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pre-order
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Posted by: dswallow
Order listing moved, for convenience, to http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-v...539#post1853539
Posted by: turls
OT: One time I ordered a bunch of monitors from Dell and requested "ground" shipping using my FedEx account number. I didn't find out until later that there is a different account number for ground and air for FedEx. Did they contact me to find out what I wanted to do? No, they took it upon themselves to upgrade to 2 day air ship heavy monitors. Not too smart. Guess who disupted the FedEx bill and got the shipping for free? They never even contacted me to try to get any shipping expense at all out of me. I think I tried to contact Dell and explain the situation at some point but they are very hard to deal with if you aren't a big fish.
quote:
Originally posted by tmf aficionado
If you ordered a new PC from Dell, and they automatically decided that you "wanted" a $100 hard drive upgrade that wasn't part of your order, wouldn't you expect the upgrade to happen at their own expense? If you saw the extra $100 on your credit card statement, wouldn't you charge it back to Dell?
Posted by: oosik77
quote:
Originally posted by gss14
When mistakes happen, some people allow the person who made the mistake a chance to fix it. Others take the opportunity to rub it in their face and attempt to find a way of financially gaining from the mistake.
Whichever you decide speaks volumes toward your personality and sense of morality.
Amen brother!
Posted by: dstroot
*chuckle*
The very first post in this thread is "Does any know when we will be able to pre-order the hd tivo?"
... and here I thought this thread start with the line "And then the earth cooled..."
Posted by: jweitzman
I noticed the quote above saying the DTV is supposedly going to "penalize" resellers selling below $999.99? That seems to skirt the boundaries of resale price maintenance. Manufacturers can set MSRPs, and they can unilaterally stop doing business with resellers who price below that, but they aren't allowed to coerce or "penalize" resellers who refuse to agree to the MSRP.
Posted by: dswallow
quote:
Originally posted by jweitzman
I noticed the quote above saying the DTV is supposedly going to "penalize" resellers selling below $999.99? That seems to skirt the boundaries of resale price maintenance. Manufacturers can set MSRPs, and they can unilaterally stop doing business with resellers who price below that, but they aren't allowed to coerce or "penalize" resellers who refuse to agree to the MSRP.
I believe that DirecTV pays resellers for every activation at the time of activation; there's probably some profit margin built into selling the hardware itself, but the money DirecTV sends afterwards could be adjusted based on factors such as maintaining a minimum selling price. If selling this particular receiver doesn't result in money being paid to the reseller on activation, then certainly other money they receive upon activation of other receivers (especially new subscribers) could be adjusted. Most resellers deal with other DirecTV product, too, so they wouldn't want to get a comeptitive disadvantage by losing the money the earn.
Posted by: jcondon
When I first got Robert's email I was excited. I am either in the second or third shipments (just a guess). I saw the note about shipping being automatically upgraded I did not think that was even legal let alone a good idea for him.
But, I took a deep breath. I knew mine wasn't shipping anytime soon and I can contact them via phone or fax to tell them to go with ground like I originally requested. With in an hour or two on this forum he changed it back to whatever the original orders were. Which legally I think for him was a smart thing. He would have probably had to pay the difference (upto $40) on all the ones he upgraded.
Probably he should have sent a follow up email to clarify the shipping status.
But, I KNOW he is not out to screw us.
Over a year ago I paid $15 shipping on a HDRV2 even though I picked it up at the store. It was an Christmas present for my dad otherwise I would NOT have agreed to paying the $15 but, Value Electronics was the only place that had it in stock. (it was about 3 weeks before Christmas). I made a post here many months after the fact detailing this.
Within hours Robert pmed me and said to please contact him with more information so he could find my order. Before I could even respond he wrote back again said he found my order and charged back the $15 to my credit card and that I should see that in a few days.
Sure he might have done it since I publicly posted but, I don't think that was the case at all.
I probably should have asked to speak to a manager when I was at the store but, didn't. Not many companies would see a post on a message board many months AFTER the purchase and go out of their way to find my order and give me back my money.
So when a friend of mine told me about the preorder (I don't follow these forums that closely) and upto $100 off I ordered immediately. A week later ordered a second one.
I think Robert and Value Electronics was overwhelmed with orders. I don't think they expected anywhere near this response. I truly believe he is trying to be fair and do whatever he can to ship these things as fast as he can. I think too many people are not fair. If you received an email about an order with incorrect information or whatever BEFORE it ships but, do nothing till AFTER you receive it I think thats pretty scummy. Even if they had no business doing what they did there is/was a window to contact them via email or phone and say no I want 2nd day or ground shipping like originally ordered.
As soon as Robert saw the outcry here about this issue he did the right thing and left the orders as is. Perhaps he should have sent an email to everyone again explaining this but, whats done is done. And he is not changing the original orders so there is no reason to get all up in arms.
If I don't get my unit till May or something then I will not be happy but, I don't expect any problems and I expect by the end of the month (and probably sooner then that) I will get exactly what VE promised at the price I agreed to. Had I ordered sooner I would have it end of next week.
Posted by: Weez
post removed
Posted by: ken erickson
tmf aficionado,
I just got off the phone with VE to tell them that they made a mistake on my shipping request. I was only charged for 2day air when I had just sent them a change request for overnight. They where very nice to amend my shipping method. I only wished I could have helped you with your shipping problem but since you haven't posted you order number I can't help nor can they as they go by the order number.
And since you posted here in a public forum that you where overcharged for the wrong shipping method before the item has left the shipping dock I would think twice about the chargeback when it would have cost not a cent to call VE and request a refund (toll free number: 800-789-5050)
Posted by: kcn823
I placed my order on 3/31 at 2:43 pm EST. Order # 14092
Posted by: PrimeRisk
quote:
Originally posted by tmf aficionado
Ahh, right... somebody from the "it's the consumer's job to beg the vendor not to be overbilled" school of thought. Welcome aboard.
You bet. Haven't you heard of Caveat Emptor?
quote:
Originally posted by tmf aficionado
If I have to waste my time searching this forum to find critical information about my preorder, I expect that VE will keep abreast of developments in this thread as well.
Nope. That's your problem. This board is opinion. Your communications should be directly with the vendor. Any conversations and/or commitments made through this forum are not official communication with the vendor. Your expectation that VE will keep abreast of developments in this thread is foolish. They have no obligation to do so. If you have a question about your order, call them. Don't piss and moan about what might or might not be.
quote:
Originally posted by tmf aficionado
Regardless, it would seem that VE has backed down from their disingenuous attempt to overbill me, so this issue should be laid to rest for now. Forgive, but never forget.
Uh, their attempt to over bill you? So, you're saying they didn't overbill you? So if they didn't do it, what are you so upset about?
Posted by: sherlocc
I am an ex CEO with 35 years of management experience. One thing I learned is that in general you can get much more out of people if you honestly work with them rather then try to control and brow beat them. That applies to all relationships - bosses, stock holders, subordinates, peers, vendors, suppliers, customers, service people, etc.
Robert seems to have gone far further along that extra mile than any vendor I have ever dealt with - and I have dealt with a lot. He doesn't deserve to be publically trashed.
I have called VE at least 4 times and the phone was answered every time within 3 rings by a person and not a menu! When was the last time you experienced that? Just his interaction with this forum is above and beyond in my opinion.
The problem with TMF is not the issue over the $60, but the way he made it public. I suspect that VE is just one more in a list of vendors that he will never use again. Pretty soon, he may run out. I have just one, Circuit City because of their devisive efforts with DIVX. When you realize that vendors are just people and trying to do their job, you can deal with the odd snafu. It is when one trys to "control" the situation and bellow in order to "protect" ones rights, that a snafu becomes a monumental issue out of all proportion with reality.
Lighten up! Robert is just trying to do his job, and on a scale of 1 to 10, I give him a 10 for his efforts with this product!
Boy wouldn't it be great if all vendors were as conscientious as Robert appears to be?
Posted by: dr_mal
quote:
Originally posted by sherlocc
I have just one, Circuit City because of their devisive efforts with DIVX.
I thought I was the only one who still doesn't shop there because of that. Sadly, the kids these days only know DivX is an encoding format. (Not sad that DIVX didn't catch on, sad that history is being forgotten)
Posted by: sherlocc
And I never shopped at Computer City either, which may explain why they went under!
Posted by: PrimeRisk
quote:
Originally posted by sherlocc
<snip>Boy woulddn't it be great if all vendors were as conscientious as Robert appears to be?
I agree! VE is doing a great job of customer service. A company value that I think much of corporate America has lost sight of.
Posted by: topdog72
I ordered from VE on 3/31 - order # 14093. Can't wait!
Posted by: sherlocc
It seems to me that Robert will make a fair amount of money on this product, but more importantly, I think that he has created a very nice customer base right here in this forum. I know I will go back. In fact, I did - I order the new Harmony remote from Robert. I did it without doing my normal price watch, etc "let my keyboard fingers do the walking" routine. I truly appreciate the effort he is putting into this, and I intend to put VE at the top of my list when I look for products of this ilk.
Maybe we can get Doug Swallow to start a thread listing how many forum members are now loyal VE clients? :D
Posted by: Todd
quote:
Originally posted by dr_mal
I thought I was the only one who still doesn't shop there because of that. Sadly, the kids these days only know DivX is an encoding format. (Not sad that DIVX didn't catch on, sad that history is being forgotten)
How long are you guys going to hold this over them....forever? Did you all buy one and get screwed? I didn't fall for it when I was looking for my first DVD player, but they do still play regular DVDs....
Posted by: midas
Well I'm surely not going to defend TMF. He's wrong in the way he handled this. But I do think Robert has made a major mistake, fortunately one that can still be fixed.
There will be a number of people that got the email from Robert but never saw the change here in this thread. Let's be honest, this thread is a nightmare. There will be some people that will be upset and most likely be calling VE to address the shipping issue. That's going to cause even more stress on his overworked staff.
But a bigger problem, as I see it, are people that were OK with the shipping change. When they find out that their unit wasn't shipped overnight as they were told it would be, they'll be mad. While they'll have saved some money, they won't get it as fast as they expected based on the email.
Needless to say, I think Robert should send out another email clarifying the current situation. There may be people that really wanted to change their shipping option and aren't bothering thinking it's already being done. Either way, another email would help tremendously.
Posted by: sherlocc
The industries involved (computer and entertainment) spent years hammering out a DVD standard. At the 11th hour, CC and an LA lawyer came up with the DIVX scheme as a last minute "land grab". It froze the studios for years ala Beta/VHS by delaying the growth of DVD source material from frozen movie studios.
I can't and won't forgive them for that. It may have been part of the "American way", but it was devisive and doomed from the beginning. They couldn't influence the standard, so they tried to create their own.
I have never even seen a DIVX much less owned one.
Posted by: JEbbesen
quote:
Originally posted by Todd
How long are you guys going to hold this over them....forever? Did you all buy one and get screwed? I didn't fall for it when I was looking for my first DVD player, but they do still play regular DVDs....
I took it personal myself - but that has not stopped me from shopping there subsequently. Of course I knew it was doomed to fail.
There are very few stores that I actively boycott, Blockbuster is one that comes to mind.
Posted by: PJO1966
I agree with a Blockbuster boycott. I've rented movies there that were edited for content. If i wanted to watch a butchered movie I'd watch it on network TV
Posted by: edrock200
quote:
Originally posted by tmf aficionado
You people need to learn to use a little tact when people attack your "sacred cows" like Value Electronics. I don't care how much brown nosing you do here on your own, but there is no excuse for letting your feelings get in the way...
quote:
Originally posted by tmf aficionado
Learn to behave like adults for once in your pathetic, meaningless lives, will you?
Talk about letting your feelings get in the way. Very pathetic. :rolleyes:
Posted by: edrock200
quote:
Originally posted by tmf aficionado
It's just too bad that I had to sift through 4800 sychophantic posts to find that out.
