Subaru Outback Shopping: Dick Hannah Subaru Dealership Review

After having a horrible experience with Dick Hannah Subaru, this is the letter that I wrote to Subaru USA.  Their response appended at the bottom:

Hi Subaru,

This email is about a very bad experience that I had at a dealership: Dick Hannah Subaru in Vancouver, WA.  (7407 NE Vancouver Plaza Dr, Vancouver, WA): http://www.dickhannahsubaru.com/.  This is a very long email detailing all of my conversations/frustrations with the dealership.  Please read patiently and take the appropriate steps.

Living in Northwest, I always had a good opinion about Subaru vehicles, also through driving my close friend's Subaru.  As it was time for me to purchase a new vehicle (crossover SUV), I did my research, checked out the competition and finally decided that I would purchase a Subaru Outback Premium (initial preference) or Limited (current preference) 2.5i in one of the 2 colors of my choice.

Since I am a computer engineer, I did all my purchasing research online and checked with several dealers in the area that I lived.  I also did price negotiation over email.  Over emails, I was offered a real low price (below the invoice price, as quoted by truecar.com) by Dick Hannah Subaru's internet sales person: Chris McNamara.  I decided that I would go to the dealership and check out the vehicle and purchase. This dealership was one of the farthest dealership to my home.  When I drove all the way to them, the first thing that I was told by another sales person (Ron Mentek) that they don't have the vehicle and they would get it in 2-3 weeks.  I was asked to sign a purchase offer and pick it up in 2-3 weeks.  I was disappointed that the vehicle wasn't there and wasn't confident purchasing without seeing the vehicle.  Then he tried to sell me another vehicle (different color) with different pricing.  I walked out of the dealership unhappy.  I was told that they are getting another Limited Outback in 2 days and they would keep me updated.  As I did not hear from them for 3 days, I called them to find out the vehicle that they mentioned.  This time, I got to another sales person over phone(Ali), who said that I was given wrong information earlier and that they are not getting any such vehicle with those specs.  He said that he will keep me up to date on any upcoming Limited Subarus.

Ali calls me a day later (on Dec 30/31st) saying that he just got Subaru which is in the dealership and should be ready for purchase.  I negotiated the price over phone and said that I would come.  Thankfully, this time, I asked him if the vehicle would be ready to be driven out after purchase on the same day.  He said that he will check and told me that the vehicle did not have the fix for the recall issue (Master Cylinder) and that they will have it fixed by Jan 4th.  Then I mentioned that Subaru has the 0% APR financing (& also the Northwest MtHood Fusion Pass offer, worth $950) until Jan 3rd and asked if the dealership could have the vehicle ready by Jan 3rd.  He said that he would call, and he did not call.  I called on Jan 2nd to check on that, but could only leave a voice message, and also emailed the internet sales guy that I first contacted: Chris McNamara.  I got response on Jan 3rd morning saying that they will sell the vehicle without the recall fix and will only allow me to take the vehicle when they have it fixed.  I was never given a firm date when they will fix the recall issue, and when I insisted, was roughly given 2-3 weeks.  I asked if I can just physically see the vehicle, checkout the interiors and make the purchase on Jan 3rd to be eligible for the 0% APR and the MtHood Fusion Pass deals that were ending on Jan 3rd.  I was told that I can do it that way.  Throughout the day on Jan 3rd, though I was at my workplace, I did nothing work related as I was over phone, emails, etc with mutliple dealers (to purchase something to avail the expiring offers) and also because I never had confidence in Dick Hannah dealership.    However, I felt that I might be overreacting to the previous mishap and gave them benefit of doubt.  I checked on several details about the vehicle at Dick Hannah before I go to the dealership, like Mileage (7 miles), VIN # (4S4BRBKC8C3229980, for dealer Stock# S12324) and dealer add-ons, etc.  For each single detail, they took about an hour to get back to me, basically pushing me against the closing time of their dealership (8pm).  At 6:20pm, I decided that I would drive to their dealership and close the deal, irrespective of the final price.  I still was on phone with multiple (at least 3) sales person from the dealership (Chris McNamara, Tam, Ali) even while driving negotiating the pricing, dealer add ons.  Every time I call, I get different sales person saying that the other sales person is with another customer and that he can answer my question (takes all of my details, with no avail).  All of these 3 folks knew that I was coming to buy the vehicle with the above mentioned VIN#.  When I reach the dealership at 7:30pm, I was told that the vehicle that I came for was actually sold at 6pm to another customer.  Then they tried to sell me other vehicles (colors, models) at a different pricing. 

