HVX Price check week of June 12th 2006

taxcutter

New member
This is my review of prices for the HVX 200 for the week of July 12, 2006. I can only post 15000 characters long.

I started looking for prices around NAB and I wish I purchased the NAB special from B&H for $5700.00 w 4g p2. If you are going to mention a place, could you please give the name, cost etc.

AbelCineTech http://www.abelcine.com/store/home.php 888/700-4416
HVX200 5357.63 In stock
4GB p2 549.00 In stock
Taxes 177.20 3% CA exemption deal
Shipping 0.0 I’ll pick this up
Total 6083.82
Add-on value
Cam-mate Card
Abel’s T-shirt (Auto focus is for sissies)
Bottom Line: 6083.82

Comments: I live in CA, so I have to include taxes. Jerrod is the man at Abel’s and his extension is 307. This price includes the DVXusers discount. Jerrod was very helpful and told me about 3% tax deal for CA residents instead of the usual 8.25%. Ideally, I would like to purchase from Abel, due to the fact that if anything goes wrong, I can always drive up to Burbank. But the bottom line is the bottom line. Oh yea, the cam-mate card is some kind of white balance card. Jerrod was way cool and helpful.

ProMedia TN http://www.promediamemphis.com/ (901) 753-4114
HVX200 5595.00 Out, expected in 2-3 weeks
4GB p2 550.00 One In stock
Taxes 0.0 out of state
Shipping 50.0 Estimated amount per David or less
Total 6195.00

Add-on value: 69.00
Free ground shipping or free Ipod shuffle or Barry book
Bottom Line: 6135.00
Comments: I talked to David and I asked for any discount, deal and I mentioned DVXuser. David said since this item is out of stock, he recommended to get on the list and pony up the old credit card to make sure I get the item. www.apple.com/ipodshuffle/ I use the ipod value of $69 as the add on value to get to the bottom line. David estimated shipping would be around 50 bucks.

Full Compass http://www.fullcompass.com/ 1-800-356-5844

HVX200 5277.81 July 10 plus 2 weeks or so
4GB p2 514.25 none same time line
Taxes 0.00 out of state
Shipping 50.00 weight? 12.50 lbs their zip code 53562
Total 5841.00

Bottom Line: 5841.00

Comments: I was transfer to Compass Express. It is no big deal, but I was put on hold and the musak sucks. I called all these shops on Tuesday and I’m following up and double-checking prices, today, Thursday. One thing for sure, I was put on hold both times, each time it was a couple of minutes and I personally do not like it. The first time I spoke to Andy. I asked for Andy the 2nd time but he was unavailable and I left a message. After a while, (I’m typing up the review) I called again. This time I spoke to Lisa. I was told July 10th is the next batch shipment, plus maybe another 2 weeks to get it out to the customers. Regardless of price, I get a bad feeling when I am put on hold and my phone calls are not returned, if you know what I mean. But at least Lisa seemed nice. And Andy did call back. He was at Lunch. And Andy seemed cool and his extension is 1342. He told me to use the extension, otherwise be ready to wait in queue and listen to the musak. Oh, Andy thought the musak sucked too!


Professional Tape & Video (Oregon) http://www.provideoandtape.com/ 800.833.4801

HVX200 5295.00 Any day now, but all gone
4GB p2 525.00 Any day……
Taxes 0.00 out of state
Shipping 15.00 UPS ground w/ insurance weight? 12.50?
Total 5806.00

Bottom Line: 5806.00

Comments: The first time I spoke to Brad. But Brad is up in Seattle today, so I talked to Dave. Since Brad is not available, it’s tough to get the price double check. Brad gave me a good price after I told him I am a DVXuser member. Today, Dave gave me another, higher price. Dave said to call back next week and talk to Brad.

