View Full Version : Costco/BB/CC/Sears/Dell et al Master Thread: NO PRICING /NO COUPONS


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dennishp50
09-08-06, 10:44 PM
Specifications read as follows

TV Function:
VHF/UHF VHF 2-13ch UHF 14-69ch
CATV 1-135ch non-scrambled channel only
Digital Terrestial Broadcast 8VSB 2-69
Digital Cable
(64/256 QAM)- 1-135ch (non-scrambled channel only)

Hope that helps

dennishp50
09-08-06, 11:20 PM
I have Dish and their HD packages. I don't access to any analog channels...sorry I can't help on that.

I think the HD on this set is outstanding and the SD digital stuff is quite passable for general viewing. I'm still playing with the menus and finding them to full featured. I've been able to adjust for some video noise that pops up on some of the channels and smooth a picture out pretty well. I haven't gotten a chance to really go over all the options in every menu, as I'm quite pleased with what I see on the screen as it is. The set looked pretty good right out of the box. It did exhibit a red push..but was easily handled in the menus.

When I was originally looking at this set at Costco, I found the picture quality to be on par with the Sony and 32" Phillips models they had. I liked the Sharp's picture a bit better than the Panasonic's and a whole lot more that the 32" Vizio, which happened to be right next to the Sharp. A couple of the sales guys were talking about how the Vizio had a pink tint to all the whites in the picture. So they start to adjust it to match the Sharp's picture sitting right next to it. No matter what they did, the Vizio either tended towards a pink or green cast and could not display the whites of the Sharp. The Vizio is a heck of a buy for 3 Ben's less than the Sharp....but the Sharp had a better picture, more adjustability in the menu's and better connectivity. I prefer to look at it as not spending more than a Vizio..but rather spending less that I would have on a Samsung.

So far I'm pretty happy with my purchase...it looks great in our kitchen.

ressom
09-09-06, 08:52 AM
Hey, ressom. Do you mind telling us how long you had to wait (from ordered to delivered) for Costco to deliver your TV????

I know the actual time will vary depending on where you live. I just want to get a rough estimate.

And yes, I've also seen Costco listed the 50PH9UK on their website a few weeks ago. The 50PHD8UK disappeared two weeks ago, and just got listed again this week.

It took a hellish long time... I ordered the 509UK on 8/17 (the first or second day it was available on their site) and it shipped on 8/23 and arrived on 9/7. Although by checking other peoples waybill numbers close to mine, I see that the other people that ordered the 509UK from costco got it in about a week. These people lived in CA and it was shipped from CA though. Mine was shipped from TX and I live in IL.


Yeah, it is strange now only the 508UK is listed on their site.

cokecan
09-09-06, 03:18 PM
I got my 509UK in about a week -- it would have been about 9 days total Sunday through the following Tuesday if I didn't go to the distribution warehouse and grab it myself. :)

I picked it up on the 6th day..

waddo
09-09-06, 03:22 PM
Maybe Costco should concentrate on better customer service!!! Those checkout lines are getting longer every year. I was on it for 30 minutes last night due to many difficult customers (trying to split up purchases on one costco account and trying to use expired coupons)!!! i'll be asking for a full refund on my membership.

If long lines are frequently a problem you have every right to complain to the manager. I have two VERY BUSY Costco's near me and they are both always packed, but they keep enough registers open that you never wait that long.

Your experience at one Costco is not indicitive of my experience at any of the 4 that I go to.

c00zie
09-10-06, 12:19 AM
I've been looking at the 45" Sharp Aquos (LC40C45U) at Costco for a little while now, and the current $300 discount (both online and in my closest store here in the Denver area) that lasts until the end of September has me more interested than ever. Before I do the deed, though, I wanted to see if anyone here has purchased this specific set at Costco and how they like it now that they have it home. Specifically, how does it do when you're watching sports? I watch 'em all, and I don't want to see a whole bunch of trail/blur. I look forward to hearing any insights that you might have! Thanks....

JBUNGIE
09-10-06, 10:54 AM
I have the 45 inch Sharp from Costco no trailing at all during football. Right now I am getting ready to watch the first Eagles game of the season! :D

victord1
09-10-06, 03:51 PM
Thanks resoom and cokecan.

I live in Virginia (DC area). According to Costco website it would take about 20 BUSINESS DAYS from the order time to deliver time. My sister and her husband could not wait that long, so they went and got the Panny 50PX600U from BB. :)

mttpalmer
09-10-06, 04:34 PM
I've been looking at the 45" Sharp Aquos (LC40C45U) at Costco for a little while now, and the current $300 discount (both online and in my closest store here in the Denver area) that lasts until the end of September has me more interested than ever. Before I do the deed, though, I wanted to see if anyone here has purchased this specific set at Costco and how they like it now that they have it home. Specifically, how does it do when you're watching sports? I watch 'em all, and I don't want to see a whole bunch of trail/blur. I look forward to hearing any insights that you might have! Thanks....

My only concerns so far with this set have been
1) it's inability to accept 480i through HDMI (I guess this is common, and I just set it to 480p and it's fine.)
2) reds that look pink or orange (I think this is due to certain bad source material as it DOES display perfect reds)

Concerns that proved false:
1) No real blur during fast action. Make sure you use the "Quickshoot" option in the menu. It really helps and I can see no picture noise caused by its use. It really shows its potential when clearing up the scrolling scores at the bottom of the screen.
2) crushed blacks. I previously had a Philips LCD and the blacks on the Sharp are much more detailed.

Sergey M
09-10-06, 08:16 PM
I live in Virginia (DC area). According to Costco website it would take about 20 BUSINESS DAYS from the order time to deliver time. My sister and her husband could not wait that long, so they went and got the Panny 50PX600U from BB. :)

Which BB was it? I thought BB didn't carry 600U (only 60U).

c00zie
09-11-06, 01:38 AM
JBUNGIE and mttpalmer - thanks for the info! Glad to hear there's no real trail during football - that would seriously drive me nuts. Although, I'm not sure anything would've made my Seahawks look good today! Well, looks like I better get my stuff together so I can get this set before the deal is gone! Thanks again.

calbearfan
09-11-06, 04:36 AM
Thanks for your report. How would I (who is not familiar with the Sharp line) determine what menus/programming are in the one at my local costco? Is there something I should look for that would indicate it has the (better?) controls?

And along those lines, given what you've observed, does all this in summary make the current Costco deal on this set a really good buy, or is it better to get something else and/or wait for what sounds like a new Sharp line?


I've been looking at this set for the last week since it appeared at our local Costco. Costco has a special on it this month (if you have a c**P**). It's being sold as a model LC-40C32U...which is supposed to be identical to the Sharp LC-32D40U only in silver. After giving this set the once over and checking the menu out, I believe this set is actually a LC-32D41U..but it's packaged in and carries the badges of the LC-40C32U.

I submit the following:

The menu on this set is identical to menus found on the Sharp 37 and 45 inch models. The menu found on the LC-32D40U is totally different and doesn't have the menu options that this set has. The LC32D41U has the same menu as the 37 and 45 inch Sharps models.

The Sharp LC32D40U and the LC40C32U both have the same input connections. 2 HDMI and 2 component Plus others. The set at Costco has 2 HDMI, 1 DVI and 1 component (the same connectivity as the LC 32D41U.

I also noted on the box that it's origin states that it is technical design is Sharp of Japan...assembled in Mexico, Stand made in China. The exact same origin information as the 37 and 45 inch Sharps.

I'm not sure what the exact deal is..but perhaps Sharp is clearing out it's older models and making way for their new line...and they are providing Costco with their LC32D41U models packaged and badged as the LC-40C32U for sale in their stores.

I picked one up as I believe this set is the 41u and has the Sharp panel. I can say the color and adjustability on this set is excellent. I used some of the settings I found in the Sharp 37 thread and the picture is "spot on"....clean whites..nice blacks.

Check your local Costco....I like when the selling price appears without comas.

Quatre
09-11-06, 11:55 AM
so noone knows anything about the samsung lns27'' @ samsclub?

victord1
09-11-06, 11:58 AM
Which BB was it? I thought BB didn't carry 600U (only 60U).

Sorry, I didn't specify clearly. We bought the 50PX600U from the Magnolia Hometheater section of Best Buy. In our area, almost all BB stores have Magnolia sections. They also gave us the Costco price [EDIT]. :)

Johnla
09-11-06, 12:27 PM
Sorry, I didn't specify clearly. We bought the 50PX600U from the Magnolia Hometheater section of Best Buy. In our area, almost all BB stores have Magnolia sections. They also gave us the Costco price ($xxxx).

As per the rules http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6939434&&#post6939434

"Costco/BB/CC/Sears/Target/Sam's /Dell Master Thread: NO PRICING /NO COUPONS
All Costco/Best Buy/ Circuit City/Sears/Target et al chat goes here and only here

NO PRICING/ NO COUPONS/NO RETAIL LINKS /NO COSTCO Links

Here you go fellas: your own Costco/BB/CC thread: but you still must abide by forum rules

Technical support issues only please"


How many times do people need to be told no pricing, means no pricing?
If people keep doing it, sooner or later this thread will be shut down.

Johnla
09-11-06, 06:09 PM
And maybe since the offending poster only had 8 posts you could have informed via a private mail instead of calling him out on this board.

The title of the thread could not be any clearer about the rules! I'm sure that he must of read the title of the thread before posting in it.

Johnla
09-11-06, 06:14 PM
and maybe its a stupid rule that hinders the usefulness of the thread.
AVS also runs their own A/V business in case you have not noticed, so why should they provide a place to find the lowest prices to buy from other places? This forum is not here for finding the sources of best pricing. You have many search engines on the net for that.

victord1
09-11-06, 07:11 PM
As per the rules http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6939434&&#post6939434

"Costco/BB/CC/Sears/Target/Sam's /Dell Master Thread: NO PRICING /NO COUPONS
All Costco/Best Buy/ Circuit City/Sears/Target et al chat goes here and only here

NO PRICING/ NO COUPONS/NO RETAIL LINKS /NO COSTCO Links

Here you go fellas: your own Costco/BB/CC thread: but you still must abide by forum rules

Technical support issues only please"


How many times do people need to be told no pricing, means no pricing?
If people keep doing it, sooner or later this thread will be shut down.

Alright, I'm sorry for the mistake. :(

I'm jumping from thread to thread in this forum looking for advises and answers. So, there is no need to get all excited. The moderator of the thread can post a simple warning or/and better yet just delete my post. Moderators of other forums do that. Do they actually have moderators on this forum????

Anyways, thanks for the heads-up. ;)

nameless33
09-11-06, 07:29 PM
(re:Costco LC-40C32U) Specifications read as follows

TV Function:
VHF/UHF VHF 2-13ch UHF 14-69ch
CATV 1-135ch non-scrambled channel only
Digital Terrestial Broadcast 8VSB 2-69
Digital Cable
(64/256 QAM)- 1-135ch (non-scrambled channel only)

Hope that helps

Probably the wrong forum to ask, but my local Comcast lists the broadcast HDTV channels up in the 180's and 190's for channel numbers. Is this QAM tuner incompatible with their system ?

nameless33
09-11-06, 08:00 PM
... It's being sold as a model LC-40C32U...which is supposed to be identical to the Sharp LC-32D40U only in silver. After giving this set the once over and checking the menu out, I believe this set is actually a LC-32D41U..but it's packaged in and carries the badges of the LC-40C32U.

I submit the following:

The menu on this set is identical to menus found on the Sharp 37 and 45 inch models. The menu found on the LC-32D40U is totally different and doesn't have the menu options that this set has. The LC32D41U has the same menu as the 37 and 45 inch Sharps models.

The Sharp LC32D40U and the LC40C32U both have the same input connections. 2 HDMI and 2 component Plus others. The set at Costco has 2 HDMI, 1 DVI and 1 component (the same connectivity as the LC 32D41U.
...

I picked one up as I believe this set is the 41u and has the Sharp panel.

The Sharp website now lists all three sets C32, D40, D41:

http://www.sharpusa.com/products/TypeLanding/0,1056,s67-1-32,00.html

The D41 is quite different from the other two. Three wavelength backlight, optical vs coax audio out, DVI vs second component input.

Do you have the optical audio out on your LC-40C32U ?

Johnla
09-11-06, 08:53 PM
The moderator of the thread can post a simple warning or/and better yet just delete my post. Moderators of other forums do that. Do they actually have moderators on this forum????

Anyways, thanks for the heads-up. ;)

Yes they have moderators here, and yes they have also posted warnings a few times about it.

Johnla
09-12-06, 12:08 PM
Is there a FAQ that explains the logic behind no pricing, no links, no useful information?



http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=4883668&&#post4883668

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=407154

Harden
09-12-06, 01:36 PM
Geez. It's their board and it's free. If you don't like their policies, don't visit their site.

They published the rule. Live with it or leave.

Harden
09-12-06, 01:42 PM
WOW! I surfed the Costco website yesterday, and they were actually carrying the Pioneer 5070 for a great price. Checked again today and they're gone.

