Re: Wireless Monitor and Camera
Reply #30 –
Taking Pierce's suggestion, I continued my analysis of my rear view camera "color" problem.
First, I found a yellow video output on my DVR, so I connected that to the rear view monitor. Results shown in photos below. (Sorry about the subject matter - just happened to be on when I snapped the photos) It is obvious to me that the monitor works fine - it has no problem displaying the full color spectrum when fed a decent signal.
Next, I checked our 37" flat screen, and found a yellow RCA input, so I ran a jumper from the rear view camera to the TV. As the photos below clearly show, I get the exact same color-challenged image displayed on the TV, so the camera is definitely the source of my complaint. Wired or wireless, the camera puts out a degraded, basically purplish-brown monotone image.
Following up on my suspicion that I may have been shipped a CMOS camera instead of the CCD camera I ordered AND PAID FOR, I called Tadi customer service yet another time. I have spoken to the same female employee each time I have called. Up till now she has been willing to send replacements, but has offered zero technical advice. This morning, our conversation got truly bizarre. I asked her if it was possible that I may have received a CMOS camera "by mistake" (allowing them the benefit of the doubt). She stated that since I got a white camera, it had to be a CCD, because "We only sell one white camera, and it is CCD". I told her I was sitting at my computer, looking at their website, and it clearly shows that they sell BOTH the CMOS and CCD cameras in white. She started sounding irate, and said "I don't care what the website shows - I don't design the website - I'm telling you we only sell one white camera and it is CCD". It was obvious I was getting nowhere with her, so I hung up. I then called the Tadi "Sales" number and spoke to a salesman. I asked if I could buy a white camera in CMOS or CCD, and he said "Sure - we have them both in stock, and can ship either one today". I then asked (if I ordered one) how I could tell which camera I received. He said "It will be marked on the box". I asked if there was any kind of identification on the camera body, and he said "No, the only way we can tell them apart is by looking at the box".
This seems like a situation ripe for product "bait and switching". I have received 2 cameras from Tadi, in identical boxes, and neither box had ANY marking or notation to indicate if it is CMOS or CCD. I paid $50 extra for the upgraded camera, but they could have sent me either one and there is no way for me to know what I ended up with. I can't even complain that they cheated me (if they did) because I have no way to prove my claim. This would be a easy question to resolve, if I could walk into their store and ask to see a demonstration of both camera types. As a online buyer, I have no recourse, especially when Customer Service is staffed by totally illogical employees.
After I talked to the salesman, I had him transfer me back to Customer Service. I got a different (male) employee, but I could hear the female yelling at him in the background. He was sympathetic, but no more helpful. The way it stands now, I told them I would send one monitor and one camera back to them using a return authorization label (UPS Ground) they provided. They said as soon as they get that stuff back, they will send me ANOTHER camera. I asked if it would be a white CCD camera - He said "O yes Sir, we guarantee the box will be marked CCD". I'm pretty confident THAT statement IS true.
I retract any real or implied recommendation I may have EVER given to Tadi Brothers - find another vendor if you value your sanity (and your cash).
Topic: Wireless Monitor and Camera