Has Anyone Else Seen This Scam?

[CAVX]

  the-austrian said:

In the case with JB they are being deceptive by not pointing out the different connection types. That is, it wouldn't matter if both cables were $5, the component connection will always have better picture quality, and you don't need to spend $300 to get it! Whether different component cables make a difference is whole other debate!

If they want to push "monster", then they should be using "monster" on both types of connection...

I'm pretty sure that the 'split screen" display I saw, the focus was more on Componet being better than Composite, but I could be wrong...

Mark

[RodN]

All they have to do is suggest that one is better verbally and they are misleading. It is misleading and it would not stand up in court as being otherwise as long as something was said or suggested. It's actually quite black and white - we're not playing lounge chair TV law games now are we.

It all starts with commissions IMO encouraging staff to be fulla shite.

Realistically no-ones going to pay some lawyer lots of money to prove this point.

[SDL]

  the-austrian said:

I don't want to appear rude, but I'm not sure you understand. The original poster stated they (JB) were comparing a component connection with a composite connection and claiming that the cable was causing the difference in picture quality.

It's like the Duracell TV advert that claims "lasts 3 times longer then Eveready super heavy duty", but has the disclaimer at the bottom of the screen "Eveready super heavy duty is a less expensive non-alkaline battery". This is the correct way to claim such a comparison.

In the case with JB they are being deceptive by not pointing out the different connection types. That is, it wouldn't matter if both cables were $5, the component connection will always have better picture quality, and you don't need to spend $300 to get it! Whether different component cables make a difference is whole other debate!

Don't worry, you are not appearing rude. As I said I haven't looked at the display properly and am not sure what they have on or around it, but it would suprise me if it was truly misleading under the Act as it is commonly done (doesn't mean many aren't breaking the law though, I have just been involved in a case with mobile phone resellers). It's very easy though to assume they are doing the wrong thing without actually checking exactly what they say. Do they in fact say Monster is better than generic component cables, which is actually true. Do they say Monster Component is better than generic composite, its actually true. It can be deemed misleading still however if even though they might have disclaimers or correct information it is done in such a way as to still mislead the average consumer. But they do have a right to show their product they sell in the best possible light also, and they don't make any suggestion the cable won't deliver what you see, the only thing in question is whether it is misleading to suggest that without it you would get the crappy picture they show otherwise, and if you take the cables from the box that are supplied with the device you probably will.

As I said I don't know what they have in the display, but its easy to jump to a conclusion that its illegal. You can always report it to www.scamwatch.gov.au, which is an ACCC site, and you won't actually need to pay any lawyer.

[thudabot]

funny i should read this as i was in a JB in perth yesterday and had seen the same type of demo of the side by side screen set up. i didn't pay it much attention at the time but i might go back and check it out.

[the-austrian]

Yeah, I guess as to whether it was illegal all depends on exactly what they were saying, both orally and via any placarded info.

But I maintain that if they stated at any time that the cable was making the picture better without pointing out that the other picture was actually being produced at a lower & inferior resolution over an older and inferior technology, then it is misleading and most likely illegal.

[ibfleep]

It's too bad JB did that. I've set up many a "Cabling Demonstration" to help PROVE that cable makes a difference. What I've always done though is to take an upscaling DVD player connect it via all 3 connections (The toshiba had HDMI, Component and Composite and most importantly would output all 3 at the same time) to the TV then run a Picture on Picture split screen between HDMI and composite ALL COMING FROM THE SAME DVD PLAYER.

At the end of my sale I would SHOW THE CUTOMER THE DIFFERENCE IN THE CONNECTIONS. Clearly outlining the benefits of each and explaining to them the "future" of HDMI. (Black levels are INSANE!!!)

I'd start with a composite to component side by side. (WOW what a difference theyd say) then kick over to the HDMI vs Component. Finally kicking back to the HDMI vs Composite (at this point I would remind them that those are "the cables that come in a box so I don't NEED any right??" type cables.

This was mainly done to show the customer the need for component cables at the BARE MINIMUM IF their TV could take them.

Usually I'd put them into a nice power conditioner too if they bought a plasma, lcd or rearpro (don't leave the sales floor without them).

But then, I have this honesty problem and the retail job was my "fun" job on the weekends. I'm an IT trainer by day so I'm more interested in educating them than selling them.

[palmag]

I've seen it before at JB at Parramatta, but it never occured to me that they were using different connections I thought they were both the same.

[Y2K WRX]

Whats a decent component cable then?

[Gutty]

  Y2K WRX said:

Whats a decent component cable then?

I reckon these are not a bad cable at a reasonable price. Pretty fancy, good quality, and half the price of Monster *cough* shonkster *cough*

I actually use these but i'm sure the Vectors are a fine cable and slightly cheaper.

Others may disagree......i have a mate that swears by his $5 ebay cables, and others that are sure their Monster cables make a world of difference........but each to his own i guess.

[Guest EZYHD]

  Gutty said:

I reckon these are not a bad cable at a reasonable price. Pretty fancy, good quality, and half the price of Monster *cough* shonkster *cough*

I actually use these but i'm sure the Vectors are a fine cable and slightly cheaper.

I agree the above cables are first rate, reasonably priced and very popular around these forums, excellent service is provided too. I bought 2 x 10m HDMI/Component, both top notch.

Another supplier is Selby Accoustics on eBay for the well known brand Neotech.

[SDL]

  Y2K WRX said:

Whats a decent component cable then?

Don't misunderstand, Monster are a decent cable - just HUGELY overpriced and not worth the extra money, Gutty has nominated some good cables that would be every bit as good as anything Monster provide without you going broke buying them.