Kogan 12 volt TVs
Submitted: Friday, May 17, 2013 at 17:03
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Gavin M2
I have recently purchased a 24" Kogan LED TV as a second one for the caravan/annexe after noting many favourable reviews on here by other caravanners.
First thing I noticed was that the aspect ratio was "off". I measured the physical screen (517 x 323) which equals a 16:10 aspect ratio. The menu provides an aspect ratio selection of 16:9, 4:3, zoom1 or zoom2 (but no 16:10!).
Am I missing something? What manufacturer produces a TV with aspect ratio options that don't correspond with the size of the screen? Duh!
When a 16:9 transmission is stretched to fit a 16:10 screen it is distorted depth wise (people appear slightly thinner). This annoys me when I'm watching a brand new TV.
My other 12V caravan TV (a TEAC from JB Hi Fi) has a screen that measures (520 x 293) or exactly 16:9 and the picture is very pleasing.
Has anyone else noticed the slightly distorted images on their Kogan TVs and has anyone found a solution?
Gavin
Reply By: Dust-Devil - Friday, May 17, 2013 at 17:16
Friday, May 17, 2013 at 17:16
The Solution for You is: Buy TEAC from JB Hi-Fi
AnswerID:
511251
Follow Up By: Gavin M2 - Friday, May 17, 2013 at 17:27
Friday, May 17, 2013 at 17:27
The Kogan was about half the price and came
well recommended, so seemed appropriate for a second TV. Seems most other Kogan owners may not realize they are viewing distorted images.
Guess you get what you pay for ...
Just received a reply from Kogan, "Please refer to page 17 in the user manual for changing aspect ratio". Hmm, User Manual states, "Aspect Ratio: Choose from 4:3, 16:9, Zoom 1 or Zoom2." Really helpful!
Gavin
FollowupID:
789421
Follow Up By: patsproule - Friday, May 17, 2013 at 19:35
Friday, May 17, 2013 at 19:35
They are using a computer LCD screen - that's probably how they get the price down. Computer widescreen is 16:10.
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: Razerback - Friday, May 17, 2013 at 22:55
Friday, May 17, 2013 at 22:55
Was the image 4:3 via the TV program you were watching.? As far as I know the Kogan's don't do it any different to other makers, for example Kogan often uses Samsung panels, so sounds like something not right at your end.?
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: Gavin M2 - Friday, May 17, 2013 at 23:19
Friday, May 17, 2013 at 23:19
No, the TV program was 16:9. American 4:3 shows display correctly with black bars at each side.
As other posters have noted, the problem is the size of Kogan's screen (basically a computer 16:10 monitor screen) at least on this particular model. 16:9 programs don't play correctly although they would if black bars were used to fill in the top and bottom. Kogan chose to simply stretch the image, aaargh!
Gavin
FollowupID:
789472
Reply By: Member - J&R - Friday, May 17, 2013 at 17:43
Friday, May 17, 2013 at 17:43
So you want to buy multiple TV's to suit all aspect ratios and resolutions?
Set it to run in it's native resolution.
If a program is in 4:3 then it will appear so, just not as wide as 16:9.
Anything in 16:9 will have black bits above and below.
Then get it to fit the screen if the setting is available. It will crop it slightly.
16:10 is not a native Aussie resolution but is used in other industries.
AnswerID:
511255
Follow Up By: fisho64 - Sunday, May 19, 2013 at 23:36
Sunday, May 19, 2013 at 23:36
I think you need to reread his post. When it should be 16:9 it is actually 16:10
FollowupID:
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Reply By: Member - J&R - Friday, May 17, 2013 at 17:46
Friday, May 17, 2013 at 17:46
But I guess you get what you pay for. Cheap for a reason.
Pays to investigate.
AnswerID:
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Reply By: JAMES B - Friday, May 17, 2013 at 18:50
Friday, May 17, 2013 at 18:50
We have a Kogan 24" & it is fine. Sound is a bit tinny but we can live with that. No problem with picture. Just try all the different ratios - 1 should be ok.
AnswerID:
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Reply By: KenInPerth - Friday, May 17, 2013 at 19:46
Friday, May 17, 2013 at 19:46
Just some FYI.
Just maybe these "TV's" have been a way for them to dispose of unwanted 16:10 panels left over in the other industries who did want them any more (refer below). That would be another reason they are a lower cost item - many items in our industry all of a sudden appear on the market at a "good price" because they are superceded.
I wonder if the ratio was in the sales information associated with your purchase as it is not something you would pick up on easily, and as we all know the "non Australian" markets will say anything true or false to sell product. The answer is almost always "Yes" to any question - whatever you want to hear !!
16:10, also known as 8:5, is an aspect ratio mostly used for computer displays and tablet computers. The width of the display is 1.6 times its height. This ratio is close to the golden ratio which is approximately 1.618 (this is apparently an aesthetically pleasing ratio in architecture and arts).
