Be Wary if you Purchase a Sharp Aquos

I posted an earlier post about difficulties I was having receiving an
OTA HD signal on my new Sharp Aquos LC-32D40U. Here is the latest.

When I attempt to tune a HD broadcast using my Winegard 7015 antenna
with a Winegard AP-8780 preamp, the Sharp displays a message saying the
digital signal strength is too low. I am 40 miles away from the towers
and the antenna is pointed in the right direction (per antennaweb and
peaked signal using a RF signal strength meter [-1dbmV at antenna
before preamp]).

So I purchased a K-World USB ATSC tuner ($125.00) and connected it to
my old laptop computer. I was able to immediately lockk on to all of
the HD channels in the area. So I called Sharp to inform them of that
fact. Sharp continued to insist that the TV was working correctly and
refused to send a service tech to look at it.

So I purchased a HDTV Tuner Receiver Box ($200.00) and connected it to
the antenna lead that had been connected to the Sharp. I then connected
the s-video out of the tuner box to the s-video in on the Sharp. Viola!
I once again was able to get a sharp picture on all of the digital
signals in my area as well as one from a more distant station.

Again I called Sharp. Same response as before.

So I now have a $1000 HDTV with a supposed ATSC tuner that requires a
$200 set top tuner to receive a signal. I intend to take Sharp to small
claims court over their false claims in their warranty.

Just wanted to pass this on to those of you considering a HDTV
purchase.

Dennis

So I now have a $1000 HDTV with a supposed ATSC tuner that requires a
$200 set top tuner to receive a signal. I intend to take Sharp to small
claims court over their false claims in their warranty.

What part of their warranty covers this?

Warranties covers defects, not functionality of the product. If the
product doesn't perform to your standards, take it back.

The warranty is a one-year, inhome service warranty. If, as I suspect
the ATSC tuner is malfunctioning that would be covered by the warranty.
If a Sharp tech verifies that the tuner is working as designed and not
capable of receiving a signal based on my antenna configuration, then I
will return the TV.

Dennis

Larry Bud wrote:
So I now have a $1000 HDTV with a supposed ATSC tuner that requires a
$200 set top tuner to receive a signal. I intend to take Sharp to small
claims court over their false claims in their warranty.

What part of their warranty covers this?

Warranties covers defects, not functionality of the product. If the
product doesn't perform to your standards, take it back.

"Coogrr" wrote:
The warranty is a one-year, inhome service warranty. If, as I suspect
the ATSC tuner is malfunctioning that would be covered by the warranty.
If a Sharp tech verifies that the tuner is working as designed and not
capable of receiving a signal based on my antenna configuration, then I
will return the TV.

It may be that the tuner is just not good enough to receive signals from 40 miles away. Not all tuners are built equally.

Chip

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On 4 Oct 2006 07:55:31 -0700, "Coogrr"
wrote:

I posted an earlier post about difficulties I was having receiving an
OTA HD signal on my new Sharp Aquos LC-32D40U. Here is the latest.

So I purchased a HDTV Tuner Receiver Box ($200.00) and connected it to
the antenna lead that had been connected to the Sharp. I then connected
the s-video out of the tuner box to the s-video in on the Sharp. Viola!
I once again was able to get a sharp picture on all of the digital
signals in my area as well as one from a more distant station.

If you decide to stick with the external tuner, you are aware that
using S-Video is not carrying a HD signal to your TV, aren't you? You
need component video, RGBHV, DVI, HDMI, or firewire to get the HD
signal from the box to the TV.

Again I called Sharp. Same response as before.

So I now have a $1000 HDTV with a supposed ATSC tuner that requires a
$200 set top tuner to receive a signal. I intend to take Sharp to small
claims court over their false claims in their warranty.

As others have suggested, I doubt small claims court will get you very
far. If you're unhappy with the TV and have the ability to return it
then that is probably your best option.
--
Geoffrey Reynolds

"Coogrr" wrote in message
oups.com...
I posted an earlier post about difficulties I was having receiving an
OTA HD signal on my new Sharp Aquos LC-32D40U. Here is the latest.
snip

So I now have a $1000 HDTV with a supposed ATSC tuner that requires a
$200 set top tuner to receive a signal. I intend to take Sharp to small
claims court over their false claims in their warranty.

I doubt the warranty claims you will be able to pick up 40 mile
distant stations.

