Thread: Common theme in LCD screens..

Originally Posted by spectrumzz

It's sad, but I'm noticing a common theme here after many days of reading. I started my project a couple of months ago and have yet to buy an LCD. First I wanted the Xenarc, but discovered the cables are usually flakey and they are too expensive. Then I discovered dscustoms, but same cable problems and people have trouble getting ahold of the guy and many DOAs, and finally on top of this, he is chronically out of stock until what may turn into October. So I couldn't get one, even if I ordered it. Then I find digital WW, which sells what look to be Lilliput screens, but the prices seem high and nobody actually seems to get their order (even though the website says they are ready to go, first come first serve). On top of this, it would appear the touchscreens are actually just kits and not built-in units for the digital WW. The photos on the website look like the screens are slapped together with electrical tape. Ok, so now I can't find any other options. It's either Digital WW, Dscustoms, or Xenarc direct. Only Xenarc is a commercial-level dealer with a good reputation, units in stock and a service department (but I'll end up paying big $$ for it).

for $400+ you'd think they would be made of higher quality materials, but then again...are these places REALLY in the business of offering a quality product, or in the business of making money?

See the common theme yet?

oh yes.


btw. be aware that because you require a high quality product not made of electrical tape and extra kitty litter box parts, you will be heavily flamed for being a 1 post newbie...as if the two have anything to do with the other. "hey he wants something high quality.....punk *** 1 poster newbie!!!"

Look below. I'm not angry with the groups opinion but I think you'll see the proof below that there are real issues and that the post (weather the first or the 25th) is valid. Many of these did not have solutions except to send the unit back or continue to wait for said product without an update. All of these came on the first page of threads and I saw a lot more of these than what I placed below. Don't be saying that its an idiotic post or that your "flaming" someone. Listen to him/her as you do others and respond in kind. I stated my opion as I get into this arena and I agree with some of what is said. No reason to be harsh....just state that DSCustoms is great or WWDigital is great and let it be........ Overall I see a poor customer response for Xenarc than any of the others.

What is great about this list is that you experts/semi-experts have been extremely helpful and literally have saved me thousands of dollars I would have waisted otherwise. So no hard feelings and thanks again for the support.

John, Newbie/Hardcore researcher.


Proof:
1. "I bought my screen directly from xenarc a year ago and I was suprised when I opened the case and things (wires etc) where attached by scotch tape, not electrical, to other boards."

2. “Now my $400 screen has crapped out. I cut the plug to hook up the screen to my vehicle.”

3. “After waiting 5 weeks for the 700TS to arrive plus £70.00 VAT I plugged into my own adapter 240v in 14v dc 0.8a out and all has worked fine for about 3 days then today the picture started flickering and a burning smell followed by smoke, I disconnected the power and am letting it cool down.”

4. “I bought a 7 inch touch screen from digww and when I turned it on all I got was a white screen. I emailed and got no response for 2 weeks, so I finally opened her up and found a ribbon cable that was not holding a secure connection. It took a lot of electrical tape, but it is holding for now... never did hear back though...”

5. “I *just* got my new GAIN 7" touch-screen monitor from Xenarc - ordered from xenarcdirect.com. I ordered the 700-TS (USB version).

It is DOA - I plugged it in, and nothing happens. My multimeter says the power supply is good, my intuition tells me I've been screwed again.
Xenarc's # is busy.”


and so on and so on........

I expect my RMA'd 700TS back from Xenarc on Monday. When I received it, the overlay didn't cover the entire screen. It was about an eighth of an inch short on the left side and the top side. The monitor could not be calibrated either. It was always an eighth of an inch off from where I touched with finger of stylus. I admit I was ****ed at the quality of a 500.00 monitor as delivered. I have been involved with computer hardware for the last twelve years. I know that sometimes manufacturing **** happens. But I have also noted quite a few complaints about quality from this company. (xenarc) Not any other company!!

I contacted them and as soon as I got them the receipt, they were willing to help me. Especially as I had purchased the monitor less then two weeks before applying for the RMA. I know that they sent the return monitor via UPS Three Day select. I appreciated that. When I get it back on Monday we'll see if they "fixed" the old or just sent me another. Other than those problems mentioned, I really like this monitor. The picture is wonderful. The mounting bracket could be improved, but maybe I just better find a better support for it. Tough in a little two seater. Oh Yea, I didn't open up the casing. I don't know how it was assembled. But I know that using tape to hold wires in place is not all that uncommon. Remember that they have no weight or pressure load placed on them, unless your going to take them out and use them as a leash to walk your dog!

Take Care
Peter

Originally Posted by C4M

Having bought screens from both Dave & Armen, I can vouch for the fact that although they are small operations, the service from both is fantastic.

If you're unsure about the quality of a supplier to whom you're about to send a chunk of your hard earned cash, take the time to send them an email to ask some questions. If they are serious/interested in their little business, then they'll get back to you. Bear in mind that they are little businesses - they don't have an army of email-bots sitting there waiting to hear from you.

