scoff at it. They all seemed to be brainwashed by the BR format. Too bad they don't do some research on their own. When I lived elsewhere and would go into a store they would have the system they wanted to sell setup elaborately and everything else just so so. They would then try to compare the two and say see this one looks MUCH better so you should buy it!!
When I hear a Blue Shirt misinforming a clueless consumer I always interject and correct the BB employee and give the consumer the truth about both formats. Usually they end up deciding to wait out the format war, as are most of my friends.
However, now when I go into the BB's looking specifically for the A2 they all agree the BR is overpriced, overhyped, and not doing well in the market (except the PS3). When you tell them you can buy 2 HD-A2's for the price of 1 BR player they all laugh and say the BR players are crazy but Sony pays for endcaps, etc...
i don't think you can blame toshiba for that. most bb only initially ordered 3-6 to start with. that's not a whole lot and certainly not toshiba's logistics issue.
Also, you see shelves full of BD players because no one is buying them. One of the downsides of being into a very popular niche product is that if you're not quick, other people will buy them before you get a chance.
I like "Blu-Raype"
Watch out for those blue shirted Blu-Raypists at Best Buy.
The BBB at my local BB tooday tried to tell me the new HD DVD players would not be out for another 2 weeks. When I walked around the corner they had 3 units sitting right there on the shelf. What an idiot. I then used the 12% off coupon and purchased the unit. They had quite a few sony br players right next to the A2s... The price difference is hurting blu ray...
XBRSteve
12-10-06, 01:08 AM
Where do the BB workers get their training? I was looking at a Sony SXRD with a sales guy and he proceeded to tell me about how this technology worked. The first thing out of his mouth was it has a color wheel. Of course I have to correct him in detail and he just said "oh yeah" and literally walked off.
I heard another telling a guy how much better BR was over HD-DVD I corrected him and he seemed embarassed afterwards. Do these people even know what they are selling?
1loudsuv
12-10-06, 01:45 AM
Where do the BB workers get their training? I was looking at a Sony SXRD with a sales guy and he proceeded to tell me about how this technology worked. The first thing out of his mouth was it has a color wheel. Of course I have to correct him in detail and he just said "oh yeah" and literally walked off.
I heard another telling a guy how much better BR was over HD-DVD I corrected him and he seemed embarassed afterwards. Do these people even know what they are selling?
i was looking at their requirements and some you need 0 exprerience and some 6 months. and i think top requirement is 1 year experience if your gonna be a home theather installer
and what i mean by experience it says ANY kind of experience so what their saying anyone that knows how to turn on a tv can work their
I love you HD guys...You all keep bringing up Amazon like it's the only store in the world.
heavyharmonies
12-10-06, 03:17 AM
Do these people even know what they are selling?
In a word: no. They get their memo of talking points from corporate/Sony and that's the mantra they're told to repeat.
It really is a cult.
The BB Salesperson is correct.
Learn to support Blu-Ray.
If "Learning to Support Blu-Ray" means I have to justify the inept ramblings of a Best Buy employee, I'd rather take a bullet in the head.
eliocon
12-10-06, 08:36 AM
I was at Best Buy this afternoon and left the store in a VERY depressed state. I wasn't "rayed" by an employee, but simply walking around the store I encountered BR at every turn. I had to look hard for the Toshiba display and single player. In the the Magnolia section, every high-def demo was being run on a BR player. If I didn't know about HD-DVD in advance, there is no way I would have even known it existed. The "typical" consumer would assume that BR must be the wave of the future. I've tried to be upbeat about the future of HD-DVD and the fact that I own about 25 HD-DVD titles, but my grim experience this afternoon is making me have doubts. Other manufacturers absolutely have to jump into the HD-DVD camp soon or I'm starting to think it is over.
Here's a little irony frosting to ice this cake... The Magnolia at the BB where this happened only had 1 high def movie playing... It was King Kong... LOL.. On an XA1!!
Interesting read and similiar to my experience at BB as well AND Circuit City. Both told me that they will be pushing BR over HD with the advent of PS3 and the fact that BR titles are now selling more than HD.
Walking around BB looking for HD DVD is like going to a Lexus dealership and looking for a Pinto-just ain't going to happen. I believe there were 7 displays in that store touting BR. Not a single one on HD. When I asked the department manager about HD he informed me that they carry a player but than the company is pushing the ,"newer and better" BR technology and that BR players are now outselling HD 10:1 excluding PS3 company wide. Well, with the way they are pushing things, I can see why.
I left confused and with PS3 no doubt going to dominate the console wars (I do have both 360 and PS3-both for games) I do not see a bright picture for HD DVD.
Just my observations. Keep in mind that most consumers do not buy off the internet but at BM places like BB and CC. The next 6 months should be interesting.
Dave Mack
12-10-06, 12:50 PM
LOVE the new Expression! I first thought Jaimie Foxx was involved!
;)
I have three Best Buys near me, and I frequent all of them, in addition to the two Tweeters near me as well.
When I first went in months ago, they were all "BluRay is the way to go - gonna win! Better Picture! etc." However, after spending time, talking to the individual salesmen, talking to the managers, showing them what to look for, etc. - they have all changed their tune and are now solidly in the HD-DVD camp. In fact, they have a great deal of trouble selling the BluRays - unless someone comes in specifically for one.
Now, we are also comparing BluRay players in the stores. Imagine their surprise when I show them how the PS3 actually beats out the Sony or the Pioneer ($1,000 and $1,500) in quality and capabilities. I have done this now at two different stores. Their only comment is that they can do nothing about it, until they can get PS3s in a reliable way.
obxdiver
12-10-06, 01:16 PM
I went to BB in Chesapeake VA today and they had 4 HD-A2 on the floor level shelf. No Tag or price listed.
I asked salesman how much?
$499
I said do you have one set up.
He pointed me to the HD-A1 off to the side connected to a 32" Toshiba LCD.
I looked closer at the A1 display and it was set to 480P
I said hey, why is this not showing at 1080i?
He had no answer.
I looked around and found the remote for the A1 behind the TV and switched it to 1080i after the salesman walked away.
The picture difference was night and day !!!
So they had BR playing at 1080p and HD-DVD playing at 480p !!!
Those bastards
Bulldog3777
12-10-06, 01:17 PM
At the CC in Roanoke, Va the HD DVDs are mixed in with SD DVDs. I use to work there part-time after I retired, so knowing the personnel, I ask the display manager why BD were on prominent displays set up through the store and HD DVD was mixed in with SD DVDs. The answer was "planograms". They come from corp hdqts in Richmond, Va and tell you how EVERY item is to be displayed. He said they had no choice. Corporations pay big to have their displays set up to call attention to their porduct.
Dave Mack
12-10-06, 01:23 PM
"planograms"
Man, I LOVE corporate-speak...!
:)
Just think, somebody got paid GOOD money to come up with that word.
Funny, when I saw this thread I thought it had something to do with the Jamie Foxx flick! :)
thrustbucket
12-10-06, 01:35 PM
"planograms"
Man, I LOVE corporate-speak...!
:)
Just think, somebody got paid GOOD money to come up with that word.
Planograms is a common word used in all retail stores. I use to work for Office Depot and we had them to. Every month we'd get detailed maps of what each shelf should look like and which product should be on it and where.
One of the reasons for this is so product company's can literally buy better shelf space. It's not a secret.
All retail stores do this, and they all call the maps planograms.
Vincent Pereira
12-10-06, 03:20 PM
Another Best Buy in NJ story-
The last time I was in the Best Buy in Holmdel, they had a big Blu-ray set up in their Magnolia room- big rear projection TV with the Sony Blu-ray player prominantly displayed underneath with no HD-DVD player in sight, and what were they playing on this "Blu-ray" set up to show off the format?