Specialized Communication http://www.spec-comm.com/ 1-800-359-1858

HVX200 5399.00 no stock
4GB p2 575.00 yes, but if you are ordering the cam..
Taxes 0.00 out of state
Shipping 0.00 Included with special
2% Discount (119.48) 2% off for payment w/ a certified check.***
Total 5854.52

Add-on value: 50 I estimated 50 for shipping.
99 SCPAN-6000, 6000mAh Battery
Total Value: 149.00
Bottom Line: 5703.52

Comments: I spoke to Jasmine at ext 216. She seemed really nice and took the time to answer my questions. The 2% deal is on the total if you order the Panny. So I guess if you are ordering a whole bunch of stuff it could add up big time. It would seem they get a shipment at the end of the month or so. It’s abit difficult to figure total value verses the bottom line. The battery included sounds great, but is it a great battery? Maybe a better way is to strip the battery to figure out the bottom line. Regardless, if you are into the Cineporter thing, maybe it’s the best deal because you get a discount on Cineporter. Personally, I am not going the Cineporter route. But this is not a Cineporter thread, please.

Lerro http://www.lerro.com/contact-us.aspTel: (610) 650-4100

HVX200 5400.00 Yes, they have them
4GB p2 600.00 yes, ...
Taxes 0.00 out of state
Shipping 50.00 UPS ground estimate
Total 6050.00

Bottom Line: 6050.00


Comments: I first called the Pittsburgh office, but was told to call corporate in Norristown. Part of my deal is to call back twice. That way if there is some price changes or other issues, I would know. From my scribbles from Tuesday, I had 5300 for the cam and 635 for the 4 Gb P2 Card. Today, Thursday, the prices are a little different. But the price is not for the better. So why bother going any further? And yea, I asked for a discount, any specials, etc. Sorry Matt, but you really did not seem like a salesperson.

Discount Video Warehouse www.roscor.com 800-323-8148 ext 1372
HVX200 5374.00 in stock
4GB p2 525.00 out of card
Taxes 0.00 out of state
Shipping 50.00 UPS ground estimate
Total 5945.00

Bottom Line: 5954.00

Comments: Out of all of the places I called, Lee Drady, ext 1372 seemed the most professional in knowledge and is the Man. Lee can cut the deal. On top of that, Lee was ready to talk about other needs and thoughts about workflow, etc. I guess what impressed me the most was a phrase Lee said to me, “I’m not here just to sell, and I’m here to establish a relationship with a customer. That way, and hopefully, that customer will be with me for Life.” Salesmanship 101. But since Lee is the Man, Lee told me if it’s (the price) in the ballpark, he is ready to cut the deal. So the bottom line price may have some movement. Lee will be out until Tuesday, so if you call, you will have to wait until then to talk to Lee.


Snader www.Snader.com 408/446-3735

HVX200 5295.00 out stock, expect in about week
4GB p2 550.00 out of card
Taxes 437.00 8.25% CA
Shipping 15.00 UPS ground estimate
Total 6297.00

Bottom Line: 6297.00

Comments: I was transferred to Kurt at extension 263. I had a good talk with him. He seemed pleasant and knowledgeable, but he is not the Man. And therefore, he could not cut the ultimate deal. Of course, they just sold out, but they are expecting them in about a week. I could get a break on the sales tax with the CA exemption. Kurt was good enough to ask for my telephone number to let me know when they have the panny.

B&H photo http://www.bhphotovideo.com/ 800.742.8294 / 212.444.5094

HVX200 5500.00 out stock, 7-10 days delivery??
4GB p2 600.00 same thing out of card
Taxes 00.00 out of state
Shipping 44.25 UPS ground estimate
Total 6044.25


Press 8, press 2, press 1 and then I talked to Morris. Nice enough guy. Morris told me to just press 821 to cut thru. Isn’t that the same? They did not have any in stock and expected the HVX to be available in 7-10 days or was it delivered? Morris did say I could save 20 bucks with package. But I sure missed out on the NAB deal.

Conclusion: Let’s start with Economics 101. Is there a problem with Supply? That’s above my pay grade, but it sure effects Demand (Costs). Or should I say Supply/Demand has not met equilibrium and therefore affects the ability to cut the deal. What about the loss opportunity of a sale? Next, although Brad at Pro Video seems to have the best deal, I could not double check. Maybe Spec-Comm is the value deal? Regardless, it seems Lee at Roscor can cut the deal, plus Lee was ready to talk about all the other issues, like workflow! Finally, I am just one guy checking things out.
Humbly presented,
Mark
I figure I’ll pull the trigger and purchase sometime next week.
 
