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Panasonic Exhibition at CES - Source: Gizmodo

As I mentioned in a November 3rd news brief, the California Energy Commission planned to vote on a potential ban of power-hungry TVs. The vote was scheduled for November 4th, but after receiving a lot of new information (mostly provided by their vocal opposition), the energy commission postponed the vote until today, November 18th.

And their decision?

The ban was passed with a unanimous vote. The regulations begin in 2011 and will become tougher in 2013. Click here for more details.

- There’s a noticeable presence online of complaints filed against Sony for the color optical block in their TVs, specifically in Vega models. A news outlet in Cincinnati recently decided to investigate the issue and wrote a brief article about Sony’s problems. Have any of you encountered this issue? The common complaint by users is the appearance of patchy, blue dots and/or the loss of color.

- In the wake of the California Energy Commission’s ruling (or lack thereof–it was postponed–I’ll keep you updated) regarding limiting the energy consumption of TVs, Sony is promoting its “eco-friendly” televisions. Supposedly, the brand’s KDL-VE5 series of TVs has a built-in “presence sensor” that detects when the viewer leaves the room and automatically turns off. Our friends over at CNET reviewed the Sony KDL-VE5 and found that the new technology works fairly well (if customized).

- Lincoln Spector (what a name!) at PC World recently assessed Sony’s Bravia 40W5100 HDTV. The cool feature of this new model is its internet capabilities. Spector writes:

The ethernet-equipped 40W5100 has the most comprehensive selection of Internet entertainment options I’ve yet seen in a television. Offerings include Amazon Video On Demand, Blip.TV, Bravia Internet Widgets (which are based on Yahoo Widgets and include weather, news, finance, and Twitter widgets), CBS (mostly just clips with a few full episodes), Sports Illustrated, YouTube, how-to videos, and far more options than I can list. Netflix on-demand movie streaming is promised for sometime in the fall.

While these features predict the eventual, complete integration of TV and the web (on the TV platform), Spector (Lincoln, not Phil) highlights that some of the features, especially YouTube, still need improvement.

- Finally, rumors are circulating that Sony is releasing new, larger OLED TVs sometime in 2010/2011. According to a leaked document outlining prototypes, Sony is updating it’s “flagship XBR series with the XBR11 LED W-backlit LCD and XBR12 Advanced LED RGB-backlit LCD sets coming in sizes from 32- to 60-inches featuring 240Hz Motionflow, a new Bravia Engine 3 PRO with HD Video processor, and UV2A panel technology” (via Engadget). Here’s the document:

Leaked Sony Document - Source: Engadget

P.S. – Dear Sony, I didn’t steal the document. Best Regards, Ryan

It’s official! An updated Website Cruiser, the website building service developed by Suite 38 (a subsidiary of ShopJimmy), is up and ready for you to check out! Here are a few of its cool features:

- YOU control the images, words, and contact information on your site.

- Choose any of our unique, fresh templates (all built by Suite 38). Feel free to change their color, too. Better yet, contact us and we’ll build a template specifically designed for your business.

- We’ll give you tips to help you market your site to attract visitors and expand your business’ reach.

- Our (Suite 38) customer service mission is simple: Website Cruiser is a product, but it’s also our long-term commitment to increasing the success of our clients’ business. And successful partnerships take open, honest communication.

- Until we launch the “official” version of Website Cruiser (in early 2010), use any and all of its features for FREE! Yes, free.

Don’t miss this opportunity to increase the success of your business! Join Website Cruiser today!

It looks like the future of high-definition TVs is spelled L-E-D. But, what’s the deal with this new technology? Is it a giant leap forward or a few baby steps in the right direction? Let’s find out…

In the ‘Personal Tech’ section of The New York Times, Eric Taub wrote a great article explaining the differences between LED, LCD, and plasma technology. For more information, Gizmodo’s Matt Buchanan also analyzed LED technology.

Michael Miller, from PCMag.com, recently attended a Samsung press event where the electronics company unveiled their new LED TV (technically, it’s an LCD with “LED edge-lighting”), as well as, disassembled one to show the TV’s components. I’ve posted the pictures below (click on images for larger view):

LED Bezel - Source: PCMag.com

LED "Backlight" - Source: PCMag.com

LED Panel - Source: PCMag.com

LED Electronics - Source: PCMag.com

LED TV Wall Mount - Source: PCMag.com

Lastly, Phil Hinton (with an accent that’s a combination of William Wallace and the Geico Gecko) at AVForums.tv reviewed Samsung’s LED (LCD) TV.

