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Posted by: cgeurin
quote:
Originally posted by deathmetal
has anyone had their card charged?just called my bank(automated info)and mine still hasnt.this is worrysome at this late juncture.
When looking at your charges online, they're always behind. You need to look at Pending Charges. According to my card's site, "The pending charges line of your Account Summary shows the charges that have been authorized but not yet posted to your account. ". Mine happen to be $925 and I *know* I haven't charged that much in the last two days. :D
Posted by: trovan
Here's my info to add to the list...
Time of Order: 3/28/2004 1:42:39 PM
Order Type: Email
Order ID: 14037
Mark
Posted by: rogo
Rogo Shipping Roulette -->
I'm out of town most of Thursday anyway, so I left shipping for Ground. Allegedly, a Wednesday ship gets to me by Friday.
It would be sad not to have the new toy for the weekend, although I do have an all-day outing on Saturday, so I'm not sure when, exactly, it'd be set up anyway.
I wonder if it'll show on Friday.... I guess the cleanliness of tomorrow's expected ship is the key here.
Oh, the humanity!
Posted by: sonnyducks
quote:
Originally posted by ElectricPickle
OK. What would be one of the first HD programs to record? For me:
Any late night show like Leno, etc.
The Sopranos
Just about anything from Discovery HD
Sopranos will be the first Season pass I set up.
Deadwood will be second.
The first big HD event I'm looking forward to is the NHL playoffs.
Posted by: Shark73
quote:
Originally posted by sonnyducks
Sopranos will be the first Season pass I set up.
Deadwood will be second.
The first big HD event I'm looking forward to is the NHL playoffs.
I'll record other things before this one, but the Final Four will be a big recording in HD for me.
Then the Master's next weekend.
Posted by: bmccrea
quote:
Originally posted by cgeurin
When looking at your charges online, they're always behind. You need to look at Pending Charges. According to my card's site, "The pending charges line of your Account Summary shows the charges that have been authorized but not yet posted to your account. ". Mine happen to be $925 and I *know* I haven't charged that much in the last two days. :D
and so the nexst twist of this thread starts-- the preauthorizations and the actual credit card charges!!!! :D :D
Personally, I have not yet received the charge in my pending transactions-- which for me usually happens within about 2 minutes of a transaction
Posted by: dandrewk
You sillies! Don't you know that the TiVO is recording ALL the time?
Posted by: drewmcmanus
Time of Order: 1/19/2004 1:41:09 PM
Order Type: Email
Order ID: 12817
I can't wait!
Posted by: dswallow
The first show my HD DVR will record that matters to me is Joan of Arcadia on CBS. Finally I won't have to rush to be home and in front of the TV at 8pm or 11pm in order to watch it in HD.
I would've said Tru Calling on Thursday night, but I expect I'll still be setting it up then, or will have just set it up, and probably will be playing with it more than letting it record something I specifically want to watch later. ;)
Posted by: sdf777
quote:
Originally posted by Shark73
I'll record other things before this one, but the Final Four will be a big recording in HD for me.
Then the Master's next weekend.
Don't many of you have HTPC's for ota HD recording? I'm looking for the convenience and the ability to record D*. My AccessDTV card and Sony HD200 go on ebay very soon.
Posted by: jskaret
Time of Order: 3/23/2004 12:20:07 PM
Order Type: Email
Order ID: 13964
Posted by: Shark73
quote:
Originally posted by sdf777
Don't many of you have HTPC's for ota HD recording? I'm looking for the convenience and the ability to record D*. My AccessDTV card and Sony HD200 go on ebay very soon.
I don't.
Posted by: Stuigi
quote:
Originally posted by elstonhill
I'll bet there will be some angry persons next week with all this anticipation and the number of units ordered. UPS will mess up a delivery or a unit will be DOA, or worse yet, there will be major software glitches.
Good luck to those who are paying premium shipping prices and taking days off.
Hey buddy, if you got it, flaunt it. Do I detect jealousy in your messages tone?
Posted by: romwarrior
quote:
Originally posted by sdf777
Don't many of you have HTPC's for ota HD recording? I'm looking for the convenience and the ability to record D*. My AccessDTV card and Sony HD200 go on ebay very soon.
I have a MyHD card that will soon hit eBay. I can't wait to be able to record D* HD. If it weren't for that I'd have no need for the HD Tivo other than it being more convenient.
Posted by: parrothead
quote:
Originally posted by sdf777
Don't many of you have HTPC's for ota HD recording? I'm looking for the convenience and the ability to record D*. My AccessDTV card and Sony HD200 go on ebay very soon.
what's an HTPC?
Posted by: BadlyDrawnBoy
home theater personal computer
Posted by: micah67
Home Theater PC
Posted by: parrothead
thanks!
Posted by: EJ
I plan on keeping my "myHD" card. I will use it to record OTA HD when the Tivo gets too full. 30 hours will fill up fast, and there are some shows that I can't turn around and watch that fast.
Posted by: Kamakzie
My local digital CBS is so weak I hope the HR10-250 can pick it up okay. My MYHD MDP-100 PC card can so I assume it will be able to.
quote:
Originally posted by dswallow
The first show my HD DVR will record that matters to me is Joan of Arcadia on CBS. Finally I won't have to rush to be home and in front of the TV at 8pm or 11pm in order to watch it in HD.
I would've said Tru Calling on Thursday night, but I expect I'll still be setting it up then, or will have just set it up, and probably will be playing with it more than letting it record something I specifically want to watch later. ;)
Posted by: TivoAholic
Post #3821
Posted by: bmccrea
TivoAholic--
If' you're gonna post a self-gratuitous message to increase your post count, at least add a +1 to the message...
As I am doing here.....
+1
Posted by: josejrp
Robert,
I still have not received the e-mail forms for the HD DirecTiVo. I sent an e-mail to the reply address in my order confirmation, but I have not received any replies; I tried to send you a PM, but your mailbox was full. Please e-mail me the forms when you get a chance.
Thank you!
Jose. R. Perez
Posted by: hongcho
Call VE! It's not that difficult and not too hard. :) The number is 800-789-5050.
EDIT: By the way, Robert must be either in San Diego, or on his way, so that's an incentive for picking up the phone.
Hong.
Posted by: subcook
quote:
Originally posted by horta
SO who will be the first one to post pictures of the new unit?
Forget a picture of the unit. We all know what it looks like. I want to know who will be the first to break the warranty seal and post interior shots. I'm guessing they will leave out the big hunk of Styrofoam like some of the first HDVR2's had in them.
Andrew
Posted by: Bryan Lyle
Well, for what it's worth... I'm #6 in line and never received the email forms. Thanks to Doug, I was able to get them and fax them in (although, I have NO idea if they got them).
I thought that perhaps my spam filters caught the original forms and junked them, but after searching through all of my filters, they weren't there. I PM'd Robert and he indicated that he would resend them right away... but, never received them... I wasn't too concerned because I knew Doug had them... and would forward them to me if I asked... so I did.
Guess I'll find out tomorrow if they actually received those faxed in forms :)
Posted by: cheridave
HD-TIVO-
March 31, 2004-
UPS-
"What Can Brown Do For You Today?"
Dave
Posted by: BFS
Maybe they'll ship these w/o the warranty seal on the back like the newer units.
Either way I'll open mine before it hits the AV rack and shoot some digitals of it.
Posted by: hongcho
> Either way I'll open mine before it hits the AV rack and shoot some digitals of it.
Don't you want to make sure it works first? Just in case it's a DOA unit and may need to return it?
Hong.
Posted by: Britinvirg
I hope Robert gets at least 200 for all your folks but I hope he leaves some behind for us waiting patiently at our local Tweeters ;) Good luck to you all - can't wait to learn of your experiences, it has been a looongg wait!
Posted by: slangley
quote:
Originally posted by josejrp
Robert,
I still have not received the e-mail forms for the HD DirecTiVo. I sent an e-mail to the reply address in my order confirmation, but I have not received any replies; I tried to send you a PM, but your mailbox was full. Please e-mail me the forms when you get a chance.
Thank you!
Jose. R. Perez
Jose...I did the same thing and I am having the same problem...
I am wanting to know when mine will ship aswell and I have not heard from him at all. Hope all is good...
Posted by: Kamakzie
Tomorrow should be a hot bed of activity!
