Question about purchasing a Plasma TV

[Tour de Force]

Well, I am in a dilemna. I have already decided on the exact Plasma TV that I am going to purchase (Panasonic TH-50PX60U), and as of yesterday, I thought I knew where I was going to purchase it from. At the behest of several forum members, I was looking at purchasing from a forum sponsor for a very good price with delivery to my front door.

At the request of my wife, I went by my local Costco yesterday afternoon and they had the exact Panasonic model I was looking for at a surpisingly good price. However, once you take taxes into consideration, I will be paying about $400 more than I would if I ordered over the internet through one of the forum sponsors.

Here is my question. The only thing that has me even remotely thinking about purchasing this Panasonic from Costco is their return policy. When I was in the store, I spoke with one of the employees about Costco not being an authorized Panasonic dealer. I asked what exactly would happen if I had any issues. Without even blinking an eyelash, I was told to simply return it back to the store for a replacement. OK. So I asked, what if 3 years from now, I am having problems with my TV or it stops working? Same answer, simply bring it back for a new one.

I told my wife this, and she didn't believe it and thought they were lying. I have seen several threads where tempers flared up because people thought that others were "taking advantage" of Costco's liberal return policy. I don't even know what their policy is. Is it their policy to ensure the products you buy for them for life, or were they just exaggerating that I could return my set for a new one years down the line if I was having problems?

[slksc]

I'll reply before the moderators take a hacksaw to your post.

First, you should understand that the Costco set is the 6U, not the 60U. The two sets are virtually identical, but IIRC the 6U is missing an SD card slot.

Second, yes you understand Costco's return policy correctly. There's a whole sticky thread of Costco posts that you should take a look at. But the bottom line is that Costco has the best return policy in the business, and for many people is worth the extra $$$ for peace of mind compared to online purchasing. If you intend on buying an extended warranty anyway, you may well be better off at Costco.

[Longspeak]

I regularly shop at Costco. They generally offer good prices, good quality stuff. They apparantly treat their employees well.

Their return policy is good. Personally, I donot want to abuse it. If
I have a problem with something I bought because of a genuine manufacturing
defect, I will return it. Otherwise, I will take responsibility for my purchases
and keep it. Sometimes, I buy things at the promotion time and take some
time to decide if I want to keep it or not. Occasionally, I do return them
within a short time if I haven't opened the item.

I encourage you to buy it from Costco or a Forum supporter whomever you
prefer or comfortable.

The notion of buying something and using it for a period of time and return it
on a artificial reason is something that I donot think anyone should do.

We want Forum supporters to do well. We do benefit from Forum.

We want good retailers like Costco to succeed as well.

[Tour de Force]

[QUOTE=slksc]I'll reply before the moderators take a hacksaw to your post.

First, you should understand that the Costco set is the 6U, not the 60U. The two sets are virtually identical, but IIRC the 6U is missing an SD card slot.

Second, yes you understand Costco's return policy correctly. There's a whole sticky thread of Costco posts that you should take a look at. But the bottom line is that Costco has the best return policy in the business, and for many people is worth the extra $$$ for peace of mind compared to online purchasing. If you intend on buying an extended warranty anyway, you may well be better off at Costco.[/QUOTE]

I guess I should probably know the forum rules better since I have been around the AVS forum for many years. That said, what exactly about my post would need to be hacksawed? I will certainly edit the post and remove anything that is against forum rules.

So you are telling me that the only difference between the 60u and the 6u is a missing SD card slot??? I'm more concerned about the picture and glass than anything. As long as they are identical between the two models, I don't really care too much about any other differences the two models might have.

Yes, peace of mind is important to me. Whether or not it's $400 more important is the question.

[Tour de Force]

[QUOTE=Longspeak]The notion of buying something and using it for a period of time and return it
on a artificial reason is something that I donot think anyone should do. [/QUOTE]


I totally agree with you. I hope you didn't gather from my post that I planned on doing anything like that.

