Clear Cast antenna gets an ‘F’; Send info on National TV Processing Center

By Robb Hicken/ BBB’s chief storyteller

Changes in advertising claims about ClearCast Digital HDTV‘s antenna hasn’t slowed the distribution.

More than 16,500 people have visited snakeriverbbb blog and over 1,600 people have visited snake-river.bbb.org since the product was reported on April 2012.  BBB conducted an advertising review of the Clear-Cast X1 Digital Antenna with Boise’s The WireGuys, a professional antenna installation and digital television conversion company. (See results here)

A new company has been reported selling the product: National TV Processing Center. A man posted a YouTube video suggesting

it is a non-existent entity.

A web search on the three major web browsers turned up the same search results.

A snakeriverbbb reader writes how she was excited about the invention but dismayed when she was told it was going to cost her $93 to hook up the Clear-Cast X1 Digital Antenna to other television sets in the house. She was working with National TV Processing Center.

While BBB and Clear Cast discussed advertising claim changes and/or claims substantiation about the ClearCast Digital HDTV, concerns remain. BBB tested ClearCast Digital HDTVs antennas and states it does give some channels without cable or satellite connections. However after testing, BBB found the product did not do as it is claimed in their ad.

Additionally, BBB inquiries show that because the headline claims that consumers can get rid of cable or satellite bills, consumers are under the impression they will receive the same type of channeling as  with their current provider, which the BBB found is not the case.

As of August 9, 2012, the company had changed its advertising to show the correct number of channels consumers can possibly receive.  The number of channels available is determined geographically but can be up to 53 channels.

The company has added disclosures that outline and explain what the consumers are actually getting, however the overall impression of the ad is different.

BBB reminds people the Clear-Cast X1 Digital Antenna from Clear Cast is a digital indoor antenna. The company claims this product can increase VHF and UHF band transmission. According to the company, Clear Cast is to use digital broadcasting technology for digitally equipped televisions. In order for consumers to receive “over the air” broadcasting and for those who are not equipped the company offers a converter box at a separate cost. Consumers should not compare the Clear Cast antenna to cable or satellite because it is not a cable or satellite service.

Canton BBB gave Brilliant Built Technologies, of Canton, Ohio, a BBB Grade of a F, due to a pattern of complaints indicating the product does not do as advertised and consumer refunds were not being received in a timely manner. Canton BBB has received 122 complaints in the past 12 month period, with  complaints about Sales and Refund Issues.

When considering using TV antenna’s versus cable or satellite TV, the BBB recommends the following:

• Location is everything. If you live in a valley or rural area, you will have fewer channels available to you than others who live close to a TV station.
• You will not receive all the same channels and programming as your cable or satellite TV packages.
• Different types of antenna’s provide different results; you can view all your options through the FCC’s website at www.fcc.gov/guides/antennas-and-digital-television.
• Make sure you are aware of return and exchange policies before making a purchase.
• Do not fall victim to sense of urgency claims. Make sure you research any product before buying.
• Contact the BBB to check out any business before purchasing a product or service at bbb.org.

Old sales tactic incorporated in new medical alert sales pitch

By Robb Hicken/ BBB’s chief storyteller

When the phone rang, 99-year-old Helen listened politely. In all her life she had been told to be courteous when answering the phone.

Today was an exception.

As the caller said he was from Life Alert, and that he had information for her or someone who she knew who had recently fallen. Helen’s stomach turned. The instructions to press a key on her phone pad for a free “Help I’ve Fallen and Can’t Get Up” medical alert system was the tipping point. She gently placed the phone back on the cradle.

This was the second phone call that day.

Later that day, during a visit with her 74-year-old daughter, Joan, the two exchanged odd glances as Joan recounted a similar call that very day. She, too, had hung up immediately.

“I was totally amazed,” says Roxane, a granddaughter who told this story. “What are the chances of that happening in Idaho Falls.”

Medical alert systems use various techniques to get people enrolled in the monthly billing programs for an emergency medical alert system, which has been paid for already.