After reviewing the articles, pictures, and video, what’s your verdict?

- California’s efforts to regulate the energy efficiency of its 35 million televisions (about one per California resident) continues to raise significant backlash from the electronics industry. Under the new proposal, new (sold after January 1, 2011) TVs under 58 inches would be required to use 30% less energy by 2011 and 50% less by 2013. The regulations are a direct response to the growing popularity of power-hungry, flat-screen LCD and Plasma TVs. Critics of the proposal highlight that advancements in technology have drastically improved the energy efficiency (or lack thereof) of old CRT tube televisions. The California Energy Commission estimates that the proposal will save the state $8.1 billion by 2021 and could vote on the proposal as early as tomorrow, November 4th. (via The Mercury News)

- Research firm InStat is predicting that a new version of HDTVs will hit the retail market in the next five to 10 years. Dubbed “Ultra” HD, the new technology will improve picture resolution anywhere from four to 16 times the resolution of current HDTVs. The new technology is in the experimental stages in Japan and also some movie theaters (locations not specified). (via TVPredictions.com)

- On a similar note, Samsung just released pictures of it’s 3mm thick, LED backlit, LCD HDTV. While the specs on the TV are still somewhat unknown, the model shown in Samsung’s pictures is 40-inches, 120Hz, and 5000:1 contrast ratio. (via Gizmodo)

- David Katzmaier, Senior Editor at CNET, recently reviewed all of the HDTVs on the market. Here are his top five, based on their design, features, and perfomance:

1. Samsung UNB8500 series
2. Panasonic TC-PV10 series
3. Samsung PNB850/860 series
4. Samsung UNB8000 series
5. LG LH90 series

Do you agree or disagree with David’s review?

For many small businesses, increasing profit margin is a difficult task in today’s economy. “If retailers in general operate under a thin profit margin, then small retailers operate under an ultra-thin profit margin,” says Mallory Duncan, senior vice president and general counsel of the National Retail Federation.

One way to combat dwindling profit, however, is analyzing your credit card processing. “Swipe fees”–the percentage a credit card company charges per sale–can cripple a small business’ revenue (see diagram).

Credit Card Interchange - Source:GAO

And the problem? These fees are steadily rising. According to David Robertson, publisher of payment-industry web newsletter The Nilson Report, merchants paid over $62 billion in “swipe fees” in 2008, up from $16 billion in 2001.

At ShopJimmy, we spent a good chunk of this past summer researching our credit card processing system and requesting quotes from a variety of companies. Our findings? It’s important to regularly check your fees, request quotes, and negotiate with your processor to find savings. “There is a lot of competition in the business, and competition offers the opportunity for merchants to really shop around and see what is the best deal or the best service they can get,” says Jamie Savant, a partner at the Strawhecker Group, a payments-industry consultant.

During our research, we found BCS Worldwide. It’s a local (St. Paul, MN), family-owned company with a great reputation for low fees, quality customer service, and a good “corporate social responsibility” track record. Click here to learn more about BCS Worldwide and apply for a quote!

I’m slightly obsessive about the bookmarks in my browser (in a non-therapy way, I promise!). So, you have my guarantee that I won’t give you any irrelevant links or websites (ok, maybe just a few, but not the following site). Recommended by fellow SJ’er Adam, Engadget is a great site for electronics news and resources.

Engadget recently posted a good article on recycling old gadgets. As the “green” movement continues to gain momentum, many consumer electronics companies have developed recycling programs. There are also several great non-profits that specialize in recycled electronics.

As we’ve mentioned, our ShopJimmy Stores program (launching soon!) provides you with the opportunity to promote your business as a recycler or drop-off point for used equipment; then, you can sell any working parts through your store on ShipJimmy. Did you know that ShopJimmy gets over 4,200 visits each day? Don’t miss out on this opportunity to jump on the “green” bandwagon and expand your business! Visit ShopJimmy Stores for more information.

Click here to read Engadget’s full article and check out their website! It’s ok to bookmark it, too. I swear.

Click on Intrepid TV Repair's logo to visit their website!