The problem with supply is that the HVX is enormously popular. Eventually they will have production at a level that matches demand, but it's not there yet, so the product keeps selling out.
 
Support your local dealer who provides support and expertise. HVX buyers in LA and New York are lucky to have access to first-flass outfits like Abel Cine Tech who are also rental houses, a rental/sales/support house like Abel Cine Tech is a valuable partner, making it worthwhile to spend a tad more. The lowest-priced retailer online can't match the rental, sales, service, and technical support that someone like Abel (or their equivalent in your region) can provide. Think big picture and long term, bottom line numbers are like facts, they lack context.
 
Hopefully you can tell with a name like the taxcutter, that I am the accountant.

Abel Cine Tech is insane. A great place, with great people. They are the Pros! Jerrod at Abel laughs all the time. People always think he is Mr. Land.

Furthermore, I grew up in LA. I live in LA (ok I live in the OC) and all my good friends are in the Industry. But when you see production after production being moved and shot overseas, this is the context that I have to deal with. Along with cranky Execs.

Your humble servant,
Mark
 
Thanks Taxcutter! That is a tremendous amount of legwork you saved me. What did EVS say? With Rush no longer there the service has seemed to deteriorate. I am at the three week horizon for a purchase and appreciate your efforts.
I must say that I want to buy locally but the support angle is better supported on the web with better timeliness and better info. My local guys (and I love 'em) are great for big buys but when you want to save a few hundred bucks on a purchase they can't or don't go there. They are more into the institutional buys, not a small shop. I understand that, there is not enough overhead in small buys to make a real profit. They wouldn't really support it anyway. I would still have to ship it off for repair.
So where does that leave me? Looking for a bargain wherever it may be.....
Cheers,
K.Reitz
 
I started with over 28K characters in my review, but the limit is 15K.

I did not ask EVS, but I wish I did and countless others. I was kinda hoping that other people, such as yourself, would follow up on other authorized dealers. Heck, let's get everybody. And include the same type of format and information in their review. I've been lurking for months, but it just seemed people would just mention a name. I needed more info. Information empowers the soul. So long that its not the tax code!

Regarding Big guy or little guy shop, well, we could debate the merits on either. But for me, I can not afford to purchase every item on my wish list. Heck, I don't have the cash to hire the best DP or great writers. Maybe I can cut the deal on the back end. However, I have to be careful and allocate my resources the best way I can. And the first door is the price point. The next door was the sales team. Do you know your product, do you know what's going on. That's why I called twice and on different days. I wanted to see if customer sales and support was any good. I live and work in a town with a bunch of posers.

But yea, it sounds like I'm in the same boat as you...the search continues...
Respectfully,
Mark
 
Thanks Taxcutter for the list! We think that this list will be very useful for everybody that is shopping for the HVX.

I just wanted to make sure that you and everybody else knows about the updated priceing here at Spec-Comm.

AG-HVX200P Package is $5399 + Extra battery (List $149) + 10% off CinePorter (Savings up to $350) + FREE UPS Ground shipping (~$35) + 2% off total purchase if paid by company/cashiers check.

4GB P2 Cards are now $510!
8GB P2 Cards are $1329.

You can also checkout our deals with the new VidLed lighting and battery chargers.

Thanks again fo rthe support!

Andrew Hoffman
Senior Operations Manager
Specialized Communications Corp.
20940 Twin Springs Dr.
Smithsburg, MD 21783-1510 USA
800-359-1858
Fax: 301-790-0173
andrewh@spec-comm.com
www.spec-comm.com
 
Deal with Abel.

Maybe I am biased because I used to work for them...and now I prep from them whenever I can get a show to use them, and I bought my HVX from them etc etc etc.

Between the level of serivce and commitment you get between a few certain key people there, its worth it.
 
