View Full Version : Is anyone watching out for Black Friday?
dave2010
20-11-2019, 07:54
I just noticed that so-called Black Friday is coming up at the end of this week. I know that some people don’t like it, and it’s commercialism run riot, but sometimes there are bargains to be had, and sometimes some good stuff.
Anyone looking out for it? If so, what?
In the past some TV subscription channels have been very cheap - and worth a punt. Example - NowTV.
Any other tips?
Pepperamip
20-11-2019, 08:14
If there's something you need while the deals are on then it can work out well.
I don't get all this fighting in the supermarket ailes for a shite telly they probably don't need anyway and will possibly try to sell at a later date.
Hotukdeals are handy to keep up with all best deals.
I need a projector screen but not sure if this is top of the black Friday makers list of stuff to discount but you never know.
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The Black Adder
20-11-2019, 08:45
Nope.... hate it.
walpurgis
20-11-2019, 08:53
Don't see the point in getting involved with Black Friday deals. A lot of the gear is bulk bought cheapo stuff obtained just for the sales, plus end of range items, re-packed returns and 'B' grade bits.
I seldom pay full whack for anything anyway and get decent deals all year round. I enjoy a haggle.
I want to change my telly as it's developed the dreaded Samsung magenta noise, large purple blobs on the screen which means the LED array is failing. I'll look for a Black Friday deal but many retailers have good deals anyway.
Pigmy Pony
20-11-2019, 18:10
I want to change my telly as it's developed the dreaded Samsung magenta noise, large purple blobs on the screen which means the LED array is failing. I'll look for a Black Friday deal but many retailers have good deals anyway.
Ian, if you have no joy with Black Friday, I would recommend trying Richer Sounds for a telly. They have a fair bit of "open box/clearance" items, and they are nice people to deal with.
I'm surprised no one has come along to tell us we can't call it Black Friday any more, and that it's now "Day of Colour".
I'm after a couple of Amazon Echo Show 5 devices to use as an alarm clock in our bedroom and one in the kitchen for general stuff including video doorbell. I got the kids one each on Prime Day when they were down to £50 from £80 - so hoping they will come down to that again. They sound surprisingly good for their size, and if you're into the whole Alexa thing, remarkable what "skills" are available now and what you can use them for. I'm not bothered about the privacy rubbish - if someone wants to sift through recordings from our house hoping for something interesting they'll be sorely disappointed! :D
Ian, if you have no joy with Black Friday, I would recommend trying Richer Sounds for a telly. They have a fair bit of "open box/clearance" items, and they are nice people to deal with.
I'm surprised no one has come along to tell us we can't call it Black Friday any more, and that it's now "Day of Colour".
Cheers Steve, Richer Sounds are great, never had a duff experience with them. They have a nice 4K Panasonic smart TV at a very good price so that's probably the one I'll go for.
Audio Al
20-11-2019, 19:13
It's mostly shit hyped up . Then lowlife's fight for it in a stampede when they burts the store doors open ,
I could not lower my standard that low ,
No NO not for me :nono:
Son is getting my pressie through early bf. In fact I just ordered it.
Looks cool.. Marco will be impressed as its food related
dave2010
21-11-2019, 06:39
I want to change my telly as it's developed the dreaded Samsung magenta noise, large purple blobs on the screen which means the LED array is failing. I'll look for a Black Friday deal but many retailers have good deals anyway.We got a Toshiba TV last year - it was around £100 cheaper than a week later. It took ages to "tame" it, as the instructions are rubbish, and some of the features may not work (recording to a memory stick, for example). However, we do use it, and for more normal use (i.e. watching TV programmes - which is what these things are made for ....) it's pretty good. It is a UHD set, and with appropriate inputs it's good - for the money. I'm prepared to believe my friends that a set costing £2k would be better, but this one was under £300. Another good feature it has is that it has both analogue signal inputs for Freeview, plus also inputs for Freesat.
So it is possible to get good or acceptable deals on TVs, based on experiences from previous years. Just check out the reviews (if there are any) of TVs which appear in any deals. For various reasons - perhaps connected with the change in my profile data - the set currently only gets an input from internet connected sources, or other external devices. I've failed totally to get a terrestrial broadcast signal, and I need to rewire or replace the satellite LNB and put in new cable.
Re the suggestion that "black Friday" should be renamed, many years ago a report in an American newspaper in describing a business, read something like "The company after several unprofitable years is now firmly in the African American"!
