Outdated products in data download - D-Tools Forum

10-05-2007, 01:49 AM

This may be just a personal gripe - or I could be doing something wrong. I purchased the data subscription so I could get most of my products without having to manually enter all of them. Then I come to find out that most of the products are like 3 to 4 models old! So I still have to pull all the data sheets from each manufacturer and verify the I/O's for all of them and change the model numbers. (why was I paying for this extra service?)

I guess it's the fault of the manufacturers for not keeping the products updated, but isn't that why they are paying DTools a fee?

So I guess my question is: am I doing something wrong and the updated products are out there, but I just don't see them?

10-08-2007, 01:53 PM

I agree 100% - and that is the one and only reason why I refuse to pay for that service...

10-08-2007, 09:14 PM

Hindsight's 20/20. I wish I had known this prior to paying for a years service.

10-08-2007, 11:29 PM

I can't agree more... when you're paying for a service like this - it is D-Tools JOB to make sure all the latest products are put into the system - no matter what - no excuses that "Sony" didn't provide it to us etc.. etc... if it's available on their web site, then it's available... PERIOD! Until that occurs - you can't justify charging ANYONE for this service - even if the vendor is paying for it to be there (and again - even if the vendor is paying for it to be there, it is D-Tools' responsibility to make sure it's updated!).

10-10-2007, 07:23 PM

I am new to D-Tool but I am in the professional end of the video business but I am finding that most of the product data is geared more to the residential end of the video world. Or am I looking in the wrong place. I have need for data on Sony UVW series decks and other pro products. I dont see Grassvalley listed anywhere. Can anyone enlighten me. Is D-Tools more for the home installer companies?

David Hirsch
CMS Knoxville TN

Bob Pothier · 10-10-2007, 08:02 PM

Originally Posted by CMS Knoxville

I have need for data on Sony UVW series decks and other pro products. I dont see Grassvalley listed anywhere. Can anyone enlighten me. Is D-Tools more for the home installer companies?

System Integrator was originally designed for the residential market and in the last few years started to cater to the commercial, security and broadcast markets as well. Most of your professional products are not provided to us as mainstream models from the manufacturers, but you can certainly request that we add them. If you could just follow the instructions as stated on the Data Subscription page of our website we will be glad to get what you need.

http://www.d-tools.com/site/webdata/...scription.html

Bob Pothier · 10-10-2007, 08:44 PM

Originally Posted by digitalint

This may be just a personal gripe - or I could be doing something wrong. I purchased the data subscription so I could get most of my products without having to manually enter all of them. Then I come to find out that most of the products are like 3 to 4 models old! So I still have to pull all the data sheets from each manufacturer and verify the I/O's for all of them and change the model numbers. (why was I paying for this extra service?)

Originally Posted by slemay

I can't agree more... when you're paying for a service like this - it is D-Tools JOB to make sure all the latest products are put into the system - no matter what - no excuses that "Sony" didn't provide it to us etc.. etc... if it's available on their web site, then it's available... PERIOD! Until that occurs - you can't justify charging ANYONE for this service - even if the vendor is paying for it to be there (and again - even if the vendor is paying for it to be there, it is D-Tools' responsibility to make sure it's updated!).

Gentlemen,

I wanted to take a moment to explain our posture on your statements. At this point we have 120+ manufacturer partners. For us to keep all of these up to date would be virtually impossible without enlisted double or triple the amount of data entry personnel. This in turn would cost more money which, in its vicious cycle, would raise our prices. I have devised a new plan of attack to attempt to jump-start our MVP updates and our goal is to update each of our manufacturers a few times a year. Without getting into details of how our agreements work with our partners you are somewhat correct in your statement that, regardless of whether or not a partner provides us with updates, the onus is on D-Tools to be sure those manufacturers are "up to date". Of course everyone has a different definition of up to date, but our general rule is the same as you see it... if it is being sold and is on the website it should be in our database. Please know that I am working very hard to get these things rectified and that I am adding resources as I can to help shoulder these tasks. The product stands alone on top of the industry and I understand all too well how important the data is to the process. I have no other purpose right now than to get these manufacturers updated, but it will take time and I may even get 80 manufacturers updated before the one manufacturer that you need... please be patient and know it is coming.

If you have direct feedback, questions or suggestions please let me know! You can contact me at bobp@d-tools.com.

10-10-2007, 09:57 PM

Bob - that's good to hear! I really do hope it comes though! It was embarrassing to download all the Control4 catalog (for example) only to see products that have been discontinued for more than 2 years in it. Or to see products that have been shipping from Sony for the past 1 and a half STILL not listed. If each vendor was updated a few times a year - I'd be VERY happy! Thanks.

10-10-2007, 10:49 PM

Shawn,

It is easier to just create your own PDB and never use the download. Start with one product and clone it until you have the complete line. Kevin Mikolonis offers a great starter package to accomplish this.

Vic

10-11-2007, 02:32 AM

Bob - Thanks for the info. I'm happy to see that my concerns are not falling on deaf ears/eyes. Specifically, I was refering to the Denon receivers. We use the 687, 887, 987 and new lines a lot and the ones listed were 684, 884 and 983. That is now 4 models old. A bit disappointing. I could understand 1 model out of date, but 4? Hope to see some changes soon. I keep looking and crossing my fingers.