Tina L. Karbacka Corning Community College 1 Academic Drive Corning, NY 14830 December 8, 2011 Dr.

Gerald Ianovic Technical Writing Instructor Corning Community College 1 Academic Drive Corning, NY 14830

Dear Dr. Ianovic: Enclosed is a review of a consumer electronic product per your request to fulfill assignment 3. This report analyses three currently available 46 3D LED/LCD Flat Panel HDTV model televisions. This report will compare; price, product features, warranty, and service. It will include two primary sources and four secondary sources. Research for the purchase of this product will aid in the right selection as a Christmas gift. Several online sources, in-store retail sales associates, and an electronic enthusiast who also owns one were interviewed. Although each model has benefits and certainly can be an entertaining asset to any home the product found to be of greater value with the most features would be the Samsung. I wanted to thank you for reading this analysis and hope that it provided interesting research and the tools needed to purchase a 3D television for your home. It has been a pleasure doing this assignment. If I can provide any additional information or answer any questions you may have please feel free to contact me at (724) 496-5817 or email at tkarback@corning-cc.com.

Respectively yours,

Tina L. Karbacka

CONSUMER REVIEW OF THREE 46 3D LED/LCD HDTV MODELS

Prepared for Dr. Gerald I. Ianovic Technical Writing Instructor Corning Community College

Prepared by Tina L. Karbacka Technical Writing Student Corning Community College

December 8, 2011

Abstract This report compares current market prices, warranty, quality, and featured technology of a 3D LED/LCD television. There are many different companies that produce quality products with several similar features. When the top three rated brands with basically the same pricing and technology were compared, one was concluded to be of the soundest choice. A summary description of the main features and components are included in this study to prove accurate results. The three similar units that were compared are Sharp, Samsung, and Sony. They all have similar features and price providing fair and reasonable results. The decision is based on product reviews from online consumer digests, past customers, the personal review, and sales associates which led to deem one superior. It was determined that the Samsung would be the most cost efficient without losing quality or features. Factors that determined the decision would be the online reviews were very good, has all the features of interest, very good brand reputation, good sound quality, equal picture quality, equal warranty, had the best picture and was very user friendly.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TRANSMITTAL LETTER. TITLE PAGE . ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION.. Background.. Purpose..

i ii iii 1 1 1

Scope of Study. 2 Research methods 2 FINDINGS.. CONCLUSION REFERENCES 3-4 4 5

Introduction The purpose of this report is to provide a comparison of three television electronic devices valued in the same category. This report will conduct research on three name brand products of 46 LED/LCD HDTV sets with 3D. This report will feature a description, the main features, warranty and components of each selected products for possible purchase. The information researched was obtained by use two primary references, salespersons in electronic stores and online customer product reviews of owners of each brand. The use of three secondary sources was used from online sources to determine the best pricing and availability. This study will analyze the three comparable products and provide results of which is the best quality and value without losing features, and price to conclude the final product recommended for purchase.

Background This project was implemented as a requirement for Technical Writing assignment #3-Formal Report. It could not have come at a better time since I am currently considering the purchase of the product researched for a gift in our home. When in the situation to purchase an electronic devise there are many factors under consideration since technology is continually changing. Once the decision was made to make the purchase it can get very confusing to the average consumer. The hardest decision was the size and features that we felt were important. The first step the consumer needs to make is what size and features will work the best for their needs and a sound budget amount. Today, you can purchase a 55 LCD HDTV for under $700! The question is, do you need big or bells and whistles? After researching the options a decision was made to on a smaller size with the latest technology because features were more important to us and 46 has the features wanted, was in the budget and is bigger than what we have been comfortable with for many years prior.

Purpose This project will help the average consumer and the technologically savvy make a decision in the purchase of a 46 3D LED HDTV. This project will satisfy the request of the instructor and fulfill assignment 3 by completion of a formal report. The information is backed up by solid research to determine which product is the best quality and value.

Scope of study The scope of study is a 46 3D LED HDTV in the price ranging from $1,299 - $1,499 that are available to purchase within 25 miles of Elmira, NY area. Three brands will be compared for brand reliability, vertical resolution, sound quality, user-friendly remote, warranty, and price. First call of action would be to make the decision on the size and features of the electronic product for purchase. Research online to find three products most desirable and find out where to purchase them. Research online the specs and features of three TVs that can be used in this project. The project requires they be of close range in price and features. Read reviews online from several web sites that consumers reported. Ask fellow class mates and co-workers if they own or know someone who may own one of the products being researched. Manage time this week to follow through with the research needed to complete this project. Visit retail stores who carry one or more of the products to save time and conduct interviews with sales associates. Shop online and in retail stores for pricing information.

