 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
FLORIDA’S VOICE IN ELECTRONICS "WATTS CURRENT" is the official newsletter of the Florida Electronics Sales & Service Association, Inc. and is published bi-monthly. EMAIL: fesa@fdn.com We Support NESDA Awarded Best State Publication 1993,1996 & 2000 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
www.vancebaldwin.com |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
FESA or Watts Current neither endorses any company, product or service - nor guarantees the validity of statements made in any advertisement - appearing in any advertisement or article included in this publication. Watts Current is published bi- monthly. All articles to be published in "Watts Current" must be received by John Eubanks, Editor, 5323-3 Firestone Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32210 by the following dates: 2/15, 4/15, 6/15, 8/15, 10/15, and 12/15 in order to be printed in the next newsletter. Otherwise, they will be published in the following issue, as appropriate. Please send any inquires or comments to the Editor. Please excuse any grammar or punctuation errors you may find as this newsletter is entirely composed and published by association volunteers. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
www.ptscorp.com |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| President's Message Members and Friends, We just returned from attending the National Professional Service Convention in Nashville, TN. This was a great convention that was filled with surprises and meetings. Even enjoyed an evening out at the Grand Old Opry. As usual it was great to see everyone that could attend as well as those who put together this event. It was also rather sad to notice the absence of those you expect to see there. Most notibly Bob Masa and Don Winchel that we lost this year. Their loss was observed by moments of silence and both received Awards posthumously. Billy Williams along with John and I drove our "gas guzzling" SUV from Jacksonville along I-10 to I-65 through Montgomery and Birmingham, AL to Nashville, TN. For those along the way that heard, "a giant sucking sound" it wasn’t Ross Pero, it was our SUV sucking up some gas. The positive side of our trip was the comfort we enjoyed and gas prices in Alabama were very reasonable in the $1.67 per gallon range, plus those little SUV want to be’s don’t juke around with John at the wheel of the big dog, although I sometimes shut my eyes. Got back just in time to welcome Bonnie and Charley into our area. Thankfully neither did too much locally beyond spawning a tornado and wetting us down real good. We have found that other less fortunate members " down south" had a more difficult experience. We were happy to learn that most made it through with minor damage and all made it through safely. We are very thankful for that. We became alarmed when Billy told us of the results of his "Stress Test" after we returned. And even more concerned when we learned of his surgery election. All this right in the middle of Charlies projected arrival and on Friday the 13th. However with the help of many who joined us in prayer for his recovery, our prayers were heard then answered and Billy is now rapidly recovering at home. Then when you think you have seen the worse comes the news that FESA Past President, Ken Cisson, lost his Mother while he and Jo lovingly tended to her. Our condolences and prayers go out to them and their family in this time of grief. Please join us in prayer to comfort them with love and understanding as they endure this heavy burden. Let them know our hopes and prayers are with them. Sincerely, Pat Eubanks President FESA |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| TIER Act of 2004 (Introduced in U.S. House of Representatives) HR 4553 IH 108th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 4553 To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide tax incentives to encourage manufacturers of computer and television equipment to operate an environmentally sound recycling program for use by consumers who want to discard the equipment. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES June 14, 2004 Mr. CUNNINGHAM (for himself and Mr. CANTOR) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means A BILL To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide tax incentives to encourage manufacturers of computer and television equipment to operate an environmentally sound recycling program for use by consumers who want to discard the equipment. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the `Tax Incentives to Encourage Recycling Act of 2004' or the `TIER Act of 2004'. SEC. 2. CREDIT FOR POST-CONSUMER RECYCLING OF COMPUTER AND TELEVISION EQUIPMENT BY MANUFACTURERS OF THE EQUIPMENT. IN GENERAL- Subpart D of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to business-related credits) is amended by adding at the end the following new section: SEC. 45G. POST-CONSUMER RECYCLING OF COMPUTER AND TELEVISION EQUIPMENT BY MANUFACTURERS OF THE EQUIPMENT. `(a) GENERAL RULE- For purposes of section 38, in the case of a manufacturer of computer equipment or televisions, the recycling equipment credit determined under this section for the taxable year is the amount determined under subsection (b) for each item of such equipment-- ``(1) which was manufactured by such manufacturer, and `(2) which is disposed of by such manufacturer pursuant to a qualified recycling program. `(b) AMOUNT OF CREDIT- The amount of