Peter Jackson's KING KONG.
:eek:
eliocon:
Just saw your post #156 above- were you in the Holmdel Best Buy too? Or is every Best Buy trying to pass off KING KONG as a Blu-ray demo?
Vincent
c'mon guys, getting 'rayed' is not a bad thing after all,
c'mon you know you want it, join us, take the blu pill :p
Larry Sutliff
12-10-06, 03:32 PM
Funny, when I saw this thread I thought it had something to do with the Jamie Foxx flick! :)
Heh heh, so did I...
Supermans
12-10-06, 03:36 PM
I know how you feel. We only have a Sears store that is carrying both formats and they really push the BR format and not the HD. The BR is setup right out front where everyone can see it and the HD is setup around the corner facing away from floor traffic on a smaller set. The BR display has signs all around it and the HD setup doesn't even have a item or price tag on it. I've called around to some of the other electronic stores to see if they are going to carry either format and they said not yet but if they do it will be BR. When I mention HD they just scoff at it. They all seemed to be brainwashed by the BR format. Too bad they don't do some research on their own. When I lived elsewhere and would go into a store they would have the system they wanted to sell setup elaborately and everything else just so so. They would then try to compare the two and say see this one looks MUCH better so you should buy it!!
Ofcourse Blu-Ray is being pushed at most stores, Sony is paying for the display space and those companies have many many Sony products so the managers tell the employees to push Sony products. It is hard for HD-DVD to compete with Sony's Blu-Ray if they don't match the marketing. It doesn't matter if HD-DVD has better quality movie's so far, most people out there aren't as well-informed as avsforum members. I bought a PS3 20GB and am very pleased by how its working as a Blu-Ray player. One of my friends that I met here on this forum at a G2G where we took a first look at HD-DVD watching Phantom of the Opera and Serenity and now has a huge collection of HD-DVD movies also bought a PS3 and has them both hooked up. I have to say that HD-DVD's head start and fixing most all of the bugs and issues that the earlier models had are producing excellent movies. I believe that having both formats around is actually better than them deciding on simply one because all this competiton is going to bring out higher quality titles much faster than they appeared with SD-DVD. So far HD-DVD is ahead, however if they don't change their marketing habits it will be very hard to stop the "Raying" of the masses as they venture to buy an HDTV. For me I win both ways since I mainly bought the PS3 for games. However I have bought 4 BD titles so far. Before I bought the PS3, I was really wanting to spend my money on an HD-A1 however there were none to be found in any of the stores so I decided to wait until the PS3 showed up and I'll join the High Def club at that point. Now I don't need an HD-DVD player for quite awhile until I can get a sub $100 player and AAA titles start getting released. :)
I read in the thread below that HD-DVD is spending a combined $150 million dollar advertising campaign while Blu-ray is spending a combined $130 million dollar advertising campaign. If this is true, I haven't seen the HD-DVD advertising at all compared to Blu-Ray? Just felt it was important to bring this up..
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=765605&page=3
bensons
12-10-06, 03:59 PM
The sales staff at the Burnsville Minnesota store appear to have the same statistics. Two of the staff preached 6:1 and 10:1 sales of BD over HD-DVD. I asked both of them where they got there information. They responded with "Sony's website". Told both of them they need to do some research before passing inaccurate information to the public. They brushed me off.
On friday they claimed zero stock on the A2 and had no idea when it would be available or that it was even coming. They had an A1 stock in the corner on an a small Panasonic plasma. I asked the salesman how the display compared to my 60" SXRD. He went on to say how much better the colors would look on the plasma over my set. He said that my tv would have trouble with live sports. That the plasma would do a much bettrer job.
Seriously, some of these guys should be shot for the dis-information they spread.
Dave Mack
12-10-06, 04:16 PM
Planograms is a common word used in all retail stores. I use to work for Office Depot and we had them to. Every month we'd get detailed maps of what each shelf should look like and which product should be on it and where.
One of the reasons for this is so product company's can literally buy better shelf space. It's not a secret.
All retail stores do this, and they all call the maps planograms.
doesn't negate what I said though. You are in the business, yes? Alot of people are not. I work in the theatrical industry. If I start throwing out common backstage terms the average person won't know them either. "Planograms" is not a common expression outside of retail. I've been shopping at big retail stores since the 70's and I never heard it before. And someone still came up with that goofy sounding word. And was probably paid good $...
That's all I said, not sure what your point was...
FoolintheRain
12-10-06, 04:20 PM
no Amazon isn't the only store on the planet, but here is why the numbers are significant:
1) It is the largest online seller (selling the most complete lineup of HD DVD and BD products)
2) The internet is the place to buy new emerging technologies, especially for the HT people
3) There is no reason to believe HD DVD people buy there and BD people decide not to or vice-versa (so no biased)
4) Its volume is more than large enough to represent a "statistically significant" number
5) It is nation-wide and is a much better gauge for the overall picture compared to stores and chains that are only regional
So to recap taking all of the above into consideration...they will have the most significant, non-biased stats in the county. So not the only store on the planet, just the one that can tell us the most about the format war at this point in time. There is really no way to argue against this...but you can try in futility if you must.
Now, when studios and CE manufacturers start releasing their numbers those will be very telling as well. But of course you will say "they are biased" or "why should I believe them...those are shipped numbers, not purchased numbers, blah, blah, blah". So really no stats will make some people happy. So just go ask your local BB and spout out whatever nonsense they tell you 6:1 is the current lie right?
nocable4me
12-10-06, 04:23 PM
This post is obviously just trolling. Thread should be closed.
Tell the salesperson that, before purchasing, you would like to have some more information. Not that you don't trust their techical expertise, but could they please provide official BB company documentation to support their recommendation. If you get something, share it with us. It would be interesting to see how far they are into BR's pocket.
.
When I first went in months ago, they were all "BluRay is the way to go - gonna win! Better Picture! etc." However, after spending time, talking to the individual salesmen, talking to the managers, showing them what to look for, etc. - they have all changed their tune and are now solidly in the HD-DVD camp. In fact, they have a great deal of trouble selling the BluRays - unless someone comes in specifically for one.
For those who truly feel strongly about wanting HD DVD to win the format war, this is a very helpful approach, and it does work. Because here's the thing -- no matter how much a company pays for their positioning in the store via the "Planogram," these kids at Best Buy aren't really loyal to the store or their bosses. If you can establish yourself as a friendly authority figure with a couple of the more influential guys, you can train them to understand the pros and cons of each technology, and you can even let them in on the fact that you believe that HD DVD clearly offers the better performance at any price, and it's cheaper!
If you can engender a genuine respect from a few of them, you can influence them. And if you can influence them, you can influence all of the customers they talk to.
I've been working a similar magic at my local BlockBuster. Now, I don't care which format wins as long as the PQ is good. But I really want my BB to start renting both HD disc formats in the store so I can return my discs from the online service and pick up discs from the store. So whenever I go in there, I play up both formats (relative to DVD) and tell them that when it's done right it's a night and day difference. This approach is working, since more of them are now talking about it with each other and other customers. Hopefully they will start stocking HD DVD and BRD soon.
P.S.
As a side note, I have only found 2 Best Buy employees in all of my years who knew anything about AV equipment. One of these kids was very bright and soaked up everything I said like a sponge.
We were talking about BRD demo disc, and he said that the Pirates clip looked like upconverted DVD. I told him that it was just a really, really terrible BRD transfer and explained to him the importance of the encoding/transfer process. This was the first time that anyone had explained to him that PQ was about more than just data capacity and bitrate.
metalsaber
12-10-06, 05:05 PM
Heh heh, so did I...