I'm just looking for peace of mind. If I spend $3100 on a Plasma TV, and the thing goes out on me three years from now, I'm gonna be pretty pissed off if I have to eat that money. That said, it seems to me that Costco advertises and yells out for the whole world to hear loud and clear: "buy from us, and you can just take it back for a new one".

Again, I'm not talking about taking it back if I get mad and throw the remote through the screen. I'm talking about having the TV hanging on my wall, and three years from now it just goes kaput. By me simply taking advantage of what they advertise, that is the ability to take it back for a new one, I don't see how that is abuse at all.

Am I wrong in this opinion and interpretation of their return policy?

Edit: Just for a little clarification on my viewpoints of this post. I have never been a Costco member, and never even thought about being one till now. This is why I am just now finding out about their return policies, etc, and asking questions here, when most people obviously already know what it is.

[andy sullivan]

If at all possible I always purchase from Costco. I just had a Toshiba DVR go south on me after 14 months. Toshiba told me to send it to a repair depot and they would fix it for only $125. I bought it on-line. I just returned from Costco with a new Lite-On 5115 that set me back $119 retail including tax. Had I bought the Toshiba at Costco I would not be out $119.

[ressom]

I am is the same boat as you, but I'm looking at the Panny TH-50PH9UK. Also not a Costco member.

Online vs. Costco is about a $450 difference without an extended warranty. But I don't think you can find an extended warranty that is even close to Costco's return policy. I'll probably go the Costco route for piece of mind.

[CJO]

[QUOTE=Tour de Force]I guess I should probably know the forum rules better since I have been around the AVS forum for many years. That said, what exactly about my post would need to be hacksawed? I will certainly edit the post and remove anything that is against forum rules.[/QUOTE]

I'm pretty sure that you are not supposed to have any pricing that's not MSRP. You can, however, talk in relative terms.

CJ

[Tour de Force]

[QUOTE=CJO]I'm pretty sure that you are not supposed to have any pricing that's not MSRP. You can, however, talk in relative terms.

CJ[/QUOTE]

Fair Enough. I took out the pricing info.

[Wendek]

I would always choose Costco first over any other place if they had the set i wanted. I am looking at a particular Hitachi that is only available locally from one store that give only store credit for open box returned item within 30 days. I do not feel confident to shop with them but where else can i get such a good price for it?
wendek

[Tour de Force]

I called up my local Costco and the set they are selling is the TH-50PX6U, not the 60U that you see everywhere else.

I called Panasonic customer support directly and found there to be only two small differences. The 60U has an SD card slot in the front of the TV (would never use), as well as an extra set of component inputs in the front of the TV (most likely would never use). Other than that, I was assured that everything internally was the same, and that the small differences were only cosmetic. Checking the product descriptions on their website confirms this as well.

So, back to the question. Costco or no Costco???

[michaelingp]

[QUOTE=Tour de Force]
So, back to the question. Costco or no Costco???[/QUOTE]

It should be noted that if you don't normally shop at Costco, the generous return policy is not "free". Last I knew, it costs $45 a year to shop at Costco, so being able to return the TV after three years costs at least $135. At least I think this is how it works. I haven't heard of anyone trying to return something after letting their membership lapse.

[bvader]

[QUOTE=Tour de Force]

So, back to the question. Costco or no Costco???[/QUOTE]

May be silly but do you have a big/safe enough mode to get that beast of a box home? remember it needs to stay upright...

[Tour de Force]

[QUOTE=michaelingp]It should be noted that if you don't normally shop at Costco, the generous return policy is not "free". Last I knew, it costs $45 a year to shop at Costco, so being able to return the TV after three years costs at least $135. At least I think this is how it works. I haven't heard of anyone trying to return something after letting their membership lapse.[/QUOTE]

This is true. We were thinking about getting a membership anyways, so the cost of the membership to us doesn't really enter into the conversation, but you do make a good point. You are also correct about not letting the membership expire.