credit shall be determined as follows: `Type of item: Amount of credit: Central processing unit $4 Monitor $4 Printer $4 Mouse and Keyboard (both) $1 Television $4. `(c) DEFINITIONS- For purposes of this section-- (1) COMPUTER- The term `computer' means an electronic, magnetic, optical, electrochemical, or other high speed data processing device performing logical, arithmetic, or storage functions, and may include both a central processing unit and a monitor, but such term does not include an automated typewriter or typesetter, a portable hand held calculator, or other similar device. (2) CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT- The term `central processing unit' includes a case and all of its contents, such as the primary printed circuit board and its components, additional printed circuit boards, one or more disc drives, a transformer, interior wire, and a power cord. (3) MONITOR- The term `monitor' means a separate visual display component of a computer, whether sold separately or together with a central processing unit, and includes a cathode ray tube or liquid crystal display, its case, interior wires and circuitry, cable to the central processing unit, and power cord. (4) QUALIFIED RECYCLING PROGRAM- The term `qualified recycling program' means any program under which all parts of the computer or television (including any hazardous waste, as defined in section 1004(5) of the Solid Waste Disposal Act (42 U.S.C. 6903)) are disposed of in an environmentally sound and responsible manner.' (b) CONFORMING AMENDMENT- Section 38(b) of such Code (relating to general business credit) is amended by striking `plus' at the end of paragraph (14), by striking the period at the end of paragraph (15) and inserting `, plus', and by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ` (16) in the case of a manufacturer of computer equipment or televisions, the recycling equipment credit determined under section 45G(a).'. (c) CLERICAL AMENDMENT- The table of sections for subpart D of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 45F the following new item: ` Sec. 45G. Post-consumer recycling of computer and television equipment by manufacturers of the equipment.'. (d) EFFECTIVE DATE- The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act. Our Thanks for providing this Public Information to Florida Department of Environmental Affairs Hazardous Waste Division Administrator Mr. Raoul Clarke. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
www.andrewselectronics.com |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 07/30/04 Open Letter to NESDA net from Philips Dear Service Manager, As part of Philips' overall Business Renewal Program to increase efficiency and cost productivity, we are launching a new warranty claim process. Beginning on Monday - August 2nd, it will be possible to view a list of models eligible for both consumer and stock warranty service. This list is part of a new process that will reduce handling time for each warranty claim and will aid in preventing claim rejections and revenue loss. The list of models that are eligible for warranty service will be made available on the Philips Force website at www.forceonline.com. Following normal procedure, a customer should provide proof of purchase (i.e. receipt or invoice) upon requesting warranty service. If the proof of purchase is within the warranty period for that model, the model is on the list and meets all other warranty guidelines, submit the claim to KeyPrestige at www.keyprestige.com for payment. If the model is not on the list and the purchase date falls within the warranty period for that model, an authorization number must be acquired by contacting the Philips Service Channel Support office. In addition, you will be required to fax a copy of the customer's proof of purchase to the Philips Service Channel Support office. If approved, place the pre-authorization number on the claim under "authorization number" and submit to KeyPrestige for payment at www.keyprestige.com . If the unit is out of warranty and has a Service Contract pre-authorization number, the unit will be repaired under Service Contract. The claim with the accompany authorization number shall be submitted to KeyPrestige at www.keyprestige.com for payment. Please take advantage of this new process to prevent non-payment for any future warranty claims due to entitlement. Note that all other criteria for claim acceptance must still be met and all claims will still be subject to validation. For your reference in understanding the complete process, the "Warranty Eligibility Validation" flowchart has been included with this communication. We thank you for your professionalism and support during this change. Philips remains totally committed to its customers and those that provide them with quality service. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Philips Service Channel Support office at (865) 525-9516. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Philips Continues To Realign, Downsize By Greg Tarr -- TWICE, 8/17/2004 1:02:00 PM Atlanta — Philips Consumer Electronics North America announced the next phase of its business renewal plan, which will split sales and marketing responsibilities for the company’s products into two separate business segments. Going forward, Philips will address its "go-to-market" strategy using a premier and a mainstream business segment, the company said. Premier products will consist of Philips’ newer and most innovative technologies, including FlatTV and Philips-Nike personal electronics. The mainstream model, which will build upon the current Magnavox product group, will encompass products with more mature lifecycles, such as CRT picture-tube TVs and DVD players. The mainstream group will utilize "small and focused teams to bring products to market in a fast, simplified and more direct approach," Philips said in prepared statement. Philips said the approach will create a more "focused and flexible" organization that will better serve the customer requirements within each product segment. The company said it expects to build new CE partnerships "requiring optimal marketing support to drive success in all aspects of business development, customer and product support, advertising and flexible logistics." Premiere models will consistent of Philips branded products, while the mainstream model will encompass both Philips and Magnavox branded items, according to a company spokesperson. The new market approach will be reviewed with retailers in time for 2005 placement discussions this fall. The full transition is expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2005. Overseeing each group will be Des Power, who becomes premier sales and marketing senior VP, and Andy Mintz, who becomes mainstream sales and marketing senior VP. The company said approximately 95 positions, most of which are located in Atlanta, "will be affected" by the change. The company currently employs 290 associates in its Atlanta headquarters. Additionally, as part of the recent transformation of its service activities in Knoxville, Tenn., approximately 55 positions will be transferred to the Atlanta facility. This latest move follows the reorganization of the central offices in Atlanta at the end of 2003, the restructuring and relocation of the business solutions activities to Colorado Springs, and the agreement with IBM to transform and manage the service activities of Philips Consumer Electronics North America. Following its agreement with IBM, Philips announced in May that it would close its Knoxville and Greenville, Tenn., facilities in 2005. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
www.bdent.com |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| National Service Alliance Position Statement - August 05, 2004 Prepared at the request of the NESDA Board of Directors Independent electronics servicers have become aware of closed depot services for a major brand of LCD projectors. A major brand of laptop computers has recently let a contract for all repairs to UPS. The assignment for management of all service operations of a major television brand has gone to IBM. Decision One is the exclusive service provider for a leading Plasma screen marketer. These recent occurrences sound a clear and unmistakable alarm to independent service operators. Major manufacturers have established cost and customer satisfaction as the two primary issues that can be resolved by turning national service over to one entity. It also, apparently, resolves their coverage problems for all areas. Present costs and quality of service delivered across the existing independent service network reportedly are very unpredictable increasing the perplexity for management. Continued reports from multiple manufacturers being solicited by more than three separate national service companies to deliver services previously or presently provided by independent servicers must not go ignored. With the addition of these new competitors to fill industry service needs it is obvious that now is the time those dedicated to the survival of an independent service industry must become interdependent with each other. We previously tried to prepare for such an occasion by suggesting, then participating in "The NESDA World Service Network" in 1999. At that time, our goals were to form a business alliance between servicers, establishing a common database with improved communications and developing a national marketing program. We failed to recognize the fact that associations do not have any ability to sign national service contracts nor conduct collective bargaining, which eventually became our obstacles of demise. In an effort to avoid repeating mistakes of the past and remain fully dedicated to the proposition that "NESDA Matters", approximately 20 independent service companies, most of them having belonged to "NWSN" in 1999, have established a corporation under the name of National Service Alliance for the purpose to study, offer, negotiate, standardize, establish common MIS technology and organize the services of our independent electronics servicing member companies and their associated contractors. This plan by the independent electronics service companies comprising NSA, Inc. is to develop and establish programs with manufacturers, retailers, third party administrators and others. Initially testing through pilot programs, building modern communications systems and setting demanding standards requiring the serious investments of our member's fiscal and intellectual resources will reveal our capabilities. Further development is intended to hopefully expand towards a network of servicers with equal commitment to satisfying all the needs of our Consumer Electronics marketplace. Independent Service Centers maintaining modern training, information technology and a fully involved client commitment may survive beyond the next two years. NSA, Inc. makes no commitments to solving the problems of independent electronics service beyond the dedication of these collective resources from our corporate members to this study. Should any service center wish to become a future associate member of NSA, Inc. or an associate of any corporate member company, this may become possible. After the results of these select pilot programs become available in the third quarter of 2004, we will know more. We have secured no guarantees so therefore we can make no promises other than with success NESDA will be a prime resource of opportunity for those qualified. Prepare your entire company for "sudden customer satisfaction", stay alert to change, remain technically fit and appraise industry standard setting programs such as the CSC...Gerry McCann...gmccann@mccann1.com Reprinted with permission. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