As others have stated numerous times click the search button, plug in "DTV TIVO DEALER" in the "From Users" box and run the search. I do this about once every other day. If you chose to not use the forum (we can only hope) simply call VE, 800-789-5050.
No one is arguing with you about being charged for something you never authorized, but if you are so concerned at least call them to confirm that they are not changing it instead of threatening to call your credit card as if they are somehow purposefully defrauding you.
Posted by: sherlocc
quote:
Originally posted by JEbbesen
There are very few stores that I actively boycott, Blockbuster is one that comes to mind.
I honestly cannot think of any store but Circuit City that I actively boycott. There are airlines I try to avoid, but a boycott of an otherwise viable merchant? I can't think of another. Of course there are restaurants I won't go back to, but that is another story for another time........................
Posted by: dswallow
I won't eat at a Chick-fil-a because their corporate policy is to close their stores on Sundays. Religion is a condiment I don't want served on my sandwich. ;)
Posted by: dr_mal
quote:
Originally posted by Todd
How long are you guys going to hold this over them....forever?
Yes.
quote:
Originally posted by Todd
Did you all buy one and get screwed? I didn't fall for it when I was looking for my first DVD player, but they do still play regular DVDs....
No. I already had a player when the DIVX scheme came out. It's the principle of the thing.
Posted by: dr_mal
quote:
Originally posted by dswallow
I won't eat at a Chick-fil-a because their corporate policy is to close their stores on Sundays. Religion is a condiment I don't want served on my sandwich. ;)
They're open 6 other days a week -- being closed on Sunday shouldn't hamper your ability to get a good chicken sandwich on a Saturday. :)
Anyway, I've got to have respect for a chain that deliberately chooses to forfeit 1/7th of their revenue (assuming equal eating on every day of the week) in order to guarantee all their staff at least one day off a week.
Posted by: sherlocc
quote:
Originally posted by PJO1966
I agree with a Blockbuster boycott. I've rented movies there that were edited for content. If i wanted to watch a butchered movie I'd watch it on network TV
Yes, but you have a problem with their product. I am thinking more of otherwise viable vendors that one chooses not to do business with for reasons that have nothing to do with their product.
Twenty years ago I went to a Dodgers/Giant game at Candlestick as a closet Dodger fan. I would never go to another one. But that had more to do with fear for my life than anything else.
I stick with Circuit City as my one example. That is my story and I am sticking to it!
Posted by: dswallow
quote:
Originally posted by dr_mal
They're open 6 other days a week -- being closed on Sunday shouldn't hamper your ability to get a good chicken sandwich on a Saturday. :)
Anyway, I've got to have respect for a chain that deliberately chooses to forfeit 1/7th of their revenue (assuming equal eating on every day of the week) in order to guarantee all their staff at least one day off a week.
One can guarantee one's staff days off each week by giving them days off each week. But there's no need a day off be the same day for everybody.
Actually it wouldn't hamper my ability to get a good chicken sandwich if they remained closed forever. ;) I was talking about why I wouldn't buy their chicken sandwich.
Posted by: herdfan
I haven't listened to a local radio station for over 12 years because they would not let me into a free concert because I was wearing a t-shirt from a local tennis tournament that had a sponsorship logo from a competing station. You know, the shirts that have a dozen small logos on the back from the sponsors.
It would not have been a big problem except I was on a first date and it was embarrassing because she really wanted to go to the concert. So, its silly yes, but after a while I didn't miss it, so I never added it back to my memory buttons.
Posted by: sherlocc
On the other side of the coin, I have always believed that one should support neighborhood vendors where feasible. The character and success of the vendors in your neighborhood has a lot to do with the quality of your life there.
So when given a choice I am biased toward the local guy. That is one of the reasons I am biased toward Robert and VE as a "local guy" in this forum.
Hey Robert !!!! Are you getting all this? I am number 111 in your queue! don't let me down, now! Only kidding. :D
Posted by: lars158
I placed my order on 1/17 , order #12662. I am on spot 194 on the pre-order list...
HOWEVER, my CC have still not been charged... I called VE and was told that it could take another couple of weeks before my unit will be shipped out. Should I be concerned? Maybe the first allotment is less than 200 units (I hope not). I also did receive the emails from Robert saying the units would be shipped out next week, so I don't know what to believe...
/Lars,
Plano TX
Posted by: btwyx
quote:
Originally posted by dswallow
I won't eat at a Chick-fil-a because their corporate policy is to close their stores on Sundays. Religion is a condiment I don't want served on my sandwich. ;)
What's religion got to do with closing on a Sunday? More like bad theology, which is probably as bad an offence.
Posted by: cheridave
Lets see--
Now how does that go again--
Oh, I remember now--
"VE----IT BRINGS GOOD THINGS TO OUR LIVES"
#216-- no CC for me yet.
Dave
Posted by: leesweet
I never did understand the Chick-fil-a rationale... did closing on Sunday mean *we* were bad for being out and about on Sunday? Or did they work all their employees six days a week, and that then *was* their only day off? :) That sort of proselytizing by corporate example really does irk me.
As for CC, and DivX, I'd forgotten that disaster. I think their losing their shirts on the project was punishment enough, but to each their own. I shop there because I can't stand BB 'customer service' (but let's not turn this into yet another BB/CC customer service thread, I see that enough at AVS! :) ).
Posted by: turls
Well, they've definitely caught up, releasing every 2 bit cancelled series on DVD and coming out with 3 or 4 versions of some films--and HD-DVD isn't even out yet.
quote:
Originally posted by sherlocc
It froze the studios for years ala Beta/VHS by delaying the growth of DVD source material from frozen movie studios.
Posted by: dswallow
quote:
Originally posted by btwyx
What's religion got to do with closing on a Sunday? More like bad theology, which is probably as bad an offence.
For Chick-Fil-A, everything:
http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/8/192002d.asp
Fast-Food Guru Delivers Bible-Based Common Sense About Success
Chick-Fil-A's Truett Cathy Condemns Corporate Executive Greed
By Nathan Ray Thomas
August 19, 2002
WINSTON-SALEM, NC (AgapePress) - Truett Cathy, the founder of Chick-Fil-A Restaurant, was in Austin, TX, last week visiting with President Bush and a group of some of the nation's leading business people on the subject of corporate responsibility.
It was an engagement he had to fit into a schedule of recent presentations in North Carolina. Speaking at Winston-Salem's Calvary Baptist Church, as part of that church's Summer Monday services, Cathy brought to the Triad area the same message he took to President Bush: that there's no substitute for hard work, honesty, and integrity.
“It takes more time to fail, than to succeed,” he said in a folksy twang. “Why is it that so many of them making [sic] foolish decisions. They make their own decisions knowing that sometimes that it's the wrong decision. [They] go ahead and make it anyway.”
Cathy related how he teaches 13-year-olds at his church in Jonesboro, Georgia, and tries to instill positive values in them before they get older and prejudiced by negative influences.
“[I] tell my youngsters in my class, 'This is a do-it-yourself world; you get rewards for your good decisions and you have to suffer the consequences for your bad decisions. You can't blame your parents, society, or anyone else. You get what you ask for.' ”
Cathy said he believes that God intended for everyone to be successful. He makes a distinction between rich and successful. He thinks everybody recognizes that anyone can “do anything if [they] really wanted to.” Therefore, he said, everybody gets what they want.
Cathy told the standing-room-only crowd that he got his start in business in Atlanta at the age of eight. His mother rented out rooms and Cathy helped his mother around the house with the borders. He started selling Cokes (he calls them “Co-Colas”) and made a nickel profit from every six he sold. Then he persuaded the Coke driver to sell to him wholesale, which upped his profits eight fold. He later expanded his line to include Orange Crush and Nu-Grape.
“In [the] off season time [I] sold magazines,” he said. “Ladies Home Journal sold for fifteen cents, so I make [sic] four cents. Saturday Evening Post sold for five cents ... made a cent-and-a-half. You can guess which one I tried to sell first. If they couldn't buy the fifteen-cent magazine, I'd pull the five-cent magazine on them and make a cent-and-a-half profit.
“It was that or no profit at all. Rich people bought the fifteen-cent magazine. Poor people bought the five-cent magazine. The contents was [sic] not all that important, it's what you could afford back then."
“Then [I] started selling [the] Atlanta Journal,” he continued. “It was during this time that I determined that I was going to own a business of my own. You bought them wholesale, and sold them retail. [I] was in competition with [the] evening paper at the time, and was offered [a] pocket knife, a t-shirt, or a trip to Jacksonville beach for increasing subscriptions. I wasn't afraid to call them at eleven at night to get them to subscribe. I was there rain or shine. I was always challenged by that.”
Cathy was drafted after graduating from an all boys' high school and missed going to college. “It never bothered me because I never got excited about school -- but I got excited about working,” he said as he segued into the current Congressional investigations into corporate executive greed and corporate bankruptcy.
Cathy was asked recently to give testimony on corporate integrity after being seen on national network programs. He told the representatives that stockholders are being taken advantage of after putting their life savings into stocks for retirement or to pass on to their children. He noted that many who were depending on their investments for their income were having to go back to work.
Making a point to one congressman who was a Naval Academy graduate, he said that “the captain of the ship never deserts the ship. You got a sinking ship; you got a captain that makes sure that everybody that's there is rescued."
“Your life is in danger but you must stay there until the last passenger is safe there. Same as business, the CEO's who got it made, foresaw trouble coming, sold out, and have deserted the ship. [They] deserted the business and left someone else holding the bag.”
"I tried to point out to them the question: 'How can you make it?' So much pressure is put on these individuals to make a profit -- and character, how are you going to balance out those two things?
"I shared with this group that I thought the only solution was the Bible. I believe the Bible to be a roadmap for our life and a blueprint for our life, and we could do very well to not only read the Bible, but put the Bible into practice."
"You can memorize the Bible if you want to, but unless it causes you to evaluate yourself [by] what it's been saying to you, it won't do you no good," he continued. "If you're just going to read and not practice [it], there's much in that Bible that tells us how to deal in business, how to treat out customers, how to treat our neighbors, widows, and children."
"And so that was my balance, my answer. I saw no conflict whatsoever in good business practice and biblical principles."
Cathy switched back to talk about integrity in his business and Sunday closings. "Closing on Sundays is what I consider the best business decision I've ever made," he said. "I feel God called me into the restaurant business just as sure as He called you in your particular calling, whatever your ministry or business might be.
"When you feel that God is in it, it's a wonderful, wonderful feeling. [We] started out with the Dwarf Grill, and it was there that we decided to close on Sundays. It's pretty easy to make that decision," he said wryly, "because when you work 24 hours, six days, you're ready for a break. So we just made the decision, we'll close on Sundays."
"I was always brought up to go to Sunday school and church, [I] didn't do much work around the house, and with my family and friends, I could do some things that I couldn't do otherwise. I didn't want to be robbed of that day."
Cathy said that as bad as he and his wife needed the business, they decided to stay the course, and God has blessed them. He said that although statistics show he loses approximately 20% of his revenue to Sunday closings, his weekly sales are stronger than other fast-service food retailers.
Staying a privately held company is another decision Cathy said he doesn't plan to reverse. He feels the company is a calling, and going public on the stock exchange would rob him of doing things that only staying private allows.
"Besides," he quipped, "if I go public, I might be out of a job. God has seen fit to bless me in a bountiful way."
Posted by: HDTivo4prez
quote:
Originally posted by lars158
I placed my order on 1/17 , order #12662. I am on spot 194 on the pre-order list...
HOWEVER, my CC have still not been charged... I called VE and was told that it could take another couple of weeks before my unit will be shipped out. Should I be concerned? Maybe the first allotment is less than 200 units (I hope not). I also did receive the emails from Robert saying the units would be shipped out next week, so I don't know what to believe...
/Lars,
Plano TX
Robert,
We need clarification on this topic. I also called VE today and was told that they didn't know if my unit would be in the first or second shipment. In addition, I have yet to be charged on my Credit Card either. If you indeed have 200 units I should definitively be in the first shipment. Can you advise?
