Sept. 29, 2008: NOVI, Mich. — Time limits and exchange policies of the government’s TV Converter Box Coupon Program make quick brand information essential to consumers. That’s why Detroit-based online electronics retailer Solid Signal launched the first online converter box comparison matrix. The online matrix is designed to provide vital information on converter boxes and their attributes so consumers can redeem their coupons quickly, easily and wisely.
“The majority of the phone calls we receive these days are questions regarding converter boxes — what are the differences, which one do I need? We wanted to provide customers with an easy-to-use, quick reference guide that could answer most, if not all, their questions regarding their converter box purchase,” said Solid Signal President Jerry Chapman.
Consumers have only 90 days to redeem their one-time government sponsored converter box coupons. That seems like plenty of time until they realize their local store sold out of the only two converter box brands they carry, and inventory won’t be replenished for another month. And if consumers buy the wrong box, there are no refunds — you can only exchange it for another box at the same store.
Features on a converter box can have a big or small impact on consumers, Chapman said. “But if they don’t know which features they need, they could lose their coupon and have to pay full price for a new one. In today’s economy, that’s an expensive mistake to make.”
Solid Signal created the converter box comparison matrix on its Web site, www.solidsignal.com, to provide information on brand, price, size, features and other attributes. Users can search for information by either brand name or attribute.
On the left side of the screen, the matrix lists all the converter box models by brand name. By highlighting a couple of names and clicking “compare features,” a checklist of all attributes for those models appears below.
On the right side of the screen, the matrix lists specific attributes, such as input, output, dimensions, features, warranties and additional equipment. After highlighting a specific attribute and clicking “compare all models,” the matrix provides a list of the converter boxes with and without that feature.
The matrix can also be accessed at www.cecbcomparison.com.
Another benefit to the matrix is all the models are available for immediate purchase on Solid Signal’s Web site.
“Choice in converter box brands is limited at retail stores. An average store may offer two or three models. Solid Signal offers 19 different types of converter boxes — more than any retail outlet in the nation,” Chapman said.
Solid Signal was voted one of the Top 500 Internet retailers of 2008 by Internet Retailer Magazine.
About Solid Signal
Solid Signal was founded in 2002 to help customers find new solutions to enhance technology. A member of the Inc. 500 list of fastest-growing companies, the Internet retailer offers satellite, outdoor antenna, consumer electronics and commercial media. Solid Signal customers have access to thousands of products to help distribute high-quality, digital audio and video to a variety of different media outlets, as well as personal advice for product selection. Solid Signal, headquartered in Novi, Mich., also provides advice for installation and troubleshooting to enhance customers’ experiences and is a CEDIA member, allowing the company to better serve professional installers. For more information, visit www.solidsignal.com or call 1.866.374.4625.