www.hermanpanson.com |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| REQUEST FOR FESA MEMBERSHIP DATE_________ NAME_________________________________ COMPANY NAME________________________ ADDRESS_______________________________ CITY/STATE_________________ZIP_________ PHONE NO.______________________________ NO.OF EMPLOYEES_____________ Dues Per Year: 1 Person Service Center= $25.00/ 2/3 Person Service Center=$30.00/ 4/6 Person Service Center=$35.00/ 7/9 Person Service Center=$40.00/ 10 & up =$45.00. This rate schedule is for independent membership and may be affected by a chapter or affiliate in your region. Please include your dues with your completed application, this will constitute your agreement to abide by the Constitution and BY-Laws of FESA. Members will continue to receive Watts Current. For a Non Member Watts Current Subscription Only. Include your check for $12.00, write Watts Current subscription on this form and return it to: Billy F. Williams EHF 1409 Glendale Rd. W. Jacksonville, FL 32216 Phone: (904) 725-9789 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| NESDA’s Position on National Service Alliance During NPSC in Nashville your NESDA Board of Directors had the opportunity to receive two presentations from the industry. The first presentation was given by Philips to explain their recent reorganization resulting in IBM taking over the entire Philips service division. Philips representatives Wayne Nichols and Ken Goins explained the handover to IBM and how IBM will manage the customer relations, parts distribution and service administration side of the business. Most Philips service division employees have been converted to IBM employees. The Board was told that the current Philips independent authorized service network would probably be trimmed down some, but would still be relied upon to perform warranty service. It is unclear whether there will be major changes when new product begins to be serviced at board level. It is expected that board level repair will replace current component level repairs for in-warranty service within the next few years. The Board was also addressed by Gerry McCann. The purpose of Gerry’s visit with the Board was to explain who NSA Inc. (National Service Alliance) is, the reasons for the creation of NSA and the potential impact on the NESDA membership. According to Gerry, NSA was created to compete with those entities that seek to offer manufacturers, dealers and extended warranty providers a national service solution. (The issue of national service was discussed in detail in the NESDA white paper entitled "Nobody Does it Better".) NSA was formed by a group of investors, primarily members of the "Service Advisory Group" (a small group of large servicers, who meet several times a year to discuss industry issues) The NSA investors feel that many major manufacturers are seeking a national service solution and that if they do not act quickly, they (along with most other independent servicers) will be eliminated. NSA’s business model is to negotiate national contracts including a national or at least regional rate structure along with performance metrics with the manufacturers. The NSA also plans to develop programs such as call scheduling, enhanced service billing and reporting with manufacturers, retailers and extended warranty providers utilizing advanced computerization. Each investor will cover their respective service areas using a combination of resources including independent servicers outside of the consortium who will be subcontracted to cover areas outside of the NSA members normal service territory. Gerry expressed the NSA position that subcontracted companies will have to demonstrate a high level of competency with very high standards for customer satisfaction and computerization. NSA officials believe that they must step forward now or one of the larger national companies will take over CE service and the traditional independent service network will be severely damaged. NESDA’s position on national service has not wavered. We still believe that the independent service network is the best way to provide warranty and extended warranty service to the entire country. If Philip’s conversion to IBM includes the use of the independent service network then all involved should be able to benefit from this endeavor. If it is IBM’s intention to utilize independent service in the short term merely for their component level skills, then completely take over the in home service once board level becomes the norm, then everyone will lose, especially consumers who will not have many options once the warranty period is over. NSA’s efforts to join the list of companies trying to secure a national contract seems more encouraging