Posted by: CyberTom
I'm mainly a lurker here on this forum. I check this thread many times a day and it's always fun and entertaining. A great way to pass the time until my HDTivo arrives.
I ask this will all respect, please no religion or politics. I come here to get away from that stuff. Thanks!
Posted by: Morris Herman
I have ordered the HR10-250 today 4/2/04 Order # 14162. I have read all of your comments about Value Electronics and that made up my mind.
I don't have DirecTV yet. What is your opinion about getting the dish and installation from Circuit City or Value Electronics? CC is local in Santa Barbara while VE is in New York but they said they install in California.
Please respond ASAP. I need to make a decision.
Thanks
Posted by: dswallow
quote:
Originally posted by CyberTom
I'm mainly a lurker here on this forum. I check this thread many times a day and it's always fun and entertaining. A great way to pass the time until my HDTivo arrives.
I ask this will all respect, please no religion or politics. I come here to get away from that stuff. Thanks!
Well, we were talking about Chicken sandwiches. :D But I do understand what you're saying. But I can't resist saying that's how I feel about Chicken sandwiches too, when I want to buy one. "I came here for a damn chicken sandwich!"
Well, actually I came here for a damn HD DVR. All I've got so far is gotten myself hungry. :p
Posted by: dswallow
quote:
Originally posted by Morris Herman
I have ordered the HR10-250 today 4/2/04. I have read all of your comments about Value Electronics and that made up my mind.
I don't have DirecTV yet. What is your opinion about getting the dish and installation from Circuit City or Value Electronics? CC is local in Santa Barbara while VE is in New York but they said they install in California.
Please respond ASAP. I need to make a decision.
Circuit City is just going to use a contract installer, like Value Electronics would. I think Robert has mentioned they try to contract with more knowledgable/capable installers at least around where he's located in NY. I don't know if that's something he can control too much when contracting with installers so far away, but it might translate into more concern for your case should a problem arise.
Posted by: midas
quote:
Originally posted by Morris Herman
I have ordered the HR10-250 today 4/2/04 Order # 14162. I have read all of your comments about Value Electronics and that made up my mind.
I don't have DirecTV yet. What is your opinion about getting the dish and installation from Circuit City or Value Electronics? CC is local in Santa Barbara while VE is in New York but they said they install in California.
Please respond ASAP. I need to make a decision.
Thanks
Circuit City will just use a local installer. They do not have their own installers. It's really a crap shoot as far as quality of installer no matter what company you buy from.
Posted by: TomB
And now back to our regularly scheduled programming....
Talked to Ultimate Electronics today, and my unit that was supposed to 'arrive today' is apparently not at the main warehouse yet. the mid-April date still seems fine, and several other stores have mentioned that it looks solid, but the early ship thing seems to be history... Sigh.
Oh, well, lets me spend a little time looking at the newly price-reduced Fujitsu plasmas!
Posted by: AV8NDV8
#139 - CC charged today!
Never thought I'd look forward to a big charge on my CC but this bodes well..... :)
Posted by: sonnyducks
quote:
Originally posted by TomB
And now back to our regularly scheduled programming....
Talked to Ultimate Electronics today, and my unit that was supposed to 'arrive today' is apparently not at the main warehouse yet. the mid-April date still seems fine, and several other stores have mentioned that it looks solid, but the early ship thing seems to be history... Sigh.
Oh, well, lets me spend a little time looking at the newly price-reduced Fujitsu plasmas!
I called the UE in Plano and was told they are not expecting it for another 3 weeks. There are aprox 150 pre-orders and "they" have 500 on order. Not sure if that means the store or the region.
Posted by: ElectricPickle
quote:
Originally posted by CyberTom
I'm mainly a lurker here on this forum. I check this thread many times a day and it's always fun and entertaining. A great way to pass the time until my HDTivo arrives.
I ask this will all respect, please no religion or politics. I come here to get away from that stuff. Thanks!
I agree...
Posted by: herdfan
As a former QSR franchise owner, I think I would have loved to have the franchisor tell me I had to be closed on Sunday, or any other day for that matter. I would have gladly given up the revenue to be able to relax and not have to worry about what the idiot 16 year olds were doing to your business for a day.
Posted by: dropper
quote:
Originally posted by dswallow
I won't eat at a Chick-fil-a because their corporate policy is to close their stores on Sundays. Religion is a condiment I don't want served on my sandwich. ;)
There is a difference between observing one's faith, and forcing it upon others. If Chick-Fil-A were to have religious sayings on their bags or have a psalm in their kids meals would be one thing, but choosing not to be open one day a week isn't preaching to you.
My dry cleaner's closed on Sunday's, so what. He does it because he wants a day off. He doesn't tell me I have to take that day off, it's just not worthwhile for him to be open that day. Also, the beauty supply store, next door, is the same way.
Actually the reason for your boycott seems intollerant. If it were a Jewish deli that chose to be closed between sunset on Friday and sunset on Saturday, and you boycotted that for that reason, you would probabaly come off as anti-Semitic.
Keith
Posted by: billcoff
quote:
Originally posted by lars158
I placed my order on 1/17 , order #12662. I am on spot 194 on the pre-order list...
HOWEVER, my CC have still not been charged... I called VE and was told that it could take another couple of weeks before my unit will be shipped out. Should I be concerned? Maybe the first allotment is less than 200 units (I hope not). I also did receive the emails from Robert saying the units would be shipped out next week, so I don't know what to believe...
/Lars,
Plano TX
I am order #12666. I am 198 on the preorder list. As soon as I saw this post, I checked my checking account and saw a charge for $854.99, which reflected my original option of two day shipping. However, two days ago I fax'd an amended update to overnight delivery.
I called VE (7:15 EST) and got someone on the third ring. I told him about the amended fax and he said he would take care of it and that I should receive my HD-Tivo next Wednesday.
Posted by: hongcho
Hmm... I am just too lazy to upgrade from 2-day to overnight... :) I guess I will be happy to just get it on the 8th...
My CC is pre-auth for the amount, it seems, but it does not show up yet (and I am #57).
Hong.
Posted by: KCWolfPck
Hey Doug,
You can take me off of your pre-order list. I cancelled my order with VE. Was lucky to get it elsewhere first. Hopefully this will make #201 very happy. :-)
Posted by: jarredduq
quote:
Originally posted by sherlocc
The industries involved (computer and entertainment) spent years hammering out a DVD standard. At the 11th hour, CC and an LA lawyer came up with the DIVX scheme as a last minute "land grab". It froze the studios for years ala Beta/VHS by delaying the growth of DVD source material from frozen movie studios.
I can't and won't forgive them for that. It may have been part of the "American way", but it was devisive and doomed from the beginning. They couldn't influence the standard, so they tried to create their own.
I have never even seen a DIVX much less owned one.
Circuit City really has never recovered from Divx. At least their Stock price hasn't.
Posted by: sangs
quote:
Originally posted by tmf aficionado
Oh, and one more thing.
I may have a low post count here, but that doesn't mean I don't deserve respect as a human being. I may not waste 2/3 of my life attaining "special member" status by making thousands of worthless posts here, but that is not a reflection on my value as a person.
Keep up this breakneck posting pace and soon you will be. Although I venture to guess a lot of posters already view you as somewhat of a "special member." Besides, I thought you didn't have alot of time to do exactly what you're doing? Man, don't you see your tone is what's turning everyone against you? I know you don't care - in fact I think you like it - but you got this angry ball rolling.
Posted by: jim_arrows
quote:
Originally posted by KCWolfPck
Hey Doug,
You can take me off of your pre-order list. I cancelled my order with VE. Was lucky to get it elsewhere first. Hopefully this will make #201 very happy. :-)
DETAILS!!!!! Where'd you get it first?
Posted by: Kevin L
quote:
Originally posted by dswallow
I won't eat at a Chick-fil-a because their corporate policy is to close their stores on Sundays. Religion is a condiment I don't want served on my sandwich. ;)
I only went to a Chick-Fil-A twice last October while looking for property in FL. They do have an incredibly hospitable staff in both the stores I was in.
I did notice the bit about being closed on Sundays. I thought it was because he thought there should be a day to spend with family; I didn't think it was religous reasons.
Posted by: Kamakzie
If that is the case then I am #219 now!
quote:
Originally posted by KCWolfPck
Hey Doug,
You can take me off of your pre-order list. I cancelled my order with VE. Was lucky to get it elsewhere first. Hopefully this will make #201 very happy. :-)
Posted by: hongcho
> You can take me off of your pre-order list. I cancelled my order with VE. Was lucky to get it elsewhere first.
So, it wasn't an April Fools Day joke? Since there were some boxes floating around DirecTV offices (where the pictures of the box and the inside are from), I can believe that a few boxes would have leaked.
Though, pictures would be nice.
EDIT: I guess, that would also make be #56 (not that it matters).
Hong.
Posted by: Toeside
quote:
Originally posted by sonnyducks
I called the UE in Plano and was told they are not expecting it for another 3 weeks. There are aprox 150 pre-orders and "they" have 500 on order. Not sure if that means the store or the region.
The 150 is the number of preorders plus 1 for each store, which is 50. That's what my salesman said. The company, as a whole, has 500 ordered for 4/13, and an additional 500 each month through July. (I looked over his shoulder!)
The 4/13 date is to the Colorado distribution center. Then it has to go to regional distribution centers, then to your store. I'm guessing since 4/13 is a Tuesday, there's a good chance I'll have mine on 4/16.
Posted by: GreyGhost00
quote:
Originally posted by KML
I did notice the bit about being closed on Sundays. I thought it was because he thought there should be a day to spend with family; I didn't think it was religous reasons.
quote:
"With Wal-Mart and Kmart, people opened on Sunday to feel like they had to beat the competition," said Truett Cathy, who founded the national restaurant chain Chick-Fil-A from a diner in an Atlanta suburb.
Cathy chose to close his stores on Sundays more than 50 years ago. Because he and his brother Ben desperately needed sales, the diner was open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
After working from Monday to Saturday, the men were so tired, they couldn't fathom working another day, said Martha Lawrence, Cathy's assistant.
"It's been the best business decision we've made," Cathy said. "People do appreciate having Sunday off, whether they go to church or not."
Posted by: Kevin L
quote:
Originally posted by Morris Herman
I have ordered the HR10-250 today 4/2/04 Order # 14162. I have read all of your comments about Value Electronics and that made up my mind.
I don't have DirecTV yet. What is your opinion about getting the dish and installation from Circuit City or Value Electronics? CC is local in Santa Barbara while VE is in New York but they said they install in California.
Please respond ASAP. I need to make a decision.
Thanks
Circuit City does not do their own installations. They use independent contractors. So does VE. It really doesn't matter where they're located since the local contractor is doing the work. In my discussions with Robert, I felt comfortable that he does his best to find good contractors. That was the case when I ordered my son's install in Philadelphia. The equipment was delivered right away and the contractor showed when he was supposed to. Work was done as ordered and everything functioned as intended. That's all we really want, isn't it. :)
Posted by: Darin
quote:
Originally posted by dswallow
I won't eat at a Chick-fil-a because their corporate policy is to close their stores on Sundays. Religion is a condiment I don't want served on my sandwich. ;)
There are very few places I boycott, but Chick-fil-a is one of them for the same reason. It's a shame too, 'cause it's one of the few restaurants close to my office. But in the 5.5 years I've worked there, I can proudly say I've only compromised once and eaten there. I just drive farther to other places, and/or repeat some of the other ones a lot.
The only other places I boycott: Circuit City... I con't care how much money they lost on divx, I DON'T think that is enough punishment. There NEEDS to be some serious repurcussions for corporations that try to brute their way into more revenue at the expense of their customer's freedom. All business ventures have risk of not making it, and losing money. But if they don't make it because it's detrimental to their customers, there needs to be a little more incentive against that type of venture. BUT, I will buy there if it's by far the cheapest... I'm a pretty efficient bargain hunter, and if their price is that low, it's probably a loss leader, so I justify it by the fact that they can't be making money off of me.