Same. Now I'm glad I read this thread. :D
The only time I was Rayed was when I was looking to get a A1 and asked the BB drone. He walked me over to the Sammy BD player and was trying to figure it out. I walked away.
eightninesuited
12-10-06, 05:19 PM
Okay so I go the the Best Buy near me in Brick and the following exchange takes place:
Me: Hi. Do you guys have the new Toshiba HD player?
Salesclerk: The 500 dollar one? Yeah we got few in today.
Me: Cool. Do you have one set up yet?
SC: Nah.. But you should really take a look at Blu Ray.
Me: I've seen it. I'm not really interested. I have an HD player at home and just wanted to check out the new model.
SC: Dude the Blu Ray looks SO MUCH BETTER THAN THE HD DVD. You can't even compare it.
Me: That's actually inaccurate. The best of both look pretty much equal.
SC: No way man. And besides Blu Ray is OUTSELLING HD 6:1.
Me: Okay. Now you're a total liar. You should look at Amazon sales rankings before you make a stupid statement like that.
SC: Well at this store it outsells HD 6:1.
Me: Well this store is in the middle of A*** F*** nowhere New Jersey. If you're going to make idiotic statements like that you should really do a little more homework and check what sales figures are nationwide. New Jersey, and specifically this store, will not be the deciding factor in the format war.
It got momentarily uglier with me calling him a moron when he tried to push the Panasonic player on me but you get the picture. I'm pretty format agnostic but this scene really annoyed me. I had, to this point, not been "rayed" by anyone at my local BB. I HATE hard sells.
Just wanted to share this experience. Shame BB fells it necessary to diss a format that could really sell well because they either have some subsidy from Sony or they just want to upsell to the more expensive machine. Either way they do the consumer a disservice when they pile on the disinformation.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/bluesmoke79/RAY-ED.jpg
Dave Mack
12-10-06, 05:27 PM
lovin' it
;)
eliocon
12-10-06, 05:28 PM
Another Best Buy in NJ story-
The last time I was in the Best Buy in Holmdel, they had a big Blu-ray set up in their Magnolia room- big rear projection TV with the Sony Blu-ray player prominantly displayed underneath with no HD-DVD player in sight, and what were they playing on this "Blu-ray" set up to show off the format?
Peter Jackson's KING KONG.
:eek:
eliocon:
Just saw your post #156 above- were you in the Holmdel Best Buy too? Or is every Best Buy trying to pass off KING KONG as a Blu-ray demo?
Vincent
I was at the one in Brick.
necrolop
12-10-06, 06:50 PM
c'mon guys, getting 'rayed' is not a bad thing after all,
c'mon you know you want it, join us, take the blu pill :p
http://www.eoilangreo.net/alumnos/pablo/Images/blue_pill.jpg
eapleitez
12-10-06, 06:57 PM
Another Best Buy in NJ story-
The last time I was in the Best Buy in Holmdel, they had a big Blu-ray set up in their Magnolia room- big rear projection TV with the Sony Blu-ray player prominantly displayed underneath with no HD-DVD player in sight, and what were they playing on this "Blu-ray" set up to show off the format?
Peter Jackson's KING KONG.
:eek:
Vincent
Was it HD DVD or SD? If HD, you should have asked them why they were trying to misrepresent their products.
RADIatiON
12-10-06, 07:27 PM
Now all they need is a "Ray-gun"...
ok... someone had to say it. :D
Reminds me of an old "The Tick" episode (animated one) where the evil villian, "The Terror", developed a Ray gun that turned everyone it hit into a guy named Ray...
"The Ray-gun was the worst! One blast from that sucker turned half a town into a guy named Ray! "
Then The Terror developed a "Tommy" gun... :eek:
anyway.. love the thread...
Mustang1
12-10-06, 07:41 PM
http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/9395/byrayedur2.jpg
http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/6066/mmmbestbuyqo3.jpg
HornOrSilk
12-10-06, 07:44 PM
Was it HD DVD or SD? If HD, you should have asked them why they were trying to misrepresent their products.
Also, report them to the BBB for all kinds of criminal activity -- including fraud.
Category 5
12-10-06, 07:51 PM
I agree a 100% no one would earn my respect if they lied to me just to make a profit. I work in the IT field and have to keep up with the ever changing tech world. If was not up to date with technolgy I would be out on my butt at my job.
Rob
When I was a kid I wroked in the electronics department of Service Merchandise. Once a month we had to go to a two hour training session to learn about the newest products that the store carried. At the time, when someone came in looking for answers they pretty much got decent info. Nowadays they just hire kids to go around and play with electronics in front of customers. Since Blu-Ray is on display in 3 or 4 places in most BB stores, and HD-DVD is up on the shelf, they push what they see.
I have been told by BB employees that HD-DVD is just regular DVDs upsampled to to 1080i while Blu-Ray is true HD. I have been told that 1080p is only for Blu-Ray and that getting a 1080p set for HD-DVD is pointless. I have been told that they quit making HD-DVD. Once in BB i was told HD-DVD was better than Blu-Ray. When i asked why the employee showed me a HD-DVD display (HD-A1) and what he said was "look at the picture. none of the compression artifacts that all the Blu-Ray displays have."
PLain and simple, despite the multiple store displays, Blu-Ray demos are going to have to get a lot better if they hope to start selling them to non technophiles. Most people I have seen pass displays see upsampled DVD's and say, "Wow look at how clear the picture is". I don't think a whole lot of people really get the difference between the new formats and upsampled SD discs.
Category 5
12-10-06, 07:59 PM
Interesting name, "Emotep". It is backwards for "Petome", which is derived from "Peotomy". Is this why you feel so blue? :eek:
j/k
I think it's meant to be Imhotep. Architect of the pyramids.
swifty7
12-10-06, 08:19 PM
Another Best Buy in NJ story-
The last time I was in the Best Buy in Holmdel, they had a big Blu-ray set up in their Magnolia room- big rear projection TV with the Sony Blu-ray player prominantly displayed underneath with no HD-DVD player in sight, and what were they playing on this "Blu-ray" set up to show off the format?
Peter Jackson's KING KONG.
:eek:
eliocon:
Just saw your post #156 above- were you in the Holmdel Best Buy too? Or is every Best Buy trying to pass off KING KONG as a Blu-ray demo?
Vincent
can you please clarify, was it a KK sd-dvd in a blu-ray player or was it a disception on their part?
Vincent Pereira
12-10-06, 08:47 PM
can you please clarify, was it a KK sd-dvd in a blu-ray player or was it a disception on their part?
KING KONG on HD-DVD playing on a set-up made to look like it was a Blu-ray demo (hence the Sony Blu-ray player under the television set with no HD-DVD player in sight- i.e., hidden somewhere out of view).
Vincent
1loudsuv
12-10-06, 09:01 PM
KING KONG on HD-DVD playing on a set-up made to look like it was a Blu-ray demo (hence the Sony Blu-ray player under the television set with no HD-DVD player in sight- i.e., hidden somewhere out of view).
Vincent
hah thats sad.
The sales staff at the Burnsville Minnesota store appear to have the same statistics. Two of the staff preached 6:1 and 10:1 sales of BD over HD-DVD. I asked both of them where they got there information. They responded with "Sony's website". Told both of them they need to do some research before passing inaccurate information to the public. They brushed me off.
On friday they claimed zero stock on the A2 and had no idea when it would be available or that it was even coming. They had an A1 stock in the corner on an a small Panasonic plasma. I asked the salesman how the display compared to my 60" SXRD. He went on to say how much better the colors would look on the plasma over my set. He said that my tv would have trouble with live sports. That the plasma would do a much bettrer job.
Seriously, some of these guys should be shot for the dis-information they spread.