to independents since presumably some independent servicers will be included albeit as subcontractors. As always, the devil will be in the details. It is troubling, however, that inclusion in the NSA consortium appears to be based upon criteria other than competency and we expressed our concern that superior servicers may be hurt merely due to their geographic relationship to an NSA investor. We also understand why NSA was formed and their stated mission; however, the task of covering the entire country seems daunting and implausible. You can count on your board to monitor this situation closely and report new developments to you the members as they become available. During NPSC it became clear that many manufacturers believe in NESDA and the independent service network. However, it seems some manufacturers several years ago indicated to us that expensive high end new products are on the horizon and servicing these units would result in increased profitability. We were told to increase the proficiency of our technicians and invest in new equipment to service HDTV units. Now that these new products are here, the story seems to have changed. Now, several manufacturers are suggesting that we will not need qualified electronic technicians to perform. They indicate that practically anyone can swap the boards and service these sets, and that servicers must reduce what we charge them because we no longer need skilled service technicians. It is NESDA’s position that although many of the new sets employ board level or modular repair scenarios which may make the actual repair of the product less time consuming and easier, because of the new technologies used in these products and the likelihood they will be interconnected with other devices requires additional technical skills in the areas of networking and computer repair as well as highly improved customer relations skills. In addition, we believe that a thorough knowledge of electronics and video is essential to finding the solutions to what will be extremely challenging technical issues. So, even though actually repairing the product under a modular repair scenario may be a lot easier, we still need the best technicians with the highest possible skills to meet the challenge and you can be sure your board is driving these points home with the manufacturers. In conclusion, we continue to face many obstacles and challenges in the months and years ahead. Philips/IBM, NSA and the unrealistic expectations of some manufacturers rank at the top of the list, but we are up to the challenge and can take heart in the fact that there are many manufacturers who demonstrated their commitment to the independent service network, and that both Philips and NSA believed it was important to make presentations before this board. It remains to be seen if a profitable working relationship can be achieved, but if NSA or the Philips/IBM partnership are to succeed they will only do so if they continue to recognize and seek the support and cooperation of the current independent service network. We all need to support those manufacturers that support us and continue to provide them with the quality of service that they and their customers deserve. Published with Permission from NESDA. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
www.nesda.com |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assumed! We received a service request after a thunderstorm to service a Philips model 9P5034C102 that had failed during the storm. Upon arrival at the customers residence, they expressed confidence their unit was damaged by the storm correlating this failure with several other components that had also failed at the same time. Assuming these assumptions to be correct we brought this projection television into our service center to allow time to determine the full extent of the damage. Sure enough the power supply was defective and repairing some blown runs along with replacing the bridge rectifier and line fuse, restored operation of the unit. However the picture was very dull and revealed the presence of contaminated fluid in the blue and green CRTs. Informing the customer of the problems encountered with the cost to correct them was accepted and approved. The customer requested that we have the unit complete and repaired by the week end so that it would be available for their upcoming family reunion. We had time to do this and agreed to do our best to see that it was returned in time for the event. Everything went fine. Both the green & blue CRTs were removed, the fluid chambers disassembled and cleaned, then reassembled filled, and reinstalled. The unit was converged and the mirror cleaned. It really looked good. Now the picture and color were crisp, clear and correct. We were very proud of our work and called to schedule the return of the set. As we placed this unit back in the space we found it then turned it on expecting to hear comments on how great the picture is, we were astonished to see such a dull washed out picture. We commenced to check all the plugs and cables for proper seating, finding none next we verified the quality of the incoming signal that was normal. Now we sheepishly apologized, leaving the unit in place for their reunion while promising to return and promptly correct this problem. Upon our return we could not find this video problem so we took the unit back to the service center to correct it. We noticed that the picture control on screen bar graph worked but it had little effect on the contrast if