The Gadget Show - 'sack Jon Bentley'

True Romance · 15-11-2006, 12:28 PM

hi, i have watched most of this series of the gadget show on channel 5 purely buy chance (just happen to set the series link on sky+) and this weeks show is the final straw, i can't stand 'Jon Bentley' as a presenter! he must be SACKED!!!! his knowledge of anything A/V is zero! he has no idea what he is on about! this week he was reviewing small lcd tv's, but then criticized a 17" model for not having a HDMI socket so not begin HD ready, WHAT! who is going to watch HD on a 17" tv, and to top it off the set was hd ready it had a DVI socket, has he not heard of a HDMI to DVI cable?

Does anyone agree? or is it just me!

Neil.

edit
p.s. this is in no way a personal attack against Mr Bentley, i do not know him nor have i ever meet him, this is purly an criticism against his presnting skills, or lack of them.

DMT · 15-11-2006, 12:36 PM

I agree, it was pathetic plus were the screens calibratred? If not how can they assess colour accuracy as they were trying to ascertain.

cicada78 · 15-11-2006, 12:40 PM

I noticed that! However, dvi doesnt make the resolution HD - just a thought. There are plasmas and 480p projectors that have digital video imputs

I hate to admit but it was just an excuse to show some blonde with her kit off doing hoovering - sexist crap - especially when Suzi is damn hot!!!

The show works from the chemestry between the Jason and Suzi.

15-11-2006, 12:50 PM

I enjoy the gadget show as a surface level showcase for new kit but never take much of the technical information given seriously.
I use this forum if I want any sort of reliable info on AV.

pixelpixel · 15-11-2006, 12:50 PM

The clip showing the tv connections would have been added after his lame review. Maybe by someone else. They might have picked a different tv just to show. Also I dont think they have time to watch the show to spot various errors.

But I do think he has a poor try when reviewing equipment. Lets hope his robot making saves him.

Peter B · 15-11-2006, 1:22 PM

I agree, what on earth was he trying to prove with the hoover test? Major shock that one - you have to turn up the volume when the hoover is on! Also, I can't think of many people who will want to watch telly whilst being manouvered about in a cherry picker platform - utter nonsense

Whilst there is some good stuff on the show they never seem to manage a full episode without performing a pointless test! How many people would be surprised if their mobile stopped working after being shot with a shot gun? Or a lap top that survived being blown up?

Having said all that, I'll still tune in every week

Pincho Paxton · 15-11-2006, 6:11 PM

The colour skin test was very strange because.. yes he didn't seem to calibrate the TV's, plus.... you could see the woman, and the screen at the same time.. the woman was brown tanned, the screen showed a very pale woman, and this guy said that they looked the same???

The tv's were also very expensive... I mean for that size.

The hoover test rediculous, and that cherry picker/whatever was just a waste of time. Ohh and back to the hoover test... he had no back wall behind the TV, so a lot of sound could go backwards, instead of being reflected forwards, and sidewards because the room was huge, so no reflected sound from any of the walls. So the test was redundant, especially for a kitchen TV as he called them.

Praxidike · 15-11-2006, 6:21 PM

It annoyed me too as he said it didn't have a HDMI socket, which means no HD, because as he was saying it, there was clearly the DVI socket right there, which is as good as HDMI really anyway, with a converter!

15-11-2006, 8:50 PM

I like Jon Bentley. I think he represents the average AV enthusiast. Maybe he sometimes gets things wrong but his role adds another dimension to the programme.

Suzi adds glamour, and is quite knowledgeable, and Jason is a totally obsessed, brilliant AV geek.

The show could do with less of the ridiculous trials, blowing up, shooting, etc., which doesn't give any ideas of the durability of items. We just need to see which mobiles, laptops, etc. can survive being dropped, dunked in water and everyday hazards. Also show new gadgets we didn't realise we needed until we saw them on the show!

True Romance · 15-11-2006, 9:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cynthia 7

I like Jon Bentley. I think he represents the average AV enthusiast. Maybe he sometimes gets things wrong but his role adds another dimension to the programme.