Was at CC in Burnsville last night. I asked the salesperson if they had a HD-DVD up on display. She said "what" so I repeated myself. She then said, "oh yeah Blu-Ray." I said, "no......the OTHER format". She still looked confused. She then said, "oh, yeah that one TV back there, and pointed to a TV with Discovery programming." I said, "that's HD-DVD?", she said, "yep......that's HD"
I walked out....
1loudsuv
12-10-06, 09:29 PM
Was at CC in Burnsville last night. I asked the salesperson if they had a HD-DVD up on display. She said "what" so I repeated myself. She then said, "oh yeah Blu-Ray." I said, "no......the OTHER format". She still looked confused. She then said, "oh, yeah that one TV back there, and pointed to a TV with Discovery programming." I said, "that's HD-DVD?", she said, "yep......that's HD"
I walked out....
you know what im gettin tired of all this complaning but it does make for some fun reading sometimes lol
btw go to your best buy tell them if they sell focal,Digital designs,us amps,maxxonics,memphis, IA,RE,FI,mmats,zapco,mcintosh.....
what kind of answer think you think your gonna get? the same answer's alot of people are getting with hd-dvd. (but best buy does stock hd-dvd but they act like they dont)
shh even go to most stereo shops ask them oo i have 4-15"s and want a big amp. they bust out with a jl 1000/1 and say its the god of all amps. and then you ask i heard memphis makes a 4000 watt amp. or hifonics has a 10,000 watt amp they will probably say its not true power. that the jl will beat it
same thing is going on with blu ray. its pure hype and people know it. thats why hd-dvd is wining in sales.
your not gonna go buy a $3,000 bose system are you? just cause the pimple faced 17 year old said was the best thing out their right? actually some people will :p but when they hear their freinds 1,500 system taht is louder and sounds better then they will never buy bose again.
blu ray= bose
Canuck21
12-10-06, 09:35 PM
SC: Dude the Blu Ray looks SO MUCH BETTER THAN THE HD DVD. You can't even compare it.
Me: That's actually inaccurate. The best of both look pretty much equal.
You should have said that the BR fanboys get all happy when the BD PQ is *equal* to HD DVD. Never have I heard that a BD is better than HD DVD.
thebland
12-10-06, 10:17 PM
I saw 3 separate demo areas for each of the BD players they sold...no HD DVD anywhere.
This is at the brand new Super Best Buy / Magnolia..
Aside from the software, you'd never know there was a format war.
Bottom line, no wonder consumers are getting Blu Rayed!
1loudsuv
12-10-06, 10:20 PM
I saw 3 separate demo areas for each of the BD players they sold...no HD DVD anywhere.
This is at the brand new Super Best Buy / Magnolia..
Aside from the software, you'd never know there was a format war.
Bottom line, no wonder consumers are getting Blu Rayed!
same consumers buyin bose :p
but theirs less blu ray consumers.... ALOT less. and i dont mean just versus bose also with hd-dvd :p
what happens at one store or not happens doesnt dictate what is happening in the us. espeacially when its someone just typing it without any proof whatsoever
i can say i went to all my best buys and didnt find any blu ray players cause they stopped selling them but its all just pure mambo jambo without any proof <<this isnt directed at you "thebland" other posters who like to lie
PS ill add my proof www.thedvdwars.com now wheres yours :D
metalsaber
12-10-06, 11:07 PM
I saw 3 separate demo areas for each of the BD players they sold...no HD DVD anywhere.
This is at the brand new Super Best Buy / Magnolia..
Aside from the software, you'd never know there was a format war.
Bottom line, no wonder consumers are getting Blu Rayed!
If by this logic then why aren't BD players flying off the shelves since there is no "apparent" competition?
Could it be the outrageous price tag?
I saw 3 separate demo areas for each of the BD players they sold...no HD DVD anywhere.
This is at the brand new Super Best Buy / Magnolia..
Aside from the software, you'd never know there was a format war.
Bottom line, no wonder consumers are getting Blu Rayed!
I assume you were at the one in Dearborn, the Ann Arbor BB is the same way, the new Sony Display, the end cap where the Samsung sits and the Panasonic in the new Magnolia room.
The funny thing is I asked about the A2 and the sales person said they sold out their first shipment, last one went out on Saturday, wacky, not even a display and already gone, you would think the bosses at BB would take notice of how many HD DVD players have sold vs. Blu Ray.
agogley
12-10-06, 11:51 PM
My Best Buy probably has at least 2 to 1 ratio in selection of Blu-Ray versus HD. I like Blu-Ray in theory..I just don't like Sony. They are always trying to push their special format which is never compatible with anything else. If Blu-Ray wins the way, it wont be good for consumers (Even though I think it is technologically better).
Linux23
12-11-06, 12:10 AM
Got Blu-Rayped going to my local Best Buy looking to pickup Superman Returns on HD-DVD. Never even asked for help either.
ChrisPC
12-11-06, 01:19 AM
I used to get "rayed" all the time. Earlier this year, I was at BB looking for new titles. An idiot employee said, "It sucks that you got HD DVD, because Blu-ray is now out!". :mad:
Now, the fervor has really died down. The Blu-ray "area" is pretty much deserted by staff and customers alike. The Samsung players just sit there collecting dust. :D
1loudsuv
12-11-06, 01:58 AM
I used to get "rayed" all the time. Earlier this year, I was at BB looking for new titles. An idiot employee said, "It sucks that you got HD DVD, because Blu-ray is now out!". :mad:
Now, the fervor has really died down. The Blu-ray "area" is pretty much deserted by staff and customers alike. The Samsung players just sit there collecting dust. :D
you know its bad when your at best buy and you see the duster by the blu ray area like i have 3 times :o
eapleitez
12-11-06, 02:18 AM
KING KONG on HD-DVD playing on a set-up made to look like it was a Blu-ray demo (hence the Sony Blu-ray player under the television set with no HD-DVD player in sight- i.e., hidden somewhere out of view).
Vincent
I would not have been silent about this! I would have asked a manager what the F they were trying to pull! :mad:
slippy4wenty
12-11-06, 04:02 AM
I'm a BestBuy employee....I'll admit that. I'll admit I work in an upstate NY store.
Holy Sh*t the employee's you have run across suck.
Do understand we are paid as a company to have those Bluray displays up. Right?
Do I ever tell a customer that Bluray is better? Never. Here are your options for highdef, upconvert DVD (fake HD), Bluray/PS3 or HD-DVD/360. At the consumer (not prosumer/highend), there really is no huge difference between the two formats. Hell don't even buy the discs if you don't want to. GET NETFLIX.
Do you know what its like to try to explain to a customer that a 1080p display will automatically upconvert 1080i to 1080p?
I could probably complain about this for hours.
Ever try to explain how compression affects a signal quality through cable tv?
But to the posters defense, you shouldn't have had Bluray shoved down your throat. I apologize. Furthermore, "we're out of stock" should NEVER have left their lips. What should have was, "let me check our options for getting it for you as soon as possible." There are several other ways, website usually has free shipping, we have an in store process called Customer Fulfillment that gives free delivery with in-store payment, last there is a system called ORCA that allows you to order out of the incoming shipment and have it set aside for you to pickup.
So on behalf of BestBuy, I apologize. (although I am in no way legally allowed to do that. so really, I'm just apologizing)
Mustang1
12-11-06, 04:20 AM
I want to go to best buy and get rayed, so i can just tell the employee who is pushing blu-ray down my throat to stfu. :mad:
If i seen King Kong being purposely displayed so people thought it was blu-ray that was playing it, i would have went ****ing mental. :mad: i would ask them what the **** were they trying to pull here?? thats bs...
