Looking for a TV

[rjs]

Anyone have good or bad experiences buying a refurbished TV?  I'm looking to get a 37" or 42" LCD sometime within the next month, and I saw these three deals, but they are all refurbs:

42" Olevia LCD - 1080i
http://www.pcconnection.com/IPA/Shop/Product/Detail?Sku=8520123&SourceID=k53626

46" Samsung LCD - 720p
http://www.secondact.com/product/LNS4692DRB

Comments

[anonymous]

Gabe and I just bought an LCD tv a few months ago, so I have a lot of thoughts on this. I'll keep it brief here, but feel free to call or email me if you want to talk more.

I have had nothing but bad luck with refurb electronics, with the except of a cordless phone, and I won't buy refurb again.

I was not at all impressed with the Vizios (though that particular one has a nice contrast ratio, which I consider important). If you're looking at Vizio because you can get 1080p, it's not worth it in a 42" set. Besides, I'm guessing you'll want HD for mostly watching sports - don't bother because you're not going to see television broadcasts in 1080p for many years to come. If you're considering 1080p for video games, check your games before you spend the extra money on it. Movies, or hooking it up to a computer, are the only reasons I would go 1080p right now.

I would also stay away from the smaller brands like Olevia. It is much, much more difficult to get parts for such brands. This is coming from someone who sells high end electronics.

If you're considering buying online, be careful there - often a too good to be true price is indeed too good to be true. They turn out to be grey market goods (ones that are not to be sold in the US) and if you have a problem with the set you either can't return it or can't get warranty service.

BTW, Gabe and I went with a 46" Samsung (the 4665) and we're quite happy with it. We spend about $1500 for it three months ago, but that was because we were able to get it at cost. There were some very nice Panasonics (they were also highly rated on Consumer Reports) that were cheaper, so definitely check into those. Also, check into last year's models if you can find them.

-Stacey