shopping fail rewarded

[susandennis]

I wanted a bigger TV with a better remote/input operation and I wanted that Roku remote that you can plug earbuds into - private listening.

I finally settled on TCL after spending a lot of time sussing out that their setup met all of my stringent criteria. (I pick cars by the colors and cup holders and I pick TVs by where the various ports are and how they handle input selection. Hey it works for me.)

TCL has two 55" C models which I did not realize. I just discovered that the one I ordered is the wrong one. FUCK!!! I ordered the one without the earbud remote. FUCK!! Ok. Yes, it's Amazon. To be fair to me Amazon's page is incorrect. It clearly states that the one I bought has the correct remote but I know it does not.

So. I can cancel the order, pay $100 more and order the other one and wait until the end of next week which is the soonest the other model will get here. FUCK!

The earbud remote thing is big because I can turn up the volume and hear better - particularly the British shows - and do so without sound bleeding into my neighbor's.

I did some investigation. Can I just get (or have Amazon get for me for free) the fancy remote and use it on the new TV? Nope, won't work. BUT, wait! Here's an idea. The private listening feature works with the phone app. BINGO! I can plug earbuds into my phone, fire up the Roku app and get the same thing as the fancy remote!!! And even better because no new hardware to clutter up my TV watching chair area.

I do think I'm going to bitch to Amazon about the webpage showing the wrong info. I will ask for a month of prime in lieu of returning the TV. We both win.

HA! I just got a spam call on my backup phone (non one has the number). I answered it out of curiosity and it was in Chinese! I feel classy.

Comments

[gneu.livejournal.com]

I'm always cautious when buying online, too. Glad you found a happy ending.

[siglinde99.livejournal.com]

Those Chinese calls are everywhere right now. So annoying.

[howeird]

TCL is a hidden gem - they may be the only brand which makes both an Android and a Roku TV. I tested an Android one about a year ago, and it worked well, then the product manager stole it from me to "test" at home. Have not seen it since.

[susandennis]

OHHHH thank you. While I was reading over the manual last evening, it suddenly dawned on me how very stupid of me it was to have bought this without checking with you!! DOH!

I saw the Android version but for some reason the Roku version appealed to me more. I did not realize they were the only people who made both. I was mainly trying to not buy Samsung!

[christopher575.livejournal.com]

I've been using the earbud remote when I watch TV in bed for years. I love it and think it should be a standard feature on all remotes.

[letmesaythis.livejournal.com]

I wonder how many years it would have taken to learn of the existence of earbud remotes if I did not read your LJ? I'm adding this to my wishlist for my next TV purchase for sure! p.s. My brother and his wife were in Seattle over the weekend and they stayed at the Embassy Suites with the 13 Coins attached. They didn't love the food and I told him that if he had told me he was going to be in Seattle I would have told him to get the beef stroganoff! Also, a former colleague was out there for a wedding. I can't even tell you how envious I was this weekend. I have visiting Seattle on my bucket list!!

[susandennis]

Your brother was a half block away from me!!! That Embassy Suites is nice. Very nice. I'm sorry they didn't love the food. They aren't the only ones. I just so rarely have a meh meal there and the beef strong is 1000% every time :)

Oh I hope you get here some day.