Let's see.... what else... I've also bought very little music since the music industry has become so greedy... I don't eat dominoes because of some of their overly conservative viewpoints. Cracker Barrel. Hmmm, I thought I thought of another, but it escapes me now.
Posted by: btwyx
quote:
Originally posted by dropper
If Chick-Fil-A were to have religious sayings on their bags or have a psalm in their kids meals would be one thing,
To be completely off topic, In-n-Out Burger has references to Psalms on their service items (in the vein of "Luke 15:6") but not the text itself. It makes me very suspicious of them, but doesn't stop me going as they have a good product and friendly helpful staff who speak English.
Posted by: mknoebel
quote:
Originally posted by CyberTom
I ask this will all respect, please no religion or politics. I come here to get away from that stuff. Thanks!
I agree with that.
And no more discusions about "which team" we are on would be OK with me too!
Posted by: PJO1966
quote:
Originally posted by mknoebel
I agree with that.
And no more discusions about "which team" we are on would be OK with me too!
Lakers?
Posted by: tommylotto
I am staring to feel a little uneasy about VE. I am patient, but look at the facts: When I ordered on 1/21, Robert was very specific in saying that he was only going to accept 350 orders. He had even stated on this board the next day (1/22) that "we are close to our allocation." So, I was very confident that I was in the first 300 and certainly in the first 350, because once he reached 350 he would stop taking orders. By the fact he accepted my order and charged $100 on my credit card, I reasonably assumed that I was in the first 350. With Doug's list, it appears that I am somewhere between 450 and 500.
200 will go out next week then another 250 or so will go out a week after that. After that the size and dates of future allocations are "fluid" to use Robert's words. What does that mean to me, sitting around 475 in the cue? It means that Robert has no idea when I'll get my unit. His allocation may be the 450 then Directv will need to service all the other distributors. I may very well be able to walk into good guys and buy one off the shelf before Robert can ship.
You guys at 1-200 on the cue will defend VE by saying then I'll be able to get a refund of my deposit. But I'm not in the business of making zero percent interest loans to internet business that I know very little about. I would not have put a $100 deposit if I had known I was 475 on the cue and 3 1/2 months later Robert would still have no idea when I'll get my unit. What if this is like the 921 and disappears? How long will my money be tied up?
I know you early birds are happy as clams, but alot of us thought we were early birds too, but now we find out we are not. Robert has our money and our allocation is "fluid."
Sure, I'll probably get this thing in early May, but that won't help me. I'm going to the Amalfi coast for three weeks in early May. How can I enjoy the Amalfi coast knowing that my SD tivo is recording the Sopranos while my HD Tivo is in a box?!?
Posted by: LarryInAz
I'm happy to say that VE now has my money. Which means I should have my shiny new HD TiVo in by Friday 4/9. I better make sure I have plenty of popcorn. :D
Posted by: ebockelman
Woo Hoo!
My credit card was charged! (#123)
It even reflected the proper shipping, even though I changed it on them - twice.
Thanks for not letting us down, Robert.
Posted by: DTV TiVo Dealer
quote:
Originally posted by Morris Herman
I have ordered the HR10-250 today 4/2/04 Order # 14162. I have read all of your comments about Value Electronics and that made up my mind.
I don't have DirecTV yet. What is your opinion about getting the dish and installation from Circuit City or Value Electronics? CC is local in Santa Barbara while VE is in New York but they said they install in California.
Please respond ASAP. I need to make a decision.
Thanks
I lived in Santa Barbara foot hills, on the 700 block of APS from 1974-1983.
Posted by: Todd
quote:
Originally posted by tommylotto
You guys at 1-200 on the cue will defend VE by saying then I'll be able to get a refund of my deposit. But I'm not in the business of making zero percent interest loans to internet business that I know very little about. I would not have put a $100 deposit if I had known I was 475 on the cue and 3 1/2 months later Robert would still have no idea when I'll get my unit. What if this is like the 921 and disappears? How long will my money be tied up?
I know you early birds are happy as clams, but alot of us thought we were early birds too, but now we find out we are not. Robert has our money and our allocation is "fluid."
You know, if you're that worried about how much interest you're going to make on $100 in 3 or 4 months, then maybe you shouldn't be buying a $1000 piece of electronics. The fact is, if you can find it elsewhere before Robert can send it to you, you get your money back. It was pretty clear on his webpage...
Posted by: tommylotto
quote:
Originally posted by Todd
The fact is, if you can find it elsewhere before Robert can send it to you, you get your money back. It was pretty clear on his webpage...
Thanks Todd #154 for making one of my points!
Posted by: PJO1966
I still haven't seen a charge on my card since the pre-approval appeared, then disappeared.
Posted by: dswallow
quote:
Originally posted by PJO1966
Lakers?
I pick Team Darin.
Posted by: Starrbuck
Hey, I just talked to Robert to ensure my shipping was upgraded to next day, and he said the latest is the first batch of units should ship out on Tuesday but might be going out as late as Thursday.
Posted by: LarryInAz
quote:
Originally posted by tommylotto
Thanks Todd #154 for making one of my points!
How does that reply dispute what Todd said?
I could understand you're complaint if you were just giving a $100 deposit and did not receive a $100 discount. However you could have also pre-ordered and given VE no money down and you'd still have the same position in line.
Also if you find a local B&M store or an online store that has a unit in stock before your place in line comes up, buy it and cancel with VE.
Nobody forced you to pre-order or to give VE any money for a discount, which won't be available to anyone after Sunday 4/4 per "orders" from Directv.
Posted by: tommylotto
quote:
Originally posted by LarryInAz
How does that reply dispute what Todd said?
Nobody forced you to pre-order or to give VE any money for a discount, which won't be available to anyone after Sunday 4/4 per "orders" from Directv.
Well Larry #134, I said the guys 1-200 in the cue would come to VE's defense, because they were already taken care of. When I placed my order I thought (and had very good reason to think) I was less than 300 and would be in the first allocation. I know things change. But, I'm #450+, I'm not in the first allocation, I'm not in the second allocation, and any allocation after the second is "fluid." I want to hear why I should not feel at least a little misled, and I'd prefer to hear it from someone who is also 450+ but ordered before Robert said he was accepting more than 350 orders.
Posted by: neilaevans
quote:
Originally posted by Starrbuck
Hey, I just talked to Robert to ensure my shipping was upgraded to next day, and he said the latest is the first batch of units should ship out on Tuesday but might be going out as late as Thursday.
Do you mean that the EARLIEST it could ship is Tuesday? (Rather than latest)...
Posted by: JohnF
Responding to the question about using VE to contract out installation work. I just got DirectTV through Value Electronics. I live in a So Calif beach town. VE worked with a local contractor who was very good. In a follow up discussion with Wendy, she told me she likes to keep track of contractors to ensure the performance is good. I would not hesitate to go with VE.
John
Posted by: dswallow
quote:
Originally posted by tommylotto
You guys at 1-200 on the cue will defend VE by saying then I'll be able to get a refund of my deposit. But I'm not in the business of making zero percent interest loans to internet business that I know very little about. I would not have put a $100 deposit if I had known I was 475 on the cue and 3 1/2 months later Robert would still have no idea when I'll get my unit. What if this is like the 921 and disappears? How long will my money be tied up?
I don't mean to fall into using the "if you find it earlier somewhere..." argument, but do remember that you didn't have to put any deposit down. The deposit you chose to put down created a "matching discount" off the price. So for the consideration of a $100 deposit, you can get the unit for $100 less. Robert didn't just say you could get your money back if you can find it elsewhere first; he also said he'd match prices.
quote:
6. I will also price match any legitimate competitors price, or even my own lower price, assuming they can also ship that day, but only up to the day that I actually ship your order.
It's unfortunate what happened with the 300/350 number and how orders got reported. But even that inital 350 units turned into a shipment of 200 then a shipment of 250. Likely, there still would be people "disappointed."
The situation is pretty fluid. That's just life with a new product rolling off a production line. Robert could have said, like many retailers are saying to their customers now, a particular date. Then he could let that date roll around, like many retailers will be doing, and then tell you the new date. Instead, he's trying to be more up front about what he knows and what he doesn't. It's best we just let this play out and take each day as it comes. I'm certain there's things Robert is aware of he cannot say in a public forum. But if he did, what would it be but just another promise that potentially could change?
That's why companies don't like to say much in advance. For very good reason, plans can be changed, and some people will hang off every statement as gospel.
What if I were DirecTV and I knew what was being built when. I looked at the schedule and the pending orders and said the unit you will be shipped is being manufactured at 2:14 PM PT on 4/9/2004 and will be on a truck on its way to you overnight that evening.
Then 3 days beforehand, the truck carrying 15,000 250MB disk drives to the factory gets into an accident and burns. Disk drives -- one of which is needed for your unit.
Plans will have to be changed for the manufacture of your unit now. All totally out of control of anyone involved.
And you'll be there blaming the person who told you 4/9/2004 for not delivering "as promised." So instead, we hear nothing like that. And are left letting our imagination run wild.
The one thing I wouldn't worry about is this unit becoming another Dish 921 debacle. It won't. When will you get your unit, with absolute certainty?... it's just not something that can be known right now; maybe next week though it will be possible to guess more accurately. But if DirecTV shut down production for an extended/indefinite period for some reason, I'm positive Robert would be here offering to let us cancel our orders and get our money back.
Posted by: bmccrea
I've been charged for my account - preorder #CLCXIX
Posted by: dswallow
quote:
Originally posted by neilaevans
Do you mean that the EARLIEST it could ship is Tuesday? (Rather than latest)...
Read the first "latest" as "latest news".
Posted by: subspace100
quote:
Originally posted by tommylotto
Well Larry #134, I said the guys 1-200 in the cue would come to VE's defense, because they were already taken care of. When I placed my order I thought (and had very good reason to think) I was less than 300 and would be in the first allocation. I know things change. But, I'm #450+, I'm not in the first allocation, I'm not in the second allocation, and any allocation after the second is "fluid." I want to hear why I should not feel at least a little misled, and I'd prefer to hear it from someone who is also 450+ but ordered before Robert said he was accepting more than 350 orders.
Yo Tommy, I placed my order of March 8th. I'm guessing I'm about #950. I second what Larry said. You are getting a better price at VE than you will get anywhere else. You should understand that you are buying a totally new product for which there is no serious competition (I don't think the malfunctioning Dish 921 really counts). Early adopters understand that there is some uncertainty that comes with buying the hottest, newest products. They are expensive too!
Robert made an excellent offer. I don't think he intentionally misled people when accepting orders (including the orders over 350), but that is just my opinion.
Based on your feelings in this case, my advice to you for future purcahses would be to pay full price and wait until the units are on the shelf at your local B&M store. That way, you will have all the certainty you seem to crave.
Posted by: PJO1966
quote:
Originally posted by Morris Herman
I have ordered the HR10-250 today 4/2/04 Order # 14162. I have read all of your comments about Value Electronics and that made up my mind.
I don't have DirecTV yet. What is your opinion about getting the dish and installation from Circuit City or Value Electronics? CC is local in Santa Barbara while VE is in New York but they said they install in California.
Please respond ASAP. I need to make a decision.
Thanks
I just had two friends order installations through VE. Both were extremely pleased with their installers. Both were in Los Angeles. I've had some real losers in LA. I'm glad my friends had good experiences with VE.
Posted by: bilbomims
quote:
Originally posted by dswallow
there's no technical reason a supported method of extracting configuration info and re-inserting it into a different unit couldn't have been provided.
My thoughts exactly. I have to put up with enough physical exertion as it is with having to lift my remote to fast forward through commercials, much less having to reprogram my 12 or so season passes. There's no technical reason why someone can't just implant a wireless tivo feed directly to my neural wavelength patterns. This should make the wishlist more accurate as well.
Seriously, thanks for the good job with the thread.