[QUOTE=bvader]May be silly but do you have a big/safe enough mode to get that beast of a box home? remember it needs to stay upright...[/QUOTE]

Hmmmmmm. I have a Ford Explorer, and when I put my back seats down, I have a lot of space. I was thinking that I could just slide it in to the back of my car. Why would it need to stay upright? When I was quizzing a few of the online authorized dealers about their shipping, they told me that they shipped their TV's strapped down to a pallet, which I assume meant that it wasn't shipped in an upright position.

[bvader]

^^^^ Plasmas always need to be shipped / transported upright... The shipper meant strapped upright to a pallet...if he didn't don't order from him... anyone correct me if I'm wrong

[Joe Bee]

[QUOTE=Tour de Force]

Hmmmmmm. I have a Ford Explorer, and when I put my back seats down, I have a lot of space. I was thinking that I could just slide it in to the back of my car. Why would it need to stay upright? When I was quizzing a few of the online authorized dealers about their shipping, they told me that they shipped their TV's strapped down to a pallet, which I assume meant that it wasn't shipped in an upright position.[/QUOTE]


One year ago, I bought a 50 inch plasma [Vizio] from my local Costco. Even though I had my pickup truck at the store, I transported this beast back to my home, 5 miles away, laying down in the back of my friend's Explorer. Couldn't figure out a good 'strap-down' system for a big upright box. No damage, and I am still enjoying my Vizio 50.

[bvader]

[QUOTE=Joe Bee]One year ago, I bought a 50 inch plasma [Vizio] from my local Costco. Even though I had my pickup truck at the store, I transported this beast back to my home, 5 miles away, laying down in the back of my friend's Explorer. Couldn't figure out a good 'strap-down' system for a big upright box. No damage, and I am still enjoying my Vizio 50.[/QUOTE]

You my lucky friend are the exception and not the rule...

Tour... make sure you read this thread...I'm a better Safe than Sorry guy...
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=708261&highlight=transporting

[andy sullivan]

It is recommended that you transport the display in the upright position. Most can figure a way. As far as the membership is concerned. If you are buying the display from Costco because you like the return policy why would you not try in the future to buy everything you need from Costco for the same reason. I just picked up my new DVR yesterday. No worries. They sell golf balls. Hmmmmm.

[cptpinoy]

Hi All,

I'm fairly new to the Costco return policy but I do remember reading some place that the return policy for Plasma and LCDs (maybe high valued items) are only limited to 1 year. Is this correct or not? Maybe someone can clarify bad information.

Thanks

[rgldhl]

[QUOTE=cptpinoy]Hi All,

I'm fairly new to the Costco return policy but I do remember reading some place that the return policy for Plasma and LCDs (maybe high valued items) are only limited to 1 year. Is this correct or not? Maybe someone can clarify bad information.

Thanks[/QUOTE]

The only limitation is on returns of computer equipment. They only allow six months for those items.

[cheezz]

[QUOTE=cptpinoy]Hi All,

I'm fairly new to the Costco return policy but I do remember reading some place that the return policy for Plasma and LCDs (maybe high valued items) are only limited to 1 year. Is this correct or not? Maybe someone can clarify bad information.

Thanks[/QUOTE]

Sounds like bad info to me.

cheezz

[Tour de Force]

[QUOTE=bvader]You my lucky friend are the exception and not the rule...

Tour... make sure you read this thread...I'm a better Safe than Sorry guy...
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=708261&highlight=transporting[/QUOTE]


Checking out the thread now. In the meantime, how exactly would you suggest that I get this beast home? I'm not trying to infer that you have to tell me, I'm only trying to get realistic ideas on how to get this home with a Ford Explorer.

[bvader]

[QUOTE=Tour de Force]Checking out the thread now. In the meantime, how exactly would you suggest that I get this beast home? I'm not trying to infer that you have to tell me, I'm only trying to get realistic ideas on how to get this home with a Ford Explorer.[/QUOTE]
Lunch for a friend with a Truck (with tie downs), Suburban or MiniVan that can take out the seats...