If you're in the market for this TV, I'd keep checking the site. I got the TV for a better price (and from an authorized Pioneer retailer), but that is a pretty good deal considering Costco's return policy.

dennishp50
09-12-06, 02:29 PM
The Sharp website now lists all three sets C32, D40, D41:

http://www.sharpusa.com/products/TypeLanding/0,1056,s67-1-32,00.html

The D41 is quite different from the other two. Three wavelength backlight, optical vs coax audio out, DVI vs second component input.

Do you have the optical audio out on your LC-40C32U ?

Yes, it has the optical output rather than the coax audio. (PCM/Dolby)

The manual dosn't refer to the three wavelength backlight..but does have a backlight adjustment from -16 to +16..plus the OPC setting

AS I mentioned before...I firmly believe this is the 41U set rebadged as a 40C32U.

The back of the set has a paper sticker indicating the model number and serial number..so this set could be any model they want it to be by swapping labels. The proof of actual model number being the set's configuration and features.

Woodrow
09-12-06, 07:24 PM
Folks, please keep to technical issues and do not question forum rules.

Many posts have been removed.

Thanks all

VIANDS
09-12-06, 08:34 PM
Long time lurker in the AVS forums. FYI I believe that Costco is now carrying the full line up of the 732 series. The only reason why I cannot be completely sure is that no model number is displayed. The WD-xx732 series tv is at the bottom of the Costco page.Originally they were only carrying the 65 inch. Could someone please give me a sanity check here. I was about to purchase with credit card in hand when I noticed the new addition to their page.
Report Post

delusive1
09-12-06, 10:23 PM
does anyone know if Costco will carry any of the XBRs or V2500 line up??

bojingles
09-12-06, 10:37 PM
Costco.com now has the TH-58PX600U for sale.

Quatre
09-13-06, 01:29 AM
what samsung lns series lcds do the warehouse club stores have besides the lns2738d at sams club? any white versions? I guess the whitr just came out this year so maybe next year they will carry a new model in this years white lns series casing,

will costco or any get any other samsung hls dlp besides the hls6767? any led dlp model? maybe larger then the 56'' hls5679?

how about any samsung flat panel 1080p lcd like the 40'' and 46''?

Johnla
09-13-06, 10:48 AM
Long time lurker in the AVS forums. FYI I believe that Costco is now carrying the full line up of the 732 series. The only reason why I cannot be completely sure is that no model number is displayed. The WD-xx732 series tv is at the bottom of the Costco page.Originally they were only carrying the 65 inch. Could someone please give me a sanity check here. I was about to purchase with credit card in hand when I noticed the new addition to their page.
Report Post


They have the 57" and it is the WD-57732, the 65" is the WD-65732 and the 73" is the WD-73732. And yes they will show the model number at the bottom of the page. But to see it you must pick the size you want of the 3 that are available and then put it in your shopping cart, and then you must view what's in your cart to see it with the model number.

Tallen234
09-13-06, 12:42 PM
On another thread someone stated that Costco has changed its return policy on Televisions to 30 days. Is this correct? If so, will they still honor the manufacturers warranty?

Thanks

Njmurvin
09-13-06, 01:02 PM
I just checked the costco website in the help/returns section. They still mention the exception to their 100% satisfaction warranty for computers (limit of 6 months). There is no exception stated there for televisions.

pdawg17
09-13-06, 04:56 PM
On another thread someone stated that Costco has changed its return policy on Televisions to 30 days. Is this correct? If so, will they still honor the manufacturers warranty?

Thanks

Link to thread please?

waddo
09-13-06, 05:11 PM
Link to thread please?

I was at an expo and Costco was there. I spent some time visiting with the reps and while we were talking and they brought up the return policy. I told them that I had read some articles that indicated wall street was putting a lot of pressure on them to change there policy and I asked if that had been mentioned to the employees.

They said it had been mentioned at an employee meeting and that the higher ups said the policy will not change to make wall street happy.

gray
09-13-06, 08:12 PM
Has anyone seen the Pioneer 5070 at Costco? The website had it listed a week ago or so (gone now) but it wasn't at my local store (Austin). Was wondering if it is web only. Local Costco employees had no idea if they would see any.

slksc
09-13-06, 09:34 PM
Link to thread please?

I saw a discussion of this on the last page of this thread:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=663794&page=19&pp=30

It's based on one guy's bad experience at a return desk at Costco's. I'm very skeptical that this represents official Costco policy, but I've been known to be wrong once or twice.

richard korsgren
09-13-06, 10:06 PM
Everyday, for weeks now, I see a remark or 2 about Costco changing their return policy. Seems, like after awhile, we would do away with these idle remarks. If Costco ever change their policy we will all know about it.

pdawg17
09-13-06, 11:41 PM
I saw a discussion of this on the last page of this thread:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=663794&page=19&pp=30

It's based on one guy's bad experience at a return desk at Costco's. I'm very skeptical that this represents official Costco policy, but I've been known to be wrong once or twice.

I just returned a tv with no questions asked and I bought it 13 months ago...and yes - it did have several problems with it...

richmer
09-14-06, 09:52 AM
I would like to buy a brand name LCD or Plasma flat TV that is 42" to 46". I watch lots of TV and Football on weekends. My TV room has windows with blinds. I do not like to watch TV in total darkness. Do I need to buy a set with 1080. Your recommendations are appreciated.
rich

richard korsgren
09-14-06, 10:36 AM
I would like to buy a brand name LCD or Plasma flat TV that is 42" to 46". I watch lots of TV and Football on weekends. My TV room has windows with blinds. I do not like to watch TV in total darkness. Do I need to buy a set with 1080. Your recommendations are appreciated.
rich

You do not have to but it is better to buy a HD set these days..720p/1080i...Sharp, Samsung, Sony have nice lcd displays and plasmas can be had by Panansonic, Pioneer, Samsung, etc. The Panny 42 inch HD display is now breaking below $2000 and one of best values around. Go out, do lots of looking and comparing and buy what looks best to your eyes; just be sure you have good source material. And be sure it is HD..from cable, Directv or Dish tv.

AlienX69
09-14-06, 11:16 AM
richard k is so correct in his statement "do lots of looking and comparing and buy what "looks best to your eyes".

I just purchased a 720p/1080i LCD Vizio 37" for a Fantastic price at Costco. I had my mind set on a 1080p Samsung, but the picture quality IMHO was excellent on the Vizio.

I only had the set for a week, and so far I'm very please .......

BTW: It was for the bedroom .... and my main viewing is DVD's ..... and Extended Basic cable ..... I was really amazed at the picture I get on cable without HD box, not to shabby, I was expecting a lot worse .....

I will probably get the Samsung 67" as my main when Costco gets them back on the floor, they were all sold out in my city !!!!

AX

steve3733
09-14-06, 12:14 PM
Not a question at Costco when I returned my 6 month old V42 plasma for the Panny 50.

dennishp50
09-14-06, 12:51 PM
It just amazes me at how many people return TV's just to get a new one.

i would never consider returning anything I purchased unless it was defective. I am very happy Costco has a return policy that would allow me to return a defective product. However with the amount of abuses I read about...I wouldn't blame them if they stopped their return policy...If I were the ower, I know I would.

If Costco does change their return policy, the people that will suffer will be those that have a genuine issue with the product they purchased.

Crow
09-14-06, 01:07 PM
As per the rules http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6939434&&#post6939434

"Costco/BB/CC/Sears/Target/Sam's /Dell Master Thread: NO PRICING /NO COUPONS
All Costco/Best Buy/ Circuit City/Sears/Target et al chat goes here and only here

NO PRICING/ NO COUPONS/NO RETAIL LINKS /NO COSTCO Links

Here you go fellas: your own Costco/BB/CC thread: but you still must abide by forum rules

Technical support issues only please"


How many times do people need to be told no pricing, means no pricing?
If people keep doing it, sooner or later this thread will be shut down.


If you want to discuss pricing then pay for a membership. Paying members I think can discuss pricing if I am reading the below correctly.

Great Found Deals (1 Viewing)
This AVS Club Members only area is a place to post the links to the great deals you may have found on the Internet that other club member may like. Note...Do not abuse this section for your own personal gain. No Referral links.

dce3a
09-14-06, 02:02 PM
It just amazes me at how many people return TV's just to get a new one.

i would never consider returning anything I purchased unless it was defective. I am very happy Costco has a return policy that would allow me to return a defective product. However with the amount of abuses I read about...I wouldn't blame them if they stopped their return policy...If I were the ower, I know I would.

If Costco does change their return policy, the people that will suffer will be those that have a genuine issue with the product they purchased.

I agree....people using Costco's return policy for upgrades are going to ruin it for others.

bommai
09-14-06, 02:05 PM
richard k is so correct in his statement "do lots of looking and comparing and buy what "looks best to your eyes".

I just purchased a 720p/1080i LCD Vizio 37" for a Fantastic price at Costco. I had my mind set on a 1080p Samsung, but the picture quality IMHO was excellent on the Vizio.

I only had the set for a week, and so far I'm very please .......

BTW: It was for the bedroom .... and my main viewing is DVD's ..... and Extended Basic cable ..... I was really amazed at the picture I get on cable without HD box, not to shabby, I was expecting a lot worse .....

I will probably get the Samsung 67" as my main when Costco gets them back on the floor, they were all sold out in my city !!!!

AX

Just wanted to tell you that you don't need a cable box to watch unencrypted QAM HD channels through cable as long as the TV you bough (the Vizio) has a ATSC/QAM tuner which I think it does. In most markets, cable companies send the local channels in HD over cable in unencrypted QAM. In some markets, even other channels like TNT-HD, etc are in unencrypted QAM. One of my friends paid for the basic cable and got a bunch of HD channels with his QAM tuner.

goMO
09-14-06, 02:32 PM
I very recently returned a plasma to costco (it was just over a year old). It had started to develop a problem with seeing a signal from the cable box, and i'd have to turn it off and on several times before I got a picture.

anyway, they took it back and never asked why I wanted to return. The lady in the line next to me returned a half open bottle of vitamins. the costco lady said "sure no problem, we return anything at anytime".

Johnla
09-14-06, 02:34 PM
If you want to discuss pricing then pay for a membership. Paying members I think can discuss pricing if I am reading the below correctly.

Great Found Deals (1 Viewing)
This AVS Club Members only area is a place to post the links to the great deals you may have found on the Internet that other club member may like. Note...Do not abuse this section for your own personal gain. No Referral links.


Wrong. They can only do so in the club members area, they can not do so just anywhere in the forums.

steve3733
09-14-06, 03:51 PM
The Vizio 42 plasma i recently returned had unexpected shutoff problems, just like the 37" Visio and the 32" Visio I also returned. Good PQ and features but obviously unreliable for now. Happy with the Panny!

Crow
09-14-06, 04:55 PM
Wrong. They can only do so in the club members area, they can not do so just anywhere in the forums.

That's what I said, the paying members area.

Dan E Laruso
09-15-06, 12:50 AM
Not a question at Costco when I returned my 6 month old V42 plasma for the Panny 50.

Night and day in this upgrade, ay?

Dan E Laruso
09-15-06, 12:53 AM
It just amazes me at how many people return TV's just to get a new one.

i would never consider returning anything I purchased unless it was defective. I am very happy Costco has a return policy that would allow me to return a defective product. However with the amount of abuses I read about...I wouldn't blame them if they stopped their return policy...If I were the ower, I know I would.

If Costco does change their return policy, the people that will suffer will be those that have a genuine issue with the product they purchased.

This discussion has been debated more than LCD vs. Plasma recently. IMO, and many others I'm sure, a primary factor in Costco generating so much business on TV's in because of the return policy. Pricing is rarely the lowest and you have to be up front, full boat. I think they'd lose more money on people going elsewhere than would be saved from eliminating returns.

pj2004
09-15-06, 08:31 AM
I agree with the above statement. The reason I would buy from Costco is their great return policy (for defective items not just to upgrade later on), so if they changed that I'd probably choose another option since they aren't the best bargain around to begin with.

tboneindaegu
09-15-06, 09:22 AM
Costco rocks.

richard korsgren
09-15-06, 11:37 AM
..and their chocolate cookies are great!

AlienX69
09-15-06, 12:18 PM
Costco rocks.

I thought NewEgg Rocked (it does for computer stuff), but Costco thats a whole nother ball game ........ they Jam and Rock !!!! And I have never made a return yet !!!!

Got the 37" Vizio, so far so good, luv that Picture !!!!!

Note: Returning a half used bottle of vitiams, a little extreme, the ABUSERS are going to KILL this GREAT Return Policy !!!!

cokecan
09-15-06, 12:41 PM
So Costco.com dropped the price on the 50PHD8UK in line with what everybody has been saying about this happening on the 50PHD9UK.

I called since I purchased the 9UK late last month to see if I could get a price adjust but since it isn't the identical model, no love.

Just to repeat a couple of policies - they do allow a 30 day price adjust against their own pricing if they offer the exact same model for cheaper within 30 days of the purchase, when ordering on line, this is the online purchase date, not the date your received shipment.

