Oz regulator tells telly-makers to mind their language
Sony, LG, Panasonic, Samsung and Sharp won't say “WiFi Ready” any more
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The Australian Consumer and Competition Commission (ACCC) has told the top five telly-makers to stop describing their products as “WiFi Ready” when a dongle is needed to connect them to a network.
"The ACCC considered that the term 'Ready', when used in promoting audiovisual products, is widely understood by consumers to mean the product is capable of accessing WiFi, without the need to purchase any further device," said ACCC Chairman Rod Sims.
A single complaint from a punter who was grumpy about having to stump up another AUD$120 for a WiFi adapter led the Comission to round up Sony, LG, Panasonic, Samsung and Sharp, all of which promised never to use the phrases “WiFi ready” or “Wireless LAN Ready” ever again.
The five will now use more descriptive phrases like “USB Wireless LAN adaptor required” or the postively Shakespearean “WiFi Capable with Optional Adaptor”.
“Wireless LAN Adaptor required, sold separately” is another option that will doubtless brighten boxes.
The phrases above will be slapped on tellies and any other AV kit that purports to have connectivity powers. ®
COMMENTS
"So the only option to produce one unit sellable across the world, is for manufacturers to make optional all the stuff which much raise eyebrows of the customs and certification authorities. It's called "globalization" - looked it up."
No its not, its to make it part of the package. They sell a TV in Australia, the retailers get sent a package of USB adaptors that they then include FREE with the TV, ooooh that was really hard, therefore the packaged item is WiFi ready. There's absolutely no reason why the wifi adpator should be an optional extra, oh yes except they can charge $120 for something that normaly costs around $20-$30 from a computer shop.
Considered how little it costs to put wireless in, they should just build it in and stuff the stupid dongle.
Phrases like wireless ready is just to fool people and then milk them again for the addon when they find the TV doesn't actually have wireless. Total scam and should be cracked down on.
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