Thanks to Robert and VE. VE is excellent. This is my third order from VE. The first being a directv system w/tivo, the second being the same as a gift for my father-in-law. They had a good recommendation for a local installer in Jackson, MS. Another installer had previously qouted my in-law like $300 for what was supposedly a difficult installation job -- the VE recommended installer had no problem.
Posted by: dswallow
quote:
Originally posted by bilbomims
There's no technical reason why someone can't just implant a wireless tivo feed directly to my neural wavelength patterns. This should make the wishlist more accurate as well.
Tell me which medical center is technically capable of implanting the neural high def video transducer and I'll be first in line to sign up!
"theoretical" I could accept, as I think there are a few "technical" reasons it's not possible right now. :D
Oh yeah... "technically" I think you mean "suggestions" not "wishlist."
I do wish they could do something neural with the remote though; imagine the possibilities for automatic commercial skip.
Posted by: frankygamer
Robert or anyone---
What happens to the units in the batch of 200 if the individual didn't send in their paperwork? Will VE try to contact the buyer or move on to order 201, 202, 213 ;) etc?
Posted by: neilaevans
quote:
Originally posted by dswallow
Read the first "latest" as "latest news".
That makes sense...thanks Doug
Posted by: LarryInAz
quote:
Originally posted by PJO1966
I just had two friends order installations through VE. Both were extremely pleased with their installers. Both were in Los Angeles. I've had some real losers in LA. I'm glad my friends had good experiences with VE.
Agreed - in Phoenix I was extremely pleased with the installer VE contracted to do my job. VE goes out of their way to get feedback on the installers and even pays them top dollar to keep them happy.
Even though the installers are sub-contractors their work reflects either negatively or positively on VE as well.
Since having my D* system installed in January of this year I've referred the local installer to at least 10 friends and business associates. I've also referred VE to my brother in Texas, a friend in LA and at least a dozen people in the Phoenix area.
Posted by: TallGuy
quote:
Originally posted by tommylotto
But I'm not in the business of making zero percent interest loans to internet business that I know very little about. I would not have put a $100 deposit if I had known I was 475 on the cue and 3 1/2 months later Robert would still have no idea when I'll get my unit.
These aren't the strongest points. #1 - the $100 deposit you chose will eventually benefit you $100 more, which is a return of 100%; #2 - the deposit will still get you the unit cheaper than anywhere else we know of at this point; #3 - the interest on $100 at a bank for these last 2 1/2 months at, say, 0.5% is about 10 cents; #4 - so far it's about 2 1/2 months, not 3 1/2; #5 - I wouldn't say Robert has "no idea" when that batch will ship, just a general idea plus or minus about 2 weeks right now.
Posted by: dswallow
I forgot to mention that this thread forced me to stop at White Castle on my way home tonight.
Posted by: LarryInAz
quote:
Originally posted by dswallow
I forgot to mention that this thread forced me to stop at White Castle on my way home tonight.
I assume that means they are open on Sundays? :)
Posted by: dswallow
quote:
Originally posted by LarryInAz
I assume that means they are open on Sundays? :)
White Castle is the ultimate: 24 hours day, 7 days a week.
Posted by: Will-san
Doug -
The post count is really through the roof. I missed 2 days and feel like I can hardly catch up. Maybe in addition to your list you could add a discussion summary.
Chicken
Religion vis a vie Chicken
Robert: crook or Saint? (FWIW- I am leaning toward saint)
My cards been charged!
KCwolfpak claims he got his already.
That sort of thing.
just a thought.
Will
Posted by: LarryInAz
quote:
Originally posted by dswallow
White Castle is the ultimate: 24 hours day, 7 days a week.
I remember White Castle when I lived in Indiana many years ago [left in 75 and moved to Arizona]. Recently Arizona got In n Out Burgers - however in the last couple of weeks I've had to start eating "healthy" and have given up such gourmet fast foods.
A heart attack at age 47 will do that to you I guess. :(
Posted by: dswallow
quote:
Originally posted by Will-san
Doug -
The post count is really through the roof. I missed 2 days and feel like I can hardly catch up. Maybe in addition to your list you could add a discussion summary.
Chicken
Religion vis a vie Chicken
Robert: crook or Saint? (FWIW- I am leaning toward saint)
My cards been charged!
KCwolfpak claims he got his already.
That sort of thing.
just a thought.
I've started to do that twice; but I still haven't come up with a way to summarize many of the topics; my summaries started looking like a paragraph instead of a one-line description, so I trashed them pretty quickly. I am trying hard to resist a third attempt.
And I was going to make it an index, not just a list. ;)
Posted by: JLWINE
quote:
Originally posted by gss14
When mistakes happen, some people allow the person who made the mistake a chance to fix it. Others take the opportunity to rub it in their face and attempt to find a way of financially gaining from the mistake.
Whichever you decide speaks volumes toward your personality and sense of morality.
Very, very well said.
Also, welcome to the forum.
Posted by: bilbomims
quote:
Originally posted by dswallow
Tell me which medical center is technically capable of implanting the neural high def video transducer and I'll be first in line to sign up!
Kingdom Hospital in Rural, Mississippi is taking volunteers. I would not do well with either. My "suggestions" would subconciously consist of shows with sexual content and I would always subconciously delete my wife's reality and talk shows.
Posted by: btwyx
quote:
Originally posted by tommylotto
I am staring to feel a little uneasy about VE.
Starting?
I am one of the sub 200 (#4) but all the arguments about getting your money back do apply. However...
You've known about your allocation number for how long? Months, and you're now complaining that you're to far down the list. Why didn't you speak to Robert about it when you first found out? If you think your order was obtained under false pretenses you have a strong case for being able to cancel the order with no penalty. Credit cards always give you that power.
However I think you are better off staying on the list and if you can get it sooner elsewhere, lucky you. If as I suspect you would not then you have made a shrewd investment. If you do find it elsewhere, how much is this interest free loan cost you? You should easily be able to make up that much by accepting delivery and then auctioning it on ebay. If they are as rare as you fear the price will go up. You will have got it at a $100 discount so you'll probably make a profit. With the news of the minimum price being enforced, there's not likely to be discounting to undercut you any time soon.
Posted by: GreyGhost00
quote:
Originally posted by dswallow
I forgot to mention that this thread forced me to stop at White Castle on my way home tonight.
(Voice of Homer Simpson): "Mmmmmmmm .............. Sliders."
So good you taste 'em twice !
aka Krystals for those of you in the South.
Posted by: hoby
I would call. Every time I have corresponded with them via phone its usually 3 rings and someone answers. I think they have been overwhelmed by the response to this offer, and its really a mom and pop operation (really it is), but thats a good thing! You won't call Circuit City, Good Guys, Best Buy, Tweeter, and get the personal service that Robert Zohn will give you.
Good luck everyone, good luck Robert, and here is to hoping us first 200 get our units next week! :)
Posted by: JLWINE
quote:
Originally posted by dswallow
I won't eat at a Chick-fil-a because their corporate policy is to close their stores on Sundays. Religion is a condiment I don't want served on my sandwich. ;)
I'm surprised Doug. You seem like a very tolerant man. My adage is live and let live. If someone runs a business and wants to shut down on Thursdays because Survivor is on, close Friday to mark the sabbath, or close on Sundays so they can go to church or just be certain of having a day off--more power to them. As a former restaurant GM you are always on when the store is open whether your scheduled off or not. I very much looked forward to my Sundays off--the only day I didn't have to worry how things were going at the restaurant.
quote:
Originally posted by dropper
There is a difference between observing one's faith, and forcing it upon others. If Chick-Fil-A were to have religious sayings on their bags or have a psalm in their kids meals would be one thing, but choosing not to be open one day a week isn't preaching to you.
I agree which is the only reason I boycott Ben & Jerry's, because they make the point of putting there political propaganda on every wall, cup, bag or bowl.
quote:
Originally posted by dropper
Actually the reason for your boycott seems intollerant. If it were a Jewish deli that chose to be closed between sunset on Friday and sunset on Saturday, and you boycotted that for that reason, you would probabaly come off as anti-Semitic.
Keith [/B]
I agree.
Posted by: dswallow
quote:
Originally posted by JLWINE
I'm surprised Doug. You seem like a very tolerant man. My adage is live and let live.
I'm not saying boycott them. I'm just saying I won't go there for that reason. There's a difference. Live and let live works for me. But they're gonna live without my business, that's all.
I stopped shopping at a local grocery store chain when they stopped staying open 24 hours and now close at midnight. I won't support that kind of behavior either. ;)
Posted by: bigcb37
# 106....my CC got charged! Correctly I might add...
Posted by: Morris Herman
quote:
Originally posted by JohnF
Responding to the question about using VE to contract out installation work. I just got DirectTV through Value Electronics. I live in a So Calif beach town. VE worked with a local contractor who was very good. In a follow up discussion with Wendy, she told me she likes to keep track of contractors to ensure the performance is good. I would not hesitate to go with VE.
John
That is good to hear but I called DirecTV and asked them if using a dealer that is not licensed by them (Value Electronics) is a problem as far as accountability. I mean that if my dish and receivers do not work, who do I call? Will the local installer service any problems or do I have to send things back to VE?
I am going to buy the HD-DVR250 from VE but DirectTV told me that I would be better off buying the dish and have it installed by a licensed DirectTV dealer, like Circuit City or Big Buy.
I am going to call VE tomorrow and find out where their installer is located and if they have any references. Circuit City installer is located about 30 miles from here.
Any opinions on the DirectTV comments?
Posted by: JLWINE
quote:
Originally posted by dswallow
I stopped shopping at a local grocery store chain when they stopped staying open 24 hours and now close at midnight. I won't support that kind of behavior either. ;)
I always felt that if I owned a convenience store I would have a sign saying "Open 23 1\2 a day" --just to keep the customers guessing.:)
Posted by: BigHat
Moriss,
You just don't get it do you?
Posted by: jrosen1040
quote:
Originally posted by tommylotto
I want to hear why I should not feel at least a little misled, and I'd prefer to hear it from someone who is also 450+ but ordered before Robert said he was accepting more than 350 orders.
I ordered on January 20th and also assumed I was in the top 350 based on the fact that VE was still taking orders and the postings Robert made regarding where they were in the count. Now I know I'm not in the top 350 and am probably somewhere between 400-500, maybe even higher. Do I feel as though I was misled? yes. Do I think it was intentional? probably not. Am I upset? Not terribly.
I figure if I end up being able to get it sooner somewhere else, I can cancel with VE and get my deposit back (if I decide getting it sooner is worth giving up the discount).
My life hasn't come to a screeching halt because I can't record HDTV. I had a good experience with VE just before ordering the HDTiVo and didn't mind the idea of saving $100 on an item that's pretty hard to justify the $$ for to begin with.
I still expect to get this thing before I could get it elsewhere, and cheaper than I can get it elsewhere. I really don't see anything to get my shorts in a bunch about at this point.
Posted by: bdlucas
quote:
Originally posted by tommylotto
a little misled
I think you're being rather unfair. Having been involved in (software) product rollouts, I can tell you it's an inherently chaotic process full of changing situations and last-minute glitches. I can also tell you that everyone involved in such a process will have become so invested in the ultimate success of the venture that to accuse them of malfeasance is hurtful. You've gotten far more information from VE than most retailers would provide, and judging from some of the reactions I'm seeing here I can see why most don't even try.
Oh, and I'm somewhere in the 800 or 900's in the queue. So there. :p
Posted by: jmhays
Morris Herman,
I just got DirecTV installed back in February. I bought my entire package (including the HDTivo pre-order) through VE. The contractor that VE had originally scheduled for me could not do the install for 1 1/2 weeks. I called VE back and they were kind enough to set me up with a different installer that was able to perform the install within 3 days.
Don't listen to the DirecTV customer support person, VE did a great job for me, and the installer they contracted with did a great job as well.
I have been waiting very patiently for my HDTivo, I have not called VE 25 times asking for information about my order. They told me they would deliver and so far they have delivered for me.