I asked the CSR guy about the unlimited return on televisions and if they track how many times someone returns high ticket items. He said yes and at some point they will refund your membership. He wouldn't tell me at what point though, I would guess it would be if your return dollar amount out ways your purchase amound, I dunno.

Cheers,
Brian

AlienX69
09-15-06, 12:59 PM
Just wanted to tell you that you don't need a cable box to watch unencrypted QAM HD channels through cable as long as the TV you bough (the Vizio) has a ATSC/QAM tuner which I think it does. In most markets, cable companies send the local channels in HD over cable in unencrypted QAM. In some markets, even other channels like TNT-HD, etc are in unencrypted QAM. One of my friends paid for the basic cable and got a bunch of HD channels with his QAM tuner.

Guess I need to figure out what tuner I'm using first, I assume it's the ATSC. Still learning, how do I switch between tuners ? I have the coaxial cable running into the standard "TV" conn on the back. There is a second male coaxial conn marked "DTV" Digital Antena / Cable. Should I be using that connection ?

The only other connection I'm using is the "Component Video" in from my standard DVD player. Can hook up a computer to the VGA connection to see if my puter will display a better pic than the DVD Player. I just bought this video card CLICK HERE, what would be the best way to hookup for best pic quality from a regular DVD disc (non-HD) ? Opps my CLICK HERE dont work, I need to make 5 posts .... LOL !! The video card is a "Leadtek PX6600TD-256 Geforce 6600 256MB".

THX for any tips .... AX

bommai
09-15-06, 02:44 PM
Guess I need to figure out what tuner I'm using first, I assume it's the ATSC. Still learning, how do I switch between tuners ? I have the coaxial cable running into the standard "TV" conn on the back. There is a second male coaxial conn marked "DTV" Digital Antena / Cable. Should I be using that connection ?

The only other connection I'm using is the "Component Video" in from my standard DVD player. Can hook up a computer to the VGA connection to see if my puter will display a better pic than the DVD Player. I just bought this video card CLICK HERE, what would be the best way to hookup for best pic quality from a regular DVD disc (non-HD) ? Opps my CLICK HERE dont work, I need to make 5 posts .... LOL !! The video card is a "Leadtek PX6600TD-256 Geforce 6600 256MB".

THX for any tips .... AX

Some TVs have two coaxial inputs. one for analog and another for digital (my Sanyo has two like this). Most TVs (newer ones) have just one I believe. Read the manual for your TV and see what you need to do to scan for channels (both digital and analog). If you have your cable feed directly hooked up to this TV's coaxial input, if there are any QAM channels in your feed, it should be scanned by your TV and appear in the channel list. I cannot really test it because I don't subscribe to any cable. I rely 100% on OTA.

yubakram
09-15-06, 05:54 PM
Has anyone reviewed the Westinghouse LCD 46" at Sam's. It is very impressive and holds it's own to the Panasonic 50" Plasma sitting next to it, and is considerably cheaper. :)

I have checked this forum and have not seen anything on this.

Thanks for your help.

dennishp50
09-15-06, 06:33 PM
This discussion has been debated more than LCD vs. Plasma recently. IMO, and many others I'm sure, a primary factor in Costco generating so much business on TV's in because of the return policy. Pricing is rarely the lowest and you have to be up front, full boat. I think they'd lose more money on people going elsewhere than would be saved from eliminating returns.


Well, having gone to BB, CC and other B&M places locally...Costco has the best prices on their sets. Check out Walmart's Vizio 32 inch set as an example. Sure you can find better deals on the Internet, and you can also read some of the horror stories about damaged and defective sets not being able to be returned or a hefty restocking fee. The argument you make only serves to justify lack of ethics on the part of some customers (in my opinion).

My point being, that there are a heck of lot of people that are, abusing a great store policy strictly to take advantage of that policy. I'm quite sure Costco didn't institute their return policy with the intent of allowing every customer to trade for a new TV every few months, or when a newer or better model comes out. I see the same mentality at buffets where people take three times what that can possibly eat on their trays only to see it all thrown away...then complain because the buffet raises their prices.

I will guarantee that we will see this policy come to a screeching halt in the future...and the nice safety net that Costco intend for it's customers will be a memory....and we'll have 30 day return policy...like every other box store in the area.

richard korsgren
09-15-06, 08:37 PM
Costco could, at least, limit this policy to..maybe..one tv refund per ..say..5 years? ..Of course, they would have to become dealers for all sets sold so that the person would be protected for one year by the manufacturer in case of a real problem.

richard korsgren
09-15-06, 08:39 PM
I would imagine the manufacturers take a beating maybe more than Costco does. I imagine Costco has a deal with manufactuers on the return of sets.

cokecan
09-16-06, 04:12 AM
No doubt that CC is in bed with excess inventory/probability of return..

However they seem to be inching into the retail market with certain things.. :)

Like shrimp..

fvbounty
09-16-06, 10:19 AM
Well its here, now when will it show at Costco....Vizio Gallevia GV46L LCD, here's the link....Great price also...

http://www.vizioce.com/products/detail.aspx?pid=9

rogerpl
09-16-06, 12:02 PM
Well its here, now when will it show at Costco....Vizio Gallevia GV46L LCD, here's the link....Great price also...

http://www.vizioce.com/products/detail.aspx?pid=9
Been waiting for this one- might be the compromise tween 42 and 50 the wife can live with. Anxious to see what costco pricce will be.

fvbounty
09-16-06, 12:09 PM
I have the 32" and 37" this one for the front room....I'm wondering if they are coming out with a 1080P 46"..... ;)

DeltaOne
09-16-06, 05:32 PM
Just got back from my local Costco. Saw a guy returning two dead trees! They were some sort of small evergreen, about four feet tall. Dead as dead could be. It's true...you can return _anything_!

cokecan
09-16-06, 05:51 PM
I had a friend who had a huge BBQ party and returned the grill, caked on chicken and all..

If you ever have a party, it's a great place to get alcohol because you can just return what you don't drink..

Myself would probably drink it over time, unless it's something I don't like.. :)

Johnla
09-16-06, 11:43 PM
Just got back from my local Costco. Saw a guy returning two dead trees! They were some sort of small evergreen, about four feet tall. Dead as dead could be. It's true...you can return _anything_!

A lot of garden centers now have a 1 year warranty that a plant won't die within a year after you purchase it. I know that Wal-Mart, Home Depot, and Menards garden centers all offer it in my area. So returning a dead plant, even as strange as that may seem to some, is not really that unusual in many places that have the 1 year return policy for plants that die.

cokecan
09-17-06, 04:49 AM
Costco really shouldn't sell xmas trees..

Harden
09-17-06, 05:51 AM
I had a friend who had a huge BBQ party and returned the grill, caked on chicken and all..

If you ever have a party, it's a great place to get alcohol because you can just return what you don't drink..Your buddy is a scumbag.

HDGreg
09-17-06, 01:24 PM
First post in this forum. Went to Costco yesterday, and they had a Sanyo 32 lcd that looked pretty darn good. Fairly white whites and made even better with a coupon book discount offer! Any feedback on Sanyo quality?

HDGreg
09-17-06, 01:26 PM
Oops, Costco also had a Panny 32 lcd. Anyone feel that it is of higher quality? Thanks

xb1032
09-17-06, 06:58 PM
Costco.com now has the TH-58PX600U for sale.

i just saw that today. I've been debating between getting the Mitsubishi 65732/65831 or the Panny 58PX60U and after seeing this I'm close to ordering it. I still haven't seen the Mits' but I know I like the Pannys better than the Mits 65731. I do like the 600Us better and the whole IR issue still has me thinking and with the price they have the 50PX600U for that includes S&H I'm thinking I might have to order one now before they go away. With Costco's return policy there's no need to buy an EW and if IR is a problem then I can return the set and go for the Mits. I only wish the Mits was out in my area now so that I can view it before ordering the Panny and I'm afraid the 50PX600U may not be available later. I could likely get the 60U about $700 cheaper with haggling but I would likely have only 10-30 days to return the TV if it didn't work out. For DLPs and LCOS that's fine but since you are supposed to turn brightness & contrast down for the 100 hour burn-in period for someone without experience with plasmas Costco's return policy would be of great help to me with actually being able to test out the TV giving it a proper break in time.

cokecan
09-17-06, 10:23 PM
Your buddy is a scumbag.

Why the judgement? i was just commenting on costco's return policy..

I personally wouldn't take a used bbq back, and you don't know my friend..

CarrollCustom
09-17-06, 11:43 PM
Probably the wrong forum to ask, but my local Comcast lists the broadcast HDTV channels up in the 180's and 190's for channel numbers. Is this QAM tuner incompatible with their system ?
They work fine in the Comcast Cox and Mediacom markets we do systems in. The ch are usually placed in strange places like 87-3 or 110-54 not the 181 or others you are used to. You will have to do a little searching. I have a word doc that I give clients that list the ch #s. BTW... VOD PPV also comes thru but it is a little tough to watch someone else FF REW Pause etc.

Harden
09-18-06, 10:28 AM
You don't think it's scummy to buy a BBQ for a party and take it back the next day when you obviously never meant to keep it in the first place?

You're right - I don't know your friend. But how can you defend that?

freetime87
09-18-06, 10:31 AM
What do you think the chances of Costco carrying the 1080p 65" Panasonic plasma in the next 12 months? With a MSRP of 10k, is this too much TV for them to sell and then get returns on?

colt1
09-18-06, 12:27 PM
I went to Costco to look at a Toshiba 50HP16. An associate pointed to a * symbol on the price card and told that it indicated that the *(star) shows that they are discontinuing the 50" Toshiba and replacing with a newer Toshiba. She said it might take a month and depends on what current stock across all locations are alomst completed.

Can any body confirm this or atleast find our at your local stores?

cokecan
09-18-06, 01:07 PM
You don't think it's scummy to buy a BBQ for a party and take it back the next day when you obviously never meant to keep it in the first place?

You're right - I don't know your friend. But how can you defend that?

I really wasn't trying to defend it -- it may be symantecs, but I think it would have better put that what my friend did is scummy.

I don't think it's cool to abuse the policy and I feel exactly the same as a lot of others: it would suck if a few bad apples spoil the return policy for the rest of us.

Cheers,
Brian

Davidt1
09-18-06, 03:40 PM
Costco just raised the membership price. Perhaps this is how they are recouping the cost their generous return policy. One way or the other everyone pays.

kotadawg
09-18-06, 04:06 PM
Costco just raised the membership price. Perhaps this is how they are recouping the cost their generous return policy. One way or the other everyone pays.


I just received my renewal for Costco. The price was the same as last year, and the year before.

YanniL
09-18-06, 06:57 PM
Hey all, I'm sorry if I offend the the rules, but I think this comment is legal..... Costco had a price adjustment on the 50 Panny, went in after 6 weeks and got the difference. No return needed. Check it out!

fvbounty
09-18-06, 07:27 PM
Hey all, I'm sorry if I offend the the rules, but I think this comment is legal..... Costco had a price adjustment on the 50 Panny, went in after 6 weeks and got the difference. No return needed. Check it out!

I thought it was just 30 days. I got a 32"Vizio lcd on 8/08/06 and now its $100 less, do you think I could still get $100 back even though its 38 days?

YanniL
09-18-06, 07:56 PM
I thought it was just 30 days. I got a 32"Vizio lcd on 8/08/06 and now its $100 less, do you think I could still get $100 back even though its 38 days?


It is normally 30 days however, after talking to the manager it seemed silly to bring the tv down return it and re-buy, he agreed with me and gave me my money. It's worth a try!

dtrell
09-18-06, 07:57 PM
It is normally 30 days however, after talking to the manager it seemed silly to bring the tv down return it and re-buy, he agreed with me and gave me my money. It's worth a try!
most managers wont listen to common sense and will insist you bring it back. you got lucky.

rogerpl
09-18-06, 09:34 PM
Just got back from costco. I thought almost all the picture quality was great. All Costco stores have a private sat feed- no dishnet or direct tv which makes it hard to compare to sat or cable and you can expect a change in return policy like the computers and soon. this is according to floor person in electronics.

wizzy420
09-18-06, 11:24 PM
I had a friend who had a huge BBQ party and returned the grill, caked on chicken and all..:)

Wow, he's (she's) a jerk.

joperio
09-19-06, 04:14 AM
New Pioneers listed on Costco web again. Get them before they are gone!

LiK
09-19-06, 10:58 AM
i went to my local Costco and they had a Panny plasma 6U (not a typo) it's not a 60U or a 600U. i'm curious if you guys know what the difference is cuz i never heard of this model. i don't think it's a typo for Costco cuz that model number was on the box too.

sorry if this has been posted already

rgldhl
09-19-06, 11:36 AM
Just got back from costco. I thought almost all the picture quality was great. All Costco stores have a private sat feed- no dishnet or direct tv which makes it hard to compare to sat or cable and you can expect a change in return policy like the computers and soon. this is according to floor person in electronics.


Do you honestly think a floor person in Vermont is going to have any clue what the return policy will do? That is pure speculation on their part.

rogerpl
09-19-06, 11:55 AM
Do you honestly think a floor person in Vermont is going to have any clue what the return policy will do? That is pure speculation on their part.