Basically, it felt as if they lied to me just to make me come to the dealership.   And considering the fact that I wanted to avail the 0% APR & MtHood Fusion Pass, I felt that they want me to purchase some vehicle from their dealership.  I was super pissed off and asked to talk to the manager (Curtis, i think).  He just listened to all my rants and said that he can not do anything about it.  One of the threee sales person that I was talking to earlier before coming to the dealership, said that he did not have the information about the vehicle being sold.  But it was hard for me to believe that all 3 sales persons did not have any information of this vehicle.  None of them even mentioned that there were other customers looking at the same vehicle & this was the vehicle that I have been enquiring about or shown interest for ~5 days continuously.  The following information from other sources solidifies my belief that they lied or tried to cheat me.

Earlier in the day, I was checking with all Subaru dealers in the area for availability of Outback Limited in my color of choice.  There was one dealer in Salem, OR (Jim Doran Subaru), who said (at ~4pm) there were only 1 in that color in any Subaru dealer within the 100 mile radius (as per the Subaru master database that he was looking at).  I asked if it was Dick Hannah Subaru that carried the vehicle and mentioned that I was planning to get it from him if I get the right price.  He said that Dick Hannah does NOT have it.  I even gave the VIN # that Dick Hannah gave me and the Jim Doran dealership guy said that Dick Hannah doesn't have the vehicle VIN# that I was given.  When I asked that guy if it was allowed to sell a vehicle whose recall fix wasn't done, the guy said that his dealership would not sell in that fashion.  Since, I had conflicting information, at that time, I decided to go with Dick Hannah in the hope that Dick Hannah wasn't lying (which in hindsight does not feel like).

Other issues with this dealership: Dick Hannah Suburu has very high user rating in citysearch review site: http://portland.citysearch.com/profile/41277732/vancouver_wa/dick_hannah_subaru.html.  They have a 5 star rating over 150 reviews. I took the pain of reading most of the reviews.  All of the reviewers in that site joined on the day they wrote the review and have only one review in this site, that of Dick Hannah Subaru giving glowing review to the dealership.  It's sad that a dealership which has been in existence for several years does something like that.

On the contrary, another review site, yelp: http://www.yelp.com/biz/dick-hannah-subaru-vancouver has a rating of 1.5 and all the reviews on this site (after going through my experience) seem genuine and from real customers.

Hoping that Subaru USA addresses issues like this and do whatever is appropriate to avoid such experiences to customers.  I can be contacted if you need any more information/specifics about my experience.

Thanks for hearing me.

- Raja Sandireddy.

Reply from subaru.com
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with me. Subaru values all of our customers and we expect our customers to receive a high level of customer service and satisfaction at our dealerships. I can assure you we will address your concerns with the dealership as we document all customer complaints and take that opportunity to improve the quality of service our customers receive at the dealership level. Although I am unable to change what has transpired I would like to take the opportunity to offer you $250.00 reimbursement towards Subaru genuine accessories should you decide to purchase a new untitled Subaru. Simply send me a copy of the invoice should you decide to take advantage of my offer and I will gladly issue you a reimbursement check. Thank you.

I purchased a remote starter and they promptly sent me a $250 check.  All in all, Subaru made me a happy customer.

Electronics: Car Shopping

Electronics: Car Shopping: Dick Hannah Subaru Dealership Review

Car Shopping

As I decided to upgrade my automobile, I (we) decided to purchase a crossover vehicle.
Checked out different models in the competion:
Hyundai Tucson:
    Pros: Cost, Great looking.
    Cons: Too little leg room in the backseat, Trunk space also less.
Honda CR-V:
    Cons: Never liked the drive feel of the vehicle.
Toyota Rav4:
    Pros: Great handling and symmetrical AWD.
    Cons: Did not like the looks of the newer models... too big (it's an optional 7-seater vehicle).
Acura RDX (test drove it just to compare what I am missing with the less costlier vehicles than this):
    Pros: Nice looks and handling.
    Cons: Cost.
Subaru Outback:
   Pros: Like Rav4, great handling and symmetrical AWD.  Most value for the price (outside Hyundai).
   Cons: not much, on hindsight, lesser availabilty in Northwest.