1loudsuv
12-11-06, 05:24 AM
you know that little sticker people put on their cars with the dude urinating on say ford,chevy, etc etc
im gonna make one with the dude urinating on blu ray. big one on the back of my shirt. they will make them at the swapmeet for $20 lol then go to best buy and walk around buy something after an hour of just walking around. maybe kick it at the magnolia store for a while demoing stuff lol
you know what im gonna do it :D maybe ill get a camera and record it and post it on youtube
All this blu-ray hate cause most of thier software isn't encoded in VC-1....quite sad.
I want to go to best buy and get rayed, so i can just tell the employee who is pushing blu-ray down my throat to stfu. :mad:
If i seen King Kong being purposely displayed so people thought it was blu-ray that was playing it, i would have went ****ing mental. :mad: i would ask them what the **** were they trying to pull here?? thats bs...
It's not like your getting royalties on sales of ether format.
As a BR supporter, I find these stories amusing.
To the BB employee posting here, you shouldn't be apologizing on behalf of your company.
First, you have no legal rights to do so. Apologizing is an admittance of guilt, are you ready to admit that BB is doing something wrong? legally speaking
Second, there's nothing to apolgize. These stories are mere stories, no substancial evidence whatsoever.
Third, YOU SHOULD BE PROMOTING BLU-RAY, if Sony, Phillips, Samsung, Panasonic, Pioneer pay their marketing money to Best Buy.
Potetgullmannen
12-11-06, 09:56 AM
As a potential buyer I do not find these stories amusing at all. If I go into a store I don't wanna be lied to in such a manner.
I'm a supporter of both standards until they're able to settle for just one format - though I've yet to buy a player because they're not out yet in my country. (Norway).
Videoeditman
12-11-06, 10:01 AM
I went to my local BB friday night to see if they had received the A2. I asked someone in the TV section who siad they didn't know check with the magnolia manager. I went and talked to him, he said he didn't think they would get them till the new year, but we have these great blu-ray players. 10 -15 minutes later another employee happens to walk by and hears us. He informs us they have 4 hd a2's that just came in that day. They are stacked on a shelf aprox 12' up like excess inventory.
So far it does not seem like they want to sell these units! And if you want substantiation I can go back & take a picture!
May I suggest we all stay away from Best Buy now that we all know who's side they're on. And if someone is looking to get a new HD DVD player just get it online and avoid the BS. There are some pretty good deals to be had online than you will get at BB. I got mines from Value Electronics with the two free HD DVD movie trowed in as well. Let BB continue with their stupid ways like CC did with DIVX. They are the one who are going to lose money by not being fair and balance.
As a BR supporter, I find these stories amusing.
To the BB employee posting here, you shouldn't be apologizing on behalf of your company.
First, you have no legal rights to do so. Apologizing is an admittance of guilt, are you ready to admit that BB is doing something wrong? legally speaking
As a BR supporter you have obviously have no clue about "legal speak" whatsoever so by paraphrasing your comment: first you have no legal rights to spread this ignorant stuff about what he can do and what he cannot, OK?
I hope we got this straight now...
Second, there's nothing to apolgize. These stories are mere stories, no substancial evidence whatsoever.
...which has nothing to do withthe fact that he chose tosave his company's reputation and replied to the OP.
By the way once again there's no evidence that you are a BR 'supporter' and not a paid astroturfer of one of the companies from the BDA camp.
After throwing around clueless legal advises let's stop with these similarly idiotic accusations, shall we?
Third, YOU SHOULD BE PROMOTING BLU-RAY, if Sony, Phillips, Samsung, Panasonic, Pioneer pay their marketing money to Best Buy.
In the shop. Not here and secondly nobody gives a flying frog about what your err I mean those companies paid for if that's based on completely false PR, utter BS - that's deceiving the customer and damaging the company he's working for.
I went to my local BB friday night to see if they had received the A2. I asked someone in the TV section who siad they didn't know check with the magnolia manager. I went and talked to him, he said he didn't think they would get them till the new year, but we have these great blu-ray players. 10 -15 minutes later another employee happens to walk by and hears us. He informs us they have 4 hd a2's that just came in that day. They are stacked on a shelf aprox 12' up like excess inventory.
So far it does not seem like they want to sell these units! And if you want substantiation I can go back & take a picture!
and your picture would substantiate what exactly?
May I suggest we all stay away from Best Buy now that we all know who's side they're on. And if someone is looking to get a new HD DVD player just get it online and avoid the BS. There are some pretty good deals to be had online than you will get at BB. I got mines from Value Electronics with the two free HD DVD movie trowed in as well. Let BB continue with their stupid ways like CC did with DIVX. They are the one who are going to lose money by not being fair and balance.
Seconded. VE is a very nice source and those two free movies come aside of the three from Toshiba - so it's 5 movies for starter which I consider a very good deal... :cool:
They are stacked on a shelf aprox 12' up like excess inventory.Same thing happened to me at the Joliet, IL store...the saleman retrieved one for me and left the other 3 sitting way up on top. Just not right. Can't sell them if you can't see them. :(
Mustang1
12-11-06, 10:34 AM
you know that little sticker people put on their cars with the dude urinating on say ford,chevy, etc etc
im gonna make one with the dude urinating on blu ray. big one on the back of my shirt. they will make them at the swapmeet for $20 lol then go to best buy and walk around buy something after an hour of just walking around. maybe kick it at the magnolia store for a while demoing stuff lol
you know what im gonna do it :D maybe ill get a camera and record it and post it on youtube
lmao. thats a nice idea. i want to do that also :D haha
"KING KONG on HD-DVD playing on a set-up made to look like it was a Blu-ray demo (hence the Sony Blu-ray player under the television set with no HD-DVD player in sight- i.e., hidden somewhere out of view)."
That is unethical and should be reported to the local Better Business Bureau for deceptive sales/marketing practices and mis-representation of product. Better yet, take a picture of it and send the picture to first the Toshiba rep. and then the sony rep. and then go in and ask the manager if this is what to expect from Blew Ray and confront him with the deception.
LarryChanin
12-11-06, 11:47 AM
Do understand we are paid as a company to have those Bluray displays up. Right?
Hi,
Thanks for the response.
So based on your response, the reason HD DVD players are not being displayed is because the manufacturers haven't paid Best Buy to do so?
I wonder whether your Best Buy senior management is missing an important business fact? They are going to make a lot more profit selling a lot of reasonably priced HD players rather than a few overpriced HD players. Why, because the sooner they get HD players in the hands of the consumer, the faster they are going to generate a much larger repeat business revenue flow from the sale of HD DVDs.
It's hard to believe they don't know this. Maybe you should let them in on the secret. :rolleyes:
Larry
Videoeditman
12-11-06, 12:04 PM
Petra,
I can take a picture of the HD-A2's on the ~12' high shelf. While blu-ray players are hooked up all over the store. THis shows a blatant bias, customers can watch any blu-ray player "demo" while no HD-DVD is hooked up, with 4 machines that no one except an employee can get to or would know where they are! Also most of the employees either didn't know they had them or didn't let me know they knew.
If you were trying to sell a product would you put it in a location that no one would ever see it or know you had it? How would you expect to sell your item?
Why would you stock something that you have very little chance of selling. I wanted to see the unit operate before I spend my hard earned money, but that is currently not an option.
IcemanDallas
12-11-06, 12:29 PM
Petra,
I can take a picture of the HD-A2's on the ~12' high shelf. While blu-ray players are hooked up all over the store. THis shows a blatant bias, customers can watch any blu-ray player "demo" while no HD-DVD is hooked up, with 4 machines that no one except an employee can get to or would know where they are! Also most of the employees either didn't know they had them or didn't let me know they knew.
If you were trying to sell a product would you put it in a location that no one would ever see it or know you had it? How would you expect to sell your item?
Why would you stock something that you have very little chance of selling. I wanted to see the unit operate before I spend my hard earned money, but that is currently not an option.