Why is Vermont out of the loop? :) I did prod and poke to see if he had official knowledge of something and he seem to be pretty sure of what he spoke. But I'm just reporting what he said and we all hope he "KNOWS NOTHINGGG!.

hollywood53
09-19-06, 01:50 PM
i went to my local Costco and they had a Panny plasma 6U (not a typo) it's not a 60U or a 600U. i'm curious if you guys know what the difference is cuz i never heard of this model. i don't think it's a typo for Costco cuz that model number was on the box too.

sorry if this has been posted already

It is the costco version of the 60U, it has been decontented I dont recall everything but there is a thread about it on here if you do a search, I vaguely remember it not having a SD card reader that would worry me if you needed a firmware update hope this helps

miked33
09-19-06, 02:39 PM
i'm about to buy the samsung 5053 thru j&r...is there a thread on this forum that talks about buying plasmas online? experience, warnings, warranty info, etc? apologize if this is not the correct area to ask this question.
thanks for any help you can provide!

thetman
09-19-06, 02:39 PM
It is normally 30 days however, after talking to the manager it seemed silly to bring the tv down return it and re-buy, he agreed with me and gave me my money. It's worth a try!

well I tried that and it was a no go- I said the same thing- it makes no sense to bring in a perfectly good set getmy 200 bucks and go pick out another one and then take it home. I like costco alot- I am an executive member who lately seems to spend some good cash there- so I thought it was a little wierd they wouldn't budge on this (35 days later).

Johnla
09-19-06, 03:01 PM
well I tried that and it was a no go- I said the same thing- it makes no sense to bring in a perfectly good set getmy 200 bucks and go pick out another one and then take it home.

And this is the thing that makes all this talk about them complaining about the high return rates on TV's, even more ridiculous. When they tell you that you must return a perfectly good working TV for another one of the same, just in order for them to give you the price difference back. They themselves, are creating high and unnecessary physical returns on TV's that must get sent back to whoever it is that really ends up *eating* the return of the TV, just by doing this. This is very foolish on their part to be unnecessarily creating all these kind of non-defective physical returns of TV's, when all they really need to do is just credit you back the difference in price.

Opie Wan Cannoli
09-19-06, 05:00 PM
I bought my 50" Panny 6U as soon as it became available at Costco in Bridgewater, NJ. My wife and I noticed 6 weeks later that the price had dropped $200. The manager gave us a price adjustment without a return (although, he didn't seem particularly happy about it). I guess I got lucky too.

For the person who asked about the 60U vs. the 6U. The 6U does not have the SD card reader or AV inputs in the front like the 60U. The 6U does have an SD card reader on the back for upgrading firmware (marked "Service Only" or something to that affect). Another difference between the 6U and 60U is the color of the bezel. Instead of the all silver look of the 60U the bezel of the 6U is a medium gray color (which I think looks a little nicer).

rgldhl
09-19-06, 07:59 PM
Why is Vermont out of the loop? :) I did prod and poke to see if he had official knowledge of something and he seem to be pretty sure of what he spoke. But I'm just reporting what he said and we all hope he "KNOWS NOTHINGGG!.


Vermont is not out of the loop but I would be more inclined to believe if the store was located closer to the headquarters in Issaquah Washington. Then again who really knows. And I agree, I hope he knows nothing.

rogerpl
09-19-06, 08:07 PM
Vermont is not out of the loop but I would be more inclined to believe if the store was located closer to the headquarters in Issaquah Washington. Then again who really knows. And I agree, I hope he knows nothing.

I told him a lot of people buy at costco for the return policy and would be less quick to buy there. I told him i plan on buying from Costco because of the return policy. He did say from what he has heard that it would be longer than most stores maybe 6 months or a year. Also expected it to be grandfathered like the computers were so buy soon he said.

BoB-O TiVo
09-19-06, 11:05 PM
Well we know that Costco has dropped the price $200 on the Panny TH-50PX6U in store but has anyone seen the TH-50PX60U? Or is that online only?

I second this question!

Thanks,
BoB

BoB-O TiVo
09-19-06, 11:19 PM
New Pioneers listed on Costco web again. Get them before they are gone!

With the 600U now the same price as the Pio 5070, does the landscape change? Would any of you take a 5070 over a 600U if price was no issue?

Thanks,
BoB

05BSZHP
09-20-06, 12:11 AM
With the 600U now the same price as the Pio 5070, does the landscape change? Would any of you take a 5070 over a 600U if price was no issue?

Thanks,
BoB

I'm mulling this issue over right now. The black bezel on the Pioneer just looks so much better to me. I'm going for the 60U, so price is a bit more of a factor at this point.

Anyone have both on the forum?

xrox
09-20-06, 01:42 PM
It really sucks that costco.com carries all the name brands while costco.ca carries only crap brands like dell and daytech. I really hope costco wharehouses change shipping policies to allow across border shipment. This way I could avoid paying thousands of dollars for an extended warrenty.

Dan E Laruso
09-20-06, 07:39 PM
It really sucks that costco.com carries all the name brands while costco.ca carries only crap brands like dell and daytech. I really hope costco wharehouses change shipping policies to allow across border shipment. This way I could avoid paying thousands of dollars for an extended warrenty.

I just jumped on Costco.Ca and gotta say that's pretty weird...it's like twilight zone Costco. Never knew that page existed, what's up with that?

gray
09-20-06, 08:56 PM
New Pioneers listed on Costco web again. Get them before they are gone!

Has anyone seen the Pio 5070 at Costco or are they online only?

rogerpl
09-20-06, 09:10 PM
Has anyone seen the Pio 5070 at Costco or are they online only?

They do try to have different sets in store and on-line.

drneedle
09-20-06, 10:09 PM
Do you honestly think a floor person in Vermont is going to have any clue what the return policy will do? That is pure speculation on their part.

I just returned from purchasing the Vizio 32" LCD from Costco from the Canoga Park Ca store. I was speaking to the electronics guy who told me The EXACT same thing as was told to the poster from Vermont. He also added that over 60% of the televisions that are returned are in perfect working condition. They WILL be changing the return policy because it is abused. Just thought you should know....

rogerpl
09-20-06, 10:32 PM
I just returned from purchasing the Vizio 32" LCD from Costco from the Canoga Park Ca store. I was speaking to the electronics guy who told me The EXACT same thing as was told to the poster from Vermont. He also added that over 60% of the televisions that are returned are in perfect working condition. They WILL be changing the return policy because it is abused. Just thought you should know....
Vermonters are never wrong! I hope we are being fed a line. I can't see they have choice with working condition sets being returned and with a seemingly high percentage of defective sets. Can only hope they could modify policy to at least a year for some peace of mind. Hopefully if the policy is changed it will be grandfathered and not start soon so I can decide what I'm going to buy buy.

ejunior2
09-21-06, 12:11 PM
And this is the thing that makes all this talk about them complaining about the high return rates on TV's, even more ridiculous. When they tell you that you must return a perfectly good working TV for another one of the same, just in order for them to give you the price difference back. They themselves, are creating high and unnecessary physical returns on TV's that must get sent back to whoever it is that really ends up *eating* the return of the TV, just by doing this. This is very foolish on their part to be unnecessarily creating all these kind of non-defective physical returns of TV's, when all they really need to do is just credit you back the difference in price.

More stangeness to their policies. I purchased a while back, a 42" TV from Costco which later when down in price. I got the same speach about bringin it back in for a return and then buying a new one. That seems kinda stupid to me so I ended up buying a second unit at the lower price but left it in the box. Later (the next day I returned it) using the original (higher) receipt thus netting the lower price. The second TV never made it out of the box, which was still factory sealed. Know what they did???

Yup - Opened the box up there in the store and checked out the cables and glass. D'oh! So, now they have to return it to the manufactuer for a rebox or whatever. It's just weird.

rogerpl
09-21-06, 12:50 PM
More stangeness to their policies. I purchased a while back, a 42" TV from Costco which later when down in price. I got the same speach about bringin it back in for a return and then buying a new one. That seems kinda stupid to me so I ended up buying a second unit at the lower price but left it in the box. Later (the next day I returned it) using the original (higher) receipt thus netting the lower price. The second TV never made it out of the box, which was still factory sealed. Know what they did???

Yup - Opened the box up there in the store and checked out the cables and glass. D'oh! So, now they have to return it to the manufactuer for a rebox or whatever. It's just weird.

The technology is evolving so fast with price drops every few months how can costco keep exchanging or refunding money? They can't! Even without the blatant abuse by some consumers who return for cheap upgrades they would have to do something with returns from defective sets or consumers who couldn't get the set adjusted or set up properly. Look at the signs they put up to tell customers what they need to get HD. You need a hdtv and an HD source (no ****). Can you see the customers who brought sets home and werent getting HD programming cause they had no source. "but the TV says its HD"

terpnut
09-21-06, 02:44 PM
Recently ordered and got my Panasonic TH-50PX60U plasma--about 4 weeks from online order to in-home delivery. The picture is great but we were quite disappointed in the looks. I guess we'll live with it! :rolleyes:

Also, I noticed that Costco.com dropped the price a couple hundred bucks about 3 days before delivery so I emailed their customer service. They quickly refunded the difference without any problems. So far I'm very happy having ordered it from Costco.

richard korsgren
09-21-06, 09:15 PM
Is Costco thinking about the time when these sets begin to die of old age? That maybe 10-15 years from now but they will die. And your money will be refunded in total. Bottom line, let us say 50 percent of those dead sets are returned for a full refund. A pretty big hit for Costco/manufacturers. As of today, there is no time limit on warranty. Bottom line, if possible, buy a tv set before this policy changes.

Dan E Laruso
09-21-06, 09:43 PM
Has anyone ever asked for and/or been granted a waiver of the shipping fee for any items on Costo.com?

Johnla
09-21-06, 10:49 PM
Has anyone ever asked for and/or been granted a waiver of the shipping fee for any items on Costo.com?

And why do you think Costco would even want to do that?

bhigh8
09-21-06, 11:18 PM
So I have a 10% off coupon to CC through my employer but it needs to be purchased online. I want to buy an LG but they can only be purchased in the store.

any way around this.

Dan E Laruso
09-21-06, 11:30 PM
And why do you think Costco would even want to do that?

I know it wouldn't be common practice by any means, just wondered if anyone ever convinced them to make an exception. People have been known to be very persuasive.

RandyWalters
09-21-06, 11:51 PM
So I have a 10% off coupon to CC through my employer but it needs to be purchased online. I want to buy an LG but they can only be purchased in the store.

any way around this.Buy something other than an LG :D

You'll be better off anyway . . . .

Dan E Laruso
09-22-06, 12:20 AM
So I have a 10% off coupon to CC through my employer but it needs to be purchased online. I want to buy an LG but they can only be purchased in the store.

any way around this.

Is your employer part of a program that other employers might be a part of, like corporate perks or something?

MonkeyBacon
09-22-06, 12:46 AM
Is Costco thinking about the time when these sets begin to die of old age? That maybe 10-15 years from now but they will die. And your money will be refunded in total. Bottom line, let us say 50 percent of those dead sets are returned for a full refund. A pretty big hit for Costco/manufacturers. As of today, there is no time limit on warranty. Bottom line, if possible, buy a tv set before this policy changes.

You would really return a set you bought 10 years ago?

richard korsgren
09-22-06, 08:31 AM
Monkey. At this point in time I do not really know but my statement above asks a question..and Costco should be thinking about the possible answer.

bhigh8
09-22-06, 10:01 AM
Is your employer part of a program that other employers might be a part of, like corporate perks or something?


I dont believe so. I work for a large insurance company and they get discounts from lots of places because they buy from these people for insurance claims.

VFR
09-22-06, 12:33 PM
Monkey. At this point in time I do not really know but my statement above asks a question..and Costco should be thinking about the possible answer.

Why would you assume they have not thought about it?

Anyone with the moral make-up to return a product after it has satisfactorily met its useful life wouldn't wait till it finally broke.They would use this policy to perpetually upgrade.I am sure Costco has systems in place to weed out these individuals.It is afterall an abuse of the policy and I bet grounds for cancellation of a membership.

richard korsgren
09-22-06, 12:56 PM
To return one product (or 2..etc..) is not grounds for cancellation of membership. I am not talking here about people who 'upgrade'; of course, they will be weeded out. But, one day, any device will die a natural death. Bottom line, a time limit must be placed upon their warranty. Or 10 years from now, honest people will be returning their dead displays.

VFR
09-22-06, 01:21 PM
I have to disagree.I would not find it honest to return a TV after 10 or 15 years of use, nor do I believe most people would be at all confused into thinking it would be the honest thing to do.

richard korsgren
09-22-06, 01:25 PM
vfr. And I appreciate your opinion. But, I believe Costco will modify their overly-generous return policy. We shall see what the future holds. What I find somewhat dishonest is people, with perfectly good sets, returning them to 'update'.

VFR
09-22-06, 01:28 PM
I agree with you on that.