Finally decided to purchase Subaru Outback.

HDTV 3D: EyeWear

This post is a continuation of the HDTV purchase post & HDTV 3D: Blu-Ray player post.


Once I decided on Panasonic 3D TV, I just did a little bit of research on the eyewear as well: 

The free 3D Eyewear that comes packaged within the 3D TVs: TY-EW3D10 (or TY-EW3D10U, U is for Universal).

The only other 3D eyewear that Panasonic makes: TY-EW3D2 (L/M/S: Large/Medium/Small). This is a newer model.

3D10 uses a Coin-shaped lithium battery CR2032 / (Approx. 75 hours in a row).  Weight: 63g
While 3D2 uses Rechargeable lithium-ion polymer battery [charges through USB of TV/Computer] (Approx. 30 hours operation time for a 2-hour full battery charge). Weight: 40g
http://www.panasonic.co.uk/html/en_GB/287749/module/general/compare/products/displayResult.html?p=TY-EW3D10&p=TY-EW3D2ME

Both have Auto PowerOff feature, i.e. switches power off when kept aside for 5 minutes.

Panasonic is giving Avatar 3D bundle with every purchase of their 3D TVs.  The bundle comes with a Avator 3D disc and 2 3D glasses (these are the newer and better version of the glasses).

My personal experience after owning the TV for a month: they are comfortable enough to last a movies length.  They fit well over people who wear glasses (my friend who is bespectacled had no issues wearing them on top of his prescription glasses).

Note1: Every TV manufacturer uses his own technology (active shutter technology) for these glasses, so glasses from one brand can not be used on another brand TV.

Note2: Though the eyewear technology is proprietary, Samsung's 3D BluRay player will work just fine on Panasonic TV and vice versa.

HDTV Purchase

My research done during the month of November 2010 for a purchase of HDTV [quite detailed, and not necessarily the most neatly formatted/organized].

Which one to consider: Plasma, LED (ruled out LCD as LED TVs are the better version of LCD TVs).
When I went to store and compared the picture quality between top-of-the line Plasma TV (Panasonic P54VT25) and top-of-line LED (Samsung's UN55C8000) next to each other, the plasma TV represented colors much better and looked lot more natural.
Talking to different store personnel (several best buy stores, videoonly store) and looking up several websites, it was made clear that Plasmas are still the best for picture quality.  The blacks are lot deeper in plasmas. And LED TVs are much brighter (looks good for cartoons/text).  To me, the LED TVs has the same effect of doing a "Fill Light" in picasa picture edit, gives a faded out effect when compared next to a Plasma TV.  And Plasma TVs (work at 600Hz refresh rate) do a much better job for fast pace action (read sports) than LED TVs (240/120 Hz).
Then I was curious why is there so much hype/publicity for LED TVs while LED TVs are much more expensive than the Plasma TVs for inferior picture quality.  The answers that I got were:
1. LED TVs do a better job in bright living room atmosphere.  What I learnt is that Plasma TVs have come a long ways and most manufacturers have included anti-glare screens just for this.
2. LED TVs are much lighter and thinner... so, can be hung on the wall much easily.  The comparison we are looking at 3.5'' in Plasmas to 1.5'' in LEDs... The LEDs weight something around 35-40lbs, while Plasmas weight ~60lbs, but each manufacturer makes stands/wall mounts for each (plasma TV would project out a little bit more from the wall). I wasn't planning to hang it anytime soon. However, not a biggie to sway the decision.
3. LED TVs consume less power than Plasmas.  From cnet link:
For households that pay somewhere near the average retail cost for energy--11.55 cents per kilowatt per hour in 2009--and that watch near the average amount per TV--about 5.2 hours per day--the cost to watch a 50-inch 1080p plasma TV is about $64 per year in the calibrated light output mode (see How We Test). The average 52- to 55-inch LCD TV costs about $29 per year for the same light output, and, of course, smaller TVs use less energy. Sure, both electricity costs and average daily TV use are increasing steadily every year; however, those amounts still don't take a major chunk out of most household budgets. According to the Department of Energy, for example, the average refrigerator uses nearly $90 worth of energy per year.

