Amazon Vine Program erodes credibility and drives up price. I became aware that Amazon rewards select reviewers with free product such as today's Gold Box Visio 47 inch LCD TV. All 20 reviewers gave this item absolutely glowing reviews! Surprising? No, I suppose I would do the same but are the reviews credible? No, I think not. I also can't help thinking how much lower the price for all could be if they didn't give these $600 sets away. Do you agree? Amazon Vine Program erodes credibility and drives up price. I became aware that Amazon rewards select reviewers with free product such as today's Gold Box Visio 47 inch LCD TV. All 20 reviewers... » Read More Amazon Vine Program erodes credibility and drives up price. I became aware that Amazon rewards select reviewers with free product such as today's Gold Box Visio 47 inch LCD TV. All 20 reviewers gave this item absolutely glowing reviews! Surprising? No, I suppose I would do the same but are the reviews credible? No, I think not. I also can't help thinking how much lower the price for all could be if they didn't give these $600 sets away. Do you agree? « Show Less
786395
$600 for a 47 inch LCD TV with the specs that it has IS a decent deal. Regardless of the reviews being from vine I have purchased this item. If I am unhappy with it I will return it. I don't understand what is the big deal here. If you are not happy with an item you have bought return or exchange it! It is that simple people.
786396
Actually if you've done any googling you would have found out that there are 1000s of Vine reviewers currently and you only need to have one or two reviews to get invited. There is also some analysis out there that looks at how Vine products rate versus these peoples normal reviews. Turns out about the same averages. Personally, I think most people are honest enough to try to do a good job. Then again, most people view the actions of others as they themselves would react. Thus I think they're honest, because I am. You think they are cheats because...
786397
All I can add is that based on the reviews and today's price, I have just purchased this TV. No gift, no added discounts, I bought it based on Vine reviews and price.
786398
L. Berry...not all Vine people were offered this TV in their targeted newsletter.....If I HAD been offered one, I would have chosen it...there are 1000's of people in Vine, yet only 25 to 30 of these Vizios were offered in Vine. Not enough to go around to everyone in Vine. On newsletter day, you had better be online at 3 PM or you don't get anything but books or bandaids, or even TP.Oh, and BTW, Amazon can ask for our Vine items back at any time, they are really not ours to keep.
786399
I'm a Vine reviewer and have submitted plenty of negative and mediocre reviews. I think if a reviewer were to be "fired" for negative reviews, the public would hear about it loud & clear! Since Vine still uses my services, I think I am the proof that there is no grade-shopping going on! Unfortunately, I never saw this item offered to Vine participants, but I think I will purchase one today. I appreciate the Vine reviews and do not consider them artificially inflated.
786400
One of the one star reviews was not a review, but was somebody pointing out that the reviews must be "fixed" b/c they're part of the Vine program. This is the first I've heard of the program, but not that Amazon has not deleted this faux review which gave this sale product one star when the reviewer makes no mention of purchasing the TV. That kind of thing makes it hard to believe that Amazon is dealing in a shady way. At most, maybe they got this TV in the hands of reviewers who tend to give more positive reviews. Still, if it was a POS, they would have said so. Kind of hard to wade through the B.S. here and come to the correct conclusion. I'm still not certain. One of the one star reviews was not a review, but was somebody pointing out that the reviews must be "fixed" b/c they're part of the Vine program. This is the first I've heard of the program, but not that Amazon has not deleted this faux review which gave this sale product one star when the reviewer makes no mention of purchasing the TV. That kind of thing makes it hard to believe that Amazon is dealing in a shady way. At most, maybe they got this TV in the hands of reviewers who tend to give more positive reviews. Still, if it was a POS, they would have said so. Kind of hard to... » Read More One of the one star reviews was not a review, but was somebody pointing out that the reviews must be "fixed" b/c they're part of the Vine program. This is the first I've heard of the program, but not that Amazon has not deleted this faux review which gave this sale product one star when the reviewer makes no mention of purchasing the TV. That kind of thing makes it hard to believe that Amazon is dealing in a shady way. At most, maybe they got this TV in the hands of reviewers who tend to give more positive reviews. Still, if it was a POS, they would have said so. Kind of hard to wade through the B.S. here and come to the correct conclusion. I'm still not certain. « Show Less
786401
You are wrong. Example. Find this product on Amazon. "Maui (Lonely Planet) [Paperback]:"Nine Vine reviewers gave this item from 1 to 3 stars. Others gave it 5 stars. I gave it 3. Amazon doesn't want unhappy customers. Vine reviewers can spot a problem, and make potential buyers aware of it, before they spend their money. Most of the items are good to VG. That's why reviews are generally high. That's also the value in the Vine program.