Johnla
09-22-06, 01:47 PM
vfr. And I appreciate your opinion. But, I believe Costco will modify their overly-generous return policy. We shall see what the future holds. What I find somewhat dishonest is people, with perfectly good sets, returning them to 'update'.

I agree, Costco never intended for their return policy to be used like a *rental agreement* by people for technology upgrades on electronics and such. But that is exactly what some people are using it as. But I also think if they redo/modify their return policies, that they need to figure out a way to take care of the people that have a problem with a TV set or whatever, that goes bad in some way 2-5 years down the road after they bought it. Otherwise those people may just as well buy the set somewhere else for less than Costco sells if for, and also purchase a 2-5 year service contract on it. Costco prices are far from being the lowest, but their return policy makes up for it. But if they take away the current return policy and replace it with a 30 day, 90 day, or even a 6 month policy. Then it simply will not be worth paying the somewhat higher Costco prices anymore. For example, right now Costco has the Pioneer 5070 plasma sets online, but you can buy them online for even less elsewhere from some dealers, some are authorized Pioneer dealers and some are not, but Costco is not a authorized Pioneer dealer either. And a few of them even offer it with a 5 year service contract, for almost the exact same price that Costco is currently charging for that set.

richard korsgren
09-22-06, 02:06 PM
Johnla: And I agree, pretty much, with your comments. The problem, having such a great warranty, Costco has dug itself a hole and it will be difficult to find its' way back to level ground. I am quite sure they are discussing the situation now. The problem is, everyday that goes by, means there are more items that have to be under the current warranty. They must, at very least, put a reasonable time limit on the warranty. There is no time limit as of now.

undersuspician
09-22-06, 03:02 PM
The Pioneer Elite 1130HD just became available at costco's website. May not be there for long (same for the 5070).

richard korsgren
09-22-06, 03:16 PM
..only problem is the price. This older set can be had for as low as $3200 with the newer 1140HD going for less than $4500. I do realize the Costco warranty is worth $500.

newone88
09-22-06, 04:04 PM
Are flat panels at Costco cheaper, similar or more expensive than CC and BB (for the same TV)? Do they match prices from other retailers (online or local)?
I know that their return policy is much better but do you pay MSRP at costco?
Thanks

Pedro2
09-22-06, 04:20 PM
Costco's problem is that without their liberal return policy they have very little competitive advantage. Every time I take a look at their online plasma prices I shake my head. If they do eliminate or substantially modify their return policy, one would also hope to see reduced prices...if not, they will simply lose a LOT of sales.

richard korsgren
09-22-06, 04:24 PM
They will, of course, be competitive on prices if they eliminate their generous return policy. They are competitive on other items in store, I have found. They should also bring in newer models when they are released and go more up scale.

richard korsgren
09-22-06, 04:26 PM
Are flat panels at Costco cheaper, similar or more expensive than CC and BB (for the same TV)? Do they match prices from other retailers (online or local)?
I know that their return policy is much better but do you pay MSRP at costco?
Thanks


If you put a price of $500 on their return policy (the best by far) then they are very competitive. On an absolute price basis they can be beaten by others. But not too much in many cases. It just depends on what set we are talking about.

fvbounty
09-22-06, 04:31 PM
Well they had a 46" JVC 1080P lcd on there website that's was a $1000 over from what I just got a quote from a store no more thatn 10 miles from my house. I'd say you and I are paying for there return policy with higher prices....

Johnla
09-22-06, 04:35 PM
Do they match prices from other retailers (online or local)?

No they do not price match other retailers, online or otherwise.

newone88
09-22-06, 04:39 PM
I see. I never purchased anything from Costco before and was going to get a Costco account since we have discount memberships from my employer right now.
I heard that they might soon have the new 1080p Sony LCDs and I'm going to buy it from them if the price is good.
Thanks again.

richard korsgren
09-22-06, 04:49 PM
fvbounty. There are always exceptions to any statement. You should sum everything up in your mind and buy where you think is best for you. In general, I believe Costco to be a great place in which to shop. And I love their chocolate chip cookies..as does our dog!

fvbounty
09-22-06, 05:12 PM
fvbounty. There are always exceptions to any statement. You should sum everything up in your mind and buy where you think is best for you. In general, I believe Costco to be a great place in which to shop. And I love their chocolate chip cookies..as does our dog!

Don't get me wrong I've been going to Costco since it was Price Club, but it's like anything else you have to know your prices. Those cookies are GOOD....

Johnla
09-22-06, 05:29 PM
The Pioneer Elite 1130HD just became available at costco's website. May not be there for long (same for the 5070).

That's too much money for a 1130HD, it's basically last years model and also discontinued now. But it's really not surprising that Costco has a prior year discontinued Pioneer model, as I think they look to buy large lots of such things. Because when Pioneer stopped making their CRT RPTV's, both Costco and Wal-Mart were soon loaded with bunch of them in the 53" models. But at much more attractive prices then they are now with the 1130HD.

ejunior2
09-22-06, 06:05 PM
FYI - Was checking out the Panny PDP at Costco today. I asked about the TH58PX60U (not displayed or anthing) on thier website and asked if they'd be getting any in-store. The nice manager lady loooked ip up on her trusty terminal and it actually appeared. She said it was on order but she didn't have a date yet. If you're balking at the hsipping cost keep your eyes open in the store.

richard korsgren
09-22-06, 06:18 PM
The price listed for Panny 60u is quite decent considering the lifetime warranty Costco offers. The 600u is a poor buying being same price as the Pioneer 5070. By the way, the 5070 is a lot less than it is at BB. The 6u becomes a bargain if you do need the few extras the other sets offer. Remeber, sales tax always offsets the shipping.

BoB-O TiVo
09-22-06, 06:18 PM
I'm really tempted to pull the trigger on the 50PX6U at Costco. If I don't need cablecard or the front media goo, is there any reason to not get this set (as compared to the 60U or 600U)?

Thanks,
BoB

richard korsgren
09-22-06, 06:20 PM
Bob. No reason I can think of. And the great warranty will give you peace of mind. I'd rather not have the front panel 'goo'.

BoB-O TiVo
09-22-06, 06:44 PM
Cool. Is the current in-store price on the 50PX6U the same as the newly discounted one online? I haven't been by my local store in a while.

BoB

amdspitfire
09-22-06, 06:57 PM
Cool. Is the current in-store price on the 50PX6U the same as the newly discounted one online? I haven't been by my local store in a while.

BoB

y not the 600u?

rleist
09-22-06, 07:01 PM
All, at Costco today I saw a new Sony 46" 1080p LCD. I didn't remember the model number, though it had a 25 in it. My assumption is that is equivalent to the new 46V2500, is that so? Didn't see it on the Costco website yet. Anybody happen to know if they carry the 40" also?

Rob

richard korsgren
09-22-06, 07:07 PM
seems the v2500 series to be released about now. Am surprised Costco would have it this soon. PM the price if you would..ok?

BoB-O TiVo
09-22-06, 07:51 PM
y not the 600u?

Cashes.

nollchr
09-22-06, 09:01 PM
All, at Costco today I saw a new Sony 46" 1080p LCD. I didn't remember the model number, though it had a 25 in it. My assumption is that is equivalent to the new 46V2500, is that so? Didn't see it on the Costco website yet. Anybody happen to know if they carry the 40" also?

Rob
wow!

richard korsgren
09-22-06, 09:16 PM
Would say Costco is really getting on the ball if this is the latest from Sony. Now, to really surprise me, Costco, where is the new d62u line of lcds from Sharp! That would totally knock me out!

fvbounty
09-22-06, 09:26 PM
That would be Great if it's the Sony 2500....Lets keep are finger's crossed... ;)

Dan E Laruso
09-22-06, 10:18 PM
fvbounty. There are always exceptions to any statement. You should sum everything up in your mind and buy where you think is best for you. In general, I believe Costco to be a great place in which to shop. And I love their chocolate chip cookies..as does our dog!

A dog liking cookies, now that's gotta be a lie! ;) I agree though, those cookies are just a notch below the return policy when ranking Costco's greatest features. Then again, the free samples in general have to be put into the discusson too.

richard korsgren
09-22-06, 10:20 PM
Must admit, I always have my lunch at Costco..in the store proper and not at lunch counter. Last time I was there, the nice lady kept feeding me salmon..lovely!..the salmon and the lady!

dvzzz
09-23-06, 12:33 AM
Folks, I am a loooong time Costco member and I respect that store a lot not just for return policies but for the friendliness of their employess and for excellent travel services, etc. We buy virtually everything from them, including our prescriptions.

That said, I had very little luck with Sharp TV's that they sell. I am on my 4th unit now, all by Sharp because before there were Sony LCD, Sharp was the only LCD TV brand that was reputable that they carried.
First one I purchased was a return item that I picked up literally sitting on the floor, it was $400 less and I brought it home just to see if it works, well it did, kind of, AVS box fan was so loud that I could not enjoy quiet passages in movies. I called Sharp and they said this is normal, but since you are under 30 days just bring it back. Well I did. A couple months later I purchased one online from costco.com and it arrived... in a wet and damaged box, water was on the inside packaging too, looking like UPS just dropped it off the truck on the curb. I turned it on and it seemed OK, but 7 months later sound went out for good, started to get softer and softer and just disappeared. I called Sharp again and they told me that I need to bring it to the service center that is 46 miles away. I called Costco and they told me to bring it back. Classy service from Costco poor from Sharp.
Finally, bought those specially-made for Costo 45 incher, that was equivalent to D40 that everybody loved so much in every forum saying picture was totally flawless, it came with severe uneven backlight , major vertical banding and really loud fans. I wrote to the forums here and none of the D40 user seem to have any of my issues. After their advice I I took it back 2 days later, Costco told me that I can have another one, I brought home thinking if none of the AVS D40 guys/gals have my issues, then I am going to have a perfect one this time, well fans were softer but vertical banding was as bad as on the one I had before. This is my third months on this TV and I just cannot help looking at banding and get annoyed.
Even though it was said multiple times that D40 and Costco units are the same, I tend to disagree. They must be getting the panels that QA for D40 sorted out and thus they need a better policy to protect because pricewise, they must be including the warranty in it. Today I can buy 45 Sharp D40 for twenty two hundred at my local CC and for 300 more 4 years of warranty, that equals to the price of Costco special model. That is my math on that.
Costco CEO once said that they strive to operate at 14% margins, it will be hard for them to comepete on price. Sams' for a while tried it and, guess what, they matched Costco's return policy now, because they cannot compete on price alone.
Regadless of my tough luck with Sharps at Costco, I will continue to buy all of my major items including my next car through Costco while I see value there and great customer service that they deliver. If they take warranty away, they will face fierce competition from other giants and I will have to engage in the retail goose chase. I never go to Black Fridays because I know I can get my value from Costco any day of the week.
I just wanted to share my story to provide another point of view on why return policy makes sense.

richard korsgren
09-23-06, 05:18 AM
dvzzz: Sorry about experiences with Sharp in the past. These new lcds from Sharp are being built completely in Japan in a single plant..the most modern lcd plant in the world. Quality control should be very good. Time will tell of course. I believe Sharp and Sony are the 2 lcds to buy with, maybe, Samsung, the third choice. This is my opinion..nothing more..nothing less. Anyway, buying from Costco gives a person complete peace of mind. I hope Costco will sell these new series 62u from Sharp.

richard korsgren
09-23-06, 08:03 AM
Can anyone, for sure, confirm that Costco has the new series ..Sony 2500 lcd.. in their stores? This is the newest series just coming to the marketplace. A 46 inch and a 40 inch are in the series.

richard korsgren
09-23-06, 12:07 PM
So, this weekend, can anyone further confirm the new series 2500 lcds by Sony are being sold in a Costco store. If they are to be seen, then, seems to me, Costco has the ball and really running with it.

newone88
09-23-06, 12:32 PM
I don't have membership but will go there today and see. I will have an application in hand and hopfully they will let me in. I will report back 3-4 hours from now.

richard korsgren
09-23-06, 12:49 PM
any week end sightings of the 2500 series Sonys? I do not believe the newest 62u series by Sharp is on the market as yet.

velaga12
09-23-06, 02:20 PM
This is my first post , I called my local COSTCO - they mentioned to me sony 46 inch LCD will be in store next week. [EDIT]

Caspyr
09-23-06, 03:00 PM
Wow. So is there where we can read about how people buy TV's from Costco's and then returns them years later for a full refund? NICE...

You may see that change soon because of the abuse of returning just to upgrade or put cash in your pocket.

Just like they had to do a few years ago because of computer return abuse.

richard korsgren
09-23-06, 03:27 PM
This is my first post , I called my local COSTCO - they mentioned to me sony 46 inch LCD will be in store next week. [EDIT]


Did Costco mention if it was the '2500' series from Sony?

newone88
09-23-06, 03:40 PM
just came back from the local Costco store (San Francisco) and they did not have them yet.
A sales person used the usual line when they don't know anything " what we have is on the floor and we get new TVs every week".
Even BB did not have them on the floor but was told that I can have one delivered in 2 days.

