Solid 42" Plasma for less than $1,000

[John Bailey]

I'm looking for a solid performing, good customer support, repairable 42" plasma. I'm not concerned with having the best, just a good all round performer. This will be strictly for standard DVD's, no broadcast TV, and will be hooked up to a stereo, so I won't need speakers.

I've just about made up my mind on the Panasonic pro models that come without the speakers or tuner. I wanted to see if there are other options for less money. Would seem, with careful shopping, I can get the Panasonic for less than $1,000. Anything out there for less?

Thanks,

John

 

[obscbyclouds]

The Panny TH-42PX75U seems to fit the bill for you. Here it is for $989 with free shipping. This one does come with a TV tuner i believe.

 

[bandphan]

what do you mean by repairable?

 

[John Bailey]

what do you mean by repairable?

I've read that the cheaper models, such as Insignia and Westinghouse, are "throw aways." If anything happens to them, instead of being able to be "repaired" they just give you a new one if it's still under the warranty. If it's out of warranty, you're just out of luck. I don't know enough from my experience to know if it's true, but I've read it enough to think it's probably correct.

John

 

[The Chukker]

I've read that the cheaper models, such as Insignia and Westinghouse, are "throw aways." If anything happens to them, instead of being able to be "repaired" they just give you a new one if it's still under the warranty. If it's out of warranty, you're just out of luck. I don't know enough from my experience to know if it's true, but I've read it enough to think it's probably correct.

John

Seems you may interchange the word "repairable" with "reputable" here.

 

[bandphan]

I've read that the cheaper models, such as Insignia and Westinghouse, are "throw aways." If anything happens to them, instead of being able to be "repaired" they just give you a new one if it's still under the warranty. If it's out of warranty, you're just out of luck. I don't know enough from my experience to know if it's true, but I've read it enough to think it's probably correct.

John

i havent heard of a panel thats been repaired on any plasma, although i could be deaf.

 

[John Bailey]

i havent heard of a panel thats been repaired on any plasma, although i could be deaf.

My ignorance is showing here. Possibly I'm looking for "durability" as opposed to "repairability." So I guess what I'm looking for is a durable plasma with a decent picture that I'll not have trouble with for a couple of years.

John

 

[bandphan]

buy the extended warranty, on plasmas its worth it. obscbyclouds mentioned a panny, a good reccomendation.

 

[Joe Schmoe]

My ignorance is showing here. Possibly I'm looking for "durability" as opposed to "repairability." So I guess what I'm looking for is a durable plasma with a decent picture that I'll not have trouble with for a couple of years.

John

I read the other day that the return rate for flat panels generally is around 2%-3%, as compared to 18% for RPTVs. Apparently, they are all pretty reliable.

 

[Hi Ho]

Panasonic plasma sets are extremely reliable. I'd have a hard time recommending an extended warranty simply because the chances of one having to use it are so low.

 

[bandphan]

Panasonic plasma sets are extremely reliable. I'd have a hard time recommending an extended warranty simply because the chances of one having to use it are so low.

good point, however some companies will rebate a portion of the warranty if none of it was used, something like a good insurance policy. Also with most warranties, they entitle the custome to annual checkups, agian if not used money would be avial for refund.