B&H Photo Video
 

I've received several items from B&H Photo that were defective or not in perfect working condition. From the appearance and packaging of some of these items (which I sent back), it looked as if B&H resold me merchandise that was returned by other customers as unsatisfactory.

Has anyone else experienced something similar with their B&H orders?

Dorothy

Never. I have spent many many thousands with them and have never had a used or defective item sent to me from them. They're not perfect though. Perhaps the item they sent to you was a used or demo item of the item you ordered and someone got careless.
IMO, B&H is still the place to order from.
Don

If you are worried about your product or service Dorothy, just
give them a call!

We've spent probably $60,000 or more with B&H in the past 4 or 5 years and have never had a problem. What items did you receive that were defective? And did you call and tell them about it? I had one incident once where I thought they had sent me the wrong model camera because the serial number was different that what I thought it was supposed to be. Turns out I was wrong, but the customer service rep didn't argue at all. She just said ship it back and we'll take care of any problem immediately. Also, everything I've bought from them has arrived either on schedule or a day early, perfectly packaged. They put the manufacturer's box inside another box, so things are double packed, and I've never had anything arrive damaged, even though the outer box may have been smashed in shipping.

I have spent many thousands there and NEVER had a bad experience. In fact, I would say they are almost 100% perfect from my dealings.

Wow, this sounds like a B&H revival meeting! Nice to hear you're such satisfied customers!! I called Customer Service and B&H generously arranged a refund.

Thanks, guys!

Dorothy

Yup, I just return it. What pisses me off is that they probably charged the person that returned it a restocking fee and then turned right around and sold it for full price. I usually don't have any trouble, but I don't put up with that crap.

B&H and Opturs 40
 

I am also a B&H fan and always check their site before making any purchase. But now I am in quandry. I read the review that Chris wrote concerning the Canon Optura 40 and the Elura 70 and have decided I would like to purchase the Optura 40. But I can't find it for sale at B&H. In fact I can't find it for sale at a couple of other respected sites. Did something happen while I was on a surfing safari here in Baja? Well, if it's not available any ideas from the community for another cam? Without boring everyone whith my wants I think knowing that I am looking at the 40 should help. Thanks all, George Lanning

Hi George, welcome to DV Info Net.

Wow, you're right, the Op40 seems to have disappeared from B&H. However I did find it at our sponsor EVS:

http://www.evsonline.com/merchant2/m...roduct_Count=4

And although it's not listed at our sponsor Zotz, I'm sure Brian can get it for you (see sponsors link in my sig). Hope this helps,

Re: B&H and Opturs 40
 

<<<-- Originally posted by George Lanning : I am also a B&H fan and always check their site before making any purchase. But now I am in quandry. I read the review that Chris wrote concerning the Canon Optura 40 and the Elura 70 and have decided I would like to purchase the Optura 40. But I can't find it for sale at B&H. In fact I can't find it for sale at a couple of other respected sites. Did something happen while I was on a surfing safari here in Baja?>>>

The Canon Optura 40 has been discontinued by the manufacturer. If you enter OPTURA in our home page's search window and select "Canon" from "Refine Results" you'll see what's available these days. You'll get both NTSC and PAL models, so read carefully.

Glad you're a "fan!!"

Thanks a lot, Henry...

Now that the new Optura 50 and 60 models are out, I have no doubt that you'll sell every last one of those as well! Much appreciated,

B&H launch airship for city to city tours
 

Amazing. I would not believe it if I did not see it.
A giant airship with the BH Logo and a store that can go city to city and land in parks or tradeshows.

This is only the first BH blimp and it stocks over 7000 items that can be smart paracheted to your doorstep from the air as it travels across the United States.

Remember you hurd it here first

www.bhairship.com/parachute/GPS

You must know your exact GPS coordinates for BH drop chute orders and you can get your coordinates at the website
I tried it and I found a box right on my lawn. Well really my neighbors roof but I got it. You need to put down a deposit on the "Smartchute" but other that that it is simple.
Henry Posner said they are looking into space ladder technology as well.
"BH gives new meaning to "drop ships" said Posner at a recent meeting with reporters at BH headquarters in NYC. Posner added,"We just perfected the auto return system for the gps units and once we have enough Airships and the Space Ladder we can pick up the units automaticly instead of having them shipped back with the prepaid shipping label."
The dedication of the BH Airship, named "YOSHACOYA"( which is Thank you in Yiddish) was March 31st 2005 at the Brooklyn Ship Yard.

thanks

r

ROTFL!

Richard, that was excellent!

Aaron

dead link...is that the joke??

that's actually a really good idea...gps drop off's from an airship. lol

Time for another Blade Runner screening!

Chutes Away!!!!!!
 

I was actually trying to find the coordinates for my doorstep. I won't fall for this one again!!! HeHe.

B&H Website Update
 

B&H changes the layout of their website today by placing a new toolbar where the old green one was and moving the old green toolbar down below the new one.

Still easy to navigate and still so comprehensive it'll make you drool for some gadget, widget, or googaa.

