Rca

[akoutis]

Can someone tell me if the 37inch RCA LCD L37WD12 model is a decent HDTV. I don't need top of the line, just a generally good reliable tv. It's 998 at Walmart so it's one of the cheapest prices I could find for a tv this size. Any input?

thanks.

 

[BMXTRIX]

RCA generally hits a low note with overall quality. Their stuff, in my experience, works, but doesn't do it phenomenally and they tend to just not have the skill set necessary to engineer a top tier product - even when they try.

Now, for your money, I would strongly consider looking online and seeing what else is out there and available and I would ask if LCD is a a firm requirement or if you can use a plasma instead?

ie: For about $1,000 shipped you can get the very highly rated 42" Panasonic plasma...
http://www.bestbuyplasma.com/Plasma/Product.asp_X_Sku_Y_TH42PX60U

Likewise, for a bit over $1K you can get a 37" LCD from Sharp:
http://www.bestbuyplasma.com/Plasma/Product.asp_X_Sku_Y_LC37D42U

This isn't top tier quality we are talking about, but it is something that will make you happy for years to come, and will LAST for years to come. If all you want is something that makes an image, then just get a cheap tube TV from Wal-Mart... But, if you are talking about dropping around $1,000 on a TV, then I would demand more than just 'average' for my money personally. If it cost me 10-20% more to get a lot more quality, then that's definitely worth it. Yes, there are some LCDs and plasmas out there that are a lot more, and deliver a fair bit better overall image, but for the money, they aren't worth it for the average viewer.

But, the extra 10-20% you spend on a Sharp - or to go with a Panny plasma, is money that I would call very well spent.

 

[Swerd]

I agree with everything BMXTRIX said. You won't go wrong if you follow his advice.

I got similar advice from him back in February and ended up buying the Sharp LC37D42U. I bought it online for about $1100 delivered from Abe's of Maine. Today the price is lower, I'm sure. I'm happy with my choice and have no problems in recommending it. If you have space, or the budget for a larger screen, go for it.

For what it's worth, Sharp is replacing the LC37D42U with the LC37D43U which is nearly identical other than some minor cabinet details. They also sell the LC37D62U for about $200 more that delivers 1080p resolution instead of the 720p of the D42/43 models.

Finally if you are concerned about buying online, check the prices and customer ratings of the various dealers by looking at Pricegrabber. Most online dealers do not accept large items like TVs in return if they are defective. Instead, they say contact the manufacturer. If you have such a problem, you will be much better off with the customer service of a well-established TV maker like Sharp or Panasonic than you would be with one of the low-priced makers. I heard enough nightmare stories from people who bought low-priced HDTV sets (such as Vizio) to steer me away from any of these brands in general.

In short, buy online to get the best price and buy one of the top brands that are less likely to need any customer service.

 

[akoutis]

I'm just not that comfortable buying stuff online...but you're both probably right, best prices are online. I'll def look into it. Thanks for the info.

 

[Hi Ho]

I cannot recommedn RCA products. They are simply poorly built and unreliable. You should take a look at the Sanyo 32" LCD at Wal-Mart. It is a very good value in my opinion and Sanyo is reliable brand. They consistently top Consumer Reports in TV reliability.

 

[BMXTRIX]

I'm just not that comfortable buying stuff online...but you're both probably right, best prices are online. I'll def look into it. Thanks for the info.

I, personally, would be more worried that you are considering any brand that is carried by Wal-Mart. If you are tight on cash, and have the foresight to come online to ask questions about what is worth buying, then you can avoid the horrendous mistake of spending your money on lousy quality.

Don't get me wrong, my RCAs have held up, and I think a Sanyo will as well, but they don't exactly stand ahead of the crowd, for your money, for actual overall quality. That is, the actual image you get on screen - and will have to live with - for years to come. It's like they make perfectly reliable cars, that can't go above 55mph... Yet, the cars that go 80 or 90 are available for the same price if you are willing to shop around.

Yes, online can be a bit risky... but only if you buy from risky etailers. Stores that sell online are often covered in resllerratings.com and can deliver to you first rate customer service and quality. Keep in mind, if you go to Best Buy and buy a plasma, they aren't going to open it. That is, it was shipped from the factory to the US on a boat, then was carted by truck and train to the store, then ends up in your home - never once looked at outside of the factory. So, while it does happen, it is still very rare for a plasma or lcd to be damaged on the last leg of the trip from the etailer to your home.

For big online purchases I have used many sources, but for my projectors I have used VisualApex.com three or four times and their overall service has been better than almost any brick and mortar store I have ever been into - and worlds better than Wal-Mart has even dreamt possible.