November 26, 1998: RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J.,/PRNewswire/ — Samsung Electronics America continued to break new ground in the HDTV marketplace by unveiling the first fully integrated high definition television last week, the HCH551W, a 55-inch widescreen model. The unveiling took place at a DOW Stereo/Video Store in San Diego, attracting over 5,000 people.”The HCH551W received an unprecedented response,” said Tom Campbell, Corporate Director of DOW Stereo/Video Inc. “People began lining up as early as 6 A.M. in order to see Samsung’s HDTV. We had no idea what we were in for, but we knew this would be no ordinary unveiling.” “It was truly inspiring to me”, said professional window shopper Marvin Hayes who waited nearly 3 hours to witness the unveiling of the new product, “that there are still manufacturers out there making products for the general public to see. I just can’t believe it’s gone!”
Yes, tragedy struck this event when Lynwood Hills resident, and well know technology consumer, Bill Thornton purchased the new HDTV outright, leaving the event dessicated. “I was admiring the skill with which the imitation wood grain plastic housing had been ultrasonically welded,” recalled Hayes, “when an employee of the shop pushed me aside to lift the HDTV from its perch and, with the help of a co-worker, place it into a cardboard box. I never even got a chance to read the little feature sticker which was afixed to its screen.”
Police officers, who were at the scene to maintain order, and to see the new product as well, commented that there was little they could do. “Our hands are tied in these matters.” Lamented Deputy Chief Hanson “The signature on the receipt matches the signature on Mr Thornton’s VISA, which means we can only wait and hope that he is unsatisfied with his purchase, and opts to return the HDTV within thirty days for a full refund.”
Myoung-Woo Lee, Senior Vice President/Head of Consumer Electronics Business for Samsung Electronics America adds, “We’re overwhelmed with the response from the citizens and police force of San Diego and grateful for the support Dow Stereo/Video showed at this event. I guess we’re going to have to build another one.”