[If you need a hint to figure this out, let me know.]
willbewill
21-11-2019, 07:34
I just had a good pre black Friday deal, I've been looking out for a new washing machine and saved £75 with eBay 20% code on a LG from Hughes.
Pepperamip
21-11-2019, 08:02
I just had a good pre black Friday deal, I've been looking out for a new washing machine and saved £75 with eBay 20% code on a LG from Hughes.PRIZE20? I keep getting that one pop up.
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willbewill
21-11-2019, 08:21
PRIZE20? I keep getting that one pop up.
Sent from my CLT-L09 using TapatalkYep that's the one, a good deal if you need something from one of the applicable sellers
I think this will be the fifth or sixth year now when I won't spend a single penny on BF - I despise the whole concept. Consumerism of the very worst kind.
Give it back to the yanks!
:sofa:
I think this will be the fifth or sixth year now when I won't spend a single penny on BF - I despise the whole concept. Consumerism of the very worst kind.
Give it back to the yanks!
:sofa:
Agree - along with Halloween "Trick or Treat" and Father's Day whilst we're at it.
Has its uses like most things
gwernaffield
22-11-2019, 21:51
if you need a tv try https://centresdirect.co.uk/c-46-refurbished_tv_refurbished_tv.aspx#pgnum=&sort=&rf=
all come with a 12 month warranty and you can buy a 5 year warranty if you wish too,, it is all Grade A stuff ,,
pete
walpurgis
22-11-2019, 22:17
Agree - along with Halloween "Trick or Treat" and Father's Day whilst we're at it.
Creeping Americanism.............Or should that be 'creepy'?
If your after something anyway then why not use it if it saves money?
It shouldn't be used to just spend money tho, just to grab a bargain.
I never bought anything so far. Well a watc h but it wasn't in the bf.
The boy saved 70 on the thing he got me. He was getting it anyway tho.
As I said above, on the lookout for Amazon Echo Show devices - was hoping to get Echo Show 5 (5" screen) at £50 a pop, (saving £30) and indeed they are - but Echo Show 8 (8"screen - surprise, surprise!) is £60 each - down from £120 (half-price, if you're not good a maths, a 50% saving) so two of those duly ordered - albeit you can only order one per Amazon account (wife has separate account.)
dave2010
22-11-2019, 22:58
As I said above, on the lookout for Amazon Echo Show devices - was hoping to get Echo Show 5 (5" screen) at £50 a pop, (saving £30) and indeed they are - but Echo Show 8 (8"screen - surprise, surprise!) is £60 each - down from £120 (half-price, if you're not good a maths, a 50% saving) so two of those duly ordered - albeit you can only order one per Amazon account (wife has separate account.)What does Echo Show do which the regular Echo devices can't do? OK - it's got a screen, but what can you do with it? It's also got a camera, so like most electronics these days it's capable of invading privacy and spying on you - but then you know that and signed up for it!
montesquieu
22-11-2019, 23:54
What does Echo Show do which the regular Echo devices can't do? OK - it's got a screen, but what can you do with it? It's also got a camera, so like most electronics these days it's capable of invading privacy and spying on you - but then you know that and signed up for it!
Absolutely. Fork out cash to install a snooping device in your own home. Madness.
dave2010
23-11-2019, 12:28
Absolutely. Fork out cash to install a snooping device in your own home. Madness.I agree, but there might be benefits for some. The Echo Show might work for people who want to make up a shopping list over a short period of time, or for leaving messages for others. I don't know whether the Echo system will allow similar note taking features to be done via a tablet or a computer - in which case there'd be little point in buying yet another device.
Re the snooping/privacy - I am concerned, but I can concede that for some people the benefits outweigh the disadvantages. Just don't make any problematic statements anywhere near an echo device - whether or not the keyword "Alexa" is activated. Don't imagine that these devices will only be capable of action when the keyword is said, or the device is not enabled. The only way to be sure, if they're installed in a house, is to power them off - unplug them.
montesquieu
23-11-2019, 12:54
I agree, but there might be benefits for some. The Echo Show might work for people who want to make up a shopping list over a short period of time, or for leaving messages for others. I don't know whether the Echo system will allow similar note taking features to be done via a tablet or a computer - in which case there'd be little point in buying yet another device.