Gizmo Joe
09-23-06, 04:04 PM
As it is now available online, has anyone bought a Mitsubishi 65732 from Costco yet? Did it come with a stand? I ask because all of the RPTV on display at my local Costco, including an older Mitsubishi DLP (WD-52628?) and the Samsung HL-S6767W (which I am also considering), had a stand included in the price despite there being no mention of included stands in the online descriptions for those models. It would make the non-negotiable price much more competitive with some of the other deals that have been struck with other retailers.

Also, has anyone seen the 65732 in a Costco showroom yet? Does Costco perhaps plan on selling the 732 models online only? I would love to avoid the shipping charge and would be willing to wait a few weeks if I could pick it up locally.

Thanks!

Gizmo Joe

P.S. - I know this is not the right thread for this question but the rear projection group does not have a Costco specific thread. I will delete if requested.

rleist
09-23-06, 04:51 PM
The Sony 1080p 46"er at Costco does not have a model number of 46V2500, it is a 46V25L1. Here is the store I saw it at if someone needs to verify:

http://www.costco.com/Warehouse/LocationTemplate.aspx?Warehouse=379

hollywood53
09-23-06, 05:34 PM
Can anyone, for sure, confirm that Costco has the new series ..Sony 2500 lcd.. in their stores? This is the newest series just coming to the marketplace. A 46 inch and a 40 inch are in the series.

Richard

I did visit 3 of the stores like I said I would, none of them had the sets but 2 mgrs stated they were expecting in the next couple of weeks.

Hope that helps you

Mobie1
09-23-06, 05:43 PM
What is this Costco LC32c40u..with 2 hmdi and 1 dvi-i
looks like the 40d..but has 1 dvi like the LC-32D41U ?
Any reviews on this 32 inch model thats also in coupon book till sunday>
Thanks..thinking of replacing my 32 vizio with this sharp model.

dennishp50
09-23-06, 06:22 PM
What is this Costco LC32c40u..with 2 hmdi and 1 dvi-i
looks like the 40d..but has 1 dvi like the LC-32D41U ?
Any reviews on this 32 inch model thats also in coupon book till sunday>
Thanks..thinking of replacing my 32 vizio with this sharp model.


I bought one and really like mine a lot. Did a bunch of research and as far as I can tell it is the 32D41U rebadged for sale at Costco. Has the all the features as what is listed on the Sharp site under the 32D41U. It's sold in Costco as a 40C32U (I think)..but is not the same model as listed on Sharp site under that model number. The set also has an Optical audio out just like the 41U. Menu is identical to the Sharp 37 and 45 inch models......not the Sharp 32D40U.

HD picture is outstanding (Dish and OTA)...SD digital (Dish pictures and digital OTA) are quite watchable also. Can not speak to over the air analog or cable.

This is a great set for money. I wish I had a place for another one...I'd buy it.

richard korsgren
09-23-06, 06:26 PM
Richard

I did visit 3 of the stores like I said I would, none of them had the sets but 2 mgrs stated they were expecting in the next couple of weeks.

Hope that helps you

Thank you, my friend. It is obvious the sets are beginning to come into the Costco stores. Now, if we could only get the Sharp 62u series into the same stores for comparison.

Actuary555
09-23-06, 06:33 PM
I also saw the 46" lcd v25l1 at costco in Staten Island. It is a 1080p new model.

Mobie1
09-23-06, 06:55 PM
dennishp50

Thanks for reply..I wonder if it has the mutipixels and 3 wave backlighting then and a Japan panel?

hollywood53
09-23-06, 07:11 PM
I also saw the 46" lcd v25l1 at costco in Staten Island. It is a 1080p new model.

Being that this is a proprietary product to only costco, and cannot be shopped or purchased in any other store, can you recall what they posted as the MSRP?

sorahl
09-23-06, 10:34 PM
what is the model of the panasonic at Costco that is priced around the same as the Maxent?

allisonglass1234
09-24-06, 06:01 AM
You may see that change soon because of the abuse of returning just to upgrade or put cash in your pocket.

Just like they had to do a few years ago because of computer return abuse.


I was a Costco vendor rep so I saw all the returns in the back cage. Literally if you do an online order and the box is damaged in anyway contact the carrier because it is insured. Please put the fault on the company responsible and don't take a chance on if it is damaged, especially for all electrical items incl. tvs, vacuums, blenders, etc. Truly damaged store bought items that are returned within 30 to 60 days (some vendors do 90 like WalMart/ Target) can be returned to the manufacturer. Otherwise they inspect for wear & tear to see if it can go back on shelf. Otherwise working gently used models are sold (if they can't resolve with vendor) open box at a discount so Costco loses the $. Sometimes returns to vendor ARE at a loss. If it works but they can't put it on the floor, it was a very old/ past season item, and they can't return to vendor, then it is sold out of the cage to a buyer. The buyer literally buys all cage contents at a huge discount so Costco loses big time $. I encouraged Costco to go to a 4 month return policy b/c that is still an extra month over WalMart & Target. Costco is an incredible company b/c of its management. The CEO REQUESTED a salary of less than $500K! Big company CEOs earn millions not half a million. DON'T abuse the return policy b/c it hurts Costco and they are reviewing how to cut costs. That could come out of employee benefits; i.e. less people on floor so lines could stay long, less OT available, etc. If Costco has a great limited time price on an item buy it BUT please don't use it while you continue to shop around. If it is returned within 90 days then you are not screwing Costco. Come on would you like to be screwed out of $30,000plus on anything every 6 months? People b***h about losing $5!

allisonglass1234
09-24-06, 06:03 AM
This discussion has been debated more than LCD vs. Plasma recently. IMO, and many others I'm sure, a primary factor in Costco generating so much business on TV's in because of the return policy. Pricing is rarely the lowest and you have to be up front, full boat. I think they'd lose more money on people going elsewhere than would be saved from eliminating returns.
I was a Costco vendor rep so I saw all the returns in the back cage. Literally if you do an online order and the box is damaged in anyway contact the carrier because it is insured. Please put the fault on the company responsible and don't take a chance on if it is damaged, especially for all electrical items incl. tvs, vacuums, blenders, etc. Truly damaged store bought items that are returned within 30 to 60 days (some vendors do 90 like WalMart/ Target) can be returned to the manufacturer. Otherwise they inspect for wear & tear to see if it can go back on shelf. Otherwise working gently used models are sold (if they can't resolve with vendor) open box at a discount so Costco loses the $. Sometimes returns to vendor ARE at a loss. If it works but they can't put it on the floor, it was a very old/ past season item, and they can't return to vendor, then it is sold out of the cage to a buyer. The buyer literally buys all cage contents at a huge discount so Costco loses big time $. I encouraged Costco to go to a 4 month return policy b/c that is still an extra month over WalMart & Target. Costco is an incredible company b/c of its management. The CEO REQUESTED a salary of less than $500K! Big company CEOs earn millions not half a million. DON'T abuse the return policy b/c it hurts Costco and they are reviewing how to cut costs. That could come out of employee benefits; i.e. less people on floor so lines could stay long, less OT available, etc. If Costco has a great limited time price on an item buy it BUT please don't use it while you continue to shop around. If it is returned within 90 days then you are not screwing Costco. Come on would you like to be screwed out of $30,000plus on anything every 6 months? People b***h about losing $5!

hollywood53
09-24-06, 06:57 AM
I posted this yesterday, nothing at costco is going to change.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=702114&page=30&pp=30

hollywood53
09-24-06, 07:17 AM
It is time to put all the speculation to bed.

This directly from Jim Sinegal the CEO in an interveiw on JULY 25 2006 in regards to the TV policy.

"I wanted to return a TV to Costco because it had a problem, but I bought it three years ago," said longtime member Richard Bell. "The factory warranty was up. I didn't have the receipt. But I had a refund in five minutes. I think their customer service is better than Nordstrom - and their prices sure as heck are."

During a phone interview last week, Sinegal said Costco always will go overboard with customer service in its campaign to overcome one of the raps about discount warehouse stores.

"Generally speaking, we're bare-bones warehouse environment with few embellishments," he said. "That means people expect little service. Our answer to that is to be cordial and fast, to exceed expectations at every turn."

Sinegal said it's critical to take care of members like Bell who didn't have all his ducks in a row when he showed up at the customer service counter.

"It's a trust issue," he said. "We not only are offering the best prices, but also a guarantee that you will be satisfied in every way.



"Do people take advantage of our policy? Sometimes, yes, but not the majority of the time. We believe they appreciate it too much to abuse it. It is not easy for us to have this kind of policy, but it's part of keeping the faith. Our members count on us."

richard korsgren
09-24-06, 07:59 AM
Bottom line here, folks...Costco treats its' customers more than fair; it is a great store..Please, let us treat Costco fair and decent. Take back an item if it is defective but for few other reasons. Do not take it back to trade up. Do unto others as you would want them to do unto you. Let us sort of bring this discussion to an end and get back to those great new tvs.

Dan E Laruso
09-24-06, 12:08 PM
It is time to put all the speculation to bed.

This directly from Jim Sinegal the CEO in an interveiw on JULY 25 2006 in regards to the TV policy.

"I wanted to return a TV to Costco because it had a problem, but I bought it three years ago," said longtime member Richard Bell. "The factory warranty was up. I didn't have the receipt. But I had a refund in five minutes. I think their customer service is better than Nordstrom - and their prices sure as heck are."

During a phone interview last week, Sinegal said Costco always will go overboard with customer service in its campaign to overcome one of the raps about discount warehouse stores.

"Generally speaking, we're bare-bones warehouse environment with few embellishments," he said. "That means people expect little service. Our answer to that is to be cordial and fast, to exceed expectations at every turn."

Sinegal said it's critical to take care of members like Bell who didn't have all his ducks in a row when he showed up at the customer service counter.

"It's a trust issue," he said. "We not only are offering the best prices, but also a guarantee that you will be satisfied in every way.



"Do people take advantage of our policy? Sometimes, yes, but not the majority of the time. We believe they appreciate it too much to abuse it. It is not easy for us to have this kind of policy, but it's part of keeping the faith. Our members count on us."

Man, Jim, thanks for putting me and my conscience in the ring for 12 rounds reading that assessment.

Conscience: This guy really is genuine from everything else I've seen or heard on him too and it's hard to ignore there's a sense of consumer obligation to uphold.

Myself (Giving in): Well, the word "satisfaction" can have such a wide-range of interpretations. I thought a 42" plasma would satisfy, but after a few months now realize my room is too bright despite my window treatments and LCD makes much more sense. The TV works as it was intended, just didn't perform in my room as I had hoped.

Question to myself and all: I've never returned anything substantial to Costco(I think some bad fruit once), been a member since it was Price Club, can I return and go with a 42" LCD and not be an abuser?

richard korsgren
09-24-06, 12:15 PM
Man, Jim, thanks for putting me and my conscience in the ring for 12 rounds reading that assessment.

Conscience: This guy really is genuine from everything else I've seen or heard on him too and it's hard to not realize their is a sense of consumer obligation to uphold.

Myself (Giving in): Well, the word "satisfaction" can have such a wide-range of interpretations. I thought a 42" plasma would satisfy, but after a few months now realize my room is too bright despite my window treatments and LCD makes much more sense. The TV works as it was intended, just didn't perform in my room as I had hoped.

Question to myself and all: I've never returned anything substantial to Costco(I think some bad fruit once), been a member since it was Price Club, can I return and go with a 42" LCD and not be an abuser?


..each person has to ask himself the question..and answer it for himself!

C-Town
09-24-06, 12:58 PM
About 3 months I bought a Vizio 50 inch plasma. Nice picture quality but the component inputs and HDMI inputs occasionally have problems. I am planning on returning it to costco, but am waiting till I find the perfect fit for me. Basically, I figure to not "abuse" it, I want to only make 1 return.
I'm not doing it to upgrade like some, but the TV has been a bit of a disappointment, so I will sleep easy at night when I return it.

Actuary555
09-24-06, 06:44 PM
Being that this is a proprietary product to only costco, and cannot be shopped or purchased in any other store, can you recall what they posted as the MSRP?


$3,299 I recall.

iBleedGarnet
09-24-06, 11:25 PM
555, did they also have the 40" version?

ejunior2
09-25-06, 12:12 PM
Man, Jim, thanks for putting me and my conscience in the ring for 12 rounds reading that assessment.

Conscience: This guy really is genuine from everything else I've seen or heard on him too and it's hard to ignore there's a sense of consumer obligation to uphold.

Myself (Giving in): Well, the word "satisfaction" can have such a wide-range of interpretations. I thought a 42" plasma would satisfy, but after a few months now realize my room is too bright despite my window treatments and LCD makes much more sense. The TV works as it was intended, just didn't perform in my room as I had hoped.

Question to myself and all: I've never returned anything substantial to Costco(I think some bad fruit once), been a member since it was Price Club, can I return and go with a 42" LCD and not be an abuser?