[delusive1]

[QUOTE=bvader]^^^^ Plasmas always need to be shipped / transported upright... The shipper meant strapped upright to a pallet...if he didn't don't order from him... anyone correct me if I'm wrong[/QUOTE]


Plasmas need a lot of TLC...does it goes the same with LCDs??

[OMGHi2Utoo]

I heard that if the tv was on a side during transportation, you will need to let it sit upright for about 24+ hrs at room temperature before turning it on.

[Tour de Force]

[QUOTE=OMGHi2Utoo]I heard that if the tv was on a side during transportation, you will need to let it sit upright for about 24+ hrs at room temperature before turning it on.[/QUOTE]

Oh my gosh, lol. I hope thats not true. Next thing will be that you can only use the odd channels for the first week of use, and then the even channels for the second week of use, lol. I know these things can be broken, but I cannot imagine they are as delicate as we are being led to believe.

That said, I am a better safe than sorry guy too. So, if I have a friend with a truck, how exactly would you go about tying down a plasma vertically?

[rgldhl]

[QUOTE=Tour de Force]Oh my gosh, lol. I hope thats not true. Next thing will be that you can only use the odd channels for the first week of use, and then the even channels for the second week of use, lol. I know these things can be broken, but I cannot imagine they are as delicate as we are being led to believe.

That said, I am a better safe than sorry guy too. So, if I have a friend with a truck, how exactly would you go about tying down a plasma vertically?[/QUOTE]

When I transported my LCD I nestled the TV flat against the cab in the back of the truck. Then I used ties down to secure the TV against the cab and the bed of the truck. I had no problems with the method of transport.

[Porsche576]

Sit in the back and hold it!

[MonkeyBacon]

One other tip for purchasing at Costco. If you get the Executive membership ($100) they have a 2% Reward Program. So on a $3000 purchase you would get a $60 reward, so this would pay for the difference in membership ($50 for regular) plus get you $10 back (basically a costco gift certificate) at the end of the year.

Its not a bad idea if you are going to make a big purchase(s) in one year. You can always downgrade (or not renew) the following year.

We just purchased a bunch ($5k+) of furniture from the Costco Home store here in Phoenix and upgraded our membership because of this, next year I'll probably go back to the regular membership as we don't normally spend $2500 a year there.

[cptpinoy]

[QUOTE=rgldhl]The only limitation is on returns of computer equipment. They only allow six months for those items.[/QUOTE]

Cool thanks for the info. Now I will probably consider buying a tv there. :)

[Tour de Force]

[QUOTE=Porsche576]Sit in the back and hold it![/QUOTE]


This is the best idea that I've heard yet, assuming that it will actually fit into the back of my SUV in a vertical position. :)

[maveric23]

[QUOTE=bvader]^^^^ Plasmas always need to be shipped / transported upright... The shipper meant strapped upright to a pallet...if he didn't don't order from him... anyone correct me if I'm wrong[/QUOTE]At my Costco, a few of the plasmas are lying horizontally. Who knows how long they have been stored that way! :eek:

[jryanvt]

does sam's club offer the same return policy as costco? thanks.

[bbonds]

[QUOTE=maveric23]At my Costco, a few of the plasmas are lying horizontally. Who knows how long they have been stored that way! :eek:[/QUOTE]

Installers of my 50px600u layed the set on its screen while they attached the mounting brackets. set works fine. MHT installed it on the wall. I bought 4 year ext. warranty, so if something goes wrong, I won't hesitate to mention how they installed it. It came in a huge f'n box...good luck getting it home.

[Tour de Force]

[QUOTE=bbonds]Installers of my 50px600u layed the set on its screen while they attached the mounting brackets. set works fine. MHT installed it on the wall. I bought 4 year ext. warranty, so if something goes wrong, I won't hesitate to mention how they installed it. It came in a huge f'n box...good luck getting it home.[/QUOTE]

With a screen name like Barry Bonds, I would think that you wouldn't have any problems with such a big box :) JK

Yeah, my wife and I are going to meet up at Costco tonight so that she can see the TV. I will make sure to measure out the box when we are there.