Re the snooping/privacy - I am concerned, but I can concede that for some people the benefits outweigh the disadvantages. Just don't make any problematic statements anywhere near an echo device - whether or not the keyword "Alexa" is activated. Don't imagine that these devices will only be capable of action when the keyword is said, or the device is not enabled. The only way to be sure, if they're installed in a house, is to power them off - unplug them.
I can't see the benefit at all, frankly. Except perhaps to Amazon. Only a complete muppet can't make a shopping list on a notepad or even take a note on the phone, most smartphones (which surely anyone in the market for Alexa has already) have voice recording if people can't write or type for some reason. Ditto voicemail. Obviously the vapid early adopters will lap them up but as a mass market device it's purely for the saddos.
I saw some research posted recently - need to try and find it again - which showed massive resistance among people in general at being forced to use voice interfaces when contacting call centres etc. Most people hate voice interfaces. There will always be a few exceptions who take childish delight in the fact that technology works at all but for the masses it's not going to happen.
im giving my two alexas for xmas. i dont use them and they have been unplugged for ages..more trouble than worth for me, although i can see their uses as well, especially for background music audiobooks etc
dave2010
23-11-2019, 13:07
I can't see the benefit at all, frankly. Except perhaps to Amazon. Only a complete muppet can't make a shopping list on a notepad or even take a note on the phone, most smartphones (which surely anyone in the market for Alexa has already) have voice recording if people can't write or type for some reason. Ditto voicemail. Obviously the vapid early adopters will lap them up but as a mass market device it's purely for the saddos.There's never a notepad, or working pen or even a pencil when/where one needs one.
I saw some research posted recently - need to try and find it again - which showed massive resistance among people in general at being forced to use voice interfaces when contacting call centres etc. Most people hate voice interfaces. There will always be a few exceptions who take childish delight in the fact that technology works at all but for the masses it's not going to happen.I was surprised a couple of times very recently to make phone calls to check on problems with accounts, that I was asked to say my account number, rather than punch it in on a keypad. Even more surprised that the technology worked, and it was quicker than trying to push buttons.
Bakers can find voice operated services useful - for example to set timers - without having to stop, wash and dry their hands. So there are uses.
Car mechanics and car and bike DIYers (if there are still any) might find voice operated services useful also, for similar reasons.
What I don't like is the way the voice operated services work by sending information to servers, very possibly on the other side of the Atlantic. Most of the data is very probably not of any interest at all to almost everyone, and doesn't present any privacy problems, but some might.
walpurgis
23-11-2019, 13:12
Car mechanics and car and bike DIYers (if there are still any) might find voice operated services useful also, for similar reasons.
I've got one. It's got voice recognition and does all that's required. It's called 'The Wife'.
montesquieu
23-11-2019, 13:38
I've got one. It's got voice recognition and does all that's required. It's called 'The Wife'.
Indeed. With infinite, infallabile memory, no backup required.
dave2010
23-11-2019, 15:00
I've got one. It's got voice recognition and does all that's required. It's called 'The Wife'.
So do you say “the wife: play Radio 4” or “the wife: timer 5 minutes or “the wife: what’s the weather today?”? :)
montesquieu
23-11-2019, 15:09
https://spectator.imgix.net/content/uploads/2019/07/Alexa-Stopped.jpg?auto=compress,enhance,format&crop=faces,entropy,edges&fit=crop&w=820&h=550
I can't see the benefit at all, frankly. Except perhaps to Amazon. Only a complete muppet can't make a shopping list on a notepad or even take a note on the phone, most smartphones (which surely anyone in the market for Alexa has already) have voice recording if people can't write or type for some reason. Ditto voicemail. Obviously the vapid early adopters will lap them up but as a mass market device it's purely for the saddos.
I saw some research posted recently - need to try and find it again - which showed massive resistance among people in general at being forced to use voice interfaces when contacting call centres etc. Most people hate voice interfaces. There will always be a few exceptions who take childish delight in the fact that technology works at all but for the masses it's not going to happen.
Ahh, how comforting . . . the magnanimous prophecies of Tom :rolleyes:
walpurgis
23-11-2019, 15:19
So do you say “the wife: play Radio 4” or “the wife: timer 5 minutes or “the wife: what’s the weather today?”? :)
No. 'The Wife' is preemptive and chimes in spontaneously with things like "would you like a cup of tea?". To which I respond in the affirmative.
montesquieu
23-11-2019, 15:47
Ahh, how comforting . . . the magnanimous prophecies of Tom :rolleyes:
Like I said only a total muppet signs up for something like this:
https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2019/10/alexa-and-google-home-abused-to-eavesdrop-and-phish-passwords/
Pigmy Pony
23-11-2019, 15:49
No. 'The Wife' is preemptive and chimes in spontaneously with things like "would you like a cup of tea?". To which I respond in the affirmative.