A similar call goes like this:

“Hi, uh, this is John from the shipping department of Emergency Medical Alert, I was calling to uh schedule a delivery of your medical alert system, it’s uh the “fallen, and I can’t get up” type of system you’ve seen on TV. Looks like the system’s been uh recommended by thousands of hospitals and medical professionals, uh, let’s see, says here that the system’s already been paid for. Looks like you’re getting the system because uh either yourself, a friend, a family member or maybe even someone you know has experienced a fall in the past so uh again it’s already been paid for so there’s no cost to your whatsoever. Also says here that the shipping has already been paid for so to uh schedule the delivery of your Emergency Medical Alert System press 1 uh again to uh have your system shipped out to you press 1 now…press 5 to decline the shipment of your system….

BBB says beware – scammers are after your address.  DO NOT give out any personal or financial information over the phone or the Internet to people you do not know. This system of mailing you merchandise you did not order is part of cash on delivery or extended contract scams.

Simple solution is hanging up. A valid company is not going to play on your emotions or pressure you to buy or accept something. If you believe this a valid call and it’s an institution that you deal with, call or go to your local branch to make sure that it is valid.

The Federal Trade Commission says, “If the recording is a sales message, and you haven’t given your written permission to get calls from the company, the call is illegal.”

Red flags:

• The caller or automated message tries to create a sense of panic. In this case, the call alarms seniors by describing a situation where they are incapacitated at home and cannot call for help. Watch out for calls that push for immediate action.
• Promises of something for free. Be wary of “free” offers that ask you to pay a handling fee or other charges.
• Implies an endorsement from a well-known organization. In this case, the call claims the American Heart Association and the “American Diabetic Association,” which is really the “American Diabetes Association”, endorse the alarm system.
• Spoken errors. Just as phishing emails often contain misspellings and grammar errors, scam calls can have similar errors, such as referring to the American Diabetes Association as the “American Diabetic Association.”
• No legitimate contact information. Any legitimate business should be able to give you detailed contact information, such as an address or website.

Expo sales can sometimes leave you warrantee wanting

By Robb Hicken/ BBB’s chief storyteller

Who doesn’t like to strip down, put on a swim suit and jump into a spa or pool when the summer heat is on?

That’s what expo, tent, and specialty sales promotional materials are betting on. But, BBB reminds people to be educated when shopping.

“You just have to remember these events are designed to make the sale; today!” says Dale Dixon, CEO for Better Business Bureau serving the Snake River Region. “Their advertising promotes great savings, but at what cost to the buyer?”

BBB urges people to inform themselves on what to look for when buying at a big blowout sale. Consider the following questions to ask:

1. Do you run a showroom in my local area?
2. How long have you been in business?
3. Who do I call for a service or repair issue?
4. What is your cancellation policy?

Also, know the differences between spas and hot tubs. In hot tubs, the bubbling water comes from around the seats. In most spas, the bubbling water comes up directly through the floor and seats. If you are seriously thinking of buying a hot tub or spa, check with friends, colleagues or neighbors who own or have used them. Ask for their impressions and whether you can try out their facilities. Check bbb.org.

It is a good idea to find several dealers and arrange to try out a number of models. Most dealers will set up a trial soaking. Ask several dealers to give a written list of contract specifications.

“Remember, when you attend an expo or sale, you probably won’t be allowed to jump into a spa to demo it,” Dixon says.  “You wouldn’t buy a car without doing a test drive, would you?”

The contract should include: an installation date, completion date with allowance for delays, schedule of payments, explicit specification for size, shape and materials to be used.

David Beale, owner of Spectra Productions that produces many local shows, says it’s important to be cautious when out-of-state sellers set up temporary shop in Idaho. While Spectra has no affiliation with the spa sale at the fairgrounds this weekend, Beale says it’s important to remember that retailers based in other parts of the country may not be able to give the same level of service after the sale as a local company.

This week (May 24-26), Idaho Hot Tub & Swim Spa Blowout is at the Idaho Expo Center in Boise. Canadian-based Sub Zero Spas and Hot Tubs is producing the two-day expo. The advertising professes to be the largest show with Idaho connections. It’s website has coupons/discounts promising discounts as much as 50% off, and no mention of installation costs, power requirements or pad development or shape locations.

“Like so many items, BBB encourages people to buy locally,” Dixon says.

Beale joins BBB in encouraging people to thoroughly research a business and make an educated buying decision and not give into an intense sales pitch at a weekend event.