I am ready to purchase a new HDTV and pretty much determined that I want the KDS 60A3000 which has dropped in price and now is under $2000. I went to Circuit City to see the Sony and talked to the head guy that was very helpful- he mentioned that he would make sure they would honor Best Buy's 60 day price match (I was worried if I purchase now- there may be another price drop closer to Christmas- the 60 days would pretty much take care of that...

The guy also said that I would get 18 months interest free on everything I purchase- TV, stand, surge protection etc... I thought great...

Now here is where I need help...

The guy tried to tell me the importance of line filtering and surge protection- he shows me a Monster surge protection for $199.99.

He also points out the HDMI cables from Monster that are $130 each.

TV cleaner for $25,,,

He mentioned their 4 year protection plan for over $450...

Stands are $400... delivery and setup all cost big bucks...

Any of the above worth it? The protection plan does cover a replacement bulb....

He also mentioned a battery backup in case of power failure- if the power goes and the light bulb can't cool properly then it causes the bulb to fail quicker.

I didn't buy anything, but I quickly realized that my 2004 55" Mitsubishi really wasn't that bad- I sold it for $600 to someone that was blown away by the picture quality- I am now going to spend over 3 grand:confused::confused:

What should I do? Get just the TV? Forget about the expensive line filter and buy the protection plan? Look elsewhere... thanks guys-

Do like I did....search the forums before you buy. It'll give you the answers you need.

Line conditioning seems to be a gimmick. Battery backup may be worth your money, but plenty of places sell for cheaper than CC.

Surge protection is definitely important but there are far cheaper options out there than Monster that work as good or better.

HDMI cables.....look to Monoprice, a forum sponsor. Far cheaper and work perfectly.

There's an extended warranty thread with all the info you need here:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=826857&highlight=extended+warranty

Keep in mind, some of the highest margin stuff the b&m stores sell is cables, surge protectors and extended warranties. Not that what they sell is bad, but with a little bit of research, you can get as good or better for a lot cheaper.

First of all.....do NOT buy the HDMI cable from there. Got mine from www.monoprice.com for less than what you would pay for a pizza!!! Previous post is correct - work perfectly!

Stands --> search online. Google "TV Stands" and you will be able to shop for hundreds of different options, many of which most likely will suit your needs better than the limited selection you will find in a B&M showroom.

Extended warranty --> always personal preference. Search thread that was referenced in previous post. If you would be mainly buying it for the lamp replacement then keep in mind that the lamps will run in the (roughly) $200 range and you'd probably replace only one in the 4 years of the plan, if you replace it at all. Lamp life for this TV is about 8000 hours. Plus they are simple to change out, so don't worry about having to have a "professional technician" do it.

Surge Protector/Battery Backup--> shop around. Surge protector mandatory, but don't need a "Rolls Royce" version that CC dude is probably trying to sell you. Battery backup not a horrible idea, but don't pay more than $50 for one. You can get one at an office supply place for around that.

Finally, I agree with previous post....do a lot of research, especially searching these forums. If you're going to drop a couple of grand on a TV you want to be well informed. Don't rely on salesmen to answer all of your questions. Do it yourself. By posting your question here you've probably saved yourself several hundred dollars already -- good job!

BEST OF LUCK!!!!!

Thanks... what kind of battery packup should I get? How long does it take for the bulb to cool when the TV turns off? I would not be watching TV when there is a storm, but in the summer (it is rare), but there has been power failures when it is really hot outside- I wouldn't want to get caught with the power going out while watching tv- so is a 20 min. power backup enough for the fans to cool the bulb in that rare case??? thanks= I never knew about this:confused:

20 Minute Backup would be PLENTY. Only takes a minute or two, if that. According to specs for the a3000 the power consumption for the TV while in use is 240W, so make sure that the battery pack can handle this load and you should be fine.

Sorry to jump in here...But I am trying to get some info on Battery Back ups..
I have been having some "power problems" in my house with my HT equiptment lately.
I just purchase this (not at that price..it is in transit)
http://catalog.belkin.com/PureAV_detail.process?Product_Id=178925

But it was also recommended to me to buy a battery back up.
Would this suffice:
http://www.staples.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StaplesProductDisplay?&langId=-1&storeId=10001&prodCatType=1&catalogId=10051&productId=156663&cmArea=SC3:CG75:DP1916:CL141931

I have:
Sammy 65 DLP
Tivo
Sony DVD
Game Systems

I was going to configure it:
wall --> APC --> Power Console --> Devices

But do you think it should be something like:
Wall --> Power Console --> Devices NOT needed back up (Game systems and DVD) --> APC --> Devices needing battery back up (Tivo, TV)

Thanks!

I have my GWIII going through a TrippLite 1000MVA unit that I got at Costco for about $100. It gives me plenty of time for the no-power cool down as well as surge projection. My fear, from day one, was not so much the cooling period but the surge at start-up. I've seen many times, the returning power came with false, momentary restarts. This unit comes with a real-time line voltage read-out.

I would also invest in an extended warranty. My light engine was replaced in January. I "saved" over $1,100 with my warranty plus I got another lamp.

PS - It is also a good idea to replace a working lamp in the 6,000-8,000 hour range. Install the new one, usually a 90-day warranty on them, and store the old one just in case so you have a backup if needed until a replacement arrives. On the GWIII, it only takes about 15 minutes to replace the lamp.

YMMV

I would also suggested the extended warranty for an SXRD. My A2000 is a mess right now.

Yeah, I got my Monster Cable off of Ebay for dirt cheap. Well, for my PS3 anyway. 15 bucks for what would usually cost 80. Try using shopzilla to compare prices. Just type in the model number there. Beware of scam websites though. Just look at the stores rating and reviews.

I bought my TV from curcuit city also. I got the warrenty thankfully, because my TV is flipping out and in the shop right now. I think it's close to dead honestly. My TV was an open box though, and my warrenty was 250 I think...I don't remember.