I am looking forward to, and dreading meeting her there. I am looking forward to it as I want to see the TV, and I know once she see's it, we will be getting one real soon. I also dread it because I know once she gets done looking at the Panasonic, I know she will wonder over to the other cheaper Plasma sets and ask why we aren't looking at those. No offense to the other sets, but I've got my heart set on a Panny.

[habe]

[QUOTE=michaelingp]It should be noted that if you don't normally shop at Costco, the generous return policy is not "free". Last I knew, it costs $45 a year to shop at Costco, so being able to return the TV after three years costs at least $135. At least I think this is how it works. I haven't heard of anyone trying to return something after letting their membership lapse.[/QUOTE]

If you let your Costco membership lapse that any item was purchased on, even for 1 day, the Costco return policy is gone for items purchased on that membership.

habe

[Artwood]

Some Internet vendors give you a further disocunt if you wire them the money direct. You might want to try Monitor Outlet.

P.S If at all possible buy the 58PX600U--it doesn't take long for a 50-inch Plasma to look small--you won't regret it!

[optivity]

[QUOTE=Artwood]P.S If at all possible buy the 58PX600U--it doesn't take long for a 50-inch Plasma to look small--you won't regret it![/QUOTE]And only a year ago we were saying the same thing to those sitting on the 42"/50" fence. :rolleyes:

My 50PX50U has suffered from terrible “shrinkage.”

[Artwood]

Optivity: I feel your pain.

I think 4 years from now you'll see alot more 58 and 60-inchers--if you HAVE to buy a 50-inch at least be smart enough to sit closer. At 9 feet or less 50-inches looks good.

[andy sullivan]

Vizio announced a 55" plasma several months ago but apparently they have been unable to find a glass provider. With a projected MSRP of $2999 at Costco it would have been very tempting.

[Artwood]

Is it a lower priced version of one of the Hitachi 55-inchers?

[Tour de Force]

I am having a hard enough time talking my wife into spending $3000 for a 50" Panny Plasma. I can't imagine trying to push for a 55 or 58" TV, although that would be great.

I went with the wife to Costco last night to look at the 50" Panny. She got there about 10 minutes before me. As soon as I walk in, it played out exactly as I thought it would. Her first comment was "why did you have to pick the most expensive model in the store?". To my surprise, the Panasonic was in fact the most expensive HDTV in the store. Then like a bad dream she proceeds to walk down the aisle and point to the Vizio and Toshiba and proclaim that they look just as good to her, and are a lot cheaper. Again, nothing against either one of those models or manufacturerers, I just have my heart set on a Panny.

For all you single men out there, make sure to buy all of your toys BEFORE you get married. To those macho married men out there laughing at my scenario, I assure you that you are in the minority when you tell me you buy what you want, when you want, regardless of the cost. Anyhow, Costco didn't have any in stock. Their next shipment is scheduled for the 20th with 4 additional units. That gives me about 5 days to wear her down. Let the games begin!

[oldcband]

[QUOTE=Tour de Force]

I went with the wife to Costco last night to look at the 50" Panny. She got there about 10 minutes before me. As soon as I walk in, it played out exactly as I thought it would. Her first comment was "why did you have to pick the most expensive model in the store?". To my surprise, the Panasonic was in fact the most expensive HDTV in the store. Then like a bad dream she proceeds to walk down the aisle and point to the Vizio and Toshiba and proclaim that they look just as good to her, and are a lot cheaper. Again, nothing against either one of those models or manufacturerers, I just have my heart set on a Panny.

[/QUOTE]
We all have opinions but I think your wife is right. Unless you spend more money for a Pio I'd get the least expensive plasma. This HDTV is still in its infancy and theres alot more great things to come. Follow her intuitions she got it right.

[Tour de Force]

Oh, also, I got to finally see the packaging and boxes for these 42" and 50" Plasma's. WOW ARE THEY HUGE!