Posted by: DTV TiVo Dealer
No one is sorrier than I regarding the inaccuracy of the actual amount of orders my company booked compared to the quantity I posted.
The good news is that I will be geitting 450 HR10-250's in my first two allocations to help accommodate the avs/TC customers who placed orders thinking they were within the first 350.
We are also receiving 400 HR10-250's weekly or bi-weekly from the end of April through May '04.
Regarding my most recent email suggesting we adjust the orders to overnight delivery was based on the the change in the FOB destination being the east coast and almost all west coast customers changed from overnight to ground when we first thought the FOB point was CA and who now want to go back to overnight delivery.
I quickly agreed to leave things as they are because of member requests. I am truly only trying to provide excellent service and the enormous volume of orders which have been changing delivery address, credit card numbers, expiration dates, selling positions, switching positions, upgrading and downgrading shipping methods, changing FOB distribution locations, changing scheduled delivery date and quantities is extremely challenging. I personally receive hundreds of emails and calls daily. Additionally, my company processes hundreds of calls, email and faxes daily.
We are dedicated to provide the highest level of customer service and technical quality advice as we set our standards very high I and my staff are taking all of this enormous volume of work in stride and keeping up with all of the changing details and facts exceptionally well.
Please do not hesitate to contact us any way you prefer, fax, email or phone. Don't stop providing information to help us deliver every order exactly as you want us to.
I hope this information helps everyone understand a little better what's going on behind the scenes and appreciate our dedication to all of you. If we make a mistake, which we will not do often we will make it right in the end for everyone.
Posted by: hoby
quote:
Originally posted by DTV TiVo Dealer
No one is sorrier than I regarding the inaccuracy of the actual amount of orders my company booked compared to the quantity I posted.
The good news is that I will be geitting 450 HR10-250's in my first two allocations to help accommodate the avs/TC customers who placed orders thinking they were within the first 350.
We are also receiving 400 HR10-250's weekly or bi-weekly from the end of April through May '04.
Regarding my most recent email suggesting we adjust the orders to overnight delivery was based on the the change in the FOB destination being the east coast and almost all west coast customers changed from overnight to ground when we first thought the FOB point was CA and who now want to go back to overnight delivery.
I quickly agreed to leave things as they are because of member requests. I am truly only trying to provide excellent service and the enormous volume of orders which have been changing delivery address, credit card numbers, expiration dates, selling positions, switching positions, upgrading and downgrading shipping methods, changing FOB distribution locations, changing scheduled delivery date and quantities is extremely challenging. I personally receive hundreds of emails and calls daily. Additionally, my company processes hundreds of calls, email and faxes daily.
We are dedicated to provide the highest level of customer service and technical quality advice as we set our standards very high I and my staff are taking all of this enormous volume of work in stride and keeping up with all of the changing details and facts exceptionally well.
Please do not hesitate to contact us any way you prefer, fax, email or phone. Don't stop providing information to help us deliver every order exactly as you want us to.
I hope this information helps everyone understand a little better what's going on behind the scenes and appreciate our dedication to all of you. If we make a mistake, which we will not do often we will make it right in the end for everyone.
Interesting....
So things are still on track for next week for us early folk....
First two times I read this my heart dropped thinking MAY! :)
Posted by: weldon
quote:
Originally posted by DTV TiVo Dealer
I lived in Santa Barbara foot hills, on the 700 block of APS from 1974-1983.
Oooh! Oooh! I lived in Santa Barbara from 1988 to 1999. First in married student housing at UCSB, then near Upper State, then near Las Positas & 101.
Posted by: TallGuy
Keep up the good work, Robert.
Posted by: Hootydog
I know it's out of your control Robert but I'm bummed to hear I won't recieve my unit until after my birthday (4/24) after all. :(
Chappy
Posted by: dswallow
quote:
Originally posted by DTV TiVo Dealer
The good news is that I will be geitting 450 HR10-250's in my first two allocations to help accommodate the avs/TC customers who placed orders thinking they were within the first 350.
We are also receiving 400 HR10-250's weekly or bi-weekly from the end of April through May '04.
Is this the most detail you've been told? Nothing more specific about when in April you'll get the 3rd shipment, and how/why it's "weekly or biweekly" instead of more explicitly stated?
Posted by: Morris Herman
quote:
Originally posted by Hootydog
I know it's out of your control Robert but I'm bummed to hear I won't receive my unit until after my birthday (4/24) after all. :(
Chappy
April 24th is my birthday too but I don't think I'll get the HD TiVo on my birthday even though my wife bought for me as a birthday present.
BTW, I decided to chuck the Cox cable SA Explorer 3250HD and their Explorer 8000 DVR because of the pathetic design of the SA DVR. I had to change the box twice and it is still not working properly. The initial box lost all sound after fast forwarding and then going to Play. The second box crashed whenever a particular recorded program played. You cannot play a recording in progress, and cannot change a recorded program attributes (save time, blocking) unless you have played it to the end, etc, etc.
I have been using TiVo for more than a year and loving it and have been waiting for a cable HD TiVo. I don't believe there will be one and besides I want NFL Sunday ticket to watch the NE Patriots (my team since 1969).
As soon as I heard about the VE discount offer I ordered it. Based on DTV TiVo Dealer's response above (he seems genuine, cares about customers and lived once in Santa Barbara), I think I will place my dish order with VE.
Posted by: genearch
quote:
Originally posted by Morris Herman
I have ordered the HR10-250 today 4/2/04 Order # 14162. I have read all of your comments about Value Electronics and that made up my mind.
I don't have DirecTV yet. What is your opinion about getting the dish and installation from Circuit City or Value Electronics? CC is local in Santa Barbara while VE is in New York but they said they install in California.
Please respond ASAP. I need to make a decision.
Thanks
I'm up the road in Camarillo and bought from VE. Robert went far beyond what I'd ever expect to get from CC. Would your CC employee give you his home ph# and insist that you call when the install is complete, regardless of the hour? I was reluctant but called Robert at 1am his time and it was no issue. They also set me up a most excellent installer out of Fillmore. If you need the installer contact info, PM me.
Without hesitation, VE is my DTV dealer.
Posted by: jcondon
So you are getting 450 next week or 450 over the next two weeks?
To the guy complaining about not being in first 350. Neither am I. Would you have preferred he not accepted our orders and not matched our $100?
No.
If Robert did what he said he would (only take order for 350) you and I hundreds of others would not have been able to order. And get upto $100 off.
In a perfect world we would have know when we placed our order number was but, that didn't happen. No big deal. I hope to get mine in the next couple of weeks.
I am sure Robert will take this experience and learn from it.
Posted by: dludwig
For what it's worth...I placed my order on 2/8 when the forums still seemed to indicate that the 350 limit had not been reached. My take is similar to the last couple of posters: I'm getting a substantial discount, and if I get obsessed to the point of hunting down another unit I have the option to cancel. Unfortunate that information wasn't better at the time, but not the end of the world.
Plus, I included a Terk antenna with my initial order, and am now learning how unreliable it is. So I have a nice window to explore other options and eventually call VE and change to something better... ;-)
Posted by: dswallow
quote:
Originally posted by dludwig
Plus, I included a Terk antenna with my initial order, and am now learning how unreliable it is. So I have a nice window to explore other options and eventually call VE and change to something better... ;-)
Did you ask about the Terk antenna around here before ordering it... or at least mention it? Because if I get a whiff somewhere someone's gonna order that piece of junk, I let them know pretty clearly what a piece of junk I think it is. ;)
Posted by: LarryInAz
I agree with Doug's comments about Terk's antennas. For the money if you don't mind an indoor antenna I'd go with the Zenith Silver Sensor, best bang for the buck. If you'd rather have something outdoors I love my Winegard Squareshooter.
FWIW, the only thing Terk is good for IMHO is their Leapfrog for room to room viewing over a telephone line.
Posted by: LarryInAz
Since KCWolfpack seems to be the only one that has reported he's gotten his HD TiVo.
How about a review and where did you find someone that had inventory this soon? :confused:
Posted by: falconerz
quote:
If you're not listed (or your listing contains only partial or approximate information), post your order information in this thread and it will be added/updated.
Doug,
If you are still interested in updating the list my order info is:
Time of Order: 3/31/2004 2:10:24 AM
Order Type: Email
Order ID: 14076
Posted by: KCWolfPck
quote:
Originally posted by LarryInAz
Since KCWolfpack seems to be the only one that has reported he's gotten his HD TiVo.
How about a review and where did you find someone that had inventory this soon? :confused:
First, I can't believe I am still the only one here who has gotten one. Granted, I knew that there wouldn't be many....but I figured at least a few would be from this forum. I guess until others start coming out of the woodwork I'll be doubted....understandably so.
I don't think I'd be the right person to write a review. I've never had TiVo before so I can't really compare it to previous TiVo products. I will say that I am disappointed in the lack of a non-linear stretch mode. This I can get used to and hopefully it will be added sometime in the NEAR future. So far, it's worked exactly how I expected it to. The only thing I've recorded HD so far was a 3 hr block of last night's SpiceTV. I had been looking forward to see what porn looked like in HD, but never wanted to stay up until 3 to find out. I only watched the first 10 minutes or so and I must say....worth all 15 bucks. :) .
To those that asked....no, I didn't walk into a store and pick one up off of the shelf at a B&M.
Pictures....sure....if someone wants to send me a digital camera, I'd be happy to post pictures.
Questions.....ask away.
No....this isn't an April Fools joke, but I know there will be many that don't believe me....especially considering past behavior an this board. Really...I don't care if you believe me or not.
Posted by: Todd
Well, where did you end up getting it from?
Posted by: KCWolfPck
quote:
Originally posted by Todd
Well, where did you end up getting it from?
If I were at liberty to say, then I would have in my previous post. I don't want to get anyone in trouble.
Posted by: JohnA
Obviously the guy is an insider with ties to the the big wigs at D*. Since he won't say where he got it I have to assume it was by non traditional means. Have fun with your new toy....more power to you I guess.
And I do think he is out of line by coming here and bragging about it!!
Posted by: Captain Spaulding
Does anyone know if a signature will be required if choosing overnight or two-day delivery?
Posted by: Graphics
IMO - KCWolfPck statements - I really think that your BS'ing all of us...period! To come on the forum with comments that your "FIRST" and to use the unit in a HD recording attempt, and the subject matter was PORNO, when we all didn't need that inside information Gezze, you could have stated you recorded a show and leave it at that, leaves the readers to be skeptical in the first place. If in fact you had one, you would have posted some information that would have benefited the readers of some value, as in knowledge. To re-read your post, there is no offering of so called information other than your taste or viewing habits. Your claim that your technology in gadgets is low, also leave the readers to....ah not believe the statement. The fact that we all know from your post that you claim to be the FIRST unit recipient and that has posted he had one, and the first test was what you claim was PORNO, then you probably got a THRILL just typing the post. The fact that you stated that you might get into trouble if you elaborate on were you got the unit, or what your opinion of the unit is, leads the reader to READ BETWEEN THE LINES on your post. Bragging to be the first, with NO VALUABLE information offerings other than quote:
I will say that I am disappointed in the lack of a non-linear stretch mode
and YOU RECORDED PORNO....give me a break!
Posted by: rcbray
Either I haven't read other posts carefully enough for a correction; or I may be the only one confused by Robert's earlier information regarding future receipts:
"We are also receiving 400 HR10-250's weekly or bi-weekly from the end of April through May '04."
Potentially, this period covers as little as five days. Not much time for many weekly or bi-weekly shipments!
Posted by: jep8821
Here is my info:
Time of Order: 3/28/2004 1:53:50 PM
Order Type: Email
Order ID: 14038
Thanks,
Jason
Posted by: DTV TiVo Dealer
quote:
Originally posted by rcbray
Either I haven't read other posts carefully enough for a correction; or I may be the only one confused by Robert's earlier information regarding future receipts:
"We are also receiving 400 HR10-250's weekly or bi-weekly from the end of April through May '04."
Potentially, this period covers as little as five days. Not much time for many weekly or bi-weekly shipments!