WHAT! are you having a laugh! how can you think that a presenter that as you say "gets things wrong" should be giving advice regarding AV gear. what hope is there for the average AV enthusiast when they are reciving such bad advice. no wonder the likes of currys, comet, etc do so well when consumers are so misinformed watching shows like this one.

Neil.

Daddy k · 15-11-2006, 9:12 PM

i vote for hornydragon to take his place!

tv tests do seem unfair, i mean do they even try to adjust them?
or do they just plug them in and go thru the presets?

i know when i 1st used my plasma without realy taking time to adjust it it was terrible!

Koolvin1 · 15-11-2006, 9:16 PM

#i agree , he should be replaced,
and what are those dark circles around his eyes? he looks like a PANDA

lol

Pincho Paxton · 15-11-2006, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cicada78

The show works from the chemestry between the Jason and Suzi.

What's that all about? Why do we need any chemistry between anybody in a gadget show? I don't even see any chemistry. I see some fake competition in the tasks.. that's about it.

BenchyUK · 15-11-2006, 11:40 PM

The whole show is a load of crap.

I agree Suzie is good for the show, Jon is just bearable but Jason pisses me off BIG time.

The stuff they do on the show is crap. Testing Laptops by blowing them up with Dynamite? what's that about.

These tests go beyond stupid and the competition tests they do now between Jason ans Suzie bores my pants off. It offers NOTHING of Interest.

They need to get a complete new set of EXPERTS that actually have a clue

Rant Over

Pincho Paxton · 16-11-2006, 8:49 AM

I don't hate any of them. They just need to change the show a bit. Concentrate on actually showing us some products. Jason, and Suzie should do the technical briefing, and jon should be the guy who has to try to use the products... which is sort of what they do now, but Jon should not be a reviewer.

pxr5 · 16-11-2006, 9:35 AM

Does anybody actually win those competitions on this show? I hate those sort of competitions - they should at least let us know who won last weeks.

I don't take any notice of any of the reviews. The protable DVD player one was a joke. 'Oh these screens are too big, so we aren't bothering with those anymore'. Which left like 3.

drunkenmaster · 16-11-2006, 9:43 AM

This show is aimed at the people who buy from PCWorld, Dixons and Currys (all the same company anyway!!)

Pincho Paxton · 16-11-2006, 9:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pxr5

Does anybody actually win those competitions on this show? I hate those sort of competitions - they should at least let us know who won last weeks.

I don't take any notice of any of the reviews. The protable DVD player one was a joke. 'Oh these screens are too big, so we aren't bothering with those anymore'. Which left like 3.

I lost trust in competitions when I won 3 competitions in an Amiga magazine, and never got my prizes. A couple of years later, I was a computer games graphic artist, and was invited to Earls Court as part of a games team.. (Lol Johnathon Ross was selling the game that I worked on.. I was impressed) There were some celebreties there (I am getting to the point eventually) Frank Bruno, and Esther Ranson were there. (Esther Ranson was a consumer watchdog type celebrity)....

Then I saw the Amiga magazine stand.. (the one which I won the competition in)... Amiga Format. I went over to the stand, and said "I have won several competitions in this magazine, but have never received my prizes." The guy looked at my official badge, and said "Are you with Esther Ranson?" I thought about it, and replied.... "Yes!"

He quickly rushed off, and got me my prizes, looking very flustered. The competitions must have been fake, you could tell by his response.

Praxidike · 16-11-2006, 9:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drunkenmaster

This show is aimed at the people who buy from PCWorld, Dixons and Currys (all the same company anyway!!)

Idiots, then?

*runs away*

Steve-L · 16-11-2006, 10:20 AM

At the end of the day it's just there to showcase new technology in an entertaining way to draw in as large an audience as possible... it is to Gadgets what Top Gear is to cars. Also bear in mind that, like it or not, AVForum members are not a representative cross-section of the general public. I reckon that if they made the reviews any more technical they would lose viewers...