When I was being told that I should only ship the TV set back to my home in a vertical position, I was thinking that the box would be thing, and would simply fall over if you weren't holding it. These boxes are huge. I mean, like 2-3 feet wide.

[bvader]

[QUOTE=Tour de Force]I am having a hard enough time talking my wife into spending $3000 for a 50" Panny Plasma. I can't imagine trying to push for a 55 or 58" TV, although that would be great.

I went with the wife to Costco last night to look at the 50" Panny. She got there about 10 minutes before me. As soon as I walk in, it played out exactly as I thought it would. Her first comment was "why did you have to pick the most expensive model in the store?". To my surprise, the Panasonic was in fact the most expensive HDTV in the store. Then like a bad dream she proceeds to walk down the aisle and point to the Vizio and Toshiba and proclaim that they look just as good to her, and are a lot cheaper. Again, nothing against either one of those models or manufacturerers, I just have my heart set on a Panny.
....Let the games begin![/QUOTE]

Ahhhh WAF....3 suggestions (we I'm sure you don't really need)....for "the games"....

Get a recent copy of Consumer Reports... It names the Panny as the Editors Choice I believe...hard for her to argue with Consumer Reports....(most people)

Go to BB and drop by Magnolia hi-fi, to "check for a few more deals"... then you can show here the "Real" expensive one... and how the panny is a great value...

Ask her if the next time you buy her something nice say jewelery... does she want you to go to target and by the cheapest item because it all looks the same to you? :rolleyes: ... sorry could resist...She needs to trust your judgement in this arena...

I'm lucky I don't have these conversations about electronics.... I have them in reverse about appliances etc...you know how much it costs to restore antique stove.... geesh...

Oh and yup....Box = Beast

Ohh and I have several friends that have the Vizio... they are not a bad set...but I like the panny better too...

Good Luck!

[Tour de Force]

[QUOTE=bvader]...She needs to trust your judgement in this arena...


Good Luck![/QUOTE]


The problem is, she believe in my judgement alright. Unfortunately for me, her perception of my judgement is to always buy the more expensive item.

[petp13]

[QUOTE=Tour de Force]Oh, also, I got to finally see the packaging and boxes for these 42" and 50" Plasma's. WOW ARE THEY HUGE!

When I was being told that I should only ship the TV set back to my home in a vertical position, I was thinking that the box would be thing, and would simply fall over if you weren't holding it. These boxes are huge. I mean, like 2-3 feet wide.[/QUOTE]


yup! wait till u see how much styrofoam is inside!!!! my 50" pio was around 2-3 feet wide and 5 feet tall. which is a good thing, these things are packed VERY well.

[Jilariz]

The more expensive item would be the $10k 1080p Pioneer. ;)

[Tour de Force]

[QUOTE=Jilariz]The more expensive item would be the $10k 1080p Pioneer. ;)[/QUOTE]

I would hate to think what my wife would say if I suggested we purchase a TV like that. The weird thing is, we are not rich by any means, but, we can certainly afford a $3-$4K TV without a problem, no financing, charge cards etc, and she still acts like we will be breaking the bank.

My two angles on sealing the deal on this thing are as follows:

1) Football season is rapidly approaching. I pretty much spend September through January watching College and NFL football on my TV, all in HD no less.

2) We are going to start tying to have our first baby come the first of October. I told her that I doubt we will be making any big purchases with a baby on the way, and especially once a baby is here when we will be dealing with added child care expenses.

There is one piece of information that I have left out of this whole thing. I currently own a perfectly fine and good working HDTV. I purchased a Hitachi 51S500 about 3 years ago. It's your normal High Definition Rear Projection TV. So, not only are we going to be spending $3K for the TV, but, we also will be getting rid of a perfectly fine HDTV which I have made arrangements to sell to a buddy for $500.