May has 4 weeks. Sorry I should have said through the end of May '04.
Posted by: jim_arrows
Robert's probably the only one here who could find out if KC got one, because if order:
"KCWolfPck 12499 1/16/2004 1:05:49 PM #23"
truly has been cancelled then I'd believe that KC already received his (he may be trying to BS everybody here, but if he truly gave up his place in line that lends him some credibility). Wouldn't be definitive proof, but it'd probably convince me...
Jim
Posted by: JohnA
The other question is will he get his $100 deposit back. Since he got the unit through non traditional means, hope Robert tells him he is SOL.
Posted by: rcbray
Robert, thanks for the clarification. Since I didn't get on your list until March 4th, I was very interested in late April/early May receipts.
New subject: The Harmony Remote 659 I purchased from VE was the best audio/video buy I have ever made. My wife loves it. For the first time in several years, she doesn't have to depend on me to ensure the STB, scaler, audio processor, and TV are correctly setup every time she turns them on or changes channels. She can even push one button, everything changes, and is correct for watching a DVD.
Posted by: DTV TiVo Dealer
I do not typically publicly post information about anyone's transactions. I have PM'ed KCWolfPck asking him how he wants me to handle this, however, he is not on the forum so he has not read my PM.
I'm still home so when I get into the office I will call KCWolfPck.
My guess is that KCWolfPck is just having fun.
Posted by: k2ue
quote:
Originally posted by DTV TiVo Dealer
May has 4 weeks. Sorry I should have said through the end of May '04.
Biweekly can either mean twice per week or every two weeks -- which were you saying, referring to shipments?
Posted by: DTV TiVo Dealer
quote:
Originally posted by rcbray
Robert, thanks for the clarification. Since I didn't get on your list until March 4th, I was very interested in late April/early May receipts.
New subject: The Harmony Remote 659 I purchased from VE was the best audio/video buy I have ever made. My wife loves it. For the first time in several years, she doesn't have to depend on me to ensure the STB, scaler, audio processor, and TV are correctly setup every time she turns them on or changes channels. She can even push one button, everything changes, and is correct for watching a DVD.
I agree, I took home a SST659 last week and my 15 yr. old son set it up. I was very impressed with the power of this handy remote and the ease of programming.
Posted by: gamecox86
quote:
Originally posted by DTV TiVo Dealer
We are also receiving 400 HR10-250's weekly or bi-weekly from the end of April through May '04.
Does bi-weekly (in this case) mean every two weeks or twice a week?
Posted by: DTV TiVo Dealer
quote:
Originally posted by k2ue
Biweekly can either mean twice per week or every two weeks -- which were you saying, referring to shipments?
After the first 2 allocations I am scheduled to receive 400 HR10-250's weekly or not less than every other week.
However, nothing is guarantied as DIRECTV has not shipped even one HR10-250 for retail distribution.
Posted by: ricaltman
quote:
Originally posted by dludwig
I placed my order on 2/8 when the forums still seemed to indicate that the 350 limit had not been reached.
I placed my order on 2/4 thinking the same thing. I called twice and even thought he person I talked to yesterday was very friendly, I couldn't get any info about where, even roughly, I was on the list. "Probably by the end of the month" was the best she could do. I asked about the effort to send the first 700 an email, saying that I had not received one and she had no answer to that. They did have my correct email address, so I don't know. My concern, as is with others is the uncertainty, the possibility of being much further down the list than we may think.
Posted by: jjmpeters
Robert, when will the "Beyond 350" be notified of their place in line?
Posted by: LarryInAz
quote:
Originally posted by ricaltman
...I asked about the effort to send the first 700 an email, saying that I had not received one and she had no answer to that. They did have my correct email address, so I don't know. My concern, as is with others is the uncertainty, the possibility of being much further down the list than we may think.
As noted earlier in this thread it could be you or your ISP have a spam filter active and it could be filtering out email from VE's mail server.
Posted by: ricaltman
quote:
Originally posted by PJO1966
I agree with a Blockbuster boycott. I've rented movies there that were edited for content. If i wanted to watch a butchered movie I'd watch it on network TV
That would piss me off. I had no idea. Which movie?
Posted by: PJO1966
I honestly don't recall. It was a while ago...
Posted by: Graphics
Well I like Roberts post:
quote:
as DIRECTV has not shipped even one HR10-250 for retail distribution
FYI ~ my source....*Only 6 ~ thats 6 SIX - HR10-250 units have been activated by D* as of today at 10:00am EST. Out of those 6 units ALL 6 ARE BETA UNITS that are STILL in the hands of R&D at D* and are still being tested. So from what I can say then ANYONE who claims they have a new unit that hasn't been released yet by D* ~ HAS one of those BETAS ~ or.... you can figure out the other conclusion..................
THE OFFICIAL RELEASE DATE INTO ROBERTS Hands of VE's HANDS IS MONDAY APRIL 5th 2004. NO ONE REPEAT ~ NO ONE has a RETAIL UNIT that has been activated by D* ~ Unless its a BETA.
Posted by: ricaltman
quote:
Originally posted by LarryInAz
As noted earlier in this thread it could be you or your ISP have a spam filter active and it could be filtering out email from VE's mail server.
My ISP has a program that traps, but does not delete until I manually delete them, so I don't think they ever actually sent one, at least to me. One remote possibility is that I looked at it, then deleted it without realizing what I was deleting. Seems like they would re-send after addressing their presence on spam blocking lists, but that's me.
Posted by: DTV TiVo Dealer
quote:
Originally posted by Graphics
Well I like Roberts post:
FYI ~ my source....*Only 6 ~ thats 6 SIX - HR10-250 units have been activated by D* as of today at 10:00am EST. Out of those 6 units ALL 6 ARE BETA UNITS that are STILL in the hands of R&D at D* and are still being tested. So from what I can say then ANYONE who claims they have a new unit that hasn't been released yet by D* ~ HAS one of those BETAS ~ or.... you can figure out the other conclusion..................
THE OFFICIAL RELEASE DATE INTO ROBERTS Hands of VE's HANDS IS MONDAY APRIL 5th 2004. NO ONE REPEAT ~ NO ONE has a RETAIL UNIT that has been activated by D* ~ Unless its a BETA.
You are 100% correct. I guess I should not try to guess how you know?
Posted by: kbcrowe
quote:
Originally posted by dropper
There is a difference between observing one's faith, and forcing it upon others. If Chick-Fil-A were to have religious sayings on their bags or have a psalm in their kids meals would be one thing, but choosing not to be open one day a week isn't preaching to you.
Actually the reason for your boycott seems intollerant. If it were a Jewish deli that chose to be closed between sunset on Friday and sunset on Saturday, and you boycotted that for that reason, you would probabaly come off as anti-Semitic.
Keith
Or can you imagine what Doug would call you if boycotted gay-owned businesses or refused to hire homosexuals. Whether its religious, sexist, or racial its still bigotry. Not something I'd be proud of or bragging about Doug.
Posted by: auee
quote:
Originally posted by LarryInAz
I agree with Doug's comments about Terk's antennas. For the money if you don't mind an indoor antenna I'd go with the Zenith Silver Sensor, best bang for the buck. If you'd rather have something outdoors I love my Winegard Squareshooter.
FWIW, the only thing Terk is good for IMHO is their Leapfrog for room to room viewing over a telephone line.
I'm interested in getting the Squareshooter, but I'm concerned about the reception of channels below 7 (4 and 5 specifically). I live about 28 miles from the transmitters. Would I need an additional antenna for the lower channels? Anyone have any experience with this antenna in the DFW area?
Posted by: grins
quote:
Originally posted by k2ue
Biweekly can either mean twice per week or every two weeks -- which were you saying, referring to shipments?
Actually, biweekly can only mean every two. Semiweekly would mean twice a week. Most people are paid their salary either biweekly (26 times a year) or semimonthly (24 times a year)
whee! I'm in on a grammar thread! ;)
Blockbuster lost my business first when I realized they were the Wal-Mart of video (a blockbuster moves in, and all the mom-n-pop shops go out of business; mom-n-pops had afficionados who would get foreign, cult, porn, etc) and second when they publicly announced they would not carry NC-17 movies "on principle" while they had "Stripped to Kill 3" on their shelves every day.
Remember when you could rent a movie for $1.50? $5 a pop at blockbuster now.
Posted by: gamecox86
quote:
Originally posted by jjmpeters
Robert, when will the "Beyond 350" be notified of their place in line?
Yeah, me too!!! I am way down the list, but the one time I called I was kind of given the brush-off as to where I might be in the pecking order. Surely they have an ordered list.
Posted by: sdf777
quote:
Originally posted by DTV TiVo Dealer
After the first 2 allocations I am scheduled to receive 400 HR10-250's weekly or not less than every other week.
However, nothing is guarantied as DIRECTV has not shipped even one HR10-250 for retail distribution.
Robert, have you indicated when the second allocation will be shipped? I am #212. Thanks.
Posted by: GScott
quote:
Originally posted by Graphics
Well I like Roberts post:
FYI ~ my source....*Only 6 ~ thats 6 SIX - HR10-250 units have been activated by D* as of today at 10:00am EST. Out of those 6 units ALL 6 ARE BETA UNITS that are STILL in the hands of R&D at D* and are still being tested. So from what I can say then ANYONE who claims they have a new unit that hasn't been released yet by D* ~ HAS one of those BETAS ~ or.... you can figure out the other conclusion..................
THE OFFICIAL RELEASE DATE INTO ROBERTS Hands of VE's HANDS IS MONDAY APRIL 5th 2004. NO ONE REPEAT ~ NO ONE has a RETAIL UNIT that has been activated by D* ~ Unless its a BETA.
I guess that effectively kills KC's claim. Why am I not suprised. Isn't this the same person who claimed to be watching the NCAA in HD the day before it was even aired in HD :rolleyes:
Posted by: baxtar
Hi All,
I have order #13699, placed 3/4. Funny thing, I'm excited about getting the unit DESPITE knowing that I can't use it yet since I am living in an apartment without DTV access. But from the sound of things, I might only have to sit and stare at the box for a couple of weeks before my house is finished and I can get my DTV back. Why on earth I care WHEN I get mine is beyond me, it's just too easy to get caught up in all the excitement.
Posted by: sotapoppy
quote:
Originally posted by LarryInAz
As noted earlier in this thread it could be you or your ISP have a spam filter active and it could be filtering out email from VE's mail server.
I agree, but what if you are unsure as to whether or not an email was or should have been sent using the 700 cutoff?
Posted by: buzzword
quote:
Originally posted by dswallow
I think you need to figure out what "tmf" stands for too. :D
After reading his post, I just assumed it was Thoughtless Mother F***er, but I could be wrong <g>
Posted by: gamecox86
quote:
Originally posted by grins
Actually, biweekly can only mean every two. Semiweekly would mean twice a week. Most people are paid their salary either biweekly (26 times a year) or semimonthly (24 times a year)
You might want to consult your dictionary. 24 times a year could also be bimonthly.
Websters:
Main Entry: 1bi·week·ly
Pronunciation: (")bI-'wE-klE
Function: adjective
1 : occurring twice a week
2 : occurring every two weeks : FORTNIGHTLY
usage see BI-
- biweekly adverb
http://www.webster.com/cgi-bin/dict...ary&va=biweekly
Posted by: sdf777
Doug,
Good thing you didn't grow up in CT in the 1950's and '60's. The state mandated (Blue Laws) that everything be closed on Sunday's except some pharmacies and a few service stations on the main highways.
Posted by: sotapoppy
quote:
Originally posted by grins
mom-n-pops had ..... afficionados....
Careful ;)
Posted by: CountXavier
I know I'm extremely new here, but I've been reading you guys for the last week or so. You gave me the bug....
Ordered 4/3 from VE
#14168
Can't wait to hear about the first of you who receive units. I currently have HD and tivo, but of course not together!