Posted by: Shark73
And Thursday will be like Christmas when I was 8 years old!
Posted by: Tom in OH
quote:
Originally posted by Kamakzie
My local digital CBS is so weak I hope the HR10-250 can pick it up okay. My MYHD MDP-100 PC card can so I assume it will be able to.
ok Shawn,
your CBS strength can be the judge for the sensitivity of the HD-Tivo. I'll be interested to see if it can pull in the signal any better than what u're using now. Maybe u can write down or remember your strength numbers now for CBS so u can compare them after the big day arrives...
Posted by: Kamakzie
Tom, My PC card pulls it in at about 49-53% now. My CBS is located on digital 2 so they can only broadcast at 6.9KW which is sort of puny. :)
Posted by: Shark73
My local NBC-DT is on channel 2 as well....I'm worried about signal strenght with the new STB....I have an indoor antenna on top of the tv.
Tom, that antenna you got should work well. Did you get it installed yet?
Posted by: Tom in OH
our local NBC is digital 2(VHF). Is your CBS VHF as well?
Posted by: Tom in OH
quote:
Originally posted by Shark73
My local NBC-DT is on channel 2 as well....I'm worried about signal strenght with the new STB....I have an indoor antenna on top of the tv.
Tom, that antenna you got should work well. Did you get it installed yet?
not yet, but thx for the interest.
I have to do the taxes first. Then as a reward, I'll instal.
Posted by: acvthree
Time of Order: 1/17/2004 4:17:55 PM
Order Type: Email
Order ID: 12677
email and telephone call to VE. Still no forms.
ac
Posted by: Tom in OH
quote:
Originally posted by acvthree
Time of Order: 1/17/2004 4:17:55 PM
Order Type: Email
Order ID: 12677
email and telephone call to VE. Still no forms.
ac
are these forms for new Directv customers only?
Posted by: dswallow
Order listing moved, for convenience, to http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-v...995#post1844995
Posted by: Shark73
Tom,
No. One is the DirecTv agreement form which you agree to another one year contract. The second is basic information that Robert wants to confirm your order number, credit card # for the remaining balance and your shipping option...etc.
Jim
Posted by: hongcho
> email and telephone call to VE. Still no forms.
Check your junk/spam folder. I remember there might be some links to those documents in this thread, somewhere (that wasn't much of a help, was it?).
Hong.
Posted by: Tom in OH
I ordered from SolidSignal and they never mentioned forms. I'm sure Directv will add the year contract when I activate. geez, and I just finished a year contract from my last activation... I'll probably be with them for the next 30 years anyway... unless of course they raise the price... or never add Starz & Cinemax HD...
Posted by: sdf777
Seems like some top 200 have not sent back forms. #212 but no charge to my amex. Also, my experience with the Myhd card is that my Sony HD200 receiver locked in weaker signals. Hope this holds true of the HD Tivo.
Posted by: mforrest
I have order #12694, 1/17/04 9:16pm #225
Posted by: Shark73
They let you pre-order the HD-TiVo?
Posted by: Kevin L
quote:
Originally posted by mercurial
My "home" page has big buttons at the top that say "System On" and "System Off". If you hit system on, it powers on everything and dumps you into the HD receiver mode. All the screens have the same theme and there is an "Activities" button at the top. If you press it, it brings up a list of, duh, activities like "View HDTV", "View TiVo", "View DVD", "View VHS Tape", "Listen to CD", "Listen to Radio", and "Play XBox". Each is a macro that takes you to that activity and dumps you into the correct screen for it.
There is a "help" button at the bottom that brings up a picture of the hard buttons for a few seconds that gives text labels for them so you know what they do and I try to keep them consistent from device to device (i.e. the "home" button is guide for anything that has a guide, check is always the ok/select button, etc.)
Maybe I should post my config...?
I'd like to see it. I have had a TSU3000 since it came out but never bothered programming. Now with the latest firmware the other day, I'm ready to start.
Posted by: Tom in OH
quote:
Originally posted by Shark73
They let you pre-order the HD-TiVo?
u askin' mforrest?
Posted by: dswallow
I just received this:
quote:
I wanted to let you know that the production of HD DVR’s has been only slightly delayed. The good news, as it now stands, is that the first allocation of 200 will be shipping to our customers next week.
The location we will ship from will change and I would like you to decide on your shipping method based on when you want to receive your shipment and the costs associated with that option, not the source of the product. I will assume that you want next day air for $75 unless you fax in a change to us.
I need everyone’s cooperation on the following items.
1) I can’t accept anyone selling or trading positions.
2) If you have returned your agreements thank you very much! If you haven’t please do so ASAP. A copy is attached if you can't locate yours.
It is not necessary to call, email or PM me with your order status. I am honestly working extremely hard to expedite all of these orders and be assured everyone is being treated 100% fairly. It is very difficult to write or speak with all of you, who I truly enjoy and appreciate so dearly. I will post or email updated information as soon as I have it. If you have an update please fax us and we will make every effort to process your changes.
Feel free to use your forum discount when shopping for your OTA, 18x20 dish, remote control units or any accessories. We sincerely appreciate your support. Please refer our company to your friends, family and fellow forum members. We will always deliver the highest level of customer service and quality installations.
I will email everyone’s tracking #’s the following day we ship.
Thank you all for your continued patience and support
Regards,
Robert Zohn
ValueElectronics.Com
Posted by: sdf777
Bummer
Posted by: Tom in OH
not surprised to hear about the delay. I wasn't expecting mine til the 2nd week of April and I'm in the first shipment from SolidSignal.
Posted by: rad
So it looks like this post, http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=25727
had more accurate information then what Robert was telling us.
Posted by: Kamakzie
Yep VHF, do you get a lot of breakups when watching?
quote:
Originally posted by Tom in OH
our local NBC is digital 2(VHF). Is your CBS VHF as well?
Posted by: DTV TiVo Dealer
Production of HD DVR?s has been slightly delayed. As it now stands, the first allocation of 200 will be shipping to our customers next week.
DIRECTV has made one more final change in the midnight hour, delaying the production until sometime next week. I have been on the phone with DIRECTV and Hughes people since late afternoon and early evening regarding the delay.
I am truly sorry for this delay as I clearly understand how much everyone is looking forward to receiving these units.
Also the selling price is fixed at no lower than $999.99. Any dealer selling below 999.99 will be penalized. Therefore effective Sunday April 4, 2004 I can no longer take any more orders below $999.99.
All orders that have already been booked are OK to receive the avs/TC discount.
We are sending emails to our first 700 customers who have orders for HR10-250's with a little more information.
Posted by: Kamakzie
Darn so now everyone is pushed about a week back? If so I am expecting mine to ship April 14th now :( Oh well life goes on..
Posted by: Tom in OH
quote:
Originally posted by Kamakzie
Yep VHF, do you get a lot of breakups when watching?
I'll need that ota installed before I can see it. Maybe it's a good thing I got the big antenna. I just have to see "Crossing Jordan" on NBC in HD. That's a great show and very glad to see it's return. Right now I only receive NBC in SD (but of course I upconvert to 960p for the projector which is darn good...)
Posted by: Kamakzie
Hopefully you didn't fly all the way out to California before getting the news!
Posted by: jarredduq
quote:
Originally posted by subcook
Forget a picture of the unit. We all know what it looks like. I want to know who will be the first to break the warranty seal and post interior shots. I'm guessing they will leave out the big hunk of Styrofoam like some of the first HDVR2's had in them.
Andrew
I probably will post pictures of the interior once I test the unit for a few days. I'll be posting a review on my website by the weekend.
Posted by: DTV TiVo Dealer
quote:
Originally posted by Kamakzie
Hopefully you didn't fly all the way out to California before getting the news!
I got the call just as I was leaving my office.
Posted by: cheridave
Deep down inside I think we kinda expected something like this.:(
It seems every new item gets delayed for one thing or another.
Oh Well!
Dave
Posted by: DTV TiVo Dealer
Tomorrow I may have another update and a pdf of the owners manual, which I will have available on my site.
I will post or email updates as I receive them.
Posted by: cheridave
New Goal-
Can we get to 5000 post before the new delivery date?