At 5.2 hours a day, 35$ per year more for Plasma (as against LCD & maybe slightly higher as against LED) is not bad.

4. LED TVs are the newest thing out there... so?

So, it was clear for my scenario that I would go with Plasma TV saving some benjamins...

Then which brand: Panasonic, Samsung, LG, etc (Sony does not make Plasma TVs at all).

Reading up online, and talking to several store representatives, I learnt that Panasonic does the best plasmas out there... and with their recent acquisition of Pioneer Kuro engineers, they got even better.  [Pioneer Kuro was heralded as the best picture some 2 years or so ago, even better than the current TVs -- however much much more costlier.  PDP-5020FD  Pioneer Kuro TV (>$3000): 2008 model: Best black levels.
http://reviews.plasmatvbuyingguide.com/pioneer-plasma-tv/pioneer-pdp5020fd.html].

Size of the TV considered: 46'' or 50'' for my apartment living room.  Much of the research here is applicable for other sizes too (like 54'', 60'', etc).

Eventually purchased Panasonic P50VT25: This is a 50inch 3D TV and Panasonic's best/costliest TV (at 50'').  I purchased it at VideoOnly store which is quite well-known for TVs in Portland area for $1650 for the TV+3D bundle (BluRay player, total 3 3D glasses, Avatar 3D disc)... almost $150 less than the best buy deal for the same.

CNET rated the Panasonic P50VT25 as the best TV out there (for 2D viewing, though the TV does 3D as well with top quality).  The closest non-3D TV w.r.t picture quality from Panasonic is P50G20 (or the 46inch P46G20), P50G25.  The G-series also a 3D models: P50GT20, P50GT25.  However US does not have non-3D (i.e. 2D) series of V-series

Differences between several series of Panasonic Plasma TVs:

https://panasonic.ca/english/audiovideo/plasma/comparison2.asp

Differences between P50VT20, P50VT25:

VT25 has RS232C connection and ISFccc capability

The VT25 also offers ISFccc, a protocol to help professional calibrators home in on the perfect picture, and an RS-232 port for custom installations. Much like the 2009 V10 series, the VT25 has a 96Hz option to better display native1080p/24 content.

Pasted from <http://ces.cnet.com/8301-31045_1-10427983-269.html>

[same is the difference between P50G20, P50G25]

I seriously contemplated between the Panasonic G-series and VT-series just because the G-series was a 2D, VT-series was 3D and I did not care for 3D (and also did not want to pay extra for the 3D).  {did not consider any of the Panasonic lower end models like S-series, U-series or C, X-series: picture quality is not good at screen sizes of 46/50inch}
Here is a detailed list of differences (some 10 differences) between the 2 series:

Difference between P50G20 (or P50G25), P50VT20:

[source is comparison sheet from panasonic.com site for the above specified models]

1. G-series (including the 3D GT-series) have the contrast ratio referred as Infinite Black Panel, while VT-series have the contrast ratio referred as Infinite Black Pro [found little info about this].

Pasted from <http://www.hifivision.com/television/10199-panasonic-2010-plasma-lineup-launched-india-7.html>

The main difference between Infinite Black Pro and Infinite Black seems to be a better AR filter. Otherwise, the specs seem to be the same with 5M:1 contrast ratio. But nevertheless, there should be a difference in black levels and real contrast due to the better coating.

Pasted from <http://www.techradar.com/reviews/audio-visual/televisions/plasma-and-lcd-tvs/panasonic-tx-p42vt20-899970/review>

Regarding "Infinite Black": It certainly isn't the case that there is anything remotely amateurish about the contrast performance of the non-Pro version, but Panasonic claims that the latter incarnation delivers more consistent black levels

Pasted from <http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/1510885>

Regular User: The main difference between the V20A (asian model of V20) & G20 is the filter – the V20A has the better Infinite Black Pro (kuro like technology) filter whilst the G20 has the Infinite Black filter.

