Panny GT25 / GT24 the same

[Bryguy]

Hopefully, this is my last question prior to purchase. I know with the Sony's the 500 and 501 series are the same, one is just produced for Costco hence the change in one digit of the serial number. Is this the same for the Panny GT25 / GT24?

My only issue with purchasing from The Big Screen Store is that they have no return policy or "even" exchange. Eventhough they have the built in extended warranty and will deliver and remove the old set I just can't go with the policy. Obviously, Costco has the GT24 version which is why the question is being asked. You can't beat a 90 day return policy.

B.

 

[AVRat]

That would appear to be the case.

You might try PMing BMXTRIX see if he may be able to help as he is located a little SW of the DC area.

 

[Bryguy]

Thanks AVRat, that's what I thought. Eventhough I've been on here for the last 6 yrs I've been pretty content with what I have so I only come and peruse once or twice every several months.

B.

 

[Seth=L]

Manufacturers seem to do this at the behest of retailers, to keep people from returning televisions to stores they didn't originally purchase them from. Most big retailers, like H.H.Gregg for example, will often do in store credit for a television without receipt if the box is sealed. Let's assume there's a TV at H.H.Gregg that's $600 that you would like to purchase and they sell another TV that you're not interested in for $600 also. Let's also assume that Walmart happens to carry that same model TV for $500 that you're not interested in but if you could buy it then "return" it to H.H.Gregg for in store credit then you could purchase the TV you wanted with your store credit. You would save $107 in my state by doing this routine. H.H.Gregg, in the interest of not being scammed, have different models than other retailers, even though the TV offers the same features.

 

[jostenmeat]

Manufacturers seem to do this at the behest of retailers, to keep people from returning televisions to stores they didn't originally purchase them from. Most big retailers, like H.H.Gregg for example, will often do in store credit for a television without receipt if the box is sealed. Let's assume there's a TV at H.H.Gregg that's $600 that you would like to purchase and they sell another TV that you're not interested in for $600 also. Let's also assume that Walmart happens to carry that same model TV for $500 that you're not interested in but if you could buy it then "return" it to H.H.Gregg for in store credit then you could purchase the TV you wanted with your store credit. You would save $107 in my state by doing this routine. H.H.Gregg, in the interest of not being scammed, have different models than other retailers, even though the TV offers the same features.

Hm, fascinating.

What I've always read about unique model numbers was to "escape" price protection or something like that.

For instance the Panasonic BD65 at Costco is the BD 655 or something, but comes with a free HDMI cable. Looks like after some time, they start selling at other vendors too.

For the OP, if film/BD viewing is a huge component of what you watch, you may consider the V10, but with a smaller size to afford it, if only for correct 24p reproduction (without 3:2 pulldown).

 

[Bryguy]

It will be mostly for watching satellite tv (once I upgrade to HD) and some BD movie watching.

You would think stores that sell larger and more expensive tv's, with today's computer age, they will know which tv you purchased, including serial number - eventhough serial number might not show on receipt, and who they sold it to. Most people do not pay cash for the big ticket tv's.

Will be picking it up tonight, they still had four on the floor last night. For about the first several weeks it will be standard def with component cables then HD for several months on the component until I can recoup and update my AVR. It presently has no HDMI/DVI hookups.

B.

 

[jostenmeat]

The component video will be just as good as the HDMI for HDTV, or it should* be. Once in a while (totally dependent on the box itself) the HDMI looks better, and once in a while the component video looks better.

You may consider buying an antenna right now. Free HD OTA. Even when you get the HD service with cable, if you are ever watching NFL, or Final Four, or Olympics, or network news, flip over to OTA for the best signal you can possibly get (better than any cable or sat service). All you need is a cheap coax to run to your ATSC tuner. Channels are national only, no EPSN or Discovery or History etc.

I recommend Target for one, you can try Rat Shack but your YMMV there.

Plug your info here to see what you'll get.

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29

 

[Bryguy]

The component video will be just as good as the HDMI for HDTV, or it should* be. Once in a while (totally dependent on the box itself) the HDMI looks better, and once in a while the component video looks better.

You may consider buying an antenna right now. Free HD OTA. Even when you get the HD service with cable, if you are ever watching NFL, or Final Four, or Olympics, or network news, flip over to OTA for the best signal you can possibly get (better than any cable or sat service). All you need is a cheap coax to run to your ATSC tuner. Channels are national only, no EPSN or Discovery or History etc.

I recommend Target for one, you can try Rat Shack but your YMMV there.

Plug your info here to see what you'll get.

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29

I did that when I purchased the last TV. It's amazing how over the air HD looks REALLY good. Made me feel like I was watching a DVD. I am going to miss over the air HD on my CRT. I BEG for someone to bring back the CRT.

Plugging the tv into that antenna is going to be one of my first HD tests tonight. It should be in the house in about 2 hrs. Just getting ready to leave work now.

B.