They have plenty of Bluray players cause no one is buying them. Might as well demo them. From what I've seen, each BB is getting only 3 or 4 HDDVD machines and the AVS'ers are snapping them up like hotcakes. No time to get them to the floor! :rolleyes:
thebland
12-11-06, 12:32 PM
Petra,
I can take a picture of the HD-A2's on the ~12' high shelf. While blu-ray players are hooked up all over the store. THis shows a blatant bias, customers can watch any blu-ray player "demo" while no HD-DVD is hooked up, with 4 machines that no one except an employee can get to or would know where they are! Also most of the employees either didn't know they had them or didn't let me know they knew.
If you were trying to sell a product would you put it in a location that no one would ever see it or know you had it? How would you expect to sell your item?
Why would you stock something that you have very little chance of selling. I wanted to see the unit operate before I spend my hard earned money, but that is currently not an option.
I don't know how many of you own businesses, but I imagine the margin (profit) on a $1000 Blu Ray player is a multiple greater than the HD DVD player...So why not push the more profitable piece?? Hello???!!! :confused:
You don't like it, don't shop at Best Buy
LarryChanin
12-11-06, 12:51 PM
I don't know how many of you own businesses, but I imagine the margin (profit) on a $1000 Blu Ray player is a multiple greater than the HD DVD player...So why not push the more profitable piece?? Hello???!!! :confused:
You don't like it, don't shop at Best Buy
Hi Jeff,
Of course the fact is we don't know what the profit margin is, but even if it had a greater profit your reasoning is valid only for the rabid enthusiasts on this forum, but unfortunately overpriced players don't make it in the mass market. If you can't sell the player, you can't make money regardless of the margin on paper.
If this logic was valid, Best Buy is obviously stocking the wrong electronics, they should be the high-end electronics business, after all they have bigger margins. ;)
As for not shopping at Best Buy, I agree there's some logic in that suggestion.
Larry
Love this thread.
Profit margin in and of its self means very little. I would think any business owner would want to sell the product that makes the most overall profit. Sell more units at a lower margin, just ask Wallmart.
Would you want to sell one item for $200 profit or five at $100 profit each.
I agree about not shopping at Best Buy, seems to be a love em or hate em relationship. It seems most that are posting their experiences are stopping by BB to gauge how the battle is going .
thebland
12-11-06, 01:10 PM
I think it is safe to assume that the overall cost to each manufacturer for their HDMI 1.2 players is close to equal. I see a lot more fat in the Sony product. Fat = profit..
Moreover, this idea of volume?? These aren't like DVD players that are known and bought by the genral public by the thousands everyday.... These are esoteric devices known only by few folks. There will be no 'volume' for quite some time.
Petra,
I can take a picture of the HD-A2's on the ~12' high shelf. While blu-ray players are hooked up all over the store. THis shows a blatant bias, customers can watch any blu-ray player "demo" while no HD-DVD is hooked up, with 4 machines that no one except an employee can get to or would know where they are! Also most of the employees either didn't know they had them or didn't let me know they knew.
If you were trying to sell a product would you put it in a location that no one would ever see it or know you had it? How would you expect to sell your item?
Why would you stock something that you have very little chance of selling. I wanted to see the unit operate before I spend my hard earned money, but that is currently not an option.
blatant bias?
it's their stores, it's their corporate strategy. If HD-DVD is not paying any marketing to any of BB floor space, and BDA spends millions to buy space, they have to demo blu-ray demo whether they like it or not.
It has nothing to do with BB position at all, whoever pays them money, that's what they'll promote
Maybe you guys should start blaming Toshiba for not spending that money on BB
divianb
12-11-06, 02:21 PM
As a BR supporter, I find these stories amusing.
To the BB employee posting here, you shouldn't be apologizing on behalf of your company.
First, you have no legal rights to do so. Apologizing is an admittance of guilt, are you ready to admit that BB is doing something wrong? legally speaking
Second, there's nothing to apolgize. These stories are mere stories, no substancial evidence whatsoever.
Third, YOU SHOULD BE PROMOTING BLU-RAY, if Sony, Phillips, Samsung, Panasonic, Pioneer pay their marketing money to Best Buy.
Pete,
1-This guy is being quite honest. He already mentioned that he has no legal rights to do so.
2-In my opinion he is giving options to different people with different budges, which is very important in the sales enviroment. He is probably too profesional to be working in these kind of cold hearted corporations full of interests.
3-He is giving his opinion on this site and there is nothing wrong with this. I just hope that he is smart enough to keep his identity hidden from his profile in order to keep his job.
4- He can promote both since BB are offering both products. The only thing that he has to do is to adjust his sales skills to different kind of people instead of thinking that by offering the most expensive products BB will make more profit, and I am sure that is what he does.
pedra12
12-11-06, 02:36 PM
you know that little sticker people put on their cars with the dude urinating on say ford,chevy, etc etc
im gonna make one with the dude urinating on blu ray. big one on the back of my shirt. they will make them at the swapmeet for $20 lol then go to best buy and walk around buy something after an hour of just walking around. maybe kick it at the magnolia store for a while demoing stuff lol
you know what im gonna do it :D maybe ill get a camera and record it and post it on youtube
LOL! That's just wrong in so many ways. It's be funny though. :D
MORPHIII
12-11-06, 03:05 PM
Is it possible that Sony or other Blu Ray companies are paying them commissions up the wazoos?
I mean if they can make $40 commissions on blu ray and maybe $10 on Toshiba A2, there is no reason for them to sell HD DVD player.
Can anyone confirm this?
xbdestroya
12-11-06, 03:07 PM
Best Buy employees aren't paid on commission. Maybe retailer margins is what you're going for?
MORPHIII
12-11-06, 03:49 PM
The same thing happened at my local BB, blu ray this and blu ray that, HD DVD is no where to be seen, not even displayed.
Then again I am just wondering why you people go to BB to begin with? You don't need the validations that HD DVD is better than Blu Ray. You are more informed than 99% of the kids that work there. Why not order online and have it delivered?
djorijun
12-11-06, 04:00 PM
Same thing happened to me at Fry's! It's ridiculous the lengths these people will go to when they want to sell something they have no clue about, and when you stump them they don't even care to help you anymore. A$$3$
eliocon
12-11-06, 04:36 PM
The same thing happened at my local BB, blu ray this and blu ray that, HD DVD is no where to be seen, not even displayed.
Then again I am just wondering why you people go to BB to begin with? You don't need the validations that HD DVD is better than Blu Ray. You are more informed than 99% of the kids that work there. Why not order online and have it delivered?
No reason. I never buy anything there. I just wanted to see the new A2. Didn't think it was going to turn into what it turned into.
thebland
12-11-06, 04:41 PM
Yeah...don't be upset with BB, find out why Toshiba is sitting on their thumbs!
Mustang1
12-11-06, 04:51 PM
1loudsuv i need shirt like that, but i dont know where to get one. :( i want to go to my bestbuy this week with a shirt on like that.
Andrew P
12-11-06, 04:55 PM
This is another great read. I love the saying too...
alpha21
12-11-06, 05:05 PM
1loudsuv i need shirt like that, but i dont know where to get one. :( i want to go to my bestbuy this week with a shirt on like that.
Mark me down for one too!
Does BB have a logo? Maybe somewhere on the shirt, Calvin can soak that too!!! Wouldn't it be funny if these shirts out sell BD players 6:1 :eek:
I haven't purchased anything except software (CDs, DVDs, etc) from BB in I don't even know how long. I'm so glad there are great internet options, with insanely perfect customer service!!!
To the OP, maybe they are selling blu-ray titles 6:1 because they don't have enough HD-DVD titles and players available.
agogley
12-11-06, 08:27 PM
As a BR supporter, I find these stories amusing.