Dave
Posted by: Kamakzie
Well I hope this delay allows DTV to work out any existing bugs unlike what E* does. I was a beta tester for the 721 (well a buying beta tester) :D
Posted by: DTV TiVo Dealer
Sorry my avatar shows me smiling, I can assure you that's not how I look since this afternoon.
Posted by: micah67
Forgive me if this has been covered.
Why do we need to sign an additional 1-year agreement to DirecTV? Usually that's because you get a huge discount on the hardware from DirecTV. Is our (up to) $100 discount from VE the reason?
It won't stop me from signing and returning, I'm just curious as to the "WHY?".
Thanks!
Posted by: TheProton
Just preordered myself, VE is still open to preorders. Although I just finally registered here I've been a lurker for years, and have two upgraded Directivo's right now, and an HD200 on Ebay :-).
TheProton
Posted by: cheridave
Robert,
Understood and ditto.
Good luck.
Dave
Posted by: HDTivo4prez
Although I don't want to admit it. I kind of expected this from reading other forums. Although, it hard to believe that Robert would be notified so late in the game. We all know what this means, they probably found a hardware bug with the first production run. For those of us in the first 200, this probably means some "blue" wiring on the board.
Robert, do you have any details on what the issue was?
Posted by: Kamakzie
I can't wait to see the User guide that will wet our appetites for a while at least.
Posted by: crbaldwin
Why are you now assuming we want $75 next day air if we have asked for ground since the beginning?? Should I just respond to the email saying I still want ground?
Posted by: Tom in OH
I can confirm what Robert says about the price fix at $999.99. This is exactly what SolidSignal told me Directv is doing. Luckily, many of us got in(preordered) before this mandate.
Economically speaking, this is a great example of why competition is a good thing. If Sony, Tosh, RCA, or anyone was allowed to produce these HD-Tivo's, the price would drop. This price fix mandate doesn't sound good for the future and will tend to stifle innovation.
Posted by: dswallow
quote:
Originally posted by Kamakzie
I can't wait to see the User guide that will wet our appetites for a while at least.
Hey maybe we can convince DirecTV to ship us the shipping boxes, manual, cables and remote now so we can pretend. ;)
Posted by: DTV TiVo Dealer
quote:
Originally posted by Kamakzie
Well I hope this delay allows DTV to work out any existing bugs unlike what E* does. I was a beta tester for the 721 (well a buying beta tester) :D
I don't think they are having any problems. My understanding is they are changing the Dolby Digital emblem and putting these units through some additional testing to see how they will perform under stress, like heat, advanced aging and rough treatment. (I know I'm not using the correct engineering terms, but the information is correct.)
Posted by: micah67
"Benchmarking"
When you drop the unit from 3 feet and see what kind of mark it leaves on the bench.
Posted by: DTV TiVo Dealer
quote:
Originally posted by crbaldwin
Why are you now assuming we want $75 next day air if we have asked for ground since the beginning?? Should I just respond to the email saying I still want ground?
Yes, if you want ground, please fax me so we will ship via ground. These units are not shipping from CA.
Posted by: bertschb
Some of us don't have access to a fax machine. I emailed my papers to VE on 2/29/2004. I never heard if that was OK.
Posted by: Kamakzie
Hmmmm so all pre-orders are going via Next Day air? Or are we still going by what we selected on the form?
Posted by: DTV TiVo Dealer
Fax is much easier for us to administer. However, I want everyone to please feel free to call or email me anytime.
Posted by: bertschb
BTW, my original order was for ground shipping as was the form I emailed back on 2/29/2004. I assume you don't want a third doc confirming ground shipping???
Posted by: Will-san
...and I was Pushing to fly home from Hong Kong a day early. Oh well, This will probably save a relationship. I have been gone for a month and my GF would have been pretty pissed If I spent my first weekend home glued to the TV.
...and I want to be sure I have the best possible Dolby Logo!
Posted by: btwyx
Do you have any idea of when next week?
There's quite a bit of difference between Monday and Friday. Let me just say: "Bummer!", I was looking forward to it this Thursday.
Posted by: crbaldwin
quote:
Originally posted by bertschb
BTW, my original order was for ground shipping as was the form I emailed back on 2/29/2004. I assume you don't want a third doc confirming ground shipping???
This is what I don't understand. Why not just keep it the same and have us contact you only if we want to change to avoid headaches?
Posted by: Kamakzie
A difference between $15 and $75 is quite substantial. I think we must be misinterpreting what he means.
Posted by: DTV TiVo Dealer
quote:
Originally posted by Kamakzie
Hmmmm so all pre-orders are going via Next Day air? Or are we still going by what we selected on the form?
I know you do not want to upgrade your shipping and I will not change your shipping method.
However, most customers did upgrade to overnight. In particular west cost people who were originally requesting overnight changed to ground after we thought the DVR's would ship from CA and I assume now they would like to change back to overnight.
Posted by: Alexander
quote:
Originally posted by crbaldwin
Why are you now assuming we want $75 next day air if we have asked for ground since the beginning?? Should I just respond to the email saying I still want ground?
quote:
Originally posted by DTV TiVo Dealer
Yes, if you want ground, please fax me so we will ship via ground.
Yeah, uh, you might want to rethink that one, Robert.
Posted by: Kamakzie
Oh ok thanks for the explanation! It will be interesting to see where these will ship from now.
Posted by: bertschb
Makes sense now Robert. Thanks!
Posted by: hoby
I feel like such an April fool and its still only March! :)
Anyhow, just kidding around, the world goes on, gives me another week to sort out my entertainment center, sell a hd reciever and a few extra tivos... ;)
Wonder exactly how far this is pushed back, but I guess its probably not realistic to expect that information yet, if they are still doing last minute testing, it could be more than a week... hehe.
Posted by: DTV TiVo Dealer
OK, All orders stay as we have them set up to ship, except CA orders, which I will upgrade to overnight. Does that sound like the best way to handle this?
Posted by: Alexander
Nope. I never authorized you to do that.
Posted by: DTV TiVo Dealer
I should have another update tomorrow or Friday at the latest and I will post the latest information as I hear it.
Posted by: dswallow
quote:
Originally posted by DTV TiVo Dealer
Sorry my avatar shows me smiling, I can assure you that's not how I look since this afternoon.
Here you go:
http://www.2150.com/files/robert_zohn_avatar_frown.jpg
Best I could do with such a big smile to begin with. If you have better source material, send it my way and I'll make you look unhappier. ;)
Posted by: DTV TiVo Dealer
quote:
Originally posted by Alexander
Nope. I never authorized you to do that.
OK I understand and agree. I will only change CA orders that either originally requested overnight or at some time upgraded to overnight and then changed back to ground.
Posted by: Tom in OH
quote:
Originally posted by dswallow
Here you go:
http://www.2150.com/files/robert_zohn_avatar_frown.jpg
Best I could do with such a big smile to begin with. If you have better source material, send it my way and I'll make you look unhappier. ;)
Doug has way too much time on his hands...
Posted by: DTV TiVo Dealer
quote:
Originally posted by dswallow
Here you go:
http://www.2150.com/files/robert_zohn_avatar_frown.jpg
Best I could do with such a big smile to begin with. If you have better source material, send it my way and I'll make you look unhappier. ;)
What did you use, MS paint? Photoshop would do a better job.
Posted by: drewba
Robert, I'd propose sticking with the latest shipping request that you have on record, whether that be the shipping method that they originally requested or an amended request that was submitted later. If someone wants it changed, they can submit (another) amended request.
I think that if you change anyone's shipping without them directly requesting it, you are setting yourself and the customer up for a bad experience.
Posted by: dswallow
quote:
Originally posted by DTV TiVo Dealer
OK, All orders stay as we have them set up to ship, except CA orders, which I will upgrade to overnight. Does that sound like the best way to handle this?
I think you're best leaving things as they are right now and letting people tell you differently. You just leave yourself open to "I didn't authorize you to do that, credit me NOW" or "DAMN IT I wanted it OVERNIGHT". A clear "shipping remains as you last told me to ship; so tell me if you want to change it" would be a good idea.
Actually a clearer "Fax me your change request using the same form you were sent to select shipping with 'AMEND 4/1' written up top to change your shipping again" would be good too.