[bvader]

[QUOTE=Tour de Force]...
1) Football season is rapidly approaching. I pretty much spend September through January watching College and NFL football on my TV, all in HD no less.
...[/QUOTE]
[SIZE=1](alla Homer Simpson)
[/SIZE]Ahhhh Foootballll in HD....The Perrrrrfect Fooood

[digitrip]

[QUOTE=Tour de Force]I would hate to think what my wife would say if I suggested we purchase a TV like that. The weird thing is, we are not rich by any means, but, we can certainly afford a $3-$4K TV without a problem, no financing, charge cards etc, and she still acts like we will be breaking the bank.

My two angles on sealing the deal on this thing are as follows:

1) Football season is rapidly approaching. I pretty much spend September through January watching College and NFL football on my TV, all in HD no less.

2) We are going to start tying to have our first baby come the first of October. I told her that I doubt we will be making any big purchases with a baby on the way, and especially once a baby is here when we will be dealing with added child care expenses.

There is one piece of information that I have left out of this whole thing. I currently own a perfectly fine and good working HDTV. I purchased a Hitachi 51S500 about 3 years ago. It's your normal High Definition Rear Projection TV. So, not only are we going to be spending $3K for the TV, but, we also will be getting rid of a perfectly fine HDTV which I have made arrangements to sell to a buddy for $500.[/QUOTE]


I have never read a thread that mirrored my own situation more closely. I too am in the market for a display, we are thinking about a baby, and my wife has the exact same views your wife does. Earlier you said:

[QUOTE=Tour de Force] I would hate to think what my wife would say if I suggested we purchase a TV like that. The weird thing is, we are not rich by any means, but, we can certainly afford a $3-$4K TV without a problem, no financing, charge cards etc, and she still acts like we will be breaking the bank. [/QUOTE]

This is why you can afford a TV like this. :)

[Tour de Force]

[QUOTE=digitrip]

This is why you can afford a TV like this. :)[/QUOTE]


Afford, absolutely. That said, one of the reasons why we do have a good amount of money is that we drive reasonable cars, and live in a reasonable home. We could afford to live in a much nicer home, and have much nicer cars, but we both prefer to live more modestly and have a lot of money saved than living luxuriously with no money in the bank.

I say all of that because she thinks that the purchase of a Plasma TV, particularly the Panasonic since it is the most expensive in the store, is like purchasing a Beamer when we are an Accord family.

[oldcband]

Well lets try another angle. Sounds like you and your wife are reasonable. This HDTV stuff is just evolving and why not buy a budget TV now and in three years from now when you'll be able to buy a 1080P TV for about the same price you are now. Just like guys bought an EDTV and were waiting for something better. Once 1080P becomes common place there will be little improvements from year to year. Then in three years maybe get a bells and whistles TV. I also will tell you to take your time. Check out your room size, brightness of the room and all the little quirks of LCD and plasma. I picked a plasma first and ended up with an LCD. What sold me on plasma was picture quality, and now I know theres much more too it. The nice thing is your going to use Costco's great return policy. Good luck.

[brig2221]

[QUOTE=oldcband]This HDTV stuff is just evolving and why not buy a budget TV now and in three years from now when you'll be able to buy a 1080P TV for about the same price you are now.[/QUOTE]

This is exactly what she DOES NOT want. She already thinks that I have upgradeitis. I bought our first HDTV a little over 3 years ago. It's an RPTV. Her issue is that if we spend another $3K now, whats going to stop me from doing the same thing again in another couple of years. So, that approach won't work.

[Wendek]

[QUOTE=brig2221]This is exactly what she DOES NOT want. She already thinks that I have upgradeitis. I bought our first HDTV a little over 3 years ago. It's an RPTV. Her issue is that if we spend another $3K now, whats going to stop me from doing the same thing again in another couple of years. So, that approach won't work.[/QUOTE]


Isn't that the cost of TV's any more? averaged out to $1k per year.

[slksc]

[QUOTE=Tour de Force]Then like a bad dream she proceeds to walk down the aisle and point to the Vizio and Toshiba and proclaim that they look just as good to her, and are a lot cheaper.[/QUOTE]

Many of us (if we're honest) are in the same boat as you. Hell, my wife sees no reason why we should replace the 20-year old 21-inch CRT in our bedroom!