1321792
It is interesting how Amazon is having this and other Bravia TV's 'on sale' on March. They say they have taken $300 off the price but the price is actually gradually going up ... two days ago when the ad first came out this 52" TV was $1699 (still higher than the $1450 or $1650) and now it is $1719. I really wanted to get it when it was lower and do not like this jacking the price around and claiming 'sale' when it has not gone down at all this month -- only Up, Up, Up!
1721621
I'd have to disagree with rebel 116 there. Not so much about the dwindling worth of the $ (although actually has been somewhat rising in the past couple of weeks), but about whether to wait or not. My advice would be to wait. I recently read a study report that says the prices of HDTV's, blu-ray players and the like will be dropping like a stone as the holidays get closer. And actually, I've already seen some of this price drop. I've been planning on buying the Sony BDP-s350 blu-ray player, since it's pretty much the highest rated VS price value BR player out right now. (I've been watching it at theNerds.com, sorry Amazon, but they have the cheapest price) The price has dropped almost $80 since I last checked it! (Now only $243) These trends are predicted to continue through the holidays into early next year, so I'd wait for that bonus and get one awesome TV and maybe have some $ left over in the bargain!
814831
What James said. For what it's worth, I'm a Vine program member here to order (at my own expense) a second of these to replace one that just died after about a year (it's too cheap to worry about trying to pursue some kind of warranty if there is one). I honestly don't remember if I got the first one on the Vine program or not. Viners don't really have any incentive to pull punches; in fact I try to be as picky as possible with a Vine review. As James said, I only request products I really want so of course that means I'm probably predisposed to like them - but that doesn't mean I'm going to lie about them. What James said. For what it's worth, I'm a Vine program member here to order (at my own expense) a second of these to replace one that just died after about a year (it's too cheap to worry about trying to pursue some kind of warranty if there is one). I honestly don't remember if I got the first one on the Vine program or not. Viners don't really have any incentive to pull punches; in fact I try to be as picky as possible with a Vine review. As James said, I only request products I really want so of course that means I'm probably predisposed to like them - but that doesn't mean I'm going... » Read More What James said. For what it's worth, I'm a Vine program member here to order (at my own expense) a second of these to replace one that just died after about a year (it's too cheap to worry about trying to pursue some kind of warranty if there is one). I honestly don't remember if I got the first one on the Vine program or not. Viners don't really have any incentive to pull punches; in fact I try to be as picky as possible with a Vine review. As James said, I only request products I really want so of course that means I'm probably predisposed to like them - but that doesn't mean I'm going to lie about them. « Show Less
382834
I bought that Sharp TV 3 days ago and at the time of check out I was surprized by the offer for a free Blu Ray player. Put it in your cart and see what happens. I did not know about the promotion, so it was a complete freebie to me
878413
I picked mine up through Costco and have also noted that it's not on their website right now, odd. It was 1,399 w/ free shipping and it is the best TV I've ever seen. You'd have to pry it out of my cold dead hands.
1097514
That is the real question This vs Vitamix or BlendTecLooks like most of the reviewers in the Amazon Vine program have not used/bought high end blenders like Vitamix/Blendtec and give their glowing reviews comparing to a typical <$100 low powered blender, typically a $40-$60 Oster blender. Hence most of the Vine reviews are useless since they got a high end blender for free and compare their experience to a $50 blender. The real useful review would come from an existing owners of one of those high priced blenders who paid real money to get this and the other one, do not benefit from sales commissions for marketing the other ones, and have ability to compare them side by side. That is the real question This vs Vitamix or BlendTecLooks like most of the reviewers in the Amazon Vine program have not used/bought high end blenders like Vitamix/Blendtec and give their glowing reviews comparing to a typical <$100 low powered blender, typically a $40-$60 Oster blender. Hence most of the Vine reviews are useless since they got a high end blender for free and compare their experience to a $50 blender. The real useful review would come from an existing owners of one of those high priced blenders who paid real money to get this and the other one, do not benefit from... » Read More That is the real question This vs Vitamix or BlendTecLooks like most of the reviewers in the Amazon Vine program have not used/bought high end blenders like Vitamix/Blendtec and give their glowing reviews comparing to a typical <$100 low powered blender, typically a $40-$60 Oster blender. Hence most of the Vine reviews are useless since they got a high end blender for free and compare their experience to a $50 blender. The real useful review would come from an existing owners of one of those high priced blenders who paid real money to get this and the other one, do not benefit from sales commissions for marketing the other ones, and have ability to compare them side by side. « Show Less
201558
I see this stuff all the time, makes me mad. I think the purpose is to make it look like you are getting a huge discount and a really great deal by showing the suggested retail price, which no one ever really pays in real life, against the selling price. It's a gimmick I am sure. Be smart people, when you see stuff like that, it may not always be as big a bargin as it appears to be. Having said that, I did purchase one for a gift so we shall see if it is even worth the $24.99.