Posted by: HDTivo4prez
Robert its kind of hard to believe they would delay for a cosmetic issue as replacing of a Dolby Digital sticker. As far as the benchmarking claim, I work for a hardware manufacture and these type of tests are typically staged during the earlier hardware stages; weeks before the final production run. When "shipment is on hold" usually translates to a hardware bug.
Robert, do you have any details on what type of problem?
Posted by: dswallow
quote:
Originally posted by DTV TiVo Dealer
What did you use, MS paint? Photoshop would do a better job.
I used Photoshop, but I had to start with a 65x65 picture, so there were limited things I could do without it looking odd(er). Your moustache was smiling too, and I'm not sure how it might actually behave in real life when you frown. ;)
Posted by: DTV TiVo Dealer
Thanks everyone. All shipping methods stay as they currently are unless we are notified otherwise.
Posted by: dswallow
quote:
Originally posted by Tom in OH
Doug has way too much time on his hands...
I just want this thread to be over with before I start adding demographic data to the pre-order list for lack of things to do. :D
Posted by: aaronwt
I went to watch 24 from my HiPix card and now there are two more pages on this thread! It's getting hard to keep up.
Posted by: leesweet
quote:
Originally posted by DTV TiVo Dealer
We are sending emails to our first 700 customers who have orders for HR10-250's with a little more information.
I'm wondering if this is supposed to cover everyone that ordered before the original cutoff date of 3/18? If so, when should we worry that we haven't received the email? From the info earlier in the thread, I believe Robert does these by hand, so I'm waiting several days or so unless he or someone else has harder information...
Posted by: bertschb
Your doing a great job with the list Doug. I see you added the last character to my order #. You're paying attention. It's tough to do with the posts flying.
Posted by: dswallow
I'm gonna go watch a DVD. Please don't post more than 175 replies during the 2 hours or so that I'm gone. :p
Edit: If I can ever get these stupid security seals off the damn thing.
Posted by: bertschb
I'm going to bed. These posts are wearing me out.
Posted by: BFS
I agree with HDTivo4Prez...
I find it hard to believe that these units were built and are being held for a sticker and for durability testing that would have occurred far earlier in the development schedule.
It sounds unusual at best that DirecTV didn't know that there was going to be a delay for these reasons when Robert had is conference call. Companies like this are not that responsive.
Also, someone may know better, but I thought it was illegal for a company to mandate a price a product had to sell for. Isn't this considered "price fixing" and is illegal?
That is why there is such a thing as "suggested retail price" and other companies on the net that can't post their prices if it is below retail.
All in all, this time next week, or at least by this time next year, the pre-order customers should, maybe all have their units. :)
Posted by: rvaniwaa
quote:
Originally posted by dswallow
On 3/30/2004 we were informed that DirecTV made a midnight-hour change thus delaying production by another week. They further announced they will penalize dealers selling the unit below $999.99, so effective Sunday 4/4/2004 no more orders can be taken below $999.99 (those placed prior to this under the AVSForum/TiVo Community discounts Value Electronics offered are NOT affected and will receive the discount). Shipment of the first 200 units should occur next week.
I don't think I can handle another week of this thread... Will we find out at least what part of the following week they will ship? Perhaps we don't want to know...
--Ron
Posted by: poolne1
I'm not disappointed. Heck, in my preparations for the HDTivo, I've found wires I didn't know I had. It'll take me weeks to re-wire anyway. Snip, Snip, connect, connect... And, my addiction to this thread can continue longer than expected. :) (Sorry, don't know how to use emoticons)---I'll be interested to see if this symbol becomes an emoticon when posted.
Posted by: Tom in OH
quote:
Originally posted by dswallow
I'm gonna go watch a DVD. Please don't post more than 175 replies during the 2 hours or so that I'm gone. :p
what'cha gonna watch?
LimpBizkit's new music DVD?
Posted by: DTV TiVo Dealer
quote:
Originally posted by HDTivo4prez
Robert its kind of hard to believe they would delay for a cosmetic issue as replacing of a Dolby Digital sticker. As far as the benchmarking claim, I work for a hardware manufacture and these type of tests are typically staged during the earlier hardware stages; weeks before the final production run. When "shipment is on hold" usually translates to a hardware bug.
Robert, do you have any details on what type of problem?
DIRECTV is very particular on branding and logos. The advance aging and additional stress tests would delayed the Q1 '04 deadline and everyone wanted to deliver on schedule. I guess in the final analysis more through final testing won out.
I have been told they have no known bugs to fix.
Posted by: horta
OK All
This thread is actually pretty small compaired to the one we did for the HDVR2 pre-order page. That one had 4,185 post and 536,255 views with just over 209 pages.
We are just no where near as excited about this HD Tivo thing.
http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-v...182#post1835182
Jerry
Posted by: ptrubey
quote:
Originally posted by DTV TiVo Dealer
Thanks everyone. All shipping methods stay as they currently are unless we are notified otherwise.
Make sure you resend everyone an email to that effect - hard as it is to believe, not everyone reads this forum :)
Good idea on the shipping, BTW.
Posted by: jdk
quote:
Originally posted by BFS
Also, someone may know better, but I thought it was illegal for a company to mandate a price a product had to sell for. Isn't this considered "price fixing" and is illegal?
I'm no lawyer, but I believe for Price Fixing to be illegal, it must involve two or more competing companies agreeing to not sell their products for less than an amount.
A single company can declare that its item costs $X - and demand that its resellers sell it for no less than $X. A consumer's rights are not hurt, in that the consumer still has the right to not buy that product, or to buy a competetor's product.
Now, if DirecTV and Dish were to have a meeting and decide that their HD DVRs would never sell for less than $1000...
Posted by: aaronwt
Has anyone had any problem getting the AVS/TC discount from Value Electronics? I just ordered my second Square Shooter from them(since pre ordering the HD-TiVo) and didn't receive the discount again. I put a note in the comments that I preorded the HD-Tivo along with the order# and my AVS/TC login name. But no discount to price or shipping. Is there a special page I have to order from to get the Discount?
Posted by: slocko
boo hoo!!!
Robert, how come you aren't shipping from Cali?
This delay changes nothing. You should still fly out there next week and take direct shipment of the units!!!!!!!
Look into my eyes, I command you!!!!! I command you!!!!!!!
Posted by: jdk
quote:
Originally posted by dswallow
I'm gonna go watch a DVD. Please don't post more than 175 replies during the 2 hours or so that I'm gone. :p
Edit: If I can ever get these stupid security seals off the damn thing.
Quick, lets get the post count above 4000 before Doug gets back!
Posted by: steel6
Well I am glad I found a wireless connection in Incheon and received my email from Robert. Otherwise it would have been 1 April before I found out and then I would have been really pi$$ed off!
Robert, thanks in advance for posting the users manual.
Skids are for kids!
Posted by: ken erickson
Robert,
What happened to the plan for shipping from Cal? Also, what is the new shipping point?
Posted by: scottchez
The delay is soooo sad I could cry.
But if we at least get the User Manual PDF posted it will make me happy for a few days while I wait.
Is the first 700 Emails for all those who ordered up to March 18th the cut off? Or is 700 the total pre orders you have with the AVS discount?
Posted by: DTV TiVo Dealer
quote:
Originally posted by aaronwt
Has anyone had any problem getting the AVS/TC discount from Value Electronics? I just ordered my second Square Shooter from them(since pre ordering the HD-TiVo) and didn't receive the discount again. I put a note in the comments that I preorded the HD-Tivo along with the order# and my AVS/TC login name. But no discount to price or shipping. Is there a special page I have to order from to get the Discount?
Sorry, I will find your orders tomorrow and if we did not automatically give you the discount I will credit your charge card.
Posted by: DTV TiVo Dealer
quote:
Originally posted by scottchez
The delay is soooo sad I could cry.
But if we at least get the User Manual PDF posted it will make me happy for a few days while I wait.
Is the first 700 Emails for all those who ordered up to March 18th the cut off? Or is 700 the total pre orders you have with the AVS discount?
The 700 emails we sent out tonight represent the customers who I can easily and quickly respond to, nothing else. The balance of my customers will begin getting emails next week.
Posted by: jcondon
So the first allotment will be 200 instead of 250?
Nevermind. 200 was the orignal. Guess I am in the 3rd week then.
Posted by: jdk
quote:
Originally posted by jcondon
So the first allotment will be 200 instead of 250?
I believe the 1st allotment has been 200 all along.
