by GWW » Sat Jan 05, 2013 12:29 pm
I've had a look in "The Good Guys", the emos ("JB Hifi"), and "Dick Smith", within the last week or so, as I'm thinking of selling my tv and PVR to my parents (and buying a new tv with recording/playback capability, including maybe a set top box or small PVR), so they can put it one of their other rooms where they have a tv (they're still looking at buying a new one for their lounge room).
The Good Guys seemed to have a fairly small range, JB HiFi had a bit more but nothing that stood out.
Dick Smith had a few I was possibly interested in, but they don't tend to negotiate for cash payment option, but instead offer some special unique type of warranty, which is exclusive to Dick Smith customers apparently. They said they may throw in some type of cable or something, not sure if I need it though (dependent on whether what I bought from them 3 years ago is suitable technology).
What I didn't like about Dick Smith was dodgy marketing - firstly a sign proclaiming "interest free", but then an asterix signifying a $40 yearly fee; also they had another sign in a certain grouping of display TVs, advertising a certain benefit if the TV had a cost of over $700 - but all the TVs in that area were well below $700.
JB HiFi guy wasn't bad, but I came out of their store more confused than When I went in there. I had hoped I would be able to buy a TV with recording capability (including recording one show, watching another at same time), but soon learnt I'd need to purchase a PVR or set top box (apparently with those though I would need a USB?? Stick, and recording capability is limited), to do that. I reckon they seemed fairly keen to provide a discount for cash, I didn't purchase though, as he left me with a bit too much to think about.
So I might do a bit more browsing in the shops in the next week or so.
Someone from work mentioned to me about a "Sony" store in Adelaide, I looked it up, its in Grenfell St, anyone been in there before. Website appeared to have limited information, but I'm hoping/thinking staff there may have a good grasp of their products, and may possibly be a little cheaper.
Radio Rentals I think I'll stay clear of; I would probably usually stay clear of Harvey Norman too, but I may have a look there.
The main thing I'm wanting to do is get a relatively inexpensive TV - with a fairly reputable brand name - as well a PVR (or set top box) to enable me to record a show while I'm watching another. My current TV - a "Vivo" (Dick Smith brand) - is ok, but I've had a fair few problems with the DGTEC brand name PVR. I'm not sure if it was how they were both set up - or whether the 2 types of products don't work well in conjunction - but quite often the tuner on the PVR goes faulty - reception goes blank, and shows don't record, or if it does record, it stutters big time", so I'm fairly keen to get a decent recording set up going.