2. G/GT-series does not have the 24p Cinematic Playback mode [24p Cinematic Playback displays movies in natural, cinematic motion, allowing you to experience theater-like viewing at home ].. When asked at BestBuy store (Magnolia part of the store), the representative said that this mode is not a big deal... He tried & wasn't successful in switching to that mode on VT25 model.

Pasted from <http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10455653-1.html>

As we noted at CES, the VT25 will also feature a 1080p/24-friendly 96Hz refresh rate, just like the V10 series, while the G20/G25 will not.

Native 24p Playback explained nicely in the following link:

http://www.presentationtek.com/2009/09/10/native-24p-playback-vs-32-pulldown/

In summary, for quality matching that of the theatrical release one must purchase a HDTV which is capable of native 24p playback and match it to a video source capable of outputting a 24p video signal. Educated viewers will notice a difference in the quality produced by native 24p playback while the average viewer may not notice the difference. Finally, it should be emphasized that 24p does not guarantee perfection – only quality matching the theatrical release with any judder resulting from filming at 24 fps remaining.

Pasted from <http://forum.blu-ray.com/plasma-tvs/149103-panasonic-g20-vs-g25-vs-vt25.html>

3. Regarding VT's that got faster phosphors primarily for 3D: It's not just 3D that you get but faster phosphors than Panasonic's other plasmas giving you a better 2D pic.

4. Number of HDMI ports on G/GT-series is 3, while VT-series has 4.
5. VT-series audio output is 30W as number of speakers is 3 (as against 2 of G/GT-series)... That additional speaker is a woofer.  However, I don't think it does matter as the sound quality of any HDTV is not up there.

Pasted from <http://www.techradar.com/reviews/audio-visual/televisions/plasma-and-lcd-tvs/panasonic-tx-p42vt20-899970/review?artc_pg=4>

As flatscreen TVs go, the P42VT20, has pretty decent audio but despite the built-in subwoofer low frequencies don't have much more impact than the G20 models, which only have two speakers.

6. VT-series have BBE® VIVA HD3D Sound while G/GT-series do not
7. G/GT-series are 3lbs lighter at 57lbs as compared to 60lbs for VT-series (without stand).
8. GT-series has the 2D to 3D conversion, while VT-series does not.
9. In other words, only the VT25 series gets the Pro Setting menu found on the V10 and Z1 models from 2009, which offers a few advanced controls over the standard Panasonic TV menu found on lower-end models, and no 2010 Panasonic will offer the same level of user menu control as Sony, Samsung or LG, for example. Pasted from <http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10455653-1.html>
10. G-series has 42'', 46'', 50'' models, while the V-series goes from 42'' to 50'' (no 46'').
11. Price difference: G-series is probably $400 or so more than the VT-series.  However, when I purchased the P50VT25 tv, I got it for $1650 (a bundle of 3D bluray player: $100, 3 3D glasses:$300 and Avatar 3D BluRay disc:$45) while the P50G25 was priced at $1100... the price difference is almost made up by the bundle.

About the G-series:

http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prModelDetail?storeId=11301&catalogId=13251&itemId=459209&modelNo=Content08132010051333366&surfModel=Content08132010051333366&cm_sp=Homepage%20News%20And%20Press-_-PNA-_-08/16/10-Panasonic%20Expands%20Its%20Line%20of

http://forum.blu-ray.com/3d-hdtvs-projectors-displays/149856-panasonic-announced-new-late-august-3d-gt-series-models.html

Complaint about G-series:

The singular reported concern from some end-users "is a persistent hum coming from the rear of the tv. It's not earsplitting, still it's notable". A lot of the public who observe this challenge are regular gamers.

Pasted from <http://www.articlemarketing.org/article.php?id=329491>

Differences between P50G20, P50G25:

1. The sole difference between the G25 and the G20 series is the omission of the ability to connect a Panasonic security camera

Pasted from <http://hdguru.com/ces-2010-report-and-analysis-part-2-panasonic/1269/>

The G25 and VT25 models, but not the G20, will also work with the company's networked camera (wired BL-C210, $199; wireless BL-C230, $299) for in-home applications like security and baby monitoring.