Posted by: poolne1
quote:
Originally posted by jdk
I'm no lawyer, but I believe for Price Fixing to be illegal, it must involve two or more competing companies agreeing to not sell their products for less than an amount.
A single company can declare that its item costs $X - and demand that its resellers sell it for no less than $X. A consumer's rights are not hurt, in that the consumer still has the right to not buy that product, or to buy a competetor's product.
Now, if DirecTV and Dish were to have a meeting and decide that their HD DVRs would never sell for less than $1000...
I am a lawyer, but I do NOT specialize in antitrust law. My best recollection from my antitrust course in law school is that there are vertical restraints as well as horizontal restraints. Horizontal restraints preclude competing manufacturers from "price fixing" and other anti-competitive moves, e.g., agreeing not to sell their products for less than $__. Vertical restraints preclude a manufacturer from, inter alia, dictating a minimum price for a retail product. This is why we have MSRP (manufacturers can tell their distributors/retailers what they SUGGEST the selling price should be, but cannot DICTATE that price).
This does strike me as a questionable vertical restraint. That said, I am in what I believe to be a majority of people who think that resort to the courts should be reserved for more important matters. I, for one, would not, and will not, take or suggest legal action in connection with the sale or shipment of a high-end consumer electronics item.
In short, I still want my HDDtivo!!! :) But, I am prepared to wait a little longer.
Posted by: gcawad
Kind of glad I have held off selling my DST 3000 now. Looks like I will wait until I read Roberts next update before I put it on ebay.
Posted by: shaydj
Robert,
When will the second shipment be sent and how many do you plan on shipping? I think I'm in the top 400. Preordered on 3/22. Thanks.
Posted by: DavidTigerFan
Well this thread is now 6 pages longer than the reply that was asked of me, but I preordered on March 29th Doug.
Robert...did I make it in time for the discount?
-DTF
Posted by: jdk
quote:
Originally posted by poolne1
This does strike me as a questionable vertical restraint. That said, I am in what I believe to be a majority of people who think that resort to the courts should be reserved for more important matters. I, for one, would not, and will not, take or suggest legal action in connection with the sale or shipment of a high-end consumer electronics item.
In short, I still want my HDDtivo!!! :) But, I am prepared to wait a little longer.
I've encountered a "MRP" (Minimum Retail Price) before, specifically when buying a Canon 10D Digital SLR when it first shipped a year ago.
A quick search revealed this article wrt appliances that, while it states its bad for consumers, agrees that it is legal:
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/our...ingjuly2003.htm
Edit: From the FTC link in the above page:
quote:
Resale price maintenance agreements. Vertical price-fixing -- an agreement between a supplier and a dealer that fixes the minimum resale price of a product -- is a clear-cut antitrust violation. It also is illegal for a manufacturer and retailer to agree on a minimum resale price.
The antitrust laws, however, give a manufacturer latitude to adopt a policy regarding a desired level of resale prices and to deal only with retailers who independently decide to follow that policy. A manufacturer also is permitted to stop dealing with a retailer who breaches the manufacturer’s resale price maintenance policy. That is, the manufacturer can adopt the policy on a "take it or leave it" basis.
Agreements on maximum resale prices are evaluated under the "rule of reason" standard because in some situations these agreements can benefit consumers by preventing dealers from charging a non-competitive price.
So, a manufacturer can not force any resaler to sell above a minimum price. However, that manufacturer has the right to stop doing business with that resaler if the resaler does sell below that price.
A fine legal line, but the end result is the same. No resaler will want to loose his/her relationship with a manufacturer, so he/she will most likely "voluntarily" abide by minimum price "requests".
Posted by: Bill Milford
To all of you who are not getting email from Robert. This is why.
Here is an entry from my email server's log:
2004-03-30 22:17:00 H=dpvc-68-236-168-204.ny325.east.verizon.net (mini.direcway.com) [68.236.168.204] F=<rzohn@valueelectronics.com> rejected RCPT <bill@themilfords.com>: rejected because 68.236.168.204 is in a black list at sbl-xbl.spamhaus.org
His IP address is in the sbl-xbl.spamhaus.org black list.
It is in the sbl-xbl list because it is in the cbl.abuseat.org list.
List to entry at CBL
You can request it removal there
Bill
Posted by: ethan
quote:
Originally posted by DTV TiVo Dealer
The 700 emails we sent out tonight represent the customers who I can easily and quickly respond to, nothing else.
Robert, if I haven't received an e-mail, should I assume I'm not in the top 700? I ordered on 2/2.
Posted by: Bill Milford
Robert:
I have special cased your server. I should be able to recieve mail from you again. Please resend the email to me.
Bill
Posted by: Greg G
If it's shipping from NY then I'd prefer to use ground since it would get to NJ overnight. I'm in the second batch so I'll wait for the dust to settle on the first go round and then make whatever changes are needed.
Hang in there Robert, we're still with you and appricate your efforts! With all the support you've provided to us in this thread we all know you are doing your best.
-Greg
Posted by: DTV TiVo Dealer
quote:
Originally posted by Bill Milford
Robert:
I have special cased your server. I should be able to recieve mail from you again. Please resend the email to me.
Bill
Thanks Bill, I'll send it tomorrow morning. I learned something new today.
Posted by: Bill Milford
quote:
Originally posted by DTV TiVo Dealer
Thanks Bill, I'll send it tomorrow morning. I learned something new today.
:)
I see that the ip address has already been removed from the list.
I'm glad I could help in a small way.
I use that list to eliminate 100's of spam messages daily to my domains.
-- Bill
Posted by: utvnut
Might as well ship a couple more than 200 since theres a wait. Anything over 202 would be GREAT!!
Posted by: jdk
About 40 posts away from 4000, and less than 5000 views from a quarter of a million views.
That's an average of about 50 posts and over 3000 views a day.
I suspect when people get to work tomorrow and check their emails and/or this thread, we'll quickly blow past the 4000/250,000 milestones.
Posted by: dswallow
quote:
Originally posted by DTV TiVo Dealer
Thanks Bill, I'll send it tomorrow morning. I learned something new today.
Robert, you might want to review this site:
http://www.dnsstuff.com/tools/ip4r.ch?ip=68.236.168.204
It shows your mail server blacklisted at a couple other places, too.
Posted by: dswallow
quote:
Originally posted by Tom in OH
what'cha gonna watch?
LimpBizkit's new music DVD?
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0202677/
I got it yesterday for $5.99 at BJ's Wholesale Club.
Posted by: wmillik
I intensely dislike this method of spam blocking. I subscribe to several mailing lists that regularly get blocked because some vigilantes believe every mailing above a certain number is spam. Looks like Robert got caught. Could explain those messages about never getting his mailings.
Posted by: jcondon
One of the lists he is still on is blocking him cause he is on Verizon. Another has some cryptic method to determine why his IP is listed. Maybe if it wasn't 1:30am I could figure out what they mean.
Many ISPs use blackholes without even letting their customers know that they are trusting their email to a 3rd party.
There are other more effective ways to cut down spam without tossing out the baby with the bathwater approach. There are very effective methods that leave the control in the end user or customers hands.
If you can't get email from Robert (or anywhere else) due your ISPs use of blackholes I would complain to them.
Posted by: dr_mal
quote:
Originally posted by dswallow
I just want this thread to be over with before I start adding demographic data to the pre-order list for lack of things to do. :D
Male, 29 years old, straight, married, TiVo user for 3.5 years
:D
Posted by: buzzword
quote:
Originally posted by HDTivo4prez
Robert its kind of hard to believe they would delay for a cosmetic issue as replacing of a Dolby Digital sticker.
That's really not hard to believe at all, I've worked in production/manufacturing (for a record label) and companies take these things very very seriously. (1) for legal reasons (that's also why you jusr can't leave it off if it's wrong) and (2) for counterfeit detection.
My girlfriend worked in production for Nickleodeon, and they would just *freak* if the shade of orange in anything Nickleodeon related (print ads, license authorized merchandise etc) wasn't the absolutely exact and correct "Nickleodeon orange". Half of her job was just making sure those things stayed consistent from the beginning to the end of a project without a slight modification being made along the way by somone who didn't know any better. It's like herding cats. That's why Pantone color matching codes and logo sheets exist.
