International Dynamics, the distributor of the Metz Caleo 47 LED television, believes that there were fundamental errors in our recent review of this TV. We have given them a right of reply. We believe in giving vendors or distributors a right of reply.What IDA claims is that there were fundamental errors made in setting up the television, and that we should have taken into account such issues as the following:
IDA: inputs are an industry standard for non-HD sources; they do not take the place of any newer inputs; they are still to be found on many source components in Australian homes.
SMARTHOUSE: During the past 24 months we have not seen or reviewed one single media centre, Blu ray player or source device for a TV that has Scart. This is a European technology that is not used by 95% of the manufacturers selling attach devices in Australia.
If Scart is on a source component in an Australian home the chances are that it is on an old piece of gear. Even Foxtel have eliminated Scart with the broadcaster claiming that 89% of the boxes that they have installed are Scart free.
IDA Said: “There is nothing in a Metz TV that makes it unsuitable for Australia. Having Scart inputs on a TV does not reflect any lack of consideration of our market”.
SMARTHOUSE: When we questioned the ease by which the Metz menu could be used to configure a Metz TV in Australia especially to a non Scart source IDA claimed the following.
IDA: The Metz menu system is proudly different to what the reviewer may be used to in Asian-based TVs. It has three user-selectable levels, follows a logical path, and has in fact won several significant awards in its own right.
Down-facing inputs on the rear of a TV are in fact preferable for installers. They ensure that cables do not protrude outwards, which is a big problem when wall-mounting a TV.
SMARTHOUSE: This may be so. Firstly most consumers don’t use an installer when buying a new TV and plugging in a Foxtel unit or Blu ray player. The lack of clear labelling on the back of the Metz TV, results in anyone attaching a device having to tip the TV over or crawl underneath it to get access to the cable input sources.
IDA: Metz employs a thorough input selection and assignation process that allows greater customisation than most TVs on the market. The Metz menu is different to others – this does not make it inferior.
SMARTHOUSE: When you can’t find in a menu, simple information on how to plug in a source device or Blu ray player or even a gaming console, we believe this is a problem.
IDA: One important point that the review could have made is that Metz televisions are only available from AV specialist retailers. IDA supports Metz dealers in delivering, installing and setting up Metz TVs for buyers – as such, many of the reviewer’s criticisms are irrelevant to buyers. They will not need to undertake any connection processes.
SMARTHOUSE: If a user goes out and buys a new Blu ray player for around $450, we do not believe that the majority of the market would want to call in an installer, at an average cost of $200, for a call out to connect a device.
IDA: Metz televisions are prized for their picture quality. Problems regarding picture quality were not queried with us, and will be the result of incorrectly set up connection.
Some Metz models certainly feature unconventional product design. Of course matters of aesthetic taste are entirely personal, which is why a qualification regarding the reviewer’s personal preference would have been appreciated.
If you have an opinion on this issue please let me know at: dwr@4squaremedia.com