B&H waranty
 

Has anyone purchased the b&h waranty for there camcorders.(Range$300-$900), if range matters?
Has anyone had to use it, what was the outcome?
I am looking at some possiable camcorders and have read good things about this sponser.Just curious guys.

the warranty isn't actually b&h- it's a company called mack. you have to be very careful to handle/store all of the related paperwork. then, when something happens, you convinve them you have the warranty and ship your camera off to new jersey. turnarounds are supposed to be slow, and some folks have had trouble getting them to honor the warranty (if you file away the form, you should be ok, but if you lose it you're s.o.l.) but it seems like they will do the repair (eventually) and the repair work is ok enough. but anything b&h sells should have a 1 year manufacturer's warranty, so it might make sense to just go with that and then deal with either a shop or paying the orig mafucaturer. sort of a gamble. depends on what the device is, budget, etc.

Just charge it! My Chase MC gives me a year extension on mfg. warranty. You have to produce the paperwork (INCLUDING monthly statement). Reimbursement was very fast.

B&H - Sound and Audio
 

Just wanted to put in a good word for B&H regarding music, sound, and audio! It's easy to forget their pro audio department with all the video and photography stuff they sell.

I recently decided to expand the music capabilities of my little studio beyond Acid Pro, so I started researching MIDI controllers, digital stage pianos, soft synths, DAWs etc. I never even thought to look at B&H, but after I had a nice music equipment list to severely dent my credit card and bank account, I checked out B&H, just to see what they carried.

They had almost everything I was looking for and in general had the best prices on almost all the equipment/software I was looking to buy! Yes even better than the other big music equipment stores that I usually like to visit.

Anyway, don't forget to check B&H when you're looking into music/audio equipment.

Yeah, B&H pretty much rules...

Thanks for your kind words and for taking the time to write.

B&H August event
 

Event: B&H Photo and VASST present: Music in the Edit Suite!
Dates: August 22
Location: The B&H Photo-Video Confernce/Training Room. Use our 35 W 33rd St "Executive Office" entry and proceed to the 2nd floor.
Featuring: Jeffrey P. Fisher

Attention audio, video, and post-production professionals:

Custom music, royalty-free songs, loop-based music creation, and more! Find out the details about all these musical alternatives and how to best apply them for maximum impact.

Are you using music effectively?

Music plays a crucial role in every soundtrack. And handling music effectively makes productions stronger, enhances imagery, and delivers our message so that your audiences retain information. While great music won't save a bad production, music can do what no other soundtrack element can do:

* evoke moods or feelings
* create convincing atmospheres of time and place
* inspire and motivate
* underline elements of character and situation
* enhance drama
* complement and support your message

If you are sick and tired of plopping down the same old music on your timeline, attend this all-day training event and learn to expand your music (and sound) palette. Discover all the alternatives, tricks, tips, and secrets to building the best soundtrack for all your audio and video productions.

Topics include:

Music Psychology 101

* Understanding the emotion and dynamics of music and how it relates to picture
* Music as color
* Soundtrack success checklists

Music basics

* Underscore, song, and the advertising jingle
* Tempo, rhythm, instrumentation, and arrangement
* Composer's Tools

Music scoring process

* Scoring aesthetics
* Spotting session
* Recording, editing, and tweaking tracks

Copyright and licensing issues

* Public domain and clearing copyrighted songs
* Mechanical, synchronization, performance, and master use licenses

Traditional music choices

* Productive music searches
* Getting more from library music
* New twists on royalty-free library music themes
* Sound design strategies

Working with a composer

* Package deals

D I Y

* Loop-based composition
* Recording audio and MIDI
* Developing and using the musical "Master Cue"

Music mixing techniques

* Surround sound issues

And More...

Join music and audio professional, Jeffrey P. Fisher, for this information-packed and eye- and ear-opening event. Fisher has written musical scores for dozens of corporate, educational, commercial, and independent film projects. His music also appears on the Fresh Music library, Dark New Age. Jeffrey's latest book, CASH TRACKS: Compose, Produce, and Sell Your Original Soundtrack Music and Jingles for Movies, Games, Radio/TV, and the Web will be released in September 2005. He also teaches audio and video production at the College of DuPage Motion Picture / Television department in Glen Ellyn, IL.

Visit http://www.vasst.com/registration to register

B&H Photo pack & ship on Saturday?
 

Ordered a few in-stock things from them early yesterday online (Friday) and I need them by next Saturday. Selected 3-5 day shipping and I hope this won't be a problem.

I just noticed my order is just sitting there idle and "processing". I checked their store hours and find it strange they're actually closed on Saturdays but are open Sundays - which might just be the sales department.

I assume the shipping folks won't be back till Monday. No big deal I guess. At least I know it's coming from a reputable source.

UPS typically doesn't ship on Saturdays; sometimes it can take B&H up to 48 hours to ship the item(s), and sometimes they ship from different locations so you can receive one before the other, but they'll let you know when the order ships. If I order something Sunday afternoon it normally ships Tuesday afternoon and I have it Friday (in ATL). Hope that helps.