If I want detailed specs and comparisons I go on the Internet. I just enjoy the show for what it is, some light entertainment loosely focused around a subject that I'm interested in... and Suzi

Pincho Paxton · 16-11-2006, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve-L

At the end of the day it's just there to showcase new technology in an entertaining way to draw in as large an audience as possible... it is to Gadgets what Top Gear is to cars. Also bear in mind that, like it or not, AVForum members are not a representative cross-section of the general public. I reckon that if they made the reviews any more technical they would lose viewers...

If I want detailed specs and comparisons I go on the Internet. I just enjoy the show for what it is, some light entertainment loosely focused around a subject that I'm interested in... and Suzi

It's not entertaining though... it's boring. Suzi keeps cropping up on here as some sort of sex goddess (Maybe she should show us some new Adult gadgets)... do people just watch Countdown for Carol Vorderman? It's a Gadget Show... so let's watch a show about gadgets.

True Romance · 16-11-2006, 11:20 AM

ummm..... suzi demostrating us some adult gadgets.....

Steve-L · 16-11-2006, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pincho Paxton

It's not entertaining though... it's boring. Suzi keeps cropping up on here as some sort of sex goddess (Maybe she should show us some new Adult gadgets)... do people just watch Countdown for Carol Vorderman? It's a Gadget Show... so let's watch a show about gadgets.

So you honestly didn't enjoy the features they've done on camcorders and video editing in the past then? Series highlights for me!

And as for Countdown... I've no idea why people watch it...

Pincho Paxton · 16-11-2006, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve-L

So you honestly didn't enjoy the features they've done on camcorders and video editing in the past then? Series highlights for me!

And as for Countdown... I've no idea why people watch it...

My series highlights have been.. The WII, the PS3, and building a computer, compared with buying a pre-built computer. Now that was a sort of competition, but was more technical than just running around, and smashing stuff.

pixelpixel · 16-11-2006, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pincho Paxton

It's not entertaining though... it's boring.

If that is your view then dont watch it. That simple.

I am happy that we have a programe on tv that tries to explain to the masses what is new in this electronic world. Due to this the GF now knows what a wii is!

Pincho Paxton · 16-11-2006, 1:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pixelpixel

If that is your view then dont watch it. That simple.

I am happy that we have a programe on tv that tries to explain to the masses what is new in this electronic world. Due to this the GF now knows what a wii is!

So you're saying that I shouldn't watch 'The Gadget Show' because I am interested in Gadgets, but the general public should watch 'The Gadget Show' because it is made in a way that is entertaining to the general public???

What sort of planet is this???

Steve-L · 16-11-2006, 1:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pincho Paxton

So you're saying that I shouldn't watch 'The Gadget Show' because I am interested in Gadgets, but the general public should watch 'The Gadget Show' because it is made in a way that is entertaining to the general public???

He's just saying if you don't like the show then don't watch it...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pincho Paxton

What sort of planet is this???

Commerical TV Programmes are made to appeal to as wide an audience as possible... more viewers = more advertising revenue

Given that "Home and Away" regularly makes up much of the top 10 most viewed programme list on Five yet "The Gadget Show" barely makes it into the Top 30 we should be lucky we have this show to watch at all... and I'm sure it's relative lack of popularity is not because it isn't "techie" enough either...

**Stuart Wright** · 16-11-2006, 2:06 PM

To comment on some posts above.
First of all I've removed some personal insults. Not appropriate and warning points given.

It shows a lack of knowledge of how TV shows are made to blame a presenter for the content of the show. They may have some input into some things but I don't think they write the whole show, do you?

You may also form an opinion about whether you like someone or not based on what you see on TV. I think most people do.
Having met Jason and spoke to him regularly (for the podcast) I have to say that he's genuinely into gadgets and cutting edge smart technology. He doesn't know that much about home cinema, but AV encompases lots of deep subjects. I know sod all about home automation, for example. And I can't work a mobile phone.
Jason is not the same in real life as he is on the Gadget show, however.
I'd be surprised (and a bit scared) if he was. He was a comedian, so he likes to inject some humour, I guess.