One of the things that royally p155es me off is the fact that people launch their "I ordered via email 3 minutes ago and Armen/Dave hasn't called me yet" threads, simply because both suppliers post here.

Take a pill people, and take your troubles to the vendor - not only does your impatience give the impression of poor customer service (which is wholly undeserved), but it means we have to endure pointless threads like this one.

God I hope someone locks this thread. Deletion would be even better.

Which displays did you end up buying, and why did you buy two? Any likes or dislikes about them?

While I agree with you comments that people seem impatient, and perhaps all the posts from people about unresponsiveness from different distributors are unwarranted, there is a point here and from the replies, I'm glad I made the post. There is quite a spectrum of opinions here.

Originally Posted by HomeSpecial

Look below. I'm not angry with the groups opinion but I think you'll see the proof below that there are real issues and that the post (weather the first or the 25th) is valid. Many of these did not have solutions except to send the unit back or continue to wait for said product without an update. All of these came on the first page of threads and I saw a lot more of these than what I placed below. Don't be saying that its an idiotic post or that your "flaming" someone. Listen to him/her as you do others and respond in kind. I stated my opion as I get into this arena and I agree with some of what is said. No reason to be harsh....just state that DSCustoms is great or WWDigital is great and let it be........ Overall I see a poor customer response for Xenarc than any of the others.

What is great about this list is that you experts/semi-experts have been extremely helpful and literally have saved me thousands of dollars I would have waisted otherwise. So no hard feelings and thanks again for the support.

John, Newbie/Hardcore researcher.


Proof:
1. "I bought my screen directly from xenarc a year ago and I was suprised when I opened the case and things (wires etc) where attached by scotch tape, not electrical, to other boards."

2. “Now my $400 screen has crapped out. I cut the plug to hook up the screen to my vehicle.”

3. “After waiting 5 weeks for the 700TS to arrive plus £70.00 VAT I plugged into my own adapter 240v in 14v dc 0.8a out and all has worked fine for about 3 days then today the picture started flickering and a burning smell followed by smoke, I disconnected the power and am letting it cool down.”

4. “I bought a 7 inch touch screen from digww and when I turned it on all I got was a white screen. I emailed and got no response for 2 weeks, so I finally opened her up and found a ribbon cable that was not holding a secure connection. It took a lot of electrical tape, but it is holding for now... never did hear back though...”

5. “I *just* got my new GAIN 7" touch-screen monitor from Xenarc - ordered from xenarcdirect.com. I ordered the 700-TS (USB version).

It is DOA - I plugged it in, and nothing happens. My multimeter says the power supply is good, my intuition tells me I've been screwed again.
Xenarc's # is busy.”


and so on and so on........

Thanks John, that is a good summary for anyone who hasn't been reading the forum carefully. And this isn't the only forum where you will find posts like these. What sparked this is that my coworker bought a Xenarc and his cable wouldn't work at all unless he held it in place with his fingers while it was on. That was the point at which I began to question laying down $500 for a Xenarc. The Lilliput screens started to look good, but it's very hard to find someone that sells them nearer to the Chinese import price, which can be between $200-$275 USD per unit. I guess you can sit back and listen to people tell you that you should pay $550 for a $200 screen, but it can't possibly cost $300 per unit to import them.

Perhaps we should get together a group buy of Lilliput screens and touchscreen kits. The only question would be, where would we get the cases from?

Originally Posted by digitalww

Couple of questions for you:

Prices are high compared to what?
Where did you get that nobody is getting their orders?
Which photos look like the screens are slapped together with electrical tape?

All touch screens start off as kits and what is wrong with that?

Xenarc does exactly what we do except with more money.

Some how you made everything look so bad and unattractive. I am just not sure why there are so many satisfied customers

Hey Armen,

I'm not intended to be critical of your particular product; but if you'd like specifics, I'm referring to the in-dash LCD (which I was interested in) photo of the bright red cover with the black cable running into the mount. Why not use the black cover that it will ship with? I would assume you have at least one in stock to photograph, right? Why is the exposed flex cable wrapped in electrical tape? If the cable flexes everytime it goes in and out of the mount, it will wear out very quickly.

Thanks!

Originally Posted by phc

This is funny, business is all about making money. The only reason a busisness offers a quality product is to make more money. Some busisness only offer crap products, but do so to make money. Different approaches, differnet markets, but same goals.

i'm reffering to the third sentence above.

Unless you have a source for better and cheaper LCDs, I'll be dropping $400 in the next week or so.

i do, but there are certain undesirables i wouldn't want taking advantage of the deal...some people just cant play nice.

btw, those $400 screens are "probably" better, i mean...they cost more so they HAVE to be...right? if that offers any peace of mind.

i searched the net high and low for over a week, my suggestion is to check chinese/taiwanese manufacturers, a FEW will deal directly with you...we have gotten stuff directly for very cheap, but most refer you to a local reseller....where you will pay $400 for a 7" screen.