In our quest to keep this blog fresh and informative, we’re starting something new! Every few weeks, we’ll showcase a technician or electronics repair company who continuously provides great service to their surrounding community. We’ll highlight technicians from across the country. It’ll be like a “stamp of approval” or endorsement, but ShopJimmy style. For our inaugural post, we’d like to introduce Intrepid TV Repair from Steelton, PA.

Intrepid, founded in 1995 by Jeff Dougherty, specializes in the repair of all high-definition displays and TVs. To maintain their technical expertise and keep up to date with electronic innovations, all Intrepid technicians regularly attend training for a variety of manufacturers. “I’ve always had the dream of owning my own business,” said Dougherty. At ShopJimmy, we’ve partnered with Intrepid for almost two years and can validate the professionalism and knowledge of Intrepid TV Repair and their technicians.

Supposedly, Jeff also moonlights as a comedian, but we can’t confirm that…

We’re receiving a lot of calls and emails about our new ShopJimmy Stores program. If you’re a certified technician, you do not want to miss this opportunity to join ShopJimmy and expand your business! As an SJstore, you can:

- Market those unwanted overstock items in your inventory.

- Promote yourself as a local recycler and drop-off point for used sets, test the parts, and then sell them on SJ.

- Sell any item–related to the consumer electronics and appliances industry–in your inventory without a posting fee.

You won’t  find a better place to reach potential customers and increase sales! To learn more, please visit our ShopJimmy Stores information page.

Happy Friday! Here at ShopJimmy, we’re always trying to make your life a little easier. We just added a cool feature to our site: ShopJimmy Partners.

MCM Electronics and Ecompass Parts Distribution have officially jumped on-board (Ness Electronics is joining soon) to aid in our pursuit of providing you with a comprehensive supply of parts.

We know most of you are web-savvy, but if you have trouble finding ShopJimmy Partners on our site, here’s a little direction:

1. Search for any part on our site.
2. If you can’t find the part in ShopJimmy’s inventory (we like to believe that’s a rare occurrence), scroll down the page.
3. Below our inventory, you’ll find the ShopJimmy Partners section, which shows you the relevant inventory of MCM, Encompass, and (soon!) Ness.

Pretty sweet, huh? Don’t hesistate to contact us with any questions. Enjoy your weekend!

Jimmy Vosika, the Director of Partology, surveying his empire atop a mass of flat-screens.

The word is spreading!

Todd Nelson wrote a great article in the Star Tribune’s business section this past weekend highlighting the growing success of ShopJimmy. Here’s a little excerpt from the article:

“The industry apparently is taking notice. ShopJimmy was one of three parts distributors recognized for exemplary service recently by the National Electronics Service Dealers Association.”

While we’re thrilled that our hard work and dedication to our customers is receiving attention, that’s not why we’re in business. But, good press never hurts, right?

Click here to read the article and preview our ambitious future plans.

We’ve marked down all power supply boards 10%, just in time for lightning season.

Hurry!  Sale ends Saturday 8/22.

We’ve also permanently marked down most LG-Philips T-Con/LCD Controller boards (boards beginning with part number 6870C-), many of which are Non-Stocked manufacturer parts.

Are customers finding your website on Google?

Is your website bringing business through the door?

Have you paid too much in the past with too few results?

Are you disappointed by the expense and ineffectiveness of Yellow Page ads?

ShopJimmy.com/Monster Studios Inc. is pleased to announce the launch of WebsiteCruiser, a website building tool designed specifically for the electronics service industry.

Within minutes of signing up for WebsiteCruiser, your business can have a website that is:

• Effective –we are SEO (Search Engine Optimization) experts.  People WILL find your business online!
• Easily Customizable –choose from 45 different theme/color schemes.  Don’t like what you see?  Change the look, feel and content of your site within seconds.
• User Friendly –Anyone can do it –why pay an overpriced Webmaster to maintain your site?  If you can operate a keyboard and a mouse, you’re qualified.
• Relevant –WebsiteCruiser is tailored for YOUR industry!
• Inexpensive –Sign up FREE for the first month (we won’t even ask for your credit card, we swear!) and you’ll be surprised how little you’ll pay going forward.

Like what you hear?  Head over to www.websitecruiser.com to sign up or learn more.

Any questions not answered there may be directed to emily@monsterstudiosinc.com.

Come see Jimmy show off ShopJimmy’s new tools and features at the NESDA/NPSC Conference in St. Louis. ShopJimmy’s breakout session will be Tuesday August 4th @ 8:45pm after dinner. Make sure you register because space is limited.