[GreenKeys] Experience on this list

[hunybuny at eskimo.com]

Tell me 'bout it...


I have a flat screen / LCD / monitor.

Built-in is the OSD (on screen display).

It is accessed by pressing front panel buttons. You do not need a computer.

Within the OSD is function called "SLEEP".

SLEEP is used to have the monitor go into standby when it is not needed.

When you go into the SLEEP menu there are three things you can do:

  o Set the timeclock.

  o Set the time to go to sleep.

  o Set the time to wake up.


OK - are you with me so far? I know this feature is cutting-edge
technology from a thousand years in the future and many of you will
simply not be able to grasp it. Well - maybe NOT YOU - but for the
manufacturer's technical support people it certainly is.

I entered the sleep function. I set the clock. The next day the clock was
off by 30 minutes. Of course, before calling tech support, I ran some
tests to make sure it was the monitor and not me. I even disconnected the
monitor from the computer and put it on the kitchen counter and ran a test.
Same thing: off 30 minutes in 24 hours.

I've called T.S. 4 times now. You wouldn't *believe* the idiots I get:

(you can skip the rest of this post if you don't want to hear any more ranting)

(this is the dialog from the 4th time I called)
TS: What is the serial number and model number?
ME: (give it)
TS: OK - I have the service ticket. Let me read what's been happening.
ME: (wait 10 minutes)
TS: OK - what seems to be the problem?
ME: ??? - didn't you just read the service ticket?
TS: Yes.
ME: Do you support this product?
TS: Yes.
ME: Have you EVER SEEN one?
TS: Yes.
ME: Do you have the user's manual?
TS: Yes.
ME: OK - when I set the SLEEP clock it loses 30 minutes in a 24 hour period.
It loses 30 minutes in 24 hours whether it is connected to ANY of my computers
or completely disconnected or even sitting on the kitchen table plugged into
the wall but powered down. Do you understand that I just told you.
TS: Yes.
ME: OK - so there is a problem with the on-board clock. It probably needs to
be adjusted.
TS: Let me check on this...
ME: OK (can't wait for his answer - after the last 3).
TS: Hello, sir?
ME: Yes....
TS: That unit doesn't have an internal sleep timer.
ME: ??? It most certainly does. I thought you said you've seen one of these?
TS: Let me check on this...
ME: OK (can't wait for his answer now).
TS: I need to connect to your computer.
ME: I'm running Linux - and I'm not on the internet.
TS: OK give me your IP.
ME: That won't help: I told you that I'm not on the internet and I'm running Linux.
TS: Well - I can't help you without the IP.
ME: OK OK OK - it's 127.0.0.0
TS: OK - just let me connect...
TS: I can't connect to your computer.
ME: That's probably because it is not on the internet.
TS: ... (finally sinks in).
TS: Let me check on this...
ME: OK (can't wait for his answer now).
TS: The problem is with your Linux operating system. You need to call the
Linux vendor.
ME: It has nothing to do with the O/S. The problem happened even when the LCD
is not connected to any computer.
TS: The problem is with your Linux operating system.

I've been thru this 4 times now. I've asked for the address of a local
service center so I can bring the thing in and have them look at it. They
won't give me one. They tell me they're logging stuff in the service ticket
but each time I call we go over the same things (above) and they ask the
same questions over and over.

Yeah, - service isn't what it used to be. I was in technical support for
30 years and this new business model stinks.

UE,
W6ESE - tony
NNNNZCZC



Don Cunningham wrote:
> Man, are you right, Jack.  I have two, good experienced hands (also hams) 
> that were FORCED to retire early or lose all the benefits they had accrued. 
> You think it was bad, just wait!!  I had to show the last one out here in 
> the country where all the pedestals were!!!  I happened to have missed one 
> in the poison ivy and poison oak, so IF I ever have to get them out again, 
> I'll be sure to point it out for his pleasure, HI HI.
> 73,
> 

-- 
Tony j. podrasky | Oh somewhere in this favored land the sun is
                  | shining bright. The band is playing somewhere,
                  | and somewhere hearts are light. And somewhere men
                  | are laughing, and somewhere children shout - but
                  | there is no joy in Mudville - Mighty Casey has
                  | "struck out"