I don't see a problem returing the Plasma to Costco after a few months if you're not "satisfied" with it. However, going from a plasma to an LCD because the room is too bright justs means you'll be returing the LCD later on. LCD's are not nearly as bright as a plasma so I doubt you'll be satisfied with it either. JMHO

HoOn
09-25-06, 12:49 PM
I don't see a problem returing the Plasma to Costco after a few months if you're not "satisfied" with it. However, going from a plasma to an LCD because the room is too bright justs means you'll be returing the LCD later on. LCD's are not nearly as bright as a plasma so I doubt you'll be satisfied with it either. JMHO

Maybe he has a problem with glare on the plasma and brightness of the room rather than the actual screen brightness. *shrug*

- JOhn

Actuary555
09-25-06, 01:11 PM
no 40" sony was shown at 1080p.

mallu2u
09-25-06, 04:39 PM
has anyone bought the Sharp LC40C45U from Costco here. If yes, how was your experience with it. If you chose to buy some other TV within that range, feel free to mention that as well. Thanks.

oldcband
09-25-06, 05:13 PM
I don't see a problem returing the Plasma to Costco after a few months if you're not "satisfied" with it. However, going from a plasma to an LCD because the room is too bright justs means you'll be returing the LCD later on. LCD's are not nearly as bright as a plasma so I doubt you'll be satisfied with it either. JMHO
I think LCD is brighter than plasma.

www.sony-mea.com/bravia/html/plasma_2.html

Dan E Laruso
09-25-06, 07:15 PM
I don't see a problem returing the Plasma to Costco after a few months if you're not "satisfied" with it. However, going from a plasma to an LCD because the room is too bright justs means you'll be returing the LCD later on. LCD's are not nearly as bright as a plasma so I doubt you'll be satisfied with it either. JMHO

Everything I've read recently says LCD's would be better than Plasma for a room that you rarely can watch in complete darkness. Better white levels, while Plasma offers better black levels, is that accurate? Can someone chime in?

triton.
09-25-06, 07:21 PM
Everything I've read recently says LCD's would be better than Plasma for a room that you rarely can watch in complete darkness. Better white levels, while Plasma offers better black levels, is that accurate? Can someone chime in?

The brightness issue IMO is over played. If you notice, LCDs and Plasmas are displayed right next to each other in BB stores among others, and I can see them both just fine in the same lighting. I'll never get an LCD until they get rid of the motion blur that you see in everything. Regardless of how nice of an LCD TV I look at, I still get the impression that I'm looking at a big laptop monitor, which I look at all day at work. Just my thoughts. If you don't notice the motion blur that it's a good option for you.

richard korsgren
09-25-06, 07:24 PM
The brightness issue IMO is over played. If you notice, LCDs and Plasmas are displayed right next to each other in BB stores among others, and I can see them both just fine in the same lighting. I'll never get an LCD until they get rid of the motion blur that you see in everything. Regardless of how nice of an LCD TV I look at, I still get the impression that I'm looking at a big laptop monitor, which I look at all day at work. Just my thoughts. If you don't notice the motion blur that it's a good option for you.


Do check out the new Sharp 62u series. I believe you will see motion blur..gone.
just remaining is one lovely picture.

richard korsgren
09-25-06, 07:27 PM
Everything I've read recently says LCD's would be better than Plasma for a room that you rarely can watch in complete darkness. Better white levels, while Plasma offers better black levels, is that accurate? Can someone chime in?

With the coming of the latest Sonys and Sharp lcds, any differences between plasma and lcds are very slim. The picture is presented somewhat differently; a person just has to decide which picture presentation he likes. Of course, ther are few 1080p plasmas around to compare with newest 1080p lcds.

triton.
09-25-06, 07:39 PM
Do check out the new Sharp 62u series. I believe you will see motion blur..gone.
just remaining is one lovely picture.

I havn't seen it yet, but I've seen the Sony Bravia v2500 and notice the motion blur in there. Also noticed it on the Samsung 1080P set and Westinhouse one.

ramBRO
09-25-06, 07:49 PM
has anyone bought the Sharp LC40C45U from Costco here. If yes, how was your experience with it. If you chose to buy some other TV within that range, feel free to mention that as well. Thanks.

I bought this model from Costco in early August.

Probably about a week prior to its purchase, I was all but set to buy the 50" Vizio plasma also sold at Costco. But on my last visit to confirm that it was, in fact, the Vizio I wanted to buy, I saw both the 40" Sony Bravia lcd and the Sharp model on display. Fortunate enough for me, the Vizio and the Sharp were on display side-by-side for comparison. The Sony was on a different aisle.

Of the three, I'd rank the Sony #1 in terms of PQ. The Sharp and Vizio models were comparable in tht area.

I chose to go with the Sharp for the following reasons (in order or importance):

1) the Sony screen was smaller than what I wanted;

2) the Sharp's lcd screen reflected significantly less light/glare than the Vizio. This was an issue for me because, in my home's configuration, the display is positioned directly across from a large window; and,

3) the Sharp's (Costco model) display finish was more appealing (visually-speaking) than the models sold at CC and BB.

The buying experience at Costco was uneventful and they had someone assist me with getting the unit into my SUV.

As for performance at home...

I really like it.

When seated directly in front of the unit, the colors appear true and very bright (especially in HD which I get from DTV). In standard mode, the performance is a little uneven. I've noticed that some channels (like non-HD ESPN and MSNBC) are pretty good, while others (such as PBS and TBS) are kinda bad. This is, of course, when viewing in "panel mode" as opposed to the 4:3 format.

I've read complaints concerning the Sharp's PQ at extreme viewing angles. I can confirm the same observations. Though I'm unfamiliar with the exact term that is often used to describe it, it appears as though objects displayed grow "whiter and whiter" as the viewing angle is increased. Most of the skin tones for fleshy objects are lost at these angles. Fortunately for me, though, this is not a problem. For one, after shelling out close to $3K for a glorified TV set, it's not too often that you're gonna find me positioned anywhere except right in front of the unit. The second thing is that, when I do have guests over (and I allow them the courtesy of prime seating in front of the set), none of the other regular seating positions in may family room are at that extreme angle where I've noticed the degraded PQ.

I've also read complaints about the Sharp's sound quality. I've observed this as well and can only describe it as cheap, tinny sound quality. Fortunately for me though: A) it's not that big of a deal to me; and, B) I can always bypass the unit's sound in favor of my HT set up.

Overall, I find the Sharp's positives to far outweigh its deficiencies. The price I purchased it at Costco beat CC's and BB's best offers and I like the piece of mind knowing that I can return it should any of the problems I listed worsen.

I can't say right now if I'd make the same choice only because I've noticed that the 1080p lcd's are becoming more prevalent. I haven't seen any of these displays yet to make an objective comparison.

Hope this helps.

absolutic
09-25-06, 08:27 PM
The latest Sound and Vision magazine review states Pioneer Elite new 1080p plasma is essentially the best tv on the planet.

As far as the statements about black and white levels, lcds vs plasma (and I own 1 plasma (42inch), 2 lcd sets (32 and 27 inch) and a Front Projector (original In-focus X1), I think the correct statement these days is MOST PLASMAS PRODUCE BETTER BLACK LEVELS THAN MOST LCDS. I believe that it is a correct general statement. There are some LCDs that produce better black levels that some plasmas. I believe Plasmas in general produce better colors in terms of accuracy of skin tones, color of the grass, etc. LCDs in general make everything look like Disneyland. But LCDs are less finicky than Plasmas. I embraced both technologies and will not hesitate to buy either a Plasma or LCD depending on my needs.

richard korsgren
09-25-06, 10:14 PM
But, my friend, I am beginning to like Disneyland! Besides, if you really want 1080p, your only real choice is LCD unless you want to spend really BIG money.

Mobie1
09-26-06, 12:45 AM
RamBro..Aloha!
A well written description..much appreciated :)

Quatre
09-26-06, 02:29 AM
Sams Club has now matched Costcos return policy? I saw someone post th at (didnt' quote but can find) but haven't heard anything else about it. That would be great if true and as far as tvs they seem to have different ones then Costco and sometimes models that are exclusive to Sams.

often they have models that are the new year model insides in last years casing like the lns2738d at sams (in last years lnr series lcd casing but in all black instead of black and silver) and Costcos hsl 6767 (in last years hlr series dlp casing but again in all black).

have sams membership and am trying to get added to parents costco. Will be interested to see what different tvs they get but Costco between instore and online models (which usually differ though a couple are both) seems to have more and better tv selection then sams. What about Bjs wholesale?

Quatre
09-26-06, 02:44 AM
oh and one other thing about plasmas vs lcd. for one thing that someone already mentioned 1080p lcd is reasonable priced while 1080p plasma is rare asn super expensive.

Plus i thought plasma was a dying display type to become obsolete and discontinued once SED comes out which has all the benefits of plasma but none of the cons. I thought some manufac already stopped making plasma.

I do think plasma is usually brighter then lcd though despite someone having thought/said the opposite. i thought that was one of the main whole things of plasma, the highest brightness, but i guess depends on the set/make.

cawgijoe
09-26-06, 08:45 AM
oh and one other thing about plasmas vs lcd. for one thing that someone already mentioned 1080p lcd is reasonable priced while 1080p plasma is rare asn super expensive.

Plus i thought plasma was a dying display type to become obsolete and discontinued once SED comes out which has all the benefits of plasma but none of the cons. I thought some manufac already stopped making plasma.

I do think plasma is usually brighter then lcd though despite someone having thought/said the opposite. i thought that was one of the main whole things of plasma, the highest brightness, but i guess depends on the set/make.

Plasma sets tend to be closest to the look of the CRT. I find LCD's to be brighter, but when properly calibrated it shouldn't make any real difference.

I would prefer an LCD set because the potential plasma problems make me a bit nervous. Having said that, I'm sure there are alot of very happy plasma owners out there that have had no problems.

satirev
09-26-06, 08:55 AM
I was looking at two displays of the same size, one was plasma, one was lcd.
The plasma consumed 700W and the lcd was 250W.

hsmyers
09-26-06, 12:57 PM
I was looking at two displays of the same size, one was plasma, one was lcd.
The plasma consumed 700W and the lcd was 250W.

I believe your plasma number is off. The actual energy usage for plasma is usually about half the manufacturer's energy consumption number (there have been numerous discussions on this site on this topic).

I don't remember where I saw it, but somebody posted actual numbers for a TH-50PX500U (50" plasma) showing energy usage varying between 290 and 390w. These were actual measurements taken with a device called a Watts Up. You plug it into the wall, and plug your TV into it, and it shows you watts consumed.

rcantu
09-26-06, 11:41 PM
Sams Club has now matched Costcos return policy?

yep. i took back that mr. clean car wash sprayer. it was just the sprayer part and a receipt. it sucked so i took it back no questions asked. I still like costco better for selection and overall prices even though they're remodeling to a bigger building and closer to me.

fvbounty
09-27-06, 06:02 PM
Anyone have any more info on the Sony 46" 1080p LCD, I think its a v25l1, at least I think that's it, at Costco, like maybe a item number? Any info would be Great...Thanks

richard korsgren
09-27-06, 06:47 PM
The new Sony '2500' is now at many Costco stores. Their number, I think, is something like '25'.You will know it when you see it at Costco. The price is right and the warranty is..no time limit..

csrx
09-27-06, 08:02 PM
I got one yesterday. Coming from a 60U Panny. I didn't think it was going to be a big difference in image quality, but its one I can certainly notice.

Oh, by the way, item #146251.

richard korsgren
09-27-06, 08:14 PM
I got one yesterday. Coming from a 60U Panny. I didn't think it was going to be a big difference in image quality, but its one I can certainly notice.

Oh, by the way, item #146251.

We would like to know how you like or dislike it in detail..speaker system and all.

rgldhl
09-27-06, 08:14 PM
I got one yesterday. Coming from a 60U Panny. I didn't think it was going to be a big difference in image quality, but its one I can certainly notice.

Oh, by the way, item #146251.


That is a sweet TV. I saw it at a costco by my house. I will be very curious to see that Sony and the new Sharp 46D62U go head to head. I am also curious if and when costco carries the Sharp what the pricing will be. We could have a serious dog fight in another month or two.

fvbounty
09-27-06, 08:21 PM
Thanks for the info, Been out of town and just catching up on things. How do you like it. PQ and sound..... :)

csrx
09-27-06, 08:36 PM
In terms of sound, no idea. One of the first things I did was turn the sound off. It's hooked up to an XR55 which handles sound. I should at least make sure sound is working at all, lol.

PQ, is excellent. Never owned a LCD TV, have stuck to plasmas prior to this. While blacks are not the same as blacks on a plasma, they've come a long way.
I remember somebody mentioning this, I can clearly see the difference between 1080i and 720p, while I couldn't always tell with other sets.

One of my main concerns was SD content, because half of the shows i watch are not HD (thanks to TWCNYC). SD is better than I expected (from the channel surfing i was doing earlier). I remember hating SD on the current Samsung 1080p sets.

I just finished updating my harmony 880. Took me a little while because the V25L1 wasn't in their database so had to add/remove some commands form the V2500 one.
Did some minor tweaking with the settings, but i'm surprised PQ/settings out of the box were pretty good.