Anyhow, the gadget show is a bit of fun relating broadly to something I am interested in. Who really wants to know whether a truck will still work after being on top of a building when it is demolished? That doesn't stop Top Gear from being really entertaining. The rocket feature was interesting, I thought. But the triathlon had no interest for me. The Wifi items was very interesting. It made me consider how rediculously expensive it is to connect in some public places. I do think we should have national free wifi access in urban areas.
I must say I didn't think much of the LCD TV tests. They were obviously designed by someone who doesn't have a clue about the subject or who deliberately wanted to dumb them down to the level of joe public.
I mean using a crane to test viewing angles?! Rediculous. And examining the quality of the picture presumably 'out of the box' has very little merit. I suppose a large proportion of people will not adjust the picture at all, but are two identical TVs going to look the same out of the box?
It's valid to complain that a TV doesn't have an HDMI socket. DVI is not the same even with a conveter. DVI doesn't carry sound for a start.
Overall the LCD test was a bit of a waste of time I thought. But it's daft to blame Jon Bentley for that!
And lets face it, if the show got as technical as we'd like, it would lose most of its audience.

So lighten up a bit, hey? And if you don't like the Gadget Show, put a DVD on or something.

Pincho Paxton · 16-11-2006, 2:52 PM

Let's take a mishmash of opinion, and maybe you will see that this show actually self-destructs.......

Ok.. these first opinions, taken from this thread show that Gadget minded people are generally annoyed. The opinions say that the general public are to be entertained. But what if the general public read the title.. 'The Gadget Show'... will they actually tune in to the program?.....

Quote:

Whilst there is some good stuff on the show they never seem to manage a full episode without performing a pointless test! How many people would be surprised if their mobile stopped working after being shot with a shot gun? Or a lap top that survived being blown up?

The show could do with less of the ridiculous trials, blowing up, shooting, etc., which doesn't give any ideas of the durability of items.

The stuff they do on the show is crap. Testing Laptops by blowing them up with Dynamite? what's that about.

This show is aimed at the people who buy from PCWorld, Dixons and Currys (all the same company anyway!!)

At the end of the day it's just there to showcase new technology in an entertaining way to draw in as large an audience as possible...

Commerical TV Programmes are made to appeal to as wide an audience as possible... more viewers = more advertising revenue

And the next quotes taken from this thread suggest that ourselves.. who are annoyed at the show's general portrayal of gadgets.. we should not watch the show. Now how does this help viewing figures? Maybe it kills viewing figures?

Quote:

If that is your view then don't watch it. That simple.

So lighten up a bit, hey? And if you don't like the Gadget Show, put a DVD on or something.

Like I say... the show seems to self-destruct.

pixelpixel · 16-11-2006, 3:05 PM

on another note does anyone know what the screensaver is that they use ?

15-11-2006, 12:50 PM	#4
TEDDYBASS Guest Posts: n/a	Re: The Gadget Show - 'sack Jon Bentley' I enjoy the gadget show as a surface level showcase for new kit but never take much of the technical information given seriously. I use this forum if I want any sort of reliable info on AV.
	Quote

15-11-2006, 8:50 PM	#9
Cynthia 7 Guest Posts: n/a	Re: The Gadget Show - 'sack Jon Bentley' I like Jon Bentley. I think he represents the average AV enthusiast. Maybe he sometimes gets things wrong but his role adds another dimension to the programme. Suzi adds glamour, and is quite knowledgeable, and Jason is a totally obsessed, brilliant AV geek. The show could do with less of the ridiculous trials, blowing up, shooting, etc., which doesn't give any ideas of the durability of items. We just need to see which mobiles, laptops, etc. can survive being dropped, dunked in water and everyday hazards. Also show new gadgets we didn't realise we needed until we saw them on the show!
	Quote