Hey thanks Andrew for the bump back up on the daily list!
Everything is cool, but I was told you did not have any in stock.
You have a groovy price and deal, but can you cut the deal?
Nevertheless, can any other vendor belly up to the DVXuser board and meet and beat Spec-Comm?

I live in a Great Country!
Mark
 
Thanks for the research taxcutter. I am ready to buy but am waiting for someone to offer me an hvx and 4gig card for $5500. I wish someone would hurry up and offer as I am beginning to have second thoughts as I read some of the nightmare posts of people losing entire day's footage cause of unexplainable p2 glitches.
 
I have read a bunch of posts and I'm still moving ahead with purchase. Price wise, well, $5500 seems to be the bottom edge of pricing. Again, I wish I purchased during NAB.

Mark
 
Hey Mark,

Was nice talking with you, albeit briefly.
5 cams coming in next week. P2 memory in stock now.

David
ProMedia
901-753-4114
 
Stoked

Stoked

Got mine from Jerrold at ABLE. Even lower than all the listed prices above. They rock. I am in South of Mexico shooting a surf film with the top 44 surfers in the world. By the way... did I mention I love my HVX.
 
This might be a really dumb question, but how do taxes work on this? Sometimes I see a tax, sometimes I don't see one?
 
I ordered my HVX200 from VSA (Video Service of America) for $5,257.89 (I've only seen it a few bucks cheaper a few places... that were legit anyhow). I got 2 8gb cards, an extra long-life battery, and a Portabrace Director's Case for an extra $2,851.16 (with shipping) as well. I got everything today, except for the camera -- which is due to arrive tomorrow!

Granted, it took about 2 months to get the camera from the day I ordered it -- but from what I hear that is pretty common.

Talk to Dusty -- 800 888 2140 ext. 131 (tell 'em Telebay sent ya!)
 
As the story goes....

Hey thanks ProMediaTN,

If our conversation was short, well, I'm calling around and after while, it's like going thru the motions. Sorry. However, on the phone, you sounded cool and I see you not only watch the boards, but shout out as well. And that's totally cool back-up vibe that most vendors do not commit the time and effort! Thank you!

Hey Palmerman, I love Mexico. http://www.scorpionbay.net/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=11&PN=1

And I know where you are at...
http://www.aspworldtour.com/ripcurlpro/

Please if you have the time, what are the conditions, how is the shoot, what is the bloody workflow and are you getting into the water? Malibu was 2-4, but the tide was pushing it down and it was Southern Hemi lully.

Jmtasu, in the US, each state applies a sales tax based on the total price. Each state has a different rate. Regardless, one should analyse the total cost. Taxation is just another variable point to look at, like shipping, timeline, customer service, expertise, just to name a few.

Telebay, it sounds like you have a great deal. I just.... well,
it is due to arrive tomorrow? 2 months waiting? Ouch. Can you please break down the cost per item listed?

The clock is ticking, the surf is pumping and it's time to pull the trigger. Another round of calls and by Friday, hopefully, I shall be waiting....

Life is too short, that is unless you are 21.
Mark
 
Taxcutter - Epic conditions. Work flow was easy. HVX, 2 - 4GB P2's, P2 Store, G4 Powerbook, 750GB's of Hard Drive Space. Shot and downloaded to P2 Store on beach. At Hotel download P2_Store to G-Drives over night. Wake-up, Format P2_Store, Head to beach. I did try to run my powerbook at beach one day on the grandstand tower... But the heat was too much and files wouldn't transfer properly - got errors.. until things were cooled down in hotel. I did a bit of water work with a Epic Water Housing... but would not use in big waves... too boyant. Used to shoot kids in a pond, Shoot From Jetski etc. You can see a few podcasts from the HVX. Podcasts 079,080 & 088 are mine... subscribe to the RIPCURL podcast to down load on itunes. PS. Got my pic with Slater and Irons... cool eh?
 
Taxcutter,

Check your PM. I am in the OC and have a friend looking to buy 2 camera's locally.

Good luck,

Rob
 
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