To the BB employee posting here, you shouldn't be apologizing on behalf of your company.
First, you have no legal rights to do so. Apologizing is an admittance of guilt, are you ready to admit that BB is doing something wrong? legally speaking
Second, there's nothing to apolgize. These stories are mere stories, no substancial evidence whatsoever.
Third, YOU SHOULD BE PROMOTING BLU-RAY, if Sony, Phillips, Samsung, Panasonic, Pioneer pay their marketing money to Best Buy.
Incidentally, nobody seems to be complaining that BB has chosen to promote Blu-Ray over HD-DVD. All companies make strategic alliances in their own interests. Its the manner in which they have chosen to do so. When I walk into BB and ask about the 360 add on drive, I don't like being told that there is no such thing and that I should purchase a Blu-Ray player. At best that's ignorant...at worst it's deceptive.
MauneyM
12-11-06, 08:32 PM
Third, YOU SHOULD BE PROMOTING BLU-RAY, if Sony, Phillips, Samsung, Panasonic, Pioneer pay their marketing money to Best Buy.
Promoting? Yes, while he's on company time. However, there is a fine line between promotion and making incorrect assertions about products - particularly when those products are also sold in the same store. False advertising is illegal, and I'd bet it's in breach of any distribution contract with Toshiba.
I, too, have heard patently false statements made at the big-box retailers. Personally, though, I find the lack of knowledge of the staff amusing, and generally just drop a few bread-crumbs into the conversation to get them to guestion themselves (it's an amusing way to spend my lunch hour out of the office).
Rusty James
12-11-06, 08:34 PM
Yeah...don't be upset with BB, find out why Toshiba is sitting on their thumbs!
They're not sitting on their thumbs. They just happen to be selling every single player they can crank out, unlike other manufacturers.
johncast
12-12-06, 05:37 AM
Thanks for the tip about BB. I joined this site because I just purchased an HDTV. Now I'm looking for an HDDVD. Its quite confusing to say the least, but your tips are helpful.
Thanks ;)
Satmeister
12-12-06, 05:41 AM
They're not sitting on their thumbs. They just happen to be selling every single player they can crank out, unlike other manufacturers.
...which is why Toshiba has its working 2nd generation units out before a truly working Blu Ray unit exists. Sony...only baloney. :D
HornOrSilk
12-12-06, 06:04 AM
...which is why Toshiba has its working 2nd generation units out before a truly working Blu Ray unit exists. Sony...only baloney. :D
Except we have to admit, there are all kinds of problems being reported for the A2 now. While Blu-Ray had problems, they are fixing them; sadly, HD-DVD seems to be making them.
This from a HD-DVD supporter...
Monty22001
12-12-06, 06:23 AM
Wait... You spoke these words to another human being because of a DVD format?
That's my reaction. What ever happened to laughing off sales people you don't agree with? What a society we've become.
I've had some runins lately with some really nasty people too, over not much more important. People like to run their mouths too much. It's potentially not very healthy behavior.
Except we have to admit, there are all kinds of problems being reported for the A2 now. While Blu-Ray had problems, they are fixing them; sadly, HD-DVD seems to be making them.
This from a HD-DVD supporter...
And what exactly are those problems? I've just been reading the threads on the A2 and I don't see any real reporting of glitches. Mostly discussion on setup and features.
WIRELESSMAN
12-12-06, 08:16 AM
Except we have to admit, there are all kinds of problems being reported for the A2 now. While Blu-Ray had problems, they are fixing them; sadly, HD-DVD seems to be making them.
This from a HD-DVD supporter...
I've had my A2 HD DVD for 2 days now & haven't had a burp or a glitch yet, what problems have you had? :rolleyes:
I've run 5 movies thru & have nothing but glowing compliments from my friends & family!! :) :)
HornOrSilk
12-12-06, 08:44 AM
I have read people talking about the problems in places like here:http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=766230
Also I have seen people mocking people when a problem is encountered -- saying "it's a new technology, what do you expect?" Seriously, I support HD-DVD. I like it the best. But they have bugs, and they are resting on their laurels too much imo. They are not fixing things properly, nor are they doing active encouragement to change the situation -- BluRay IS getting more name recognition and people are reporting many of the earlier problems are being worked out. HD-DVD needs to get its act together.
and your picture would substantiate what exactly?
Aren't you just trolling...
Second, there's nothing to apolgize. These stories are mere stories, no substancial evidence whatsoever.
Looks to me like you are one who want's things "substantiated", and that is exactly what he offered. You can draw your own conclusions from the evidence. The employees are certainly doing what they're told(blind leading the blind? $$$) in most cases and I can't fault them for it. But I think the point of this thread is exactly what you've read. This thread only illuminates the obvious, that it is BB's current business practice to sell more BD. If everyone took pictures of what they saw at many different locations it seems like it would be apparant. Unless of course pictures are not "substantial" enough, and you require a congressional review, perhaps a sony press conference would be good enough. :rolleyes: I guess everyone here is a liar or a some sort of creative writer. Otherwise I don't know how to explain all these unsubstantiated claims.
jayselle
12-12-06, 12:10 PM
When I think about it at least Best Buy is selling the HD-DVD players. Without them there wouldn't be a major retail chain. It would be even harder to support a product that's only available online to be next format.
Brahmzy
12-12-06, 02:07 PM
Ultimate Electronics is also selling the Toshibas - I went in there 2 days ago looking for an A2 and they said they sold the 3 they got in, in 4 hours. But, all the sales guys are pushing BD hard. One guy said "Why would you even want to pay the $500 for a Toshiba - it's basically just a glorified SD upconverter." I was like WTF? Friggin' Dumbasses. That's the way HD-DVD can lose this war. I thought it was only the BB morons.
Reguardless, it didn't stop the guys who bought the A-2's real quick like.
auburnu008
12-12-06, 02:16 PM
I have read people talking about the problems in places like here:http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=766230
Also I have seen people mocking people when a problem is encountered -- saying "it's a new technology, what do you expect?" Seriously, I support HD-DVD. I like it the best. But they have bugs, and they are resting on their laurels too much imo. They are not fixing things properly, nor are they doing active encouragement to change the situation -- BluRay IS getting more name recognition and people are reporting many of the earlier problems are being worked out. HD-DVD needs to get its act together.
How exactly does hddvd need to get its act together? I just got my A2 and love it. Not a single problem. I dont understand your statement at all.
suffolk112000
12-12-06, 02:17 PM
Well, I went to my local BB last night to check out the A2.
Nothing was different than what has already been said.
Salesclerks: Push the BD format as if their life depended on BD’s very survival and shamelessly put down the HD-DVD format.
Product Location: The HD-DVD player was set-up down some obscure isle on a hideous 40 inch LCD flat screen playing some standard def demo DVD. There was pixelization everywhere. It was probably playing in 480i. It looked like the Samsung BD player!!!
Then, out in plain view was a Panasonic BD player playing some well formatted demo disc showing the intricacies of some high end watch. To bad I have never seen an actual Blue Ray movie look even half as good as that demo disc.
Whether you can believe, some of the things members on this thread are saying that Best Buy is doing to promote BD. Like playing the demo of King Kong as if it is BD. Wow. That is borderline fraud if you ask me.
I would imagine there is some Toshiba Rep who frequents this forum. What a perfect place to gauge public perception of bleeding edge technology.
Common sense would tell you that after reading this thread Toshiba should double or triple its marketing campaign. But the problem is, I wonder if Toshiba feels BD is a viable threat, at least at this time.