For what it's worth I spoke to Robert by phone yesterday, I was calling VE to get my shipping changed and he answered the phone. I must say he's a very nice guy and very pleasant to deal with. He was just as excited as I was when talking about the approaching delivery of the units.
He did tell me that he had just gotten off the phone with DTV and had been told about a possible delay caused by an incorrect Dolby logo, he was waiting to hear back from them because they didn't yet know how long a delay it was going to cause. He sounded bummed about that and said he was going to post info in the forum as soon as he heard back from them with better info.
Even if it's just a sticker that's wrong, you have to get new ones made in order to correct the problem, well, now your sticker supplier is set up for someone else's production run and has to fit you in for a rerun. A week is actually quite reasonable for something like this, in the past we've had CD inserts/booklets/boxset covers printed with an incorrect barcode on them, and have had to get stickers made to cover them with (it's the fastest and cheapest fix in some cases). Sometimes they've shipped before the error was caught, so if your new CD bought at CostCo scans as a jar of mayonnaise at the cash register, you now know why <g>
Posted by: brian318
Here's my info to add to the list...
Time of Order: 2/25/2004 10:48:04 AM
Order Type: Email
Order ID: 13596
Brian
Posted by: moini
Doug,
Here is my order info.
Time of Order: 1/17/2004 12:12:39 AM
Order Type: Email
Order ID: 12616
I am number 141.
Better late than never.
Posted by: dswallow
For what it's worth, I coud not find any Dolby Digital trademark on Dolby's site that uses the "5.1" nomenclature. Everything is just the Dolby Digital trademark, like this:
http://www.dolby.com/graphics/lic/dolby_digital_reg_108x36.gif
This is what appears on the units shown at CES:
http://www.2150.com/files/directv_hd_dvr_dd51_400x400.jpg
That logo is on a little plastic door covering the access card slot.
Personally, I'd accept my HD DVR with the little door removed and they can ship it to me at my expense whenever they're ready. ;)
Posted by: TivoAholic
:mad: I Bet the B&M stores had someting to do with the $999 fixed price and the shipping Directly from CA!!!!.
They probably complained like hell to Directv about roberts $100 Discount and they he was going to have the receivers sent just over the border to ship them out from there and not his Place of business.
They were probably Complaining that he has an "Unfair" advantage.
That Only advantage Robert has is that he really CARES about his customers!!!!
:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:
Posted by: subcook
quote:
Originally posted by utvnut
Might as well ship a couple more than 200 since theres a wait. Anything over 202 would be GREAT!!
I'm hoping DirecTV slips Robert an extra 10! I just wish I had ordered when I first looked at it at 8am and did not wait for the wifes approval. I would have been in the 160-170 range. She lets me get whatever I want anyways (with-in reason and this was on the edge since I already have an HD receiver and 2 TiVos).
Andrew
Posted by: slangley
Robert...
I did not get the e-mail. Does that mean I am not in the first 700 shipments? I made my purchase on 2/23/04. Should I be concerned?
Thanks
Posted by: cyphers72
quote:
Originally posted by DTV TiVo Dealer
Thanks Bill, I'll send it tomorrow morning. I learned something new today.
I didn't receive an email either. Would someone post the server information so I can try to whitelist this? What can I do to resolve this ASAP? I'm around #250 and would not want any delays to occur.
I sent an email to VE, but of course I doubt they can reply because of the spam filters. If I turned off the spam filters, I'd be inundated with the 8,500 messages we're blocking.
Posted by: pkscout
quote:
Originally posted by slangley
Robert...
I did not get the e-mail. Does that mean I am not in the first 700 shipments? I made my purchase on 2/23/04. Should I be concerned?
Thanks
Friendly customer service reminder. If you need to talk directly to Value Electronics *CALL THEM* Robert is doing a good job posting details periodically, but considering the volume of posts on this thread, there is a very real possibility queries like this will get lost in the noise.
Posted by: Marco
quote:
Originally posted by jdk
From the FTC link in the above page:
Resale price maintenance agreements. Vertical price-fixing -- an agreement between a supplier and a dealer that fixes the minimum resale price of a product -- is a clear-cut antitrust violation. It also is illegal for a manufacturer and retailer to agree on a minimum resale price.
The antitrust laws, however, give a manufacturer latitude to adopt a policy regarding a desired level of resale prices and to deal only with retailers who independently decide to follow that policy. A manufacturer also is permitted to stop dealing with a retailer who breaches the manufacturer’s resale price maintenance policy. That is, the manufacturer can adopt the policy on a "take it or leave it" basis.
Agreements on maximum resale prices are evaluated under the "rule of reason" standard because in some situations these agreements can benefit consumers by preventing dealers from charging a non-competitive price.
So, a manufacturer can not force any resaler to sell above a minimum price. However, that manufacturer has the right to stop doing business with that resaler if the resaler does sell below that price.
I see somebody beat me to this discussion. IAAL but I don't practice antitrust. What I found troubling about Robert's post was the implication that there was an *agreement* between VE (and perhaps other retailers as well) and DTV that the minimum price would be $999. DTV is legally OK just saying what it thinks the MRP should be, and cutting off supply to retailers who sell too low ... but not OK putting MRP into contracts.
Posted by: midas
Well obvoiusly disappointed. But also somewhat skeptical. Something just doesn't seem right to me. Actually 2 things don't seem right.
First, I understand logos and branding issues. They are a huge part of the business. But, while I can believe it would hold up shipping, I can't believe it would hold up production. So if production has been going since last week, as claimed, there should be more than just the initial 200 in the first batch when it's finally released.
Second, I just can't believe they would miss the Q1 date. This is HUGE for stock pricing. This just makes me think there's more to this than just logos. Since the HDTivo uses the same main chip as the 921, and we all know the problems with that, it's possible they are having similar issues.
I sure hope I'm right about the first point and wrong about the second.
Posted by: hoby
Hrmmm.. no mail yet here this morning. Of course mine is a hotmail account, and they have gotten fairly aggressive with spam lately....
Posted by: compuz1
Hi Robert,
No problem with the delay, I know that you’re doing your best! I just wanted to ensure that I did not have to fax or email in the attached forms because I already sent them in weeks ago. I selected Next Day Air originally so this isn’t a problem for me. Am I right that I don’t have to send them in or am I incorrect?
Posted by: Bryan Lyle
quote:
Originally posted by compuz1
Hi Robert,
No problem with the delay, I know that you’re doing your best! I just wanted to ensure that I did not have to fax or email in the attached forms because I already sent them in weeks ago. I selected Next Day Air originally so this isn’t a problem for me. Am I right that I don’t have to send them in or am I incorrect?
You should be ok. Somewhere in the last 15 pages or so, Robert said that all shipping would remain the same (unless he heard from us). Note that this is different than the email he sent out yesterday which stated we'd all be upgraded to next day air :)
Posted by: PJO1966
very disappointed... that was going to be the highlight of my day today.
Posted by: DenBP
Add mine to the list:
Time of Order: 2/24/2004 9:16:20 AM
Order Type: Email
Order ID: 13585
Posted by: slocko
Mine was in the junk folder of my hotmail account.
quote:
Originally posted by hoby
Hrmmm.. no mail yet here this morning. Of course mine is a hotmail account, and they have gotten fairly aggressive with spam lately....
Posted by: BFS
quote:
Originally posted by jdk
Edit: From the FTC link in the above page:
So, a manufacturer can not force any reseller to sell above a minimum price. However, that manufacturer has the right to stop doing business with that reseller if the reseller does sell below that price.
A fine legal line, but the end result is the same. No reseller will want to loose his/her relationship with a manufacturer, so he/she will most likely "voluntarily" abide by minimum price "requests".
quote:
Originally posted by TivoAholic
I Bet the B&M stores had something to do with the $999 fixed price and the shipping Directly from CA!!!!.
They probably complained like hell to Directv about roberts $100 Discount and they he was going to have the receivers sent just over the border to ship them out from there and not his Place of business.
They were probably Complaining that he has an "Unfair" advantage.
That Only advantage Robert has is that he really CARES about his customers!!!!
Now this I would believe. I could see how a manufacturer would strong-arm a company and tell them that their allotment would be delayed and then send it to one of the more powerful B&M because of deep discounting and because of drop-shipping.