But their "skills" are quite limited, and they need rebooting occasionally when they start acting up...
walpurgis
23-11-2019, 16:02
No, mine is self rebooting. It will announce "I'm going shopping" and after a bit of downtime whilst completing this, will return to full functionality.
No, mine is self rebooting. It will announce "I'm going shopping" and after a bit of downtime whilst completing this, will return to full functionality.
The only problem is the cost. Much more expensive than an Alexa.
If anyone is interested, the best deal is on the Echo Show 8 - half-price at £60. (Only £10 more that the Show 5 - difference being screen size (8" vs. 5")
I don't get why there is a difference between a PC, phone or "smart speaker" - you're sending information across the internet - whether it's voice or keystrokes, someone will be trying to work out a way to intercept them for dodgy purposes.
Anyway, being a "saddo" and "total muppet" I'll not comment any further. :rolleyes:
Like I said only a total muppet signs up for something like this:
https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2019/10/alexa-and-google-home-abused-to-eavesdrop-and-phish-passwords/
100 million sold so far, and that's just the Amazon version. https://www.slashgear.com/amazon-confirms-alexa-device-sales-numbers-and-its-a-lot-05560097/
I wouldn't have one if you paid me but it is definitely mass-market. Most people I know have one.
willbewill
23-11-2019, 18:24
Indeed. With infinite, infallabile memory, no backup required.And knows more than Google
willbewill
23-11-2019, 18:30
The only problem is the cost. Much more expensive than an Alexa.Oh I don't know, our Alexa was pretty expensive...we named our, now 36 year old, daughter Alexa...as you can imagine they don't own one of the Amazon knock offs.
I must admit though to using ok Google in car to operate my phone, works great with Spotify.
dave2010
23-11-2019, 18:41
Like I said only a total muppet signs up for something like this:
https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2019/10/alexa-and-google-home-abused-to-eavesdrop-and-phish-passwords/It's not such a big problem, unless you are planning to go out and murder a couple of people and bury their bodies under a tarpaulin, I think.
montesquieu
23-11-2019, 18:45
It's not such a big problem, unless you are planning to go out and murder a couple of people and bury their bodies under a tarpaulin, I think.
No I suppose you are right. It's clear the great mass of people have no privacy concerns whatsoever, otherwise Facebook wouldn't even exist.
It's not such a big problem, unless you are planning to go out and murder a couple of people and bury their bodies under a tarpaulin, I think.
Damn. Sussed.
"Alexa, what's the best way to dispose of a corpse?" :D
100 million sold so far, and that's just the Amazon version. https://www.slashgear.com/amazon-confirms-alexa-device-sales-numbers-and-its-a-lot-05560097/
I wouldn't have one if you paid me but it is definitely mass-market. Most people I know have one.
I'd deffo have one if you paid me, but not otherwise.
dave2010
23-11-2019, 22:34
"Alexa, what's the best way to dispose of a corpse?" :DLook for tips from "Guilt".
Looks good, might well do that Dave, though for the benefit of Alexa, I don't really need to dispose of a corpse. :whistle:
"Alexa, what's the best way to dispose of a corpse?" :D
Chop it up into small pieces and feed it to pigs. Apparently .....
walpurgis
24-11-2019, 08:51
The dodgy looking guy down the road with the grubby kebab stall takes them, if asked nicely.
The dodgy looking guy down the road with the grubby kebab stall takes them, if asked nicely.
That would be Harry Stotle. Was always suspicious of anything made by Harry 'The Greek'.
The Rockford files. Dunno if it was black Fri deal or not but I saw this and got it for my Xmas.
Great price it was and 120 episodes.. All for under £25.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191124/bee3c607c1d004c3670505ee68e99a48.jpg
Might get that myself. They never show them on telly anymore.
Might get that myself. They never show them on telly anymore.
32 discs.. impressive for money, includes interviews
Pigmy Pony
25-11-2019, 06:36
I used to wonder what he did with all his money, I mean "200 dollars a day plus expenses", which must have been a fair bit back then, and didn't he live in a crappy caravan?
he did but in fairness it was right next to the beach. And he had a Pontiac Firebird. Most of the cash probably went on petrol.