After all, when you compare the A1 to the A2, yes, you get a more dependable 2nd gen player with the A2. But, ultimately Toshiba has in affect raised its price on the base unit the A2 because it did not include the coax audio options the A1 offered. Now, if BD players were coming out at six or even seven hundred dollars and the picture was comparable to HD-DVD, you can bet the A2 would have streeted much cheaper and had the same options as the A1.
This of course is just my opinion. :)
Craig
I received my first Blue-Job today at a FS. I was checking out the Toshiba they had set up and I wanted to watch an hd movie as they had some crap content streaming over all the tv's. One guy didn't have a clue how to get it going and the other "expert" couldn't get the picture with HDMI only component. But as he was trying to get it going I got the "aren't you interested in blu ray?" I told him if they ever get their act together and put out a decent machine at a decent price I would be. He then went into how all the manufacturers and studios have so much invested in blue ray that they are not going to give up on it. He never did figure out how to get the hdmi working but he stopped talking to me when I layed down a defence for hd dvd. His suicide chip must have went off.
Cooper0103
12-12-06, 02:29 PM
Craig,
I've seen that same demo of the watch at my local BB. I kept wondering why that looked really nice and detailed but you move over one end cap and check out "house of flying daggers" on another blue ray set up and it didn't look all that much different than my SD version playing at home on a 5 year old panny RP82!!!!
They also have another blue-ray display running a the SD version of "Serenity" which I thought was kind of weird.
suffolk112000
12-12-06, 02:48 PM
Craig,
I've seen that same demo of the watch at my local BB. I kept wondering why that looked really nice and detailed but you move over one end cap and check out "house of flying daggers" on another blue ray set up and it didn't look all that much different than my SD version playing at home on a 5 year old panny RP82!!!!
They also have another blue-ray display running a the SD version of "Serenity" which I thought was kind of weird.
You have just seen the "House Of Flying Artifacts." :D :D
Craig
dlhoppe
12-12-06, 02:56 PM
Stopped in two different stores today while Christmas shopping. Got "Rayed" at Target, but got "un-Rayed" at Colders. Colders actually doesn't even carry Blu-Ray players. They had a nice HD DVD demo setup right at the entrance. I asked to see a Blu-Ray player after playing with the Tosh, and he explained they didn't have any and don't plan to. He actually did a nice job with his explanation without bashing Blu-Ray at all. He simply described how they decided on what to sell based on the price/performance characteristics of HD DVD compared to the Blu-Ray players. The audio/video dept of this store is no slouch either. They had the largest number of working HD displays I've seen in one place. Including a large number of 1080p units. He definately knew his stuff too. It was a nice change of pace after my visits to the local BB stores.
1loudsuv
12-12-06, 03:16 PM
But, all the sales guys are pushing BD hard. One guy said "Why would you even want to pay the $500 for a Toshiba - it's basically just a glorified SD upconverter." I was like WTF? Friggin' Dumbasses.
you should of responded with if that's true then blu ray is just a glorified vhs player :D
me heh im tired of all the bs they spew next time im just gonna tell them to STFU and leave me the f alone.
what can they do?
absolutly nothing :p
I have read people talking about the problems in places like here:http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=766230
Also I have seen people mocking people when a problem is encountered -- saying "it's a new technology, what do you expect?" Seriously, I support HD-DVD. I like it the best. But they have bugs, and they are resting on their laurels too much imo. They are not fixing things properly, nor are they doing active encouragement to change the situation -- BluRay IS getting more name recognition and people are reporting many of the earlier problems are being worked out. HD-DVD needs to get its act together.
Most of the discussion in that thread is about problems as a result of setup issues, not to mention many OT posts. Pointing out that it's new technology and G1 equipment is not mocking. It's merely pointing that out to people who have not jumped in so early in a new technology before.
As far as Blu-ray fixing problems and Toshiba not, you obviously are new here. Toshiba responsed quickly with 3 firmware updates on it's A1, one of which provided the new functionality of TrueHD; whereas, it took Samsung months to provide a firwmare fix for it's issues. Now having said that, Toshiba is far from perfect. Although, I have not had any real problems with my A1, some have. But, don't act like Blu-ray is perfect, because they are far from it, not to mention that the Blu-ray players have an MSRP of over 2X the A1 and A2. So you should expect something for that.
Really, in the future, you should be specific when making such claims about problems, especially on a brand new product such as the A2. Not to do so, is irresponsible. In fact, I still don't know exactly what problems you are talking about.
Dave Mack
12-12-06, 05:33 PM
the samsung firmware also snuck in region enabling for the BD discs. Stealthy f*cks...
Chuck Smith
12-12-06, 08:46 PM
So I went to Fry's this evening to check out the HD-A2. So I head down the first row of LCD's and to my amazement the HD-A1 is the first high definition player I saw, right on the front of the row. They did have 3 BD players on the next 3 sets. The only one playing a movie was the Samsung. It was playing Click and it looked terrible. I asked the salesman if they had the A2 and he said that they haven't gotten it in yet. He was surprised that they didn't have it since they had 3 or 4 different BD players. I talked to him for about 20 minutes about both formats. He didn't understand why anyone would buy BD since HD DVD has an equal or better picture quality. The guy is actually about to buy the 360 add on when he finally gets a tv for it. After reading this thread before I went up there I was just surprised to get a salesman that was pro HD DVD.
NoUserName22
12-12-06, 11:08 PM
At Fry's by an "off-duty" Circuit City employee. Sony must be paying these guys extra. Even though I easily got him to "tap out" with the "How much did you pay for your BD player"?" question, I still had to kick him while he was down by telling him that BluRay killed Steve Irwin. :eek:
Forceflow
12-12-06, 11:45 PM
I still had to kick him while he was down by telling him that BluRay killed Steve Irwin. :eek:
:D
At Fry's by an "off-duty" Circuit City employee. Sony must be paying these guys extra. Even though I easily got him to "tap out" with the "How much did you pay for your BD player"?" question, I still had to kick him while he was down by telling him that BluRay killed Steve Irwin. :eek:
Oh man, I managed to catch my breath just enough to post this smilie: :D .
alanhenson
12-12-06, 11:54 PM
They must be paying everyone to say Blue Ray is it because Fry's is doing the same thing. I had to educate the poor sap about it all.
HornOrSilk
12-13-06, 05:46 AM
Most of the discussion in that thread is about problems as a result of setup issues, not to mention many OT posts. Pointing out that it's new technology and G1 equipment is not mocking. It's merely pointing that out to people who have not jumped in so early in a new technology before.
As far as Blu-ray fixing problems and Toshiba not, you obviously are new here. Toshiba responsed quickly with 3 firmware updates on it's A1, one of which provided the new functionality of TrueHD; whereas, it took Samsung months to provide a firwmare fix for it's issues. Now having said that, Toshiba is far from perfect. Although, I have not had any real problems with my A1, some have. But, don't act like Blu-ray is perfect, because they are far from it, not to mention that the Blu-ray players have an MSRP of over 2X the A1 and A2. So you should expect something for that.
Really, in the future, you should be specific when making such claims about problems, especially on a brand new product such as the A2. Not to do so, is irresponsible. In fact, I still don't know exactly what problems you are talking about.
Interesting to see you admit there are problems and it is ok to tell people to live with them, this is brand new; then to say there are no problems (hence people are not telling people to live with them).
I am not too new here. I have been here for a couple months. I have been reading and posting. Your comments just indicate a gut reaction as if someone demolished your idol. Others have posted complaints about the A2 ont his board. I have read many of them. Your blinders not withstanding, this is a reality and you even admitted it before taking it back. And some of the problems are problems that shoudl have been dealt with aleady.. that they were not says something is not right. Even the A2 was delayed for a bit says something.
Interesting to see you admit there are problems and it is ok to tell people to live with them, this is brand new; then to say there are no problems (