LCD computer displays using the 16:10 ratio started to appear in the mass market from 2003. By 2008 16:10 had become the most common aspect ratio for LCD monitors and laptop displays. Since 2010, however, 16:9 has become the mainstream standard, driven by the 1080p standard for high definition television.
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Reply By: Gavin M2 - Friday, May 17, 2013 at 21:37
Friday, May 17, 2013 at 21:37
I could live with the non-standard 16:10 screen if the picture could be displayed correctly in 16:9 using the "letterbox" method (black bars top and bottom).
With this 24" Kogan, when you select 16:9 in the aspect ratio menu you get a 16:9 picture stretched depth wise to fit their 16:10 screen!!! In other words, NOT 16:9. When I purchased it off their website I assumed it complied with Australian standards - who would have thought you should
check the actual screen dimensions?
I hate viewing TVs with incorrectly set aspect ratios. Some people are blissfully unaware they are viewing a distorted picture but I notice it immediately.
If I can't find a way to view in correct 16:9 this TV is going back. What a nuisance - last time I buy a TV sight unseen online.
Gavin
AnswerID:
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Reply By: Member - J&R - Friday, May 17, 2013 at 22:01
Friday, May 17, 2013 at 22:01
Keninperth
I think u mean 4:3
The only other industry standard in Australia
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Follow Up By: KenInPerth - Friday, May 17, 2013 at 23:23
Friday, May 17, 2013 at 23:23
I wasn't referring to any Aus standards - did not mean to give that impression.
I meant to say "....the other industries who did not want them any more ...."
As in if there a bunch of 16:10 panels out there without a
home why not buy them cheap, put a TV circuit around, them and sell them off. as an inexpensive item.
It is a difficult one as maybe it is genuinely faulty (and arguing that could be a challenge) or they just have not done what they should have to make it look right on this particular model.
Does anyone know if Kogan manufacture or just re-badge stuff ??
FollowupID:
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Reply By: Razerback - Friday, May 17, 2013 at 22:52
Friday, May 17, 2013 at 22:52
My Kogan is fine. Works as it should, call them? Is this for TV or via DVD player or other device, for media players, dvd players etc you need to set their output as
well.
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Follow Up By: Gavin M2 - Friday, May 17, 2013 at 23:07
Friday, May 17, 2013 at 23:07
Just for TV output at this stage. Haven't tried the DVD yet.
Is yours a 24" Kogan? My son has a much larger 240V Kogan that has a correctly dimensioned 16:9 screen so it obviously doesn't apply to all models.
When you say it works as it should, have you checked the aspect ratio? (measured the physical screen). Just because you've selected 16:9 and you see a full screen picture doesn't mean it is displaying correctly. Many people don't realise they are looking at a (slightly) distorted image that has been stretched to fill a 16:10 screen. Just saying. Hopefully you may have a different model that has a correct 16:9 screen.
Gavin
FollowupID:
789469
Follow Up By: KenInPerth - Saturday, May 18, 2013 at 00:19
Saturday, May 18, 2013 at 00:19
Gavin
Hopefully you will be able to resolve it with them.
I just looked at their web site and (this may not be your model) but this one does mention it is 16:10 but should also support all 3 modes
Native Aspect Ratio16:10
Size24"
Supported Aspect Ratios4:3, 16:9, 16:10
Supported Resolutions640x480 @ 60Hz, 800x600 @ 60Hz, 1024x768 @ 60Hz, 1360X768 @ 60Hz, 1920X1080 @ 60Hz
TypeSAMSUNG TFT-LED (Edge lit LED LCD panel)
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: Gavin M2 - Monday, May 20, 2013 at 13:54
Monday, May 20, 2013 at 13:54
Hi Ken,
Yes, looks like they are the specs on the one I bought:-
http://www.kogan.com/au/buy/24-led-tv-full-hd-dvd-player-combo/
You might have noticed that the picture they've used shows a correctly dimensioned 16:9 screen (I measured it!). Probably one of their other models. The product they deliver doesn't match the photo on their website - it has the deeper 16:10 screen. The dimensions they quote on their specs page are correct for the product as delivered (16:10) but don't match the photo on their website (16:9).
NOT happy!
Gavin
FollowupID:
789696
Follow Up By: Gavin M2 - Monday, May 20, 2013 at 14:02
Monday, May 20, 2013 at 14:02
Ken, I might add that I think it is a misrepresentation by Kogan to include 16:9 as one of the supported aspect ratios when it is impossible to display a 16:9 image correctly on their 16:10 screen!
As I said before, I would be happy with the TV if it would display a true 16:9 picture with black bars top and bottom so the image isn't stretched.