1355048
Now this thing is up to $1606? is everyone seeing this same price? Why in the world is the price rising like this in $50 chunks? It's like they are trying to make us buy the LNA46750 ($1630 or so). Makes no sense to me...there are apparently many TV buyers at the ready if Amazon wasn't jerking the price all over the place. If they don't get things straightened out shortly, I'll buy it over at Newegg. They're pretty reputable from what I understand, and the Newegg price of $1529 (free shipping) is looking better by the minute - though product appears to be on backorder or something over there. Patience will be a virtue here I guess. Now this thing is up to $1606? is everyone seeing this same price? Why in the world is the price rising like this in $50 chunks? It's like they are trying to make us buy the LNA46750 ($1630 or so). Makes no sense to me...there are apparently many TV buyers at the ready if Amazon wasn't jerking the price all over the place. If they don't get things straightened out shortly, I'll buy it over at Newegg. They're pretty reputable from what I understand, and the Newegg price of $1529 (free shipping) is looking better by the minute - though product appears to be on backorder or something over... » Read More Now this thing is up to $1606? is everyone seeing this same price? Why in the world is the price rising like this in $50 chunks? It's like they are trying to make us buy the LNA46750 ($1630 or so). Makes no sense to me...there are apparently many TV buyers at the ready if Amazon wasn't jerking the price all over the place. If they don't get things straightened out shortly, I'll buy it over at Newegg. They're pretty reputable from what I understand, and the Newegg price of $1529 (free shipping) is looking better by the minute - though product appears to be on backorder or something over there. Patience will be a virtue here I guess. « Show Less
1355044
Very good points. I noticed the 630 last night actually was in the $1400s. It seems to have been raised over night.I'm not in marketing, but it seems to me they adjusted the 630's price in order to make the 650 appear as if it is a good deal. Which don't get me wrong. $1550 is a great price for this TV based on other suppliers. However, it's illogical that they are raising the price unless they are simply trying to make more money or are getting low on stock. Either way, like you Stratixman, I won't buy it from amazon at this price. I had planned to use amazon but if they don't lower it back to where it was a week ago, I'll be using newegg. I'll give it a couple days but after that, newegg will have my business. Very good points. I noticed the 630 last night actually was in the $1400s. It seems to have been raised over night.I'm not in marketing, but it seems to me they adjusted the 630's price in order to make the 650 appear as if it is a good deal. Which don't get me wrong. $1550 is a great price for this TV based on other suppliers. However, it's illogical that they are raising the price unless they are simply trying to make more money or are getting low on stock. Either way, like you Stratixman, I won't buy it from amazon at this price. I had planned to use amazon but if... » Read More Very good points. I noticed the 630 last night actually was in the $1400s. It seems to have been raised over night.I'm not in marketing, but it seems to me they adjusted the 630's price in order to make the 650 appear as if it is a good deal. Which don't get me wrong. $1550 is a great price for this TV based on other suppliers. However, it's illogical that they are raising the price unless they are simply trying to make more money or are getting low on stock. Either way, like you Stratixman, I won't buy it from amazon at this price. I had planned to use amazon but if they don't lower it back to where it was a week ago, I'll be using newegg. I'll give it a couple days but after that, newegg will have my business. « Show Less
1248523
Yup, Vizio's website say it's in stock and they're discontinued all their older 55" line.Encouraging indeed, just for grins I put the 554 in Vizio's shopping cart there was a CA tax charge of $144 and of course Costco would have to add CA taxes also so I'm sticking with my Amazon purchase... no taxes and free shipping.Btw, I screwed up the title of this discussion threat "Vizio" of course not "Visio" my bad.
