Pioneer Plasma and Online Selling

O

OFile

Audiophyte
How is everyone doing?

I haven't posted in a while. The last time I posted was when I was purchasing a receiver and speaker package for my HT. This forum was a big help as far as information. Thanks again.

I am now in the market for a plasma TV. I purchased a Pioneer Elite receiver and could not be happier. I have my eye on a Pioneer 50" TV as a result, and from what I can gather, is a high end plasma.

My questions are:

1/ I have been told that the difference between the Elite and regular Pioneer plasmas is that the regular Pioneer plasmas are using technology from the Elite models from two years ago. The panels are the same. Given the large price variance, is the current Elite technology that much better/different from the regular Pioneer models and does it justify the price increase?

2/ Also, I keep seeing these great deals for online purchasing. I believe the PDP 5060HD model is currently advertised by a dealer listed on this site for under $3,000 US. Purchasing something of this nature online makes me nervous just because I have never made an online purchase of this magnitude before. Are there any warranty or shipping issues? Do dealers advertised on this site generally ship to Canada? Any online experiences you would like to share would also help.

3/ Extended warranties - Are they like car warranties where they are a waste of money (IMO) or are they necessary for plasma technology. I believe Best BUy is offering a 5yr warranty for $1,200 which is fairly pricey. Again, any experiences would be helpful, from people who have purchased and used the warranty, and from those who purchased it and found it to be a waste (don't worry, I won't make fun).

Sorry for the long post and numerous questions. Thanks in advance.

Owen
 
mtrycrafts

mtrycrafts

Seriously, I have no life.
OFile said:
How is everyone doing?

I haven't posted in a while. The last time I posted was when I was purchasing a receiver and speaker package for my HT. This forum was a big help as far as information. Thanks again.

I am now in the market for a plasma TV. I purchased a Pioneer Elite receiver and could not be happier. I have my eye on a Pioneer 50" TV as a result, and from what I can gather, is a high end plasma.

My questions are:

1/ I have been told that the difference between the Elite and regular Pioneer plasmas is that the regular Pioneer plasmas are using technology from the Elite models from two years ago. The panels are the same. Given the large price variance, is the current Elite technology that much better/different from the regular Pioneer models and does it justify the price increase?

2/ Also, I keep seeing these great deals for online purchasing. I believe the PDP 5060HD model is currently advertised by a dealer listed on this site for under $3,000 US. Purchasing something of this nature online makes me nervous just because I have never made an online purchase of this magnitude before. Are there any warranty or shipping issues? Do dealers advertised on this site generally ship to Canada? Any online experiences you would like to share would also help.

3/ Extended warranties - Are they like car warranties where they are a waste of money (IMO) or are they necessary for plasma technology. I believe Best BUy is offering a 5yr warranty for $1,200 which is fairly pricey. Again, any experiences would be helpful, from people who have purchased and used the warranty, and from those who purchased it and found it to be a waste (don't worry, I won't make fun).

Sorry for the long post and numerous questions. Thanks in advance.

Owen
Yes, you should be nervous about on line buying, especially from some of the NY city dealers. Check their on line ratings, may want to call them about warranty service, who pays for shipping, is the one you want is in stock, authorized sellers, etc.
 
N

Nuzy

Audioholic Intern
The 1130 Elite and 5060 use the same technology. Both are 6th generation Pioneer plasmas. The Elite offers an additional year on the warranty (2 yrs total) and the ability to perform more user adjustments and calibrations. I can't say whether it's worth the extra money. Probably depends on how much difference you are talking about. $500, maybe, $2000, probably not. One other thing. Since you have a Pioneer Elite receiver you could use the i-link capability on the 1130. The 5060 does not have i-link. There is something like 50 pages of posts on the 5060 and 1130 over at avsforum. You might want to spend some time looking at that thread before you purchase.

Pioneer has a list of authorized internet dealers on its website. I would not recommend buying from anyone not on that list. If you do, Pioneer will not honor the manufacturers warranty. You can not buy the Elite line via internet from an authorized dealer. Pioneer does not allow it. I got my Pio plasma through tvauthority.com and was very happy with them. I ordered a 5050 and got an 1120 by accident. Pioneer packed the wrong media receiver in the box. Lucky me!

I bought a 4yr extention to my 1 yr warranty on my 1120, but it wasn't anywhere near $1200. If I recall, think it was $200-$300. I did it because it seemed a small price to pay to get extra coverage on such an expensive item. I would not have gotten it had it been $1200. So far, knock on wood, I have not had any problems. However, the set is only 9 months old.

Good luck - you can't go wrong with either one. They are both top notch plasmas!
 
newsletter

  • RBHsound.com
  • BlueJeansCable.com
  • SVS Sound Subwoofers
  • Experience the Martin Logan Montis
Top