Research methods Consumer web sites were used to read reviews and to select three products for review. All three selected products were personally reviewed and discussed with retail sales associates working in an electronic store. An interview was conducted with a local owner of one of the three products and co-worker were asked if they had one or knew of someone who owns one and to ask a list of questions. Interviews were conducted with a few different sales associates and the following questions asked for their personal and professional opinion on each product; which one is the most sold in your store?, which one do you think has the best picture?, which TV would you recommend and why?, which 46 TV has the best sale price at this time?, Is a price drop

expected after Christmas?, and if a selected product was currently available for purchase. The three products were also personally reviewed for picture quality, userfriendly, remote ease, sound quality, price and availability

Findings The three selected television sets each have the following features 46, LED Flat-Panel, 3D, HDTV, 1080p, smart capable, HDMI Inputs, USB Port, Component Video Inputs, V-Chip, maximum resolution of 1920 x 1080, and all include an Ether Port. The product warranty is the same on all three brands. The features that are not the same will be individually evaluated and noted. The following brand names and models will be compared.

Aquos Quattron

Model #UN46D6900W

Bravia Model #KDL46HX729

Sharp Aquos Quattron: Brand reliability: In 1962, Sharp expanded outside of Japan and established Sharp Electronics Corporation in the United Statesthe company's first overseas sales base and in 1979 it set up the Sharp Manufacturing Company of America to create a manufacturing base in the U.S.1 They have been a leader in new technology however, is not leading with the people and with the interview with Best buy associates. Speaker output and sound quality: this set include the highest wattage 35 in the internal speakers, surround sound, smart sound, Dolby Digital, 3D effect speakers and truly produced awesome sound quality. Price: Best Buy $1,419, Sears $1,599, Amazon $1,296 plus S&H. Price was found to around the same in research online and inside Best Buy. Extra features: Does not have Internet, YouTube or Skype. Reviews: It appeared that people either had a great experience or a very bad one. Reviews were noted from sources online 2,3,4,7,8,9 . The great reviews noted easy to use, great picture, claims of the best picture quality of all brands, many reviews had other Sharp TV products and experienced little to none issues. The reviews that were not so good were down right bad. Many issues were reported with the pixels getting stuck, black outs, poor to horrible sound quality; shadowing and dark images were also reported. Interviews: I interviewed Matt at Best buy in Elmira 10. We compared all three of the television sets since Best Buy does locally carry all three of the selected products. Matt was very helpful in verifying the information that was found online. I later went back to

get a second opinion and spoke to Rachel at Best Buy. She straight up said do not buy a Sharp 11 Personal observations: I thought the overall picture and sound were great. The reviews were reasonable if you were lucky and purchased one that was not defective In Summary: Although the TV was good to me and comparable to the others it seemed that the some online reviews and sales associates were not impressed. I would not recommend this product. I find it very hard to purchase something that a salesperson said do not buy.

Samsung LED TV: Brand reliability: Samsung has become a leader in electronics and the company is strong. Speaker output and sound quality and sound: features included- this set include the highest wattage 35 in the internal speakers, surround sound, smart sound, Dolby Digital, 3D effect speakers and truly produced awesome sound quality. Price: This model is exclusive to Best Buy at $1,249, however a model with little change and only one SKU number off was used to review the product as well and the price ranged from $1,499- $1,519. Extra features- Offers internet, YouTube and Skype. Review- some issues reported with the pixels were slow to react. Most reviews were highly rated on sound and picture quality. Interviews: I talked to a co-worker, Bill 13, who actually owns this TV and he had nothing bad to say. I asked him if he considered another brand when he was in the buying process and he looked at the Sony as well but felt the $200 savings (at that time) was worth it to select the Samsung since the reviews were great and he thought the picture and sound was better.. I spoke to Rachel at Best Buy on this TV and she absolutely had great things to say and that she herself has the model under this one I was interested in. The sound quality and the picture are better than the Sony. 11 I also saw Matt at Best Buy and asked him if he thought the Samsung better than the Sony. He responded by they have the same exact features, warranty and he felt the picture and quality was as good if not better than the Sony. He also noted that the Sharp was not rated as well 10. Personal observations- I had to agree with Rachel, Bill and Matt. I felt the picture was crisper and the sound was good. He color was on target and I was impressed by the overall product. In Summary: The Samsung product was priced lower than the Sony and included all the same features. I felt that the picture was better than the Sony and the Sharp. The color and clarity was amazing. I would be comfortable with the purchase of this product.