any at all. In the shop the video circuit was scoped with no problem revealed. Rechecking the work done, caused us to remove the customer manual control printed circuit board on the front of the unit and disconnect its ground to inspect for any fluid spillage that we may have inadvertently overlooked after servicing these CRTs. Finding no residue we turned the unit on and... Wala….the picture was great again. Operating the picture control confirmed all was right in our little service world once again. The question remained. What was done to cause this? We assumed it to be related to the customer control board. We checked this thoroughly and found nothing. However with the set operating and the front screens removed when the ground lead to the control board was reconnected to the metal frame on the CRT mounting bracket a significant contrast change was visually noted on each CRT. Removing this ground returned normal picture contrast. A voltage check between this metal frame and the tuner shield produced a reading of 6.3 volts DC. Further investigation revealed this to be the return source for the ABL (auto. brightness limiter) circuit and not a cold ground. Connecting the control PWB ground to the proper ground eliminated the problem. We had assumed this to be ground because it has been for as long as my memory reaches, but this one isn’t. Apparently we also assumed this unit to be operating correctly after reassembling it. If it had been turned on we would have seen the same washed out picture we saw after it was delivered. Assuming is often used expecting to save time. As we discovered it will most likely consume more time than it ever saves and embarrass you when you can least afford embarrassment. Assume nothing you are able to verify. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
www.tritronicsinc.com |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| FESA SERVICE INVOICES PRICE LIST - MEMBERS ONLY INVOICES ARE CARBON FOUR PART WITH CLAIM AND HARD FILE COPY ZONES 4 & 5 #1 (SMALL) 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 63.50 125.00 183.00 218.00 275.00 IMPRINT 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 26.50 48.00 69.00 85.00 102.00 Sub Total 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 90.00 173.00 252.00 303.00 377.00 S/C 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 7.50 12.50 15.00 20.00 22.50 TOTAL 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 102.50 190.50 272.00 328.00 404.50 UPS PREPAID FREIGHT COLLECT Please note: The price increase announced previously is now in effect. We delayed the increase until the forms previously contracted have been depleted. All form requests from this time forward will be at the posted prices, freight collect. We no longer have a supply of the LARGE invoices. We are in the process of locating new a source for our large invoices. Until we find a new source the FESA-Large invoices are NO Longer Available. NEW ORDERS TAKE 3 TO 4 WEEKS --- INCLUDE IMPRINT INFO WITH CHECK REPEAT ORDERS TAKE 2 TO 3 WEEKS RUSH ORDERS WILL NOT BE PLACED UNTIL I RECEIVE YOUR CHECK! MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO F.E.S.A ALL SERVICE INVOICE ORDERS SHOULD BE MAILED WITH YOUR CHECK DIRECTLY TO THE FESA TREASURER: Mr. Billy F. Williams EHF 1409 Glendale Rd. W. Jacksonville, FL 32216 Phone & Fax: (904) 725-9789 NOTE: Small Invoices are 5:5/8"W X 9:1/8" H / You must be a Member of FESA to order forms from FESA. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Industry Member Updates Billy F. Williams EHF has Open-Heart surgery on August 13, 2004. After a visit to his doctor on August 11, that included a "stress test" he was subsequently scheduled for a heart cathorization procedure on Thursday August 12, 2004. It was determined then he had major heart arterial blockage which could not properly be corrected by an angio-plasma procedure so he was scheduled for triple open-heart bypass surgery at the soonest available time. Initially his procedure was scheduled for Friday afternoon, however with a then existing hurricane threat it was moved up to Friday morning. Prior to the procedure he was the Billy we all know and love, full of cheer and looking forward to becoming more active again afterwards. This wonderful man, member and friend is the very catalyst binding our local, state and national associations together with his ever present interest, participation and dedication. To the best of my recollection, this is the first time, he hasn’t inquired of the status for some association project of me. I will wager, this only occurred because of medication he was given. Although he will soon be 84 upon his next birthday which just happens to be 911, whenever he is fully recovered, we won’t be able to keep pace with him again. He has not only given such outstanding attention to his industry but also for his country. He was a bombardier in WWII in the U.S. Army Air-Core crews flying the Martin B-26 on combat missions over Europe. In May of 1944 his aircraft was shot down over Nazi occupied France and he was forced to bail out on his second mission of the day while filling in for a friend. After making it safely to the ground, he and his pilot were taken captive by the Germans, later being transferred to Luftwaffe Stalag 3 in Germany where he remained until the war ended and he was liberated by Gen. George Patton. His influence doesn’t stop there either! He is my inspiration and mentor. It was he who asked me to serve as editor when it became a burden to