Pasted from <http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10455653-1.html>

Pasted from <http://www.avforums.com/review/Panasonic-V20-TX-P50V20B-50V20-HDTV-Plasma-Review.html> 

About the model: P50V20 (looks like this is only available in UK)... This is the non-3D model of VT20:

Picture Quality

So with all the testing out of the way, it was time to see just what the V20 was capable of with normal film and TV content.

The first question people will ask is about the black levels and I am happy to report that they are the same solid and deep levels witnessed on the VT20. Once calibrated, there was a good degree of shadow detailing and the greyscale was rock solid (as seen above in the test area). When sat side by side with our reference Pioneer LX5090 there was little to distinguish between the two screens and only in completely dark surroundings could you see that the Kuro still had a slight edge here. However, in terms of TVs that are available to buy on the market today, the V20 offers the best black levels along with its big brother the VT20.

And its not just the black levels that excel on this plasma screen. Colour performance out of the box and calibrated is reference level with natural looking hues and tones, along with accurate and life-like skin tones. Again, when next to our reference screen, there is very little in it between this panel and the Kuro. There are however a couple of little issues worth noting. Colour banding with high gradation scenes, was a little more pronounced on the Panasonic and was also visible on a few faces here and there. This may not be a deal breaker, by any means, and would likely only be seen by videophiles looking for perfection. Overall the image quality, at this price point, is very welcome indeed with deep blacks, excellent colour and outstanding dynamic range. It’s clear that even when up against some great looking LCD screens this year, the Panasonic shows why plasma is still considered the top dog where picture quality is concerned. The V20 lives up to its best for movies marketing.

My experiences after the purchase:

Pros:
1. I have had this TV for a month and have been quite happy with the TV picture quality.
2. For 3D Viewing, I sometimes sit a little closer than normal as I feel the 50'' is slightly smaller size. And I like the 3D feel/motion of the TV.
3. The PC input, both through VGI cable and HDMI are pretty good... I was pleasantly surprised how good the PC's 1024*768 resolution (I guess that's the max the TV supports) translated to a 50inch screen.
4. The on-screen menus for adjustments seem to be straight forward.

Cons:
1. I have this TV connected to home LAN (not wireless). The quality of youtube in the built in app is not great (unless the youtube video is of real high quality). However the same video when played on a PC with the PC connected through VGA/HDMI looks much better. I am considering a laptop connected next to the TV all the time through HDMI and use a wireless keyboard/mouse [courtesy: Chetan].
   a. [note that only Panasonic's wireless dongle works with Panasonic's products or so was I told and should cost somewhere around $70 - did not want to spend that, so moved my router closer to the TV. Samsung TVs also need wireless dongle or wired connection. Most LG TVs come with built-in wireless].
2. The effect of 3D is only up until 12 feet or so... once you move past 12 feet from the TV, the 3D effect is lost and you have to move a little closer (~10ft or so) to the TV to re-establish the active shutter of the eyewear.
3. Hoped (however did not expect) that the TV would recognize iPhone and play songs/photos from the phone, but does not... Once connected, it only charges the phone. Not sure if other brands recognize iPhone. Maybe, Android based phones are recognized (did not try one).
4. VT- series do not have 2D to 3D conversion of the 2D content (Samsung TVs have and also GT-series have). Not a biggie, but only helps to show off your TV to friends without needing to pop-in a 3D (avatar) DVD into the player and waiting for that. When this 2D to 3D conversions happens in the TV, I noticed in the store that the depth of field is noticed only for limited content, like on screen text, etc.
5. I hoped that the start-up time of the TV is a little faster... takes about 15seconds or more to start & recognize the cable HDMI program. [don't know about other brands/models start up time]... certainly more than what I expected.
6. When using a external memory stick/hard-drive over the USB connection, it looks like it only recognizes specific video formats like mpeg2, AVCHD, but not standard formats like avi, divx, mp4, etc. However, it recognizes the generic photo formats like .jpeg, .bmp and music files (mp3). There are ways to convert your files to mpeg2 format and then some steps to make it work for panasonic TVs [see this link]]. Samsung TVs, on the other hand, work with most common formats out of the box. I could ignore this downside because of the bundle this TV came with... the Panasonic bluRay player the TV came with (BDT100), recognizes the generic video formats and plays them through the player's USB connection. 