My girlfriend had seen pictures of it online and disliked the V2500. Once she saw the costco version she changed her mind immediately. I was going to wait for the Sharp, but that piano black finish ive seen on other tvs threw me off. It kind of looks like cheap plastic. Preferred the black matte. I will still evaluate the Sharp whenever it comes out.

I will go over the manual tonight to find out more in terms of specs.

richard korsgren
09-27-06, 08:38 PM
csix: Thanks, my friend..Give us more as time goes by. And give us your sources..that is, your sources thru the display.

rcantu
09-28-06, 01:17 AM
costco sku is 146251

hooked it up to just a coax for now and i like it.



Anyone have any more info on the Sony 46" 1080p LCD, I think its a v25l1, at least I think that's it, at Costco, like maybe a item number? Any info would be Great...Thanks

fvbounty
09-28-06, 09:31 AM
Nice looking set, going to see it in person today, called the Richmand Caifornia store and they said they had 7 in stock..... ;)

jackie C
09-28-06, 10:24 AM
costco sku is 146251

hooked it up to just a coax for now and i like it.


Why can't I find #146251 online?
Does Costco purposely not put model #'s with online items?
Does anyone know of the date in which Home Depot is entering the big screen tv market and the brands they will be carrying?

fvbounty
09-28-06, 10:34 AM
Why can't I find #146251 online?
Does Costco purposely not put model #'s with online items?
Does anyone know of the date in which Home Depot is entering the big screen tv market and the brands they will be carrying?


I think its in store only.....

rcantu
09-28-06, 10:36 AM
not everything they sell is online and vice versa. There's many tv's, cameras, etc...i've seen online but never in the store.

Why can't I find #146251 online?
Does Costco purposely not put model #'s with online items?
Does anyone know of the date in which Home Depot is entering the big screen tv market and the brands they will be carrying?

Jerrymac
09-28-06, 10:41 AM
No luck with #146251 here either.

Also tried phoning local Costco's here in NJ but no answer!!
---Jerry---

richard korsgren
09-28-06, 11:04 AM
View new items in a Costco store..or view them online..costco.com..you do not need numbers.

Jerrymac
09-28-06, 01:06 PM
Richrd,

I look at Costco TV area every day including today and can't find this TV.

Can you tell me where it might be?

Thanks,
---Jerry---

Should have said that I look on Costco's internet site every day.....

rgldhl
09-28-06, 01:21 PM
Why can't I find #146251 online?
Does Costco purposely not put model #'s with online items?
Does anyone know of the date in which Home Depot is entering the big screen tv market and the brands they will be carrying?

If you look at the bottom of the page right above the "top of the page" arrow, you will find a model #

I haven't heard anything specific about Home Depot but they had a Zenith plasma on display a few weeks ago.

yhlbb
09-28-06, 01:34 PM
Richrd,

I look at Costco TV area every day including today and can't find this TV.

Can you tell me where it might be?

Thanks,
---Jerry---

I just visited a Costco store in Holmdel, NJ area (central NJ). This store has this new model on display and several in stock for sale.

Unfortunately, the signal source came from a coax cable, and the PQ looked not very good (in fact, looked worse than a neighboring Vizio 37" using the same cable feed).

richard korsgren
09-28-06, 01:47 PM
Richrd,

I look at Costco TV area every day including today and can't find this TV.

Can you tell me where it might be?

Thanks,
---Jerry---


The sony tv is slowing appearing in Costco stores. Most, if not all stores, have a very large display of tvs..not too far from entrance in our local stores. You can not miss the display. Ask a salesperson for assistance but you should be able to spot any tv they sell. Most should be on display but look for the cartons they come in.

fvbounty
09-28-06, 05:05 PM
Just got back from Costco and the Sony 46" 1080P was there, just Beautiful, was next to the 45" Sharpe and it looked much better. Just 2 more weeks and Its mine......

jackie C
09-28-06, 05:19 PM
Just got back from Costco and the Sony 46" 1080P was there, just Beautiful, was next to the 45" Sharpe and it looked much better. Just 2 more weeks and Its mine......




I also went to Costco today and was amazed at how large the TV section has grown.

fvbounty
09-28-06, 05:30 PM
The Vizio 46" should be in a week or two according to the sales guy on the floor, I asked about the Vizio 46" 1080P and he hadn't heard anything....

rogerpl
09-28-06, 05:35 PM
The Vizio 46" should be in a week or two according to the sales guy on the floor, I asked about the Vizio 46" 1080P and he hadn't heard anything....

Thanks, I was just getting ready to ask if anyone has the 46" Vizio- anxious to see at what price and what special pricing that might bring for the V 42" plasma, I am ready!

RICKSRIBS
09-28-06, 07:05 PM
costco sku is 146251

hooked it up to just a coax for now and i like it.

Does it have CableCard??

newone88
09-28-06, 10:56 PM
just curious. Do big stores like BB, CC and Costco ever offer No TAX promotion? Some stores like mattress stores, hardware stores, etc sometimes have sale with where you don't pay taxes on any purchase especially during tax season.
joust wondering

triton.
09-28-06, 11:33 PM
just curious. Do big stores like BB, CC and Costco ever offer No TAX promotion? Some stores like mattress stores, hardware stores, etc sometimes have sale with where you don't pay taxes on any purchase especially during tax season.
joust wondering

This is the ONLY benifit of living in Delaware that I've seen since I've had to move here. :)

I read that Delaware was ranked #5 in the country for most angry (I translate to uptight) people. I wasn't surprised when I read that. Most local's I've met are a bit too blue blood in mentality for my taste.

Johnla
09-29-06, 04:36 AM
just curious. Do big stores like BB, CC and Costco ever offer No TAX promotion? Some stores like mattress stores, hardware stores, etc sometimes have sale with where you don't pay taxes on any purchase especially during tax season.

Oh you're still paying tax, they only just promote it like you are not. Plus such a "sale", usually is really not that much of a sale. In many states, such a promotion would only work out to a 9% or less discount.

panther_fan
09-29-06, 08:08 AM
Thanks, I was just getting ready to ask if anyone has the 46" Vizio- anxious to see at what price and what special pricing that might bring for the V 42" plasma, I am ready!

My Costco has this tv already next to the Sharp 45 and I must say that the Vizio looks very good. The price is right too, several hundred below the Sharp even with the Sharp rebate right now.

mctruck
09-29-06, 01:30 PM
I just got back from the Costco in Edison, NJ and they have their version of the 46V2500 on dispaly, not a bad feed into it, but not perfect.

I am impressed with what I saw, but the comment regarding this version not being on the Harmony bothers me since that is the route I was going to go once the Harmony 1000 came out. Maybe just a matter of time for it to be updated. Just curiuos as to why this set is relabeled?

richard korsgren
09-29-06, 01:56 PM
..and, to me, the no time limit Costco warranty is worth $500. Gives a person peace of mind, if nothing else. And, one day, a person will need it.

LLcj
09-29-06, 04:11 PM
I just went by a Costco to look at their version of the Sony 46" 2500...I've never been to one before. The bezel looks great. I obviously can't pass judgement on the PQ given it's a shared feed and I couldn't reach the top of the display to see what the settings were, but it looked ok. Just in case anyone was curious, I was at the Everett, MA store.

Johnla
09-29-06, 05:11 PM
Yeah, with the high ceilings, bright lights and also most often their placing the sets out of reach and with no remotes. Costco is definitely not the best kind of environment in which to judge the quality a TV.

bovinda
09-29-06, 05:21 PM
Johnla, Maybe that's what it was. I went and looked at Costco's version of the Sony 46" 1080p also and wasn't too impressed with the picture. It seemed there was more noise in the picture than the Sharp and the Vizio next to it. Could that have been quality of the feed (anyone)? Also the colors were garishly set. I just left unimpressed with it, but maybe that was the way it was all set up.

What are the differences, really, between Costco's version of this model and the non-Costco version...? Er...maybe I'm in the wrong thread for that question?

I have been enjoying everyone's posts in this thread, btw. Following the last couple weeks as I try to narrow down a good LCD or plasma to get from Costco. :)

richard korsgren
09-29-06, 05:54 PM
Johnla, Maybe that's what it was. I went and looked at Costco's version of the Sony 46" 1080p also and wasn't too impressed with the picture. It seemed there was more noise in the picture than the Sharp and the Vizio next to it. Could that have been quality of the feed (anyone)? Also the colors were garishly set. I just left unimpressed with it, but maybe that was the way it was all set up.

What are the differences, really, between Costco's version of this model and the non-Costco version...? Er...maybe I'm in the wrong thread for that question?

I have been enjoying everyone's posts in this thread, btw. Following the last couple weeks as I try to narrow down a good LCD or plasma to get from Costco. :)


You should never judge a tv viewed in a store. All these top tvs today..plasma, lcd, etc. are capable of a excellent picture with a excellent source.

triton.
09-29-06, 05:58 PM
The Costco in Christina Mall in Delware has the Sony 46" Unit now. Took a look at it, it's nice, but still has the attributes of an LCD. Guess I'm getting the Pioneer.

RICKSRIBS
09-29-06, 06:44 PM
Does it have CableCard??

BUMP..... The Sony 46 inch ..now at Costco....Anybody know????
Thanks

fvbounty
09-29-06, 07:14 PM
BUMP..... The Sony 46 inch ..now at Costco....Anybody know????
Thanks

Not according to Sony's website.....

bovinda
09-29-06, 09:40 PM
The Costco in Christina Mall in Delware has the Sony 46" Unit now. Took a look at it, it's nice, but still has the attributes of an LCD. Guess I'm getting the Pioneer.

Triton, what are those 'attributes' you are talking about?

All: could a bad feed be the cause of the visual noise in the picture I saw in the new Sony? It just seemed like the darks were noisy.

triton.
09-30-06, 12:14 AM
Triton, what are those 'attributes' you are talking about?

All: could a bad feed be the cause of the visual noise in the picture I saw in the new Sony? It just seemed like the darks were noisy.

LCDs are nice and bright, but b/c of that skin flesh tones always look a little off, artifical. The new sonys are no exception. There's also motion blur, though the new Sonys are a lot better than most LCDs I've seen. The black levels also weren't comparable to the Pioneer Plasmas. Over all I would say the Sony was nice, but didn't look as "Real" for the image. It's a great display and I'm sure plenty of people will love it, but it's not for me.

I'm basing this on a comparison of the the Pioneer Elite 1130 and 1140 that were both next to the Sony XBR2 Version of the 1080P screen in a nice highend shop, not in a BB, CC, or other big store.

richard korsgren
09-30-06, 08:24 AM
LCDs are nice and bright, but b/c of that skin flesh tones always look a little off, artifical. The new sonys are no exception. There's also motion blur, though the new Sonys are a lot better than most LCDs I've seen. The black levels also weren't comparable to the Pioneer Plasmas. Over all I would say the Sony was nice, but didn't look as "Real" for the image. It's a great display and I'm sure plenty of people will love it, but it's not for me.

I'm basing this on a comparison of the the Pioneer Elite 1130 and 1140 that were both next to the Sony XBR2 Version of the 1080P screen in a nice highend shop, not in a BB, CC, or other big store.


Which tends to show we all 'see' things differently. No one here should take the comments/opinions of others as being right for him. Just use these remarks as a starting point and go and look, many times, and decide for yourself. I have compared the lcds and plasmas many times and saw none of these effects men tioned. But what I observed should be important to you.

satirev
09-30-06, 10:20 AM
I completely agree with Triton (and Richard). I'm also a little disappointed with the viewing angle roll-off. However, the fact that we are even comparing an lcd to a plasma is remarkable considering the previous lcd offerings. Plasmas have also had their faults in the past, but were generally better than lcd. I would not even look at an lcd, much less buy one, in the past and yet my next tv will most likely be an lcd. I'm holding out for the Olevia 747 or Sharp 92 series.

hagbag
09-30-06, 10:26 AM
My Costco has this tv already next to the Sharp 45 and I must say that the Vizio looks very good. The price is right too, several hundred below the Sharp even with the Sharp rebate right now.

is it at MSRP per Vizio's site ?

fvbounty
09-30-06, 10:43 AM
I just saw this on Costco's website the JVC LT-46FN97 1080P lcd is there just this morning and all I have to say is WOW......I 've seen the set compared to SONY and Samsung and its every bit has good or better, I know it doesn't support 1080P input but for me thats not important. Go over and check out Costco's site you'll like what you see....

triton.
09-30-06, 10:50 AM
I completely agree with Triton (and Richard). I'm also a little disappointed with the viewing angle roll-off. However, the fact that we are even comparing an lcd to a plasma is remarkable considering the previous lcd offerings. Plasmas have also had their faults in the past, but were generally better than lcd. I would not even look at an lcd, much less buy one, in the past and yet my next tv will most likely be an lcd. I'm holding out for the Olevia 747 or Sharp 92 series.

I wasn't trying to bash the Sony Unit. My last statement was that it's a great set. Just not for what I'm looking for, realistic flesh tones, black levels are better on the Plasmas.