Buying an LCD or Plasma TV on-line

[bc8]

I am shopping for a new TV. Probably a 42". It seems like there are some good deals on-line but is it a good idea to buy a TV on-line? What should I be watching out for? How hard is it to set up one of these TV's?

I can usually figure out most electronics with a manual (that includes diagrams & pictures!) if it is a matter of putting things together & plugging things in but, excuse my naivety, is there more to it than that? Should I be purchasing the TV at one of the big box stores that can also come out and set it up for me?

 

[bandphan]

http://hdguru.com/

http://www.plasmatvbuyingguide.com/plasmatvreviews/plasma-vs-lcd.html

some reading to get you started

 

[forkbeard]

I just bought my first plasma, and set-up was simple. I wouldn't pay for it and don't think that's much of a factor. But I think you should FIRST decide WHAT you want to buy and THEN decide HOW to buy it.

 

[MDS]

I bought my LCD from Crutchfield. There is only one dealer in town that carried it locally but they are the type that won't let you even touch the remote control...apparently you're supposed to just stare at the TVs high on the wall and decide which one you want. Their price was slightly lower but when you add back the tax and charge for delivery, it was about the same as Crutchfield.

The MOST important thing to consider with buying online is the return policy. A lot of the places that sell substantially cheaper than others have a zero return policy. Crutchfield will allow you to return it for ANY reason within 30 days (I did that for the first one I got and had no issues - they didn't even charge me return shipping).

 

[Mort Corey]

Setup of either isn't rocket surgery. They're probably a lot closer to plug and play than Windows If you are in an area that has a Costco (or also available on line) they offer a 90 day return policy and will double the manufacturers warranty.

Mort

 

[CitronBull]

retrevo

This is a fantastic site to buy HDTV's. Keep us posted on your purchase.

http://www.retrevo.com/s/hdtv?sub.x=295&sub.y=52&sub=Search

 

[64met]

Great Site!!! Good info!

 

[newb]

Bought mine Online

I got my Pio 1150 50" plasma online from Vann's in Montana. Delivery was Fedex. had no problems with anything, some people report damage being the number one problem. Make sure you check the box out for damages and open it up with the driver there in case the panel is damaged, you will need to document this with the delivery service present.

Setup was easy as the base on my TV was already attached. at most you might need to attach the base and speakers, and have someone who can help you move it around.

Just my 2 cents, CYA in all respects and you may save yourself some dough.

 

[itschris]

Some of the places already mentioned like VANNs, SoundPros, OneCall, ButterflyPhoto are all quality places to get gear from.

Personally, I've had issues with some of the New York City based places... they always seem to have that fast talking, will say anything attitude. I purchased a few thousands dollars worth of great from Digital Craze. I had some problems with them but ultimately got my order as promised. I just don't care for that kind of drama myself. I'd rather pay a little extra and have a perfect experience with a company like OneCall or SoundPros than save a few bucks and have to make tons of calls and get pissed off.

 

[Funkmonkey]

Most of the time if the price sounds too good to be true, it is. Watch out for the lowballers. A place like J&R electronics has a very solid reputation, and they will price-match with other authorized dealers. Years ago I bought a TV from a sketchy dealer, and found out that the great "deal" thought I was getting was on a re-furb (sold as new). I am not against buying re-furb units, I just like to know that I am buying one. Well TV broke about two years after purchase, got it fixed ($300) lasted another two years, same problem happened again (this time estimate for the fix was $450). Bye, bye TV. Got a new LCD from J&R. Shipped via trucking company, no damage, even the box was in great shape.

Good luck,
Funk

 

[itschris]

I think we can sum up all the advice and say, yes... you can buy your stuff online but ... buy from reputable retailers only and don't risk quality to save $50 on a $2000 purchase.

 

[GlocksRock]

I bought my old 50" Samsung DLP from onecall.com and it was a very good experience, and shipping was very fast. I sold that and bought a 73" mitsubishi DLP from Amazon, with the same great experience and shipping was free and fast, amazon also offers price protection if their price drops within 30 days of our purchase they will refund you the difference but you have to email them to request it. I recently bought a 46" sharp aquos lcd from buy.com and it took a bit longer to get, 11 days from placing the order to actually getting it, and that was with standard shipping, not the free budget shipping, although the upgrade to standard shipping was only $4.50. The tv is a factory refurb, and I have only had it a couple weeks, but so far everything is good with it and there haven't been any problems.

 

[Emusica]

Anyone ever use:

MonitorOutlet.com or
Plasmaconcepts.com

I'm looking into buying the new Panny TH-58PZ800U from one of these sites and was just wondering if they are reliable or not.

 

[annunaki]

Of course the biggest issue with any of these companies is what happens if there is an issue within the first 30 days of purchase? Many will simply send you to the warranty dept rather than getting you a new set.

Granted Panasonic is fabulous with their warranty, but it is something to consider.

Online is great but it has it's issues. I would work with a local place that is willing to earn my business. It is worth an extra $100.00 or so in my opinion.

Most of my customers agree anyway. Panasonic sets have all just recenly come down in price a bit so look for that.