1811378
Retailers will always try to tell you that Monster is best because they make such an enormous amount of profit if you buy that $99 cable. Think about it, if you owned a retail store, would you rather sell a $10 cable, or a $99 cable. You can't blame them for trying but "buyer beware" is in order. Lifetime Warranty? Seriously, for $99? Considering they are 10x the price of what a quality cable should cost, the lifetime warranty is irrelevant. If you would be willing to pay 10x the price of a blu-ray player or any other product, I'm sure they would offer a offer you a lifetime warranty on those too. Monster has the retailers sucked in because of how much potential profit there is to be made. "buyer beware"! It's all Monster marketing. And they are super good at it. As to your second question, there is no such thing as a 1080 cable. The only differences in cables are Standard Speed (Category 1) and High Speed (Category 2). The difference between Standard Speed and High Speed is that High Speed is guaranteed to throughput 1080p. Standard Speed may also throughput 1080p but it is not guaranteed to do so. As to "Hertz" or more accurately "refresh rates", the refresh rate is done inside the TV. The cable has nothing to do with it so long as it is capable of throughputting enough information so that the TV can receive enough information to refresh at the specified refresh rate. That said, any High Speed HDMI cable is capable of the refresh rates of any TV currently being produced. While that may change in the future, to my knowledge it is simply an irrelevant consideration. @Russell, you should not accept a distorted picture. It unacceptable and, assuming you have confirmed its the cable and not the dvd player or the settings, clearly you should call the people that sold you the cable and get it replaced free of charge.
53174
I had been watching this one for about 3 weeks and was offered by Amazon. How do you know they are EXACTLY the same? All of a sudden price jumped and is offered by horizon. User ratings make up 75% of my purchasing decision. And only ten reviews really doesn't spur my confidence.
2242917
I admittedly came very close to pulling the trigger on this TV this past weekend. However, another $200 off an already competitive price seemed too good to be true. So I read the fine print on this supposed "rebate". I also visited some other retailers' websites, including Samsung's. Everyone else is promoting it as a "reward certificate" for Mounted Memories products only. It is NOT being advertised as a cash rebate at all. For Amazon to advertise $200 cash off the sale price is very misleading. They need to correct this immediately. I look forward to hearing Amazon's response to this.UPDATE: Looks like the "rebate" was taken down within the last hour. I hope Amazon took care of you guys. I admittedly came very close to pulling the trigger on this TV this past weekend. However, another $200 off an already competitive price seemed too good to be true. So I read the fine print on this supposed "rebate". I also visited some other retailers' websites, including Samsung's. Everyone else is promoting it as a "reward certificate" for Mounted Memories products only. It is NOT being advertised as a cash rebate at all. For Amazon to advertise $200 cash off the sale price is very misleading. They need to correct this immediately.... » Read More I admittedly came very close to pulling the trigger on this TV this past weekend. However, another $200 off an already competitive price seemed too good to be true. So I read the fine print on this supposed "rebate". I also visited some other retailers' websites, including Samsung's. Everyone else is promoting it as a "reward certificate" for Mounted Memories products only. It is NOT being advertised as a cash rebate at all. For Amazon to advertise $200 cash off the sale price is very misleading. They need to correct this immediately. I look forward to hearing Amazon's response to this.UPDATE: Looks like the "rebate" was taken down within the last hour. I hope Amazon took care of you guys. « Show Less
208546
I just bought this TV yesterday and noticed it went up a couple $$ today. Don't worry about the timing though because Amazon has price guarantee for 30 days. They'll refund you the difference (is what I've read) if the price goes down within the 30 day time frame.
377091
Thank you for noticing! I thought I was the only one who questioned this. I would never have known if I hadn't tried to order one for my mom's birthday because she liked mine so much. I nearly dropped my teeth when it was listed at $119.00. I checked the next day and it was $249.00! In addition, there was a new seller. It appears as if the second seller bought out the first one. Other sites seemed to have their stock dried up as well. When I bought mine Amazon sold it and I used my prime membership to save on shipping. Seems like someone figured out a dirty little way to scam us. I wonder how many other low profile products are going the same way. I called customer service. I did not get a satisfactory response, so I e-mailed them just now. I hope they take notice.
410292
Yeah, I too started looking at the TV after seeing the consumer reports review. Was going to buy it at $900, but after seeing Amazon drop the listed price by $100 and increase their price by $60 I've decided to wait. (I wonder if the consumer reports review led to an increase in demand).Since then I've seen a review or two that listed the SD quality as the TV's greatest weakness, so I'm trying to figure out what the actual consensus is.