The problem with Black Friday.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3Z8TodvNuM
Black Friday: Do you know when you're being manipulated? (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/business-50506683/black-friday-do-you-know-when-you-re-being-manipulated)
Bought me The Rockford Files box set. £25 delivered next day, can't fault that. Good shout, Grant.
Should last me through the long winter evenings. Last time I saw it was when they repeated them all around tea-time on BBC2, which must have been in about 1986.
I was going to wait and see if I could get a smartphone knocked down for my wife's birthday present, but forgot and bought her one anyway. Not bothered about any other Black Friday stuff.
Lol - intriguing...
Marco.
Pigmy Pony
25-11-2019, 18:33
he did but in fairness it was right next to the beach. And he had a Pontiac Firebird. Most of the cash probably went on petrol.
Rocky probably spent the rest on fishing tackle and bait.
Don't really get anything major from Black Friday deals, just some bits and pieces, such as a discount on engine oil for my car: https://www.opieoils.co.uk/p-868-motul-300v-power-5w-40-ester-synthetic-racing-car-engine-oil.aspx
Might also see what BF deals there are on 4K Blurays...
Every bit helps!:cool:
Marco.
Just nabbed this, which seems like extraordinary value for SIX great films, on 4K, none of which I have (although a few I've seen):
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01LB9LU5C/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&psc=1
Marco.
Just nabbed this, which seems like extraordinary value for SIX great films, on 4K, none of which I have (although a few I've seen):
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01LB9LU5C/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&psc=1
Marco.
got the revenant and independance day.. both good... the second independance day was poor tho
Defo.. The others aren't too shabby either, and all will be sonic/visual feasts for the home-cinema system, to enjoy over Christmas. Six good 4K films for less than £30 can't be bad!:cool:
Marco.
Audio Al
26-11-2019, 18:03
I purchased the Alian box set of dvd's ( last year ) not watched them yet :doh:
dave2010
27-11-2019, 23:18
Just nabbed this, which seems like extraordinary value for SIX great films, on 4K, none of which I have (although a few I've seen):
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01LB9LU5C/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&psc=1
Marco.Don’t you need special kit to watch these films? I’ve got a 4K TV, but wouldn’t I need some form of player to make it work in UHD/HDR?
Don’t you need special kit to watch these films? I’ve got a 4K TV, but wouldn’t I need some form of player to make it work in UHD/HDR?You need an hdr, uhd blueray player to read disc.
Many tho, come with a bluesy copy as well as the uhd disc.
In fact, although I have the player I don't currently have the tv. [emoji23]
I just got the box set of the modern apes trilogy. It has 6 discs. Was a good price and my son can have my blueray versions. They are like new anyway
dave2010
28-11-2019, 05:57
You need an hdr, uhd blueray player to read disc.
Many tho, come with a bluesy copy as well as the uhd disc.
Like some CD sets now come with a Blu Ray audio disc as well. Sometimes these are good value, and allegedly the sound is better. I do have one, but I’ve not played it, nor the CDs yet.
I wonder how often stuff is sold which might work in the future if the user ever gets the kit. Maybe quite often. Which Blu Ray player do you have for HDR? I wonder what are good recommendations for this, though realistically if I ever bought one it’d probably hardly ever get used. Homes can get too cluttered with extra kit - I know!
Mine is a Panasonic. Good picture and not too big. It sits atop my big oppo. Not got the build quality etc but it was a lot cheaper than oppo stuff, who sadly pulled out of the game.
Might add you can play uhd discs into HD TV. It downscale s.
Pictures are superb
Don’t you need special kit to watch these films? I’ve got a 4K TV, but wouldn’t I need some form of player to make it work in UHD/HDR?
Yes, I've got a 4K HDR compatible TV and Blu-ray player. The picture clarity and definition of those discs is stunning. Big difference between them and normal Blu-rays, never mind DVDs!:eek:
So that's why I if I'm buying new, it's always the 4K ones I go for, and the prices are coming down, too:)
Marco.
Last thing we got on the Black Friday sale was a silver star, for the top of our (real) Christmas tree:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/1ut2hk.png
Info here: https://www.georgjensen.com/en-gb/christmas/christmas-tree-star-toppers/top-star-medium/3406001.html
But bought online from John Lewis, with 20% off: https://www.johnlewis.com/georg-jensen-top-star-palladium-medium/p3697448
Should top the tree with style and finish it off nicely!:cool:
Marco.
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