Gavin
FollowupID:
789697
Follow Up By: KenInPerth - Monday, May 20, 2013 at 14:22
Monday, May 20, 2013 at 14:22
You probaby have a reasonable case for Consumer Affiars ... might be worth a phone call.
I know their first point will be "have you tried to work it out with the seller" ...
I hope you can get it resolved easily ... take screen shots to support your case re the size on the web site etc.
Some people might argue it is not worth the trouble but for
mine if no one complains there will be many more people get trapped - they may not always know they have with something like this, but that is why we have consumer affairs to try and protect consumers in Australia.
FollowupID:
789698
Follow Up By: KenInPerth - Monday, May 20, 2013 at 14:28
Monday, May 20, 2013 at 14:28
Gavin
Just out of interest the specs on this show
Native Aspect Ratio16:10 Widescreen - that might not help your case ...???
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: Gavin M2 - Monday, May 20, 2013 at 14:39
Monday, May 20, 2013 at 14:39
I agree Ken, they are sure to point to that. Who ever would have thought they'd need to
check the "native aspect ratio" in the fine print before buying a telly?
I just want other consumers to be aware - if they buy one of these particular models they need to know they will be viewing a distorted picture (whether they realise it or not).
Gavin
FollowupID:
789700
Follow Up By: KenInPerth - Monday, May 20, 2013 at 14:53
Monday, May 20, 2013 at 14:53
I don't think I would ever
check for this when buying a television.
Certainly a trap for anyone - from experience if you watch a "distorted" image long enough and do not change to other televisions you tend to get used to the distorted image as "normal".
Out of curiosity, can you select the different aspect ratios in the set up or is it an automatic function ?? If you can seect it what happens when you change between the 16:9 and 16:20 settings ??
FollowupID:
789703
Follow Up By: Gavin M2 - Tuesday, May 21, 2013 at 16:45
Tuesday, May 21, 2013 at 16:45
You can manually select from only 16:9 and 4:3 (as
well as Zoom1 and Zoom2). 4:3 gives you the bars at the sides. 16:9 fills the (16:10) screen (no bars at the top and bottom to keep the aspect ratio correct).
Gavin
FollowupID:
789777
Follow Up By: KenInPerth - Tuesday, May 21, 2013 at 17:01
Tuesday, May 21, 2013 at 17:01
I sent and email to their support to
test the water - here is the response - do you wnat to pick this email up (reply to support@kogan.com.au with the subject as per below (including their reference number) if you want to pick it up and play with them .... I would send them your follow up but don't have the model number.
Subject: RE: [#PFC-939-40598]: 24" LED TV (Full HD) & DVD Player Combo
Hi Ken,
Thank you for the email.
Can you please confirm that this is the model of TV you have: KALED24DVDWA
For this model of TV it should have 4 options under the aspect ratio options as outlined on page 17 of the instruction manual for this TV.
http://media.kogan.com/files/usermanuals/KALED24DVDWA-A.pdf
You should be able to set it to 16:9 to rectify this issue.
Also when does this issue occur? During DVD playback or watching DTV?
Kindest Regards,
Kyle M
The Kogan Team
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: Gavin M2 - Tuesday, May 21, 2013 at 22:37
Tuesday, May 21, 2013 at 22:37
I've already gone past that stage with them now Ken. Already had that response. Getting exasperated with their lack of comprehension. My last reply:-
"You seem to have misunderstood or chosen not to understand my complaint.
Your product (Kogan 24” Television) comes with a 16:10 aspect ratio screen. (These are normally used on computer monitors, not TVs)
Your user manual (page 17) says you can choose a 16:9 aspect ratio but the image is stretched to fit your 16:10 screen, so it is NOT a 16:9 image.
The photo displayed on your website shows a TV with a 16:9 screen but the product you shipped has a deeper 16:10 screen. This is deliberately misleading and deceptive and I am prepared to file an official complaint with Consumer Affairs.
Please advise how I can obtain a refund of my purchase price and shipping."
No reply ...
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: fisho64 - Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at 01:17
Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at 01:17
if you return inside 14 days you get a refund minus shipping
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Follow Up By: Gavin M2 - Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at 21:34
Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at 21:34
FYI, Kogan's reply today:-
"Hi Gavin,
The resolution of the TV is 1920x1080, which is a 16:9 aspect ratio. As such, it could never display in 16:10 without either stretching the image and cutting off the sides, or shrinking it to fit with letterboxing.
It is a 1:1 pixel representation of the image, assuming you are giving it a 1920x1080 image.
The Native Aspect Ratio, or the aspect ratio of the physical screen itself, is accurately listed on our website as 16:10.
The product you received matches the product as advertised.
If you are unhappy with the TV, we can certainly extend to you our 14 Day Money Back Guarantee(
http://www.kogan.com/au/14-day-money-back-guarantee/), however, you will be liable for the cost of return freight.