Sony Bravia: Brand reliability: Sony has been the leader in electronics. The quality of a Sony has been second to none for many years. Speaker output and sound quality and sound: features included- this set include the highest wattage 35 in the internal speakers, surround sound, smart sound, Dolby Digital, 3D effect speakers and truly produced awesome sound quality. The sound was very impressive. Price: The cost ranges from $1,446 - $1,599. Extra features: Has internet, YouTube or Skype. Review: Some reviews reported too much time adjusting the picture to get a crisp perfect color, was not easy to use, other reviews felt the sound was not great and they purchased additional speakers to create better sound quality, the 3D was reviewed as best in its class. Most reviews were very positive and customers were very pleased with the quality, sound and picture. Interviews: I interviewed Rachel at Best Buy who said the Sony has a great product, she would recommend this but to look at the Samsung. Rachel felt that the Samsung had the same quality or even a bit better in picture than the Sony and the cost was a little less 11. Matt at Best buy also had basically the same opinion 10. I interviewed Ron at Sears and he spoke very highly of the Sony. He said the Sony hands down had the best sound and 3D features 12. He offered to help adjust the picture to make sure it was of perfect quality. Personal observations: I really liked the Sony. The cost difference from the Samsung model is only around $250 and they both offer the same exact features. The sound was a bit better on the Sony but I felt the picture was better with the Samsung. I also felt the Sony was more challenging in making adjustments and changes to features than the other brands in general. In Summary: Sony is the leader overall in reviews and brand quality. However, I feel they have some competition when comparing the Samsung picture and ease of usage. The price is not much of a difference but I think the Samsung is a great product with positive reviews.

Conclusion The product features, in person reviews with sales associates, personal inspection and an owner was used to decide on the best product. The facts recovered in the research made this decision difficult between two of the models. The Sharp was the least impressive in picture quality, sound and reviews. The Samsung had a few poor reviews as did all three models but it had the best picture quality and was the easiest to navigate in the adjustments. The written reviews online for the Sony product had very high ratings and the best brand reliability. The cost of the Sony was comparable to all three. The Samsung is available for purchase at Best Buy for $1,249. I believe for the price, picture and sound quality the best product would be the Samsung.

References

1) Retrieved from http://www.sharpusa.com/AboutSharp/CompanyProfile/SharpAndTechnologyHistory.asp x. n.d. 2) Retrieved from lcdtvbuyingguide.com/lcdtv/compare-reviews. n.d. 3) Retrieved from http://www.consumersearch.com/lcd-tv/compare. n.d. 4) Retrieved from http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Televisions/3DTVs/pcmcat205800050000.c?id=pcmcat205800050000. n.d. 5) Retrieved from http://reviews.bestbuy.com/3545/8949631/samsung-46-class-1080p120hz-lcd-hdtv-black-charcoal-reviews/reviews.htm. n.d. 6) Retrieved from http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=cat13504&type=page&pageIdentity=search Driven&useProductString=true&productString=1218310410578*1218339304593*12183 25303461*1218395162019&unProductString=1218310409154*1218329492229*121830 8261968*1218310758959*1218182337019*1218323795803*1218311140684*12183238 52874&catId=. n.d. 7) Retrieved from Product information acquired from BEST BUY compare product: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=cat13504&type=page&pageIdentity=search Driven&useProductString=true&productString=1218323852874*1218310410578*12183 29492229&unProductString=1218380508937*1218370888095*1218370887232*121837 0881820*1218349688088*1218349688773*1218323795803*1218310006976*12183059 98653*1218305996774*1218256946779*1218256944684*1218256957276*1218226126 819&catId=. n.d.

8) Retrieved from http://www.videoandaudiocenter.com/LC46LE835U-p/lc46le835u.htm. n.d. 9) Retrieved from http://www.bizrate.com/television-tv/2593862069.html. n.d. 10) Sales Associate Matt, Best Buy, Elmira, NY (personal communication, December 3, 2011) 11) Sales Associate Rachel, Best Buy, Elmira, NY (personal communication, December 3, 2011) 12) Sales Associate, Ron, Sears, Elmira, NY (personal communication, December 5, 2011) 13) Bill Peters, Samsung owner, Horseheads, NY (personal communication, November 24, 2011)