Sounds to me like some other company, most likely one of DirecTV's big retailers, is on the other side of this pushing the matter about VE. If VE was selling just a few maybe they would not care but when they see this previously perceived little guy with ~1000 pre-orders that could have come out of their store I imagine a little discontent.
Posted by: mo2v8me
Doug..... Add mine to the list:
Time of Order: 1/27/2004 6:55:43 PM
Order Type: Email
Order ID: 13123
Posted by: Bill Milford
Wow 40 to go! to 4000!
Edited: Wow 40 to go! to 4000! 2 people beat me to the submit button!
Posted by: ricaltman
quote:
Originally posted by BFS
Also, someone may know better, but I thought it was illegal for a company to mandate a price a product had to sell for. Isn't this considered "price fixing" and is illegal?
You can sell a product for whatever you want, but if the manufacturer doesn't like it, they can pull your dealership. That's how they get around it.
Posted by: gss14
Well... at least I now know my order # is in the first 700. This gives a little more clarity to those of us not in the first few hundred. I'm hoping somebody who ordered well after me also received the 'delay' email!
Posted by: Kevin L
quote:
Originally posted by BFS
Sounds to me like some other company, most likely one of DirecTV's big retailers, is on the other side of this pushing the matter about VE. If VE was selling just a few maybe they would not care but when they see this previously perceived little guy with ~1000 pre-orders that could have come out of their store I imagine a little discontent.
Could it be JoeGolf????? :D :D :D
Posted by: mchaney
I know it was my very first post here when I said that people should expect delays on *any* new product, but I've been riding the leading edge of products for years and this stuff happens every time. I wouldn't be surprised if there aren't some further delays as well, or at least that the current delay might be longer than expected. You're dealing with not only one company's red tape, but several different companies (DirecTV, Hughes, Tivo, Dolby Labs, etc.) all getting their own red tape tangled into the others and before long, people start tripping over it.
You gotta feel for Robert in a situation like this, working as hard as he is on this. To us he's the top of the totem pole, but to DirecTV, the bottom line is... he's just another retailer. I certainly don't envy him.
Mike
Posted by: JohnA
Seems to me that if this is just a label issue as is being said by D* then the manufacturing process is continuing and Robert should get his first 2 allotments next week. However now that they are shipping from NY means at least a 3 day trip from Mexico before he gets his hands on them. Doubt anyone will see their unit before the week of 4/11.
Somehow I think there is a lot more to this story than Robert is being told. I have not received an E-mail, what does it say?
Posted by: moini
quote:
Originally posted by BFS
Now this I would believe. I could see how a manufacturer would strong-arm a company and tell them that their allotment would be delayed and then send it to one of the more powerful B&M because of deep discounting and because of drop-shipping.
Sounds to me like some other company, most likely one of DirecTV's big retailers, is on the other side of this pushing the matter about VE. If VE was selling just a few maybe they would not care but when they see this previously perceived little guy with ~1000 pre-orders that could have come out of their store I imagine a little discontent.
BFS
Now this makes sense. It would be interesting to check this weekend and see if any one will start selling the units .
Posted by: hoby
quote:
Originally posted by slocko
Mine was in the junk folder of my hotmail account.
Nope, double-checked my hotmail filter, and its allowing things through, and nothing in my junk, cept for real "junk".
Oh well, now that we have extra time, I will just "fax" for status....
Posted by: mchaney
quote:
Originally posted by BFS
Sounds to me like some other company, most likely one of DirecTV's big retailers, is on the other side of this pushing the matter about VE. If VE was selling just a few maybe they would not care but when they see this previously perceived little guy with ~1000 pre-orders that could have come out of their store I imagine a little discontent.
Now that's nasty! Sounds well within the limits of how the wheels of big business turn though. :mad: I wouldn't think they'd pull something like that because eventually we'd all find out about it and DirecTV would have a lot of irate customers. Would they take that chance that we all find out about something like this?
Mike
Posted by: ricaltman
quote:
Originally posted by BFS
Sounds to me like some other company, most likely one of DirecTV's big retailers, is on the other side of this pushing the matter about VE.
This is almost certainly what is going on, I deal with the same crap with scuba gear retailers and manufacturers.
Posted by: hongcho
quote:
Originally posted by TivoAholic
:mad: I Bet the B&M stores had someting to do with the $999 fixed price and the shipping Directly from CA!!!!.
They probably complained like hell to Directv about roberts $100 Discount and they he was going to have the receivers sent just over the border to ship them out from there and not his Place of business.
They were probably Complaining that he has an "Unfair" advantage.
That Only advantage Robert has is that he really CARES about his customers!!!!
:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:
This is something I was thinking too. Since Robert offered the discount, they are trying to "penalize" him for taking too many such orders. See, how selling more is bad? :(
Anyway, I guess I could wait another week, but this IS painful.
Hong.
Posted by: Bill Milford
quote:
Originally posted by dswallow
Robert, you might want to review this site:
http://www.dnsstuff.com/tools/ip4r.ch?ip=68.236.168.204
It shows your mail server blacklisted at a couple other places, too.
The ones he is left listed on are the most agressive ones out there. No email admin concerned with false positives would ever use them. In fact -- They tell you not to use them to block email. The ones I use have a very low false positive rate. I check the logs almost every day to find them. He got place on the CBL because of his virus infection. He was sending bad messages. CBL makes it very easy to delist yourself in this case.
I use the following (and there rejections for the last 10 days):
code:
List Rejections
sbl-xbl.spamhaus.org 1710
list.dsbl.org 178
opm.blitzed.org 3
relays.ordb.org 0
He appears to be using his own computer as an outgoing email server. It is not the server that accepts incoming mail. Sometimes it is better to route all message through your ISP's server (verizon in this case) because they will be more diligent about keeping their main email servers off the lists. Buy sometimes those servers place limits on the number of messages per hour or day that you can send and due to his business, he may hit that there limits.
Bill
Posted by: Darin
quote:
Originally posted by DTV TiVo Dealer
My understanding is they are changing the Dolby Digital emblem and putting these units through some additional testing to see how they will perform under stress, like heat, advanced aging and rough treatment.
While the delay is not a big deal to me personally, I have to agree with others that this just sounds a bit odd. The logo issue... I think it's kinda odd that it would come up THIS late in the ball game. Not impossible, but unusual. But the stress testing thing seems even odder to me. I can't believe they've decided this late to do this, and it's been known that they've been in beta for some time. You just don't decide the day before you start shipping "you know, maybe we should do a bit of stress testing first". But even if you did, I wouldn't think a week would be enough. If they haven't gotten enough stress testing in the many months they've been testing these things, ONE week is not going to make that much difference. If these things were supposed to be shipping today, the first 200 should already be boxed up and ready to go. In fact, if Robert was supposed to take delivery today, I would think they would have had to have already shipped, especially since I would think customs would be involved. Personally, I think there's a little bit more to this than DirecTV is leading us to believe.
Again, the delay not a huge deal to me, but I'm not fully buying the cover story.
Posted by: GreyGhost00
Agree - something's amiss with this story. Either the explanation given is a cover for the real delay, or they've known about this for longer than they are letting on and just didn't tell Robert and VE.
Maybe JoeGolf's calls to GoodGuys led to some strong-arming of D*.:D
Posted by: jculp99
quote:
Originally posted by dswallow
I just received this:
...2) If you have returned your agreements thank you very much! If you haven’t please do so ASAP. A copy is attached if you can't locate yours.
Hey Doug,
Is there a way for you to post the forms that Robert sent you so those of us who haven't yet received them could download them, complete them and fax them in.
If not Doug, could anyone else who has received them via email do this?
It would also be cool if someone would post the email that Robert sent to the "magnificent 700" for those of us who haven't received it or for whom it was spam blocked.
Thanks in advance...
jculp99
Posted by: hoby
Yeah, the more I think about it, the fishier it sounds... Oh well, still have my hd reciever, so my shows will still get watched this week, I just hope we don't have weekly updates saying, "Reason for this weeks delay...."
PS. Not saying Robert is to fault at all here, I think they are pulling something over on him. Robert has been nothing but the best to us to take the time to post here, deal with all the pm's, email, calls, etc.... I have a feeling this thread will now snowball even more with a week more of nothing to do! :)
Bring on your conspiracy theories!!!!:D
Posted by: leesweet
I'm with Darin on this.... all of the 'problems' should have been fixed weeks ago if production was ramping up this week or last week. Changing logos now? Testing *now*?! Gimme a break.