Acknowledgement: Thanks to my friend, Singu, who patiently accompanied me for the store visits and complemented my online research.

Checkout other related posts: 3D:BluRay Player, Eyewear.

Do post your comments about things that I got wrong... or your own experiences.

HDTV 3D: Blu Ray player

This post is a continuation of the HDTV purchase post.  Also related is the post: HDTV 3D: EyeWear.


HDTV 3D Bundles:

Generally, the 3D blu-ray player that comes with the 3D bundle is low-end 3D blu-ray player of the brand. But generally, though the player is the low-end, but it will be fairly high picture quality (as good as the best non-3D blu ray player of the same brand).

The 2 brands of TVs that I considered: Panasonic, Samsung. Panasonic the TV that I ended up purchasing sweetened the deal by somehow obtaining the exclusive rights for the one 3D movie (Avatar) that I wanted to shell money out. The bundle comes with a Avatar 3D movie with 2 latest USB chargeable 3D glasses.

The BluRay player that BestBuy and VideoOnly are giving for free with the 3D TV of Panasonic 3D TVs is: BDT100:

About the player:

Info from this AVSForum link:

One item I wish this player had is a USB port in the rear to plug the optional wireless adapter into - the only way to use the wireless adapter is putting it into the USB port in the front panel which means leaving the font panal open all the time - to me this looks sloppy and requires the owner to remove the wireless adapter when the owner wants to use a USB stick to play content (BDT350/BDT300 does have 2 USB ports).

Info from techradar link:

Perhaps the first thing you need to know is that this player has been designed to work in an HDMI 1.4 environment. There's no secondary HDMI output or analogue audio bank to deliver lossless audio into legacy equipment.

It's been positioned at those who simply want to connect the player direct to a 3DTV; if buyers also hanker for lossless DTS-HD MA or Dolby TrueHD they'll need to spring for a new AV receiver with HDMI v1.4, or take advantage of an all-in-one system with ARC (Audio Return Channel).

Spec comparison of the 3 Panasonic BluRay players: Panasonic link

Snippets from above link: BDT350 has 2 HDMIs: one HDMI is v1.14 that works with 3D and other HDMI is v1.13 for legacy.

BDT300/BDT350 has HDMI JitterPurifier, DigitalTubeSound, HighClaritySound, PlaybackInformationWindow as per the above link. Also, they come with wireless built-in

Read this for nice review:

http://www.techradar.com/news/home-cinema/hands-on-panasonic-dmp-bdt100-review-708384?src=rss&attr=all

From the above review:

With its DLNA branding you might expect the BDT100 to smugly play all media across your network – but you'd be wrong. If you have one of this season's Panasonic Blu-ray recorders on your network, the BDT100 can access and play content from that machine. However it cannot play media across a network (even though it lets you browse to UPnP devices).

File playback only extends as far as an attached USB device. My standard assortment of AVIs and MKVs could all be played once moved to a USB flash drive.

Although supportive of BD-Live, the player has no internal memory onboard (so you'll have to provide your own).

Performance-wise the BDT100 dazzles like Christine Brinkley's dental work. It may not deliver the same video performance as the BDT300 (measurable characteristics are quite different) but I would still regard video quality as excellent.

Note1: 3D BluRay players can play regular BluRay discs and DVD discs, but regular BluRay players (like Panasonic BD65 can not play 3D discs).
Note2: Though the eyewear technology is proprietary, Samsung's 3D BluRay player will work just fine on Panasonic TV and vice versa.

Features I miss on iOS

Just some ramblings about my experience when trying out Android OS on Samsung Epic 4G phone (I have used iPhone for 2.5 years earlier).

To make my transition, these were the apps I used/tried:

1. I liked iPhone's screen dimming before completely blanking out. I used to hit the touch-screen whenever it dims if I want to keep the screen on for reading a long email/article. I did not find that as an option on Android OS... so I tried the app: Screebl - this app keeps the screen on based on the orientation and does exactly what I was looking for. [then I looked if such an app existed for iOS, but could not find].

2. Music

This will continue. [should be on it's own blog].