Posted by: elstonhill
quote:
Originally posted by baxtar
Hi All,
I have order #13699, placed 3/4. Funny thing, I'm excited about getting the unit DESPITE knowing that I can't use it yet since I am living in an apartment without DTV access. But from the sound of things, I might only have to sit and stare at the box for a couple of weeks before my house is finished and I can get my DTV back. Why on earth I care WHEN I get mine is beyond me, it's just too easy to get caught up in all the excitement.
HBO is currently developing a new series based on this thread called Men with No Life based on this thread. These empty shell characters sit around their computers all day reading the latest rumor about a little metal box in anticipation that it will bring fulfillment to their empty lives.
Posted by: LarryInAz
quote:
Originally posted by elstonhill
HBO is currently developing a new series based on this thread called Men with No Life based on this thread. These empty shell characters sit around their computers all day reading the latest rumor about a little metal box in anticipation that it will bring fulfillment to their empty lives.
I resemble that remark.:o
I hope HBO broadcasts it in Hi Def. :)
Posted by: herdfan
quote:
Originally posted by Graphics
you can figure out the other conclusion..................
THE OFFICIAL RELEASE DATE INTO ROBERTS Hands of VE's HANDS IS MONDAY APRIL 5th 2004. NO ONE REPEAT ~ NO ONE has a RETAIL UNIT that has been activated by D* ~ Unless its a BETA.
Maybe Tony and his boys got the truck as it was coming through Jersey and hid it in Feech's garage. :D
Is this the Official Release date of the product in general, or just to VE?
Posted by: slocko
If you guys remember, KC also had a pre-order with Tweeters.
Since I believe what Robert posted, my feeling is that KC chose to go with
Tweeters even if it took longer, just to pretend to rub it in our faces.
I doubt Direct will lie to Robert, especially given the relationship.
Posted by: slocko
I didn't want to post this here, but I didn't have any luck over at AVS:
Do you guys think the square shooter can help me get this channel from Central New Jersey? I know the specs say over 50 miles, but I wonder if anyone here is doing more than 50. I have read this thread, but it was a while ago and I don't remember if anyone mentioned the distance they are able to pull in. Thxs.
from antennaweb:
C.O. - Compass Orientation
M.F. - Miles From
F.A. - Frequency Assignment
**************************CO MF FA
WPSG 57 UPN PHILADELPHIA PA 257° 56.9 57
Posted by: EJ
I grew up in North Dakota, and until the mid to late '80's most stores were closed on Sunday. No alcohol could be sold, no stores open, except for gas stations and restaurants. I remember going to a Holiday service station. The gas pumps were open on Sunday, but the isles of convenience items were roped off and the lights turned off. Very strange!
Posted by: JohnA
Doug, I am offended that you boycott a business because they are closed on Sunday due to an implied religious connection. That does not fly in this society anymore. Why is it that Christian bashing is some way acceptable, yet this type of position toward any other religious group, ethnicity or sexual orientation would be intolerable. I suggest you keep your biases and bigotry to yourself.
Posted by: slocko
I think Doug has the right to boycott any store he wants because of his beliefs. He is not telling us to boycott the store. Freedom of expression remember?
We can't just apply that selectively to what we want.
Posted by: JohnA
Slocko - You are exactly right, just keep the bigotry to himself, no need to expose it to all of us. I could care less what his personal values are but stay quiet about them. So you think then I should have the freedom of expression to put down gays and tell the world I despise them? I don't think so!!
Posted by: berth
Hi Slocko,
If I were you I would be thinking about something heavy duty like a Channel Master 4228 with amp or a good yagi. With that distance you will probably have LOTS of multipath and the Squareshooter is not good for that. You might have to have a pretty tall antenna mast also.
You might be able to find someone near to you if you look for your local thread in the AVSForum Local HDTV Info and Reception and see what they are using.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/foru...e=30&forumid=45
bert
Posted by: Tom in OH
quote:
Originally posted by sdf777
Doug,
Good thing you didn't grow up in CT in the 1950's and '60's. The state mandated (Blue Laws) that everything be closed on Sunday's except some pharmacies and a few service stations on the main highways.
When living in NorthCarolina in the mid-80s, the blue laws were reversed to make stores stay "open" on Sunday cuz they felt having stores closed on the weekend was hurting tourism. I think the decision should be left up to the individual store owner.
Posted by: jjmpeters
Did I miss it? Do we know where next week's, and all future VE HDTiVo orders will be shipping from?
Posted by: slocko
I don't think he said he despises chicken sandwiches :)
I do think you have the right to express your opinions about people's sexuality even in the most negative form, as long as it doesn't happen in the context of individual harm and abuse.
I dont' think Doug was harassing anyone here.
Okay, let's just get off the subject. It's a no win subject.
I don't even know why I responded :D
quote:
Originally posted by JohnA
Slocko - You are exactly right, just keep the bigotry to himself, no need to expose it to all of us. I could care less what his personal values are but stay quiet about them. So you think then I should have the freedom of expression to put down gays and tell the world I despise them? I don't think so!!
Posted by: slocko
Thxs. I checked there originally but didn't turn anything up specific to my area and didn't want to read all the posts.
I'll just post my question in the NYC metro area thread which seems to most appropiate one.
I found a good deal on the square shooter from the ab components site someone here posted (sorry robert but he had really good prices on the antenna). The site sucks, but I did get a ups notification.
Hopefully I do get a functional antenna.
My biggest problem is finding a reliable antenna guy in my area that knows his stuff. Hopefully AVS can recommend someone. Maybe I'll even ask Robert for a recommendation.
quote:
Originally posted by berth
Hi Slocko,
If I were you I would be thinking about something heavy duty like a Channel Master 4228 with amp or a good yagi. With that distance you will probably have LOTS of multipath and the Squareshooter is not good for that. You might have to have a pretty tall antenna mast also.
You might be able to find someone near to you if you look for your local thread in the AVSForum Local HDTV Info and Reception and see what they are using.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/foru...e=30&forumid=45
bert
Posted by: tommylotto
quote:
Originally posted by DTV TiVo Dealer
No one is sorrier than I regarding the inaccuracy of the actual amount of orders my company booked compared to the quantity I posted.
The good news is that I will be geitting 450 HR10-250's in my first two allocations to help accommodate the avs/TC customers who placed orders thinking they were within the first 350.
We are also receiving 400 HR10-250's weekly or bi-weekly from the end of April through May '04.
Thanks for giving us this information. We are all looking forward to this thing. Unfortunately, I thought I was in the first 350, but I don't think I'm even in the first 450 -- meaning I'm still not in the first two installments. But at least we know there are going to be a third and fourth in the foreseeable future -- which is better than never. Unfortunately, it does look like this thing is not going to get to me until I'm in Italy (first three weeks in May). My wife is going to try to seduce me in the land of romance and all I'm going to be able to think of is how much HD programing I could have recorded if this trip were in June instead of May. (That's three Soprano episodes!!!)
Posted by: compuz1
If Robert Gets Hid TiVo's this saturday... Is there a chance they could go out the same day if they are being FedExed? If that is the case, I could have mine in my hands by monday...
Posted by: MikeSRC
Sorry, but FedEx doesn't ship on Saturday, they only deliver.
Posted by: osxguy
KC, I'm just curious what the software version is on your box. I'm sure a lot of folks would like to know whether these puppies have the "c" update...
matt.
Posted by: Alexander
quote:
Originally posted by MikeSRC
Sorry, but FedEx doesn't ship on Saturday, they only deliver.
Bzzt, try again!
"Saturday pickup is available in our A1, A2, A3, AA and AM primary service areas for FedEx First Overnight®, FedEx Priority Overnight®, FedEx Standard Overnight®, FedEx 2Day and FedEx Express Saver® services. A special handling fee applies for both Saturday pickup and delivery (see Rates)."
http://www.fedex.com/us/services/ex...ayservices.html
Posted by: jim_arrows
quote:
Originally posted by DTV TiVo Dealer
I do not typically publicly post information about anyone's transactions. I have PM'ed KCWolfPck asking him how he wants me to handle this, however, he is not on the forum so he has not read my PM.
I'm still home so when I get into the office I will call KCWolfPck.
My guess is that KCWolfPck is just having fun.
Hi Robert,
Sorry, I didn't mean to imply that you should divulge that information, I wouldn't expect you too. I was just pointing out that this would be the best indicator of KC's veracity; however, as others have pointed out, based upon his past posts there doesn't seem to be a lot of reason to believe him...
Thanks,
Jim
Posted by: Weez
quote:
Originally posted by osxguy
KC, I'm just curious what the software version is on your box. I'm sure a lot of folks would like to know whether these puppies have the "c" update...
matt.
Software version has been reported as 3.1.1.A2-01-2-3F1
I saw this on another forum.
Posted by: Stuigi
quote:
Originally posted by Weez
Software version has been reported as 3.1.1.A2-01-2-3F1
I saw this on another forum.
some people just dont get it
Posted by: Weez
quote:
Originally posted by Stuigi
some people just dont get it
What exactly is it that i dont get? mentioning another forum? without saying the name? or mentioning a version number that was apparently posted in the user's manual?
Inquiring minds wanna know..........
Posted by: Budget_HT
I think someone was waiting to see if KC could answer the question based on the HD TiVo he says he already has.
Posted by: Will-san
Poll: how many HD Tivo pre-orderers don't have a digital camera?
Posted by: hongcho
> Inquiring minds wanna know..........
Have you read the PDF manual posted earlier? That version number is on one of the set-up screens in the manual.
Hong.
Posted by: MikeSRC
quote:
Originally posted by Alexander
Bzzt, try again!
"Saturday pickup is available in our A1, A2, A3, AA and AM primary service areas for FedEx First Overnight®, FedEx Priority Overnight®, FedEx Standard Overnight®, FedEx 2Day and FedEx Express Saver® services. A special handling fee applies for both Saturday pickup and delivery (see Rates)."
I stand corrected. :)
and it's only another $12.50. :D
Posted by: Weez
quote:
Originally posted by hongcho
> Inquiring minds wanna know..........
Have you read the PDF manual posted earlier? That version number is on one of the set-up screens in the manual.
Hong.
That was exactly my point........
Posted by: Kamakzie
$12.50 x 200 is a lot of Moo-lah!
Posted by: AGBTivo
this question may be mentioned somewhere in another post or forum but I couldn't seem to find it.
I understand it's possible to enable certain commands on the Tivo remote like 'turning on a 30 second jump' instead of fast forwarding. My question is will it be posslbe to enable these 'features' when programming a harmony remote to operate a Tivo box? after reading the solid feedback on the harmony I'll probably order one soon from VE.
I will be switching from UTV to Tivo when I finally get my HDTivo sometime next month and the 30 second skip is one feature I will surely miss(as well as caller ID, being able to see the screen when surfing the guide and real PIP). But missing these things will quickly go to the wayside when I get to watch my first recorded program in HD(and it won't be a recording of SpiceTV jeesh).
Posted by: Tom in OH
is it possible KC is a beta?
Posted by: osxguy
quote:
Originally posted by Weez
Software version has been reported as 3.1.1.A2-01-2-3F1
I saw this on another forum.
I thought that was for a prototype unit...
matt.
Posted by: Will-san
If the "secret" 30 second skip is enabled (lets pray it is) I do not see any reason you couldn't do it with a universal remote. I keep meaning to make a macro to re-enable it since every time the power goes out or it gets unplugged 30 second skip goes away and then I have to go look it up.
Posted by: Kamakzie
My only question would be if KC is a beta tester then why did he pre-order from 2 different stores? Also would DIRECTV get more beta testers this late in the game?
quote:
Originally posted by Tom in OH
is it possible KC is a beta?
Posted by: AGBTivo
another Tivo newbie question - is there a listing somewhere of all the 'secret' tivo commands that can be enabled on their remote?
Posted by: osxguy
KC, your guide info should be updated by now -- what's the title of the first SpiceHD program showing on Thursday the 8th?
matt.
Posted by: Will-san
5000?
Posted by: osxguy
+1
matt.
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