Posted by: Bryan Lyle
quote:
Originally posted by dswallow
I just received this:
I wanted to let you know that the production of HD DVR’s has been only slightly delayed. The good news, as it now stands, is that the first allocation of 200 will be shipping to our customers next week.
The location we will ship from will change and I would like you to decide on your shipping method based on when you want to receive your shipment and the costs associated with that option, not the source of the product. I will assume that you want next day air for $75 unless you fax in a change to us.
I need everyone’s cooperation on the following items.
1) I can’t accept anyone selling or trading positions.
2) If you have returned your agreements thank you very much! If you haven’t please do so ASAP. A copy is attached if you can't locate yours.
It is not necessary to call, email or PM me with your order status. I am honestly working extremely hard to expedite all of these orders and be assured everyone is being treated 100% fairly. It is very difficult to write or speak with all of you, who I truly enjoy and appreciate so dearly. I will post or email updated information as soon as I have it. If you have an update please fax us and we will make every effort to process your changes.
Feel free to use your forum discount when shopping for your OTA, 18x20 dish, remote control units or any accessories. We sincerely appreciate your support. Please refer our company to your friends, family and fellow forum members. We will always deliver the highest level of customer service and quality installations.
I will email everyone’s tracking #’s the following day we ship.
Thank you all for your continued patience and support
Regards,
Robert Zohn
ValueElectronics.Com
Doug posted this several pages back. It's the exact email that Robert sent out (minus the attachments)
Note:Eventhough Robert stated in the email that shipping would be overnight delivery, he did post in this forum that the shipping method would NOT change unless you specified it (by faxing the form again)
Posted by: jculp99
Thanks Bryan,
Sorry I didn't pick up on the fact that this was the same email that was sent to everyone.
Any sign of the attachments?
jculp99
Posted by: Shark73
Where will the units ship from next week????
Posted by: sdf777
Being #212 (and probably second shipment), does this mean your second shipment will be delayed equally as long, or will the next batch of units catch up to the first?
Posted by: Todd
Robert is at the mercy of DirecTV on this, so it doesn't surprise me there is a little delay.
I'm sure this thread will really be hopping once the manual is up!! :)
Posted by: spotty
Here are the forms someone was looking for. I am number 67 and keeping my fingers crossed.
Posted by: mchaney
quote:
Originally posted by Darin
You just don't decide the day before you start shipping "you know, maybe we should do a bit of stress testing first". But even if you did, I wouldn't think a week would be enough. If they haven't gotten enough stress testing in the many months they've been testing these things, ONE week is not going to make that much difference.
My thoughts *exactly*! You don't have these things lined up to go on a truck and then decide to take a few out of their boxes and beat on them with a sledge hammer for 3 days. Besides, companies releasing big products already have detailed test plans that include stress testing. Just making a change to the official test plan could take a week... forget about the actual stress testing that is a result of the change on paper! These companies don't make last minute decisions to hit things with a hammer. Everything has to have a paper trail, meetings, sign-offs, etc.
What often happens in cases like this, where the company has already missed the initial delivery, is that they all regroup, step down a gear, and then eventually announce a longer delay: month, two months, etc., saying that they want to make sure the final product is of highest quality before it is released. This gives them some extra time and gives people a little breather to think things through under a less tight schedule. Now that they've already missed the 1st quarter estimate, that's my bet as to what is going to happen.
Mike
Posted by: Shark73
quote:
Originally posted by dswallow
For what it's worth, I coud not find any Dolby Digital trademark on Dolby's site that uses the "5.1" nomenclature. Everything is just the Dolby Digital trademark, like this:
http://www.dolby.com/graphics/lic/dolby_digital_reg_108x36.gif
This is what appears on the units shown at CES:
http://www.2150.com/files/directv_hd_dvr_dd51_400x400.jpg
That logo is on a little plastic door covering the access card slot.
Personally, I'd accept my HD DVR with the little door removed and they can ship it to me at my expense whenever they're ready. ;)
They had a picture of the HD DVR with the DirecTv name plate in the April issue of the Directv guide.
Posted by: richierich
I'm ready for my new HD Directivo. I just got the Channel Master GainMaster 36 x 24 inch dish installed and I'm getting Sat C at 99%. Sat A at 99% and Sat B in the 80s. I will be tweaking the dish to increase Sat B. I've got 8 feeds to all my rooms and two waiting for the HD Tivo. I can't wait to get my hands on this baby.
Posted by: spotty
Sorry, here is the 2nd form as I could not load it up in word format and don't have adobe converter on this pc
ValueElectronics.com Credit Card Purchase Agreement
For DIRECTV HR10-250 aka HD-DVR250
108 Garth Road – Scarsdale, NY 10583
Tel: 914-723-1840 Fax: 914-472-6364
Email: rzohn@valueelectronics.com
Questions: Your answers:
Your complete name
Your original order #
avs/TC member name
Credit Card w Exp Date (if different)
Credit card billing address
Installation Address (if different)
Shipping address (if different)
Shipping method:Indicate selection &charge acceptance
UPS/Fed Ex Ground, $15.00
UPS/Fed Ex 2 day air, $55.00
UPS/Fed Ex Overnight, $75.00
Existing DIRECTV account or setting up new DIRECTV service
Please understand you are also agreeing to the following.
1. You are authorizing us to charge your credit card on file, the balance due for your advance order of the DIRECTV HR10-250. The charge will be put through no earlier than 5 business days before we ship your order.
2. Your deposit is not refundable, unless you can get the HR10-250 sooner than we can ship.
3. We will only price match a lower price from our competition or our own selling price up to the day that we physically ship your HR10-250 and if the HR10-250 is immediately available at the other authorized retailer.
4. Returns are subject to a 20% restocking fee and only returnable with a return authorization, shipped pre-paid, insured and packed in it’s original factory packing, with manuals and all accessories included.
I agree to the terms and conditions listed herein.
Signature: Date:
Posted by: Syzygy
Robert Zohn said, and Graham Walsh confirmed, that Value Electronics won't be able to offer the $100 discount (upon $100 deposit) on the HD-DirecTiVo after March ends. The reason is that DirecTV is requiring all vendors to adhere to the MSRP of $999. (Vendors can refuse, but then they might not get any more DirecTV receivers to sell.)
So the price goes up $100 tomorrow!
Posted by: Shark73
Who's Graham Walsh?
Posted by: utvnut
I'm not worried, surely we'll be able to record FOOTBALL games when the units arrive in September!
Maybe 2004 (12-31) is the new goal now that 1st quarter is gone.
Posted by: ken erickson
+1
Only 7 to go (4000)
Posted by: leesweet
Are we going to start this 'form posting' again? Robert said he didn't want them posted, and they were put up and taken down just as recently as last week. Now, if he clears it, well, fine. But I don't think he wants a thousand copies times three forms to come faxing in....
(I'm sure his staff is agitating for a raise the next time he ever offers a preorder for anything! :D )
Posted by: KCWolfPck
quote:
Originally posted by ken erickson
+1
Only 7 to go (4000)
who cares?
Posted by: bmccrea
quote:
Originally posted by Shark73
Who's Graham Walsh?
He works for Robert.
Posted by: HofstraJet
I emailed my domain's tech support and they stated that they have started using blacklists a few weeks ago and that Robert's IP address is definitely on most of the lists they use and thus the reason I have not been receiving his emails. On the positive side, I have noticed that my spam has gone down pretty significantly since they started using the blacklists, so it is not entirely a bad thing. Does anybody know of a free account I can set up that uses no filters or at least lets you turn them off? Thanks.
Posted by: hoby
Bah, the kids at work are picking on me because I was gonna take Thursday or Friday off to set up my new toy, now I have to work! :(
Oh well, just gonna have to get that time off sheet read for next week some time.
Posted by: sotapoppy
If I received an email yesterday confirming my order of the SST-688 from VE should that mean I should have no problem with other emails?
Posted by: dcushing
Too many conspiracy theories!! For all we know, the delay started awhile ago and they thought they could catch up. I for one am not going to worry about it. Robert is running himself ragged for this, and he is doing a great job.
It's only television.
#8
Dave
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