Geoff

B&H is a family owned and operated business. These folks strictly observe the Sabbath, which is late Friday through all day Saturday. Their business week starts on Sunday. Think of it like this, a lot of stores you know are closed on Sunday for a particular reason. It's just the same at B&H, except their "Sunday" is on Saturday (well, actually Friday afternoon through Saturday). Hope this helps,

hello rick,

all my stuff came from b&h, no problems whats so ever. like chris pointed out, you need to look at their holiday schedule, during the christmas season they could be closed more then the regular retail stores. you could ask/ or upgrade your shipping or put an urgent on it.

i also found that any delays most likely come from ups.

purchased form b&h, online on a monday. processed on tuesday (3-5 days ups) thursday was thanksgiving. received my merch. on monday, full seven days. e-mails to ups got me the answer it is not their fault, the airline does not operate and so on. no shipping on friday, only next day and second day.

greetings

And since the couriers don't pickup on Sunday either, any order processed during the day on Friday would actually be picked up by UPS on Monday at the earliest.

Now that didn't click - It should have though. I did buy a few small ticket items at newegg at the same time (things B&H doesn't carry) and the package is in Iowa already.

I didn't select the orvernight or 2nd day options because being out here in the boondocks it often doesn't do any good.

Again, I'm not worried. I could have saved at least $500+ on this order going somewhere else but was quite impressed by the testimonials here (and elsewhere) regarding B&H.

You'll be glad you paid attention to the testimonials, Rick. There may be other dealers talking lower prices. And it is a fact of life that B&H strictly observes not just the Sabbath but all other Judaic holidays (which may not all show up on everyone's secular calendar), so they may not always be open when you want to shop.

But you will always get the price as quoted, you will always get the correct merchandise ordered, and you will always be working with highly reliable trustworthy people who are experienced in supplying pros and beginners, plus you will be working with a merchant that carries the closest thing I have ever seen to "EVERYTHING" in one store. That's gotta be worth something.

Mack Camera extended warranties from B&H
 

Well, I've finally purchased my new camera for shooting dog agility -- a Sony VX2100, chosen for its low light performance. I'll post something about how it does filming indoor (and outdoor) action shots in a few weeks after our first couple of shows, but so far I'm quite happy with the choice.

I did want to mention we had one problem with our order from B&H Photo that people should watch out for. I went with B&H because everyone has such rave reviews of them, and their overall price was cheapest because they weren't gouging on the extended warranty. In this case, the extended warranty that popped up for the VX2100 was $150 (4 years from Mack Camera), compared to $500+ from other stores. The warranty description on the B&H website mentioned no exclusion for professional use, and I specifically called to check and was told that professional use was fine. As you might guess, the warranty I received does have an exclusion that says "Not for professional use or professional cameras." We managed to exchange the warranty for the correct version, although B&H didn't seem to believe there was a problem (we even called Mack Camera to double-check everything). And luckily the pro use warranty was only $20 more, although I'm a little annoyed at paying the difference since I was told the cheaper warranty allowed for professional use. The return is in the mail now, and hopefully everything will be set in a week or so.

The bottom line: Mack camera warranty #1041 has the "not for professional use or professional cameras" exclusion. If you're filming professionally, you want warranty #1056 (according to Mack Camera, although I haven't seen all the fine print yet). "Pro" cameras such as the Sony Z1U automatically come up with #1056 at B&H, but the VX2100 and FX1 both default to the #1041 warranty.

Hopefully this will save someone else a headache in the future. Other than this, I'm quite happy with the deal we got from B&H -- fast and a good price, without any phone calls saying "you should also buy...."

-Terence

I am sorry for the delay in replying but I just stumbled upon this. I am sorry for the warranty confusion and appreciate your other kind words.

B&H Site down?
 

Anyone having issues getting to B&H website this morning? I got to it once but have been getting timeouts on it for about 15 mins now.

Looks like it's fine again.

That was strange.

I was cruising the sponsors boards, and just noticed that this one had not been active in awhile and since I just placed a small order earlier today, I just wanted to say that B&H is the best. I order almost exclusively from them and have always had good experience with them. Beyond that, the reps are very knowledgeable and are willing to take the time to help you with any questions you have from product selection to recommended accessories. Thanks B&H you won my loyalty!

Thank you. This is very gratifying.

I have been a customer with B&H since 1996 and have spent thousands upon thousands as well. I have been to their showroom store on many occasions. Never had a single problem with them. They are golden... simply the best in the business. I try not to use anyone but B&H. My new JVC HD camera is being shipped from B&H as we speak...

I have been critical about customer service experiences when they were unsatisfactory. It is merited that I extend praise and gratitude. My recent purchase experience with B&H was top notch and hassle free. The product arrived on time and in good condition. Service and followup were excellent.

I just made a trip to B&H yesterday for a major purchase. It's been several years since I visited the store in person and it was a great experience as always, starting with the free parking and ending with the quick and friendly service.

If you've never been, you should really include a visit when traveling to the Northeast US - there's no place like it! The huge display of demo cameras is exceptional. There's no substitute for creative play with different models when trying to choose what to buy. They were all in top shape and you can browse to your heart's content without salespeople hovering over you (unless you want them to). Each camera has a small LCD monitor below it, providing a nice basis for comparing different models.

Great company - we are truly fortunate to have them as a sponsor here at DVinfo!