Just wanted to pass this on to those of you considering a HDTV
purchase.

How long have you had this TV? What was the store's return policy?
In August I bought a Westinghouse HDTV with ATSC tuner and it took
me little more than an hour after getting it home and setting it up
to know if it could tune into my area stations. I had already made
up my mind that if the TV did not perform with my existing amplified
indoor antenna I would return the TV. I gave it a week of shake out
taking account of weather and time of day variations.

Note: I did buy from a store Best Buy with a 30 day return
policy and no restocking fee.
--
Rick Evans
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Lat +42° 11' 07"
Lon -71° 04' 35"

Rick,

The store (BuyDig.com) does not have a return policy. I was told to
contact Sharp. I think it is defective. I just want someone to prove to
me that it is working as designed. I have gotten a good, solid signal
on two different ATSC tuners. That would seem to indicate the tuner in
the Aquos is not functioning properly. If it is indeed functioning as
designed, then I am stuck with a poorly designed TV and will use with
the tuner box.

Dennis

Rick Evans wrote:
"Coogrr" wrote in message
oups.com...
I posted an earlier post about difficulties I was having receiving an
OTA HD signal on my new Sharp Aquos LC-32D40U. Here is the latest.
snip

So I now have a $1000 HDTV with a supposed ATSC tuner that requires a
$200 set top tuner to receive a signal. I intend to take Sharp to small
claims court over their false claims in their warranty.

I doubt the warranty claims you will be able to pick up 40 mile
distant stations.

Just wanted to pass this on to those of you considering a HDTV
purchase.

How long have you had this TV? What was the store's return policy?
In August I bought a Westinghouse HDTV with ATSC tuner and it took
me little more than an hour after getting it home and setting it up
to know if it could tune into my area stations. I had already made
up my mind that if the TV did not perform with my existing amplified
indoor antenna I would return the TV. I gave it a week of shake out
taking account of weather and time of day variations.

Note: I did buy from a store Best Buy with a 30 day return
policy and no restocking fee.
--
Rick Evans
----------------------------------------------------------------
Lat +42° 11' 07"
Lon -71° 04' 35"

"Dick" wrote in message
...
On 4 Oct 2006 13:35:26 -0700, "Coogrr" wrote:

Rick,

The store (BuyDig.com) does not have a return policy. I was told to
contact Sharp. I think it is defective. I just want someone to prove to
me that it is working as designed. I have gotten a good, solid signal
on two different ATSC tuners. That would seem to indicate the tuner in
the Aquos is not functioning properly. If it is indeed functioning as
designed, then I am stuck with a poorly designed TV and will use with
the tuner box.

So you saved a couple of bucks and bought the tv over the internet instead
of a local dealer. It
sound like you have a defective tuner. Find out who in your area is a
Sharp warranty station and
take the set to them and let them determine if the tuner is defective.

Hopefully it was purchased from an authorized dealer. Many manufacturers
will not honor a warranty unless their products have been purchased from
authorized sources...lots of "gray" market dealers out there trying to make
fast buck.
Cross your fingers!
Bob

Group: alt.tv.tech.hdtv Date: Wed, Oct 4, 2006, 7:55am (CDT-2) From:
(Coogrr)
So I purchased a K-World USB ATSC tuner ($125.00) and
connected it to my old laptop computer. I was able
to immediately lockk on to all of the HD channels
in the area.
So I purchased a HDTV Tuner Receiver Box ($200.00) and
connected it to the antenna lead that had been connected
to Dennis
---
Sorry I really cant help you but you may be able to help me.
I would like to know where you bought your OTA HD tuners? I went out
looking for one today with no luck I tried BB Wal-Mart,AmericanTV in my
area.
I guess I can "search" the K-World one but you happen to know the brand
and model number of the $200 one?
Thank You Ray.

"Coogrr" wrote in message
oups.com...
"Coogrr" wrote in message
oups.com...

How long have you had this TV? What was the store's return policy?
Rick,

The store (BuyDig.com) does not have a return policy.

Hmm, and you dealt with them despite? Well you
might want to check with your state attorney general
and find out if state law trumps BuyDig.com's mealy
mouthing. Also, some local news stations sponsor "call
for action" desks which might be able to help you resolve
a consumer complaint.

--
Rick Evans
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Lat +42° 11' 07"
Lon -71° 04' 35"
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