Universal Techtronics: BOGUS digital TV converter for free offer
As the deadline approaches for broadcasters to switch their analog signals over to digital, millions of Americans will need to purchase a digital converter box to continue receiving television through the airwaves. Riding that wave of demand, Universal Techtronics is pushing its sleazy business model with a full page newspaper classified ad that reads “Public to get free TV without Gov’t coupon!”
For any skeptics out there, in this case your reservations would be rewarded. It turns out that in order to take advantage of the “free” converter offer through Universal Techntronics you must first purchase a “five-year warranty for $59 and pay shipping and handling fees. That brings the total cost of the free converter box to nearly $100,” according to MSNBC.
That’s especially disconcerting considering the normal cost of a digital converter box is about $60 and the federal government is offering a $40 coupon. To claim your coupon, go to dtv2009.gov (up to two are allowed per household).
It turns out that Universal Techtronics is under investigation by the Better Business Bureau who says “the bottom line is, these ads confuse and mislead consumers. They are preying on consumers’ lack of knowledge about digital TV conversion.”
Sounds like an ages old business model. More recently this same sort of scam has surfaced in the form of chemical additives that will somehow magically enhance gas mileage.
Universal Techtronics also has other lines of scam merchandise available, it advertises a Roll-n-Glow Amish fireplace with a similar “free” offer.
With about a third of U.S. households expected to be left behind in the transition to digital, Universal Techtronics is diving in to a huge segment. Spread the word: this offer is BOGUS.
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June 24th, 2008
For $100 you can buy a DIGITAL TV at Walmart.
June 24th, 2008
I love it how all the cable and electronics manufacturers are trying to take advantage of the confusion by selling their crap and marketing it with lies, misleading information, hidden costs, etc.
June 24th, 2008
I purchased one a few months back and it works fine. The 59 bucks was for 5 year warranty and shipping $9…. Noone else can give that warranty even wal mart boxes. So I dont know where the 100 dollars come in at. I could have got 2 for 130. But only needed one
June 24th, 2008
O ye I seen the price under the main picture. But alot people I guess only see free and read no more. But I always know nothing is free. But all the same box works fine…no matter what box you get you will still need an antennae though
June 26th, 2008
Universal Techtronics does not simply offer the “same thing.” Universal offers not only a better converter box option than most, it stands behind its product with the best warranty available. The facts are:
1. It is very important you know that Universal’s converter box features Analog pass through, an item present on approximately 15% of available converter boxes. Without this feature many consumers will lose access to local television channels which will have yet to convert to digital by February 2009.
2. Most retail purchased converter boxes come with a 1 year warranty for the $50 price. Customers purchasing these boxes are doing so to avoid the cost of replacing their television and/or having to pay for cable or satellite to obtain local channels. If these converter boxes fail within the next 5 years these consumers will be back where they began and have to find the money for these expensive items. They merely, briefly delayed the inevitable cost instead of being able to wait until some of the costs come down. Universal’s 5 year warranty gives consumers the piece of mind they deserve that we supply a quality product that we stand behind in the event of a problem for the next 5 years. There is a cost associated with this service.
3. Obtaining the $40 government coupon is not the timely, seamless process that it ought to be. Purchasing a Universal Techtronics converter box eliminates the need to acquire a government coupon while still offering a government certified converter box.
4. Not all consumers are proximate to a brick and mortar retail store selling converter boxes. Those that are seem to be finding that many are out of stock. Universal offers the convenience knowledgeable salespeople, customer technical support through our customer service department, and delivery to the customer’s door.
We believe it is important that consumers have purchase options. For our converter box to be an alternative that consumers will consider, Universal needs to offer a better value. We believe we offer a very competitive package for $68.30, which includes the shipping and handling charge.
Sincerely,
Chris Pugh
Communications Specialist
Universal Techtronics
February 2nd, 2009
I bought 2 Miracle TV converter boxes and an indoor antenna from Universal TechTronics in Aug 20008. I have not used one on my analog TV yet. On my HD TV I have used it 5 months with good reception..BUT! I can no longer record programs using it. After calling your tech questions number, 1-626-433-1333 I was told to make sure the recorder is also tuned to the station I want to record. I’ve done this several times but still only record snow. May I apply my warranty and return the 2 converter boxes and receive a refund? Purchased using Discover Card.