If you would like to proceed with this, please let us know so that we can send you a Returns Form".
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: KenInPerth - Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at 23:23
Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at 23:23
Typically they either still do not get what you are asking, or are just being vague in the answer.
I am assuming you would be happy if it "letterboxed" to a 16:9 ratio on the screen - but their answer does not say "it should" - instead they tell you the only two ways they can handle the problem without telling you that it can and should be able to be configured by you the way you would like it to be which would indicate a faulty set if you cannot do that.
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Follow Up By: Gavin M2 - Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at 23:38
Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at 23:38
Exactly Ken. Part of my reply reads, "I would have been happy with the product if the image had been letterboxed to retain the correct 16:9 ratio within the 16:10 native aspect ratio of the screen."
Notice, they did not address the fact the photograph of the product on their website (native 16:9) does not match the specs listed (native 16:10) - or the product I received!
I'll never buy another Kogan anything.
Gavin
FollowupID:
789933
Follow Up By: KenInPerth - Thursday, May 23, 2013 at 17:18
Thursday, May 23, 2013 at 17:18
Do you want to give them this detail on the off chance you do get some satisfaction. I asked them if they clearly understood the problem but they want the model number of the set involved.
Thank you for your reply.
Have you confirmed KALED24DVDWA is the model number?
We do understand your complaint, but require further information in the form of your Order Number or Tracking Number.
This information is required to allow us to investigate whether the ratio problem you or your friend have mentioned, is to do with the model TV you have purchased or is in fact a fault.
Do you have a conversation reference number that your friend has received when he made contact with Kogan. This will be in the form of 3 letters followed by 3 numbers and the followed by 5 numbers. (AAA-123-45678)
Could you perhaps provide us with a photo of the aspect ratio issue you are referring to for our records.
Please ensure that this photo is less then 8mb in size if you are attaching it to your response.
Please get back to us.
If you have any further questions or queries, please do not hesitate in asking.
FollowupID:
789955
Follow Up By: Gavin M2 - Thursday, May 23, 2013 at 22:01
Thursday, May 23, 2013 at 22:01
Hi Ken,
I'm already engaged in a back and
forth dialogue with them under my own order number/tracking number/reference number. Probably better that I don't muddy the waters with a second complaint.
I have already requested a Return Form. Just want my money back so I can buy a proper 16:9 telly.
Gavin
FollowupID:
789988
Reply By: garrycol - Saturday, May 18, 2013 at 00:04
Saturday, May 18, 2013 at 00:04
My 24" Kogan 12v TV works fine in this aspect - has crap sound and a crap tuner that is very weak but no issues with aspect ratios.
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Reply By: desray (WA - Saturday, May 18, 2013 at 01:21
Saturday, May 18, 2013 at 01:21
I bought a 12volt 20" kogan tv 3 years ago and its been good. I also bought a 46" tv last year and its crap ,, sound is bad picture is fuzzy off and on , I told them when I first turned it on if it was from Harvey nor or similar it would be back in the box and back at the
shop next day. Very heavy to post back cost wise . They said it would get better but it didn't its now in the kids bedroom for games,,
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Reply By: member - mazcan - Saturday, May 18, 2013 at 12:49
Saturday, May 18, 2013 at 12:49
hi gavin
that distorted effect helps when watching biggest loser
lol
AnswerID:
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Follow Up By: Gavin M2 - Saturday, May 18, 2013 at 20:46
Saturday, May 18, 2013 at 20:46
LOL. Like your sense of humour.
As Biggest Loser is my wife's favourite show, perhaps I should give HER the Kogan and I'll watch the footy on the TEAC. :-)
Gavin
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Reply By: howesy - Saturday, May 18, 2013 at 23:39
Saturday, May 18, 2013 at 23:39
I don't get it,,,,,it's like buying a Lada after people said they were OK and complaining about the quality compared to a Patrol,,,
like they said you get what you pay for if its cheap there is a reason for that.
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Follow Up By: garrycol - Sunday, May 19, 2013 at 00:01
Sunday, May 19, 2013 at 00:01
But you no longer get what you pay for - sellers charge what they can get away with - hence some low quality goods are now sold for low and high prices and some high quality goods are now sold for low and high prices. Price is no longer a gauge of quality - if it ever was.
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: Gavin M2 - Sunday, May 19, 2013 at 21:55
Sunday, May 19, 2013 at 21:55
No, it's like buying a Lada and complaining because the wheels have five holes but the hubs have four studs - they just don't fit together even though the quality of each wasn't in question.
Australian 16:9 transmissions simply don't fit correctly on a 16:10 screen, as good as it may be (for computers).
I still accept your point though - in many cases, you get what you pay for.
Gavin
FollowupID:
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