others. His encouragement and earned respect influence many to serve in offices they otherwise would never seek. I recall an early morning prep for my own bypass surgery in October of 1993. While they shaved my chest and every other hair they could find that grew on the trunk of my body with my family sitting on a bench at the end of my bed, there was Billy along side them remaining in the waiting area with my family until he knew I had made it. He don’t say a whole lot, he just does a whole lot for a whole lot of us very fortunate people. He left the hospital on August 19, 2004 and now is continuing his recovery at home. The improvements we witnessed in his condition from Sunday to Wednesday were absolutely miraculous. Our prayers were heard and have been answered. Editor Watts Current |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Industry Updates
Matsushita recalls 500,000 televisions: WASHINGTON, DC. -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced a voluntary recall of several brands of combination TV-VCR units. The recall involves about 500,000 units manufactured by Matsushita Electric Corp. of America and sold under the brand names Panasonic, Quasar, RCA and JC Penney. They were sold in 1995 and 1996. The commission says that when the units are picked up by the ventilation holes in the back of the cabinet the cabinets can break off. At least 10 incidents have been reported including some involving minor injuries. Consumers who own one of the units should stop using it immediately and get in touch with Panasonic at Panasonic at (800) 833-9626 between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. (ET) Monday through Friday. State of Electronics in Florida Households: 2003 Residential Household Electronics Survey: Now available on the Florida Department of Environmental Protection website http://www.dep.state.fl.us/waste/categories/electronics/default.htm . In the summer of 2003 the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, in partnership with Seminole County, proposed a follow-up survey to the 2000 survey of Florida households to find out whether Florida’s residential population had changed its practices for handling, recycling, and disposing of televisions and computer monitors. In addition, the partners wanted to gauge whether household awareness of the hazardous properties associated with CRTs (cathode ray tubes) in televisions and computer monitors had changed. The scope of electronic products was expanded to collect information about the ownership, handling, recycling, and disposing of computers (desktop and laptop) and about the ownership of other common household electronics (microwaves, VCRs, DVDs, stereo components, cell phones, printers, video game systems, and flat panel monitors). This report presents the results of that survey and a comparison with the earlier survey conducted in 2000. John L. (Jack) Price, Environmental Manager, Hazardous Waste Management, Florida Department of Environmental Protection. August 17, 2004 informed that Ken Goins of Philips will no longer be at Philips effective 8/31/04 due to additional reorganization. Approximately 100 additional employees are being laid off. This will be announced in a press release soon. We were informed of projected additional downsizing by Ken and Wayne Nichols at NPSC, but were unaware that Ken would be leaving. Chuck Gibson of Philips will replace him and Wayne Nichols’s will remain at Philips. See article above for more information pertaining to ongoing Philips downsizing. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Konka set to link up with foreign giant
Shenzhen-based Konka Group, one of China's top television and mobile handset manufacturers, is in final talks with a foreign electronics giant to form a partnership that could become the world's second-largest TV maker after the recent tie-up between China's TCL Corp and Thomson of France. Konka, which is listed on the Shenzhen bourse, is expected to sign an agreement with its partner, also a listed company, by the end of this month or early the next, a company official said. Konka is the third-largest colour TV and second-largest mobile handset manufacturer on the mainland. ``It will be a strategic co-operation,'' a staffer with the information office of Konka's marketing department said on Monday. ``The foreign partner is a listed company in home appliances.'' Apart from saying that it would be ``all-dimensional'' and ``strategic'', the staffer declined to provide any details. According to the Beijing Times, the foreign partner could be Philips Electronics of the Netherlands. The report also said Konka hopes, after striking the deal, to increase its annual TV sales to 15 million units from the present 10 million. Philips said it would not comment on market speculation. The co-operation between Konka and the foreign firm could be different from TTE Corporation, a joint venture between TCL and Thomson. In January, the pair signed an agreement creating TTE Corporation, which would become the world's biggest TV maker by combining the two companies' television assets. At its opening ceremony on July 29, TTE said it is aiming for annual production of more than 30 million television sets. Konka is a subsidiary of China Overseas Chinese Town Enterprise Corp, a state-owned firm that invests in tourism, electrical appliances and real estate, and which reportedly hopes to raise as much as US$1 billion (HK$7.8 billion) by selling shares in an initial public offering in Hong Kong. Konka