OK, here's my advice (and I've been working with my WAF for a lot longer than you have: my youngest baby is going to college in two days). You need to show her how the Panny is the overall best value in the long run. Show her the CNET reviews that make this very point. Then describe all the homework you've been doing here on AVS Forum.

For example, I've been going back and forth between the Vizio and the Panny for several months, and reading their respective threads. Most owners like their sets, regardless of brand, and there are many satisfied Vizio customers. But if you peruse the Vizio threads, you'll learn that there are about 30% of owners who have significant problems, including buzzing, loud fans, picture drop out, lack of access to service menus, lack of control over color functions, and picture distortion at 1080i. And these issues are with new sets; we don't have much information yet about the long-term reliability of the Vizio. Mind you, there are plenty of Vizio owners who either don't have these issues, or simply aren't bothered by them if they do. And it's entirely possible that if you bought the Vizio, you may fall in this category; if so, you've made a great deal.

But if you read the threads about the 60U/6U, most of the complaints you read are about the silver bezel. I see very few substantive issues like the ones I read in the Vizio thread. That means (IMHO) such issues are less likely in the Panny, and in my way of thinking, justifies the higher price in the long run. And, unlike that RPTV that you made a mistake on three years ago, ;) you want to keep this flat panel for a long time, right?

Good luck. And whichever TV you get, keep it out of reach from your future rugrat. Their destructive abilities are unlimited.

[andy sullivan]

Don't let her read the review of the 42-60U in the June issue of Sound and Vision Magazine.

[Beefshank]

If your situation is: You earn the money, and your wife decides what to spend it on, period! Then I think get the TV, and lose the wife. BUT, if it's just that you and your wife don't make big purchasing decisions without including each other, I think that's totally a good idea!

Another possiblity along the lines of "buy something cheap and wait a few years for something better" is to stick with the HDTV you have for a couple years, make a compromise on the money of say, 1/2 to 3/4, and open a "TV-of-the-future" bank account for it. You can add a twenty or so a week, then after a few years, you can buy some huge, crazy cool TV that hasn't even been imagined yet! Just don't touch the bank account for baby clothes! ;)

That's kind of what I am doing. I bought a 42" RP LCD several years ago when 60" were also available, but decided to bank the difference, and stick with the 42 longer than I want to, toward the same result. I've always had a plan of the end of '07, but we will see...


Good luck with the TV and the baby.

-Beefshank

[brig2221]

..

[michaelingp]

[QUOTE=Tour de Force]
I say all of that because she thinks that the purchase of a Plasma TV, particularly the Panasonic since it is the most expensive in the store, is like purchasing a Beamer when we are an Accord family.[/QUOTE]
She's wrong on that. Panasonic is a middle-of-the-line brand, perfectly equivalent to the Accord (I own two Accords and one Panasonic). On the other hand, I think you may lose this one, and not because you're particularly whipped. I just think it's reasonable for her to expect a big TV purchase to last more than three years, even if you manage to sell the old one. Just how bad is the picture quality on the old TV (sounds like it's the same size)? At some level, I think those of us where big purchases are shared decisions have to assume we're going to spend some time watching slightly older (but still magnificent) technology.

[slider33]

The whole point about transporting a plasma standing up has nothing to do with the delicacy of the TV, the technology, whatever... It has to do with the fact the TV has 2 giant GLASS panels in it. When was the last time you saw a glass truck with the glass strapped horizontally on the roof? If you hit a large enough bump or shock the glass/TV hard enough on its side, it'll break. Much harder to break it hitting it on the bottom.

[Djoel]

[QUOTE=Artwood]Some Internet vendors give you a further disocunt if you wire them the money direct. You might want to try Monitor Outlet.

P.S If at all possible buy the 58PX600U--it doesn't take long for a 50-inch Plasma to look small--you won't regret it![/QUOTE]

Monitor Outlet they don't provide good costumer service. Great price but they'll leave a bad taste in your mouth.

Djoel