had sales of 6.9 billion yuan (HK$6.5 billion) in the first half of 2004, a year-on-year increase of 15.11 per cent. Revenue from television exports increased 154.59 per cent over the same period last year. Net profit surged 40.37 per cent year on year to 42.48 million yuan, with earnings per share of 0.0706 yuan. In the first quarter of this year, Konka's export volume reached 433,000 units. In 2003, Konka exported 1.2 million colour TVs, earning a net profit of 101 million yuan on sales of 12.8 billion yuan. Chairman Ren Kelei said the results put the company back on the growth path after huge losses in 2001 and very little profit in 2002. Earlier media reports said the foreign partner of Konka could be a Korean company such as LG Electronics. But a senior manager with the public relations department of LG said on Monday ``there is not any negotiation between LG and Konka''. Facing intensifying competition in a maturing market in China, leading TV makers such as Changhong, TCL and Konka are seeking foreign investors or joint-venture partners to sharpen their competitive edge. Last month, China's leading TV maker, Sichuan Changhong Electric Co, signed a partnership deal with Microsoft to set up a home appliance-information technology laboratory. Reports at the time said Microsoft may buy a stake in or set up a joint venture with Changhong. Pamela Pun |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| NESDNET May take a Licking but it keeps on Ticking As manufacturers continue to place their Technical assistance for non authorized servicers on 900 tech assist phone lines and charge fees ranging from $3.00 per minute to $19.95 per call, don't condemn them since they know what they must do to stay in business. However this practice will increase service costs and delay turnaround times for those customers purchasing the products doomed to face this policy. As it negatively impacts the customer then it will influence future choices of both. This isn't new. We have seen it before. Desperation simply revived it. Didn't work then either. Some sales oriented, ill conceived answer destined to change a short term solution into long term consequences. The best news for servicers is there is a tool for non authorized and authorized servicers alike to deliver professional assistance 24/7 at a much better cost. It also includes a bonus for hands on and on line new product technical training opportunities. We know nothing that contains value is free. There's a cost for everything. However NESDA membership with nesdanet is the very best technical assistance source. Membership plus nesdanet fees equal $25.00 per month for unlimited assistance. This equates to 8.3 hours or 1.2 calls per month on those 900 tech lines, depending upon rate levied for the assistance you may need. At those rates nesdanet is the real bargain for assistance from the best list of professional technicians and managers in the entire consumer electronics industry. What is all this worth to you? Is it worth 83 cents a day? How much of a bargain is this? Let me explain some of the intangibles I received that cause me to believe nesda is the best bargain in the entire electronic service industry. 1. Needed a part for an old Magnavox T815 chassis. Of course this part is NLA. Posted to nesdanet for parts assistance. Received many replies as to how to overcome the problem and today received the exact part I need to complete this repair from a nesdanet member. 2. Faced with 2 Thomson DTV 306 & 307 problems that were intermittent. Many components on these chassis are very expensive and some are now NLA on a 3 year old chassis. A technical assistance post to nesdanet...resulted in a member sending me an entire working DTV 306 chassis so that I could pin point our problems on these very difficult service tasks. One turned out to be a defective cable. The other turned out to be the MD1 module. I will now return this chassis I was loaned with a token of my appreciation. 3. Working on a service request to repair a Sony projection TV that had a missing "A" board. Posted a part assistance request to nesdanet. Received an " A" board from a nesda... net member that allowed us to complete this service. And I'm sure many of you have received help from some of the same hands. Although we are wet and have been without power since last Saturday I still know a bargain when I see one. Thanks to NESDA and each member working together to help others who seek assistance. You can never be replaced with any "900" phone scheme...John Eubanks |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
www.nesda.com |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Circus Tid-Bits
I used to be a tap dancer until I fell in the sink. When an actress saw her first strands of gray hair she thought she'd dye. Elephants will toil all day, and they work for peanuts. Somebody was running a flea circus, but a dog came and stole the show. A pun is its own reword. A circus lion won't eat clowns because they taste funny. Seven days without a pun makes one weak. Soldiers in plays like to Shakespeares. When the human cannonball retired they couldn't find a replacement of the right caliber. Did you hear about the fire at the circus? The heat was in tents. A tight-rope walker enjoys being on-line. The magician got so mad he pulled his hare out To kill a circus in one blow, go for the juggler. To learn rope tricks you have to be taut. Reprinted from Pun of the day web site |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||