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BB warranty not worth it?

post #1 of 30
1/26/09 at 9:39am
Thread Starter 
First of all, i went to BB to make a purchase of the Pioneer 111 that happens to be on back order until February sometime. I really wanted the 60" but that price seemed to tempting. Then when i went to pay, i was given the choice to get that warrenty plan (extended/replacememt?....don't really know what is the correct terminalogy) right then or not be able to get it. So I declined. way too expensive and i read about CPS or Mack on this site. I don't know if an extended warranty is actually worth it. Everything i read says no. I don't know the cost of either CPS or Mack but they seem to be regarded as good plans by alot of peple here. Is BB plan a definite NO?
BTW, after looking at the 50" again, i decided to take a chance and wait a little to see if the 60" ones come down as well.
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post #2 of 30
1/26/09 at 9:59am
Quote:
Originally Posted by BlackFX35 View Post

First of all, i went to BB to make a purchase of the Pioneer 111 that happens to be on back order until February sometime. I really wanted the 60" but that price seemed to tempting. Then when i went to pay, i was given the choice to get that warrenty plan (extended/replacememt?....don't really know what is the correct terminalogy) right then or not be able to get it. So I declined. way too expensive and i read about CPS or Mack on this site. I don't know if an extended warranty is actually worth it. Everything i read says no. I don't know the cost of either CPS or Mack but they seem to be regarded as good plans by alot of peple here. Is BB plan a definite NO?
BTW, after looking at the 50" again, i decided to take a chance and wait a little to see if the 60" ones come down as well.

Either you like warranties or you don't. I normally asked people about there past experiences with extended warranties and once they think about it they make there choice.
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post #3 of 30
1/26/09 at 10:14am
Yea, this is a topic on you either love it or hate it.

I'll get the extended warranty on a big purchase item if the price isn't bad or I feel it's worth it for whatever reason. My last HDTV I got from Sears about 6 years ago. I got the extended warranty and wouldn't you know I needed it. It crapped out on me and Sears happily replaced it no questions asked.

BB is usually around $250 for a $1500 item so while not too bad is up there a bit. My experience with TV's I did it with my new Plasma.
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post #4 of 30
1/26/09 at 10:19am
BB uses Geek Squad "Black Tie", in which you are able to select between standard and premium services. Now I find it hard that you can bring a 2 year old TV for service or 3 year lap top into any BB store. They are insured through AIG WarrantyGuard. They are similar to Mack or CPS as they are involved with a network of technicians to schedule to come out to your home location.

Chris
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post #5 of 30
1/26/09 at 12:45pm
I purchased a 4 year extended warranty on my Insignia plasma when I bought it last year. I had a tuner 'pop' issue and I called the warranty number and they had someone come right out to look at it (nothing major, the tuner seemed to hiccup on Channel 9 for some reason. It would tune in, then lose picture and sound for about 10 seconds, then come back again). In any case, that's the only interaction I've had with them in regards to the warranty. I'm hoping I won't have to use it but I'm glad I did get it. I would have gotten it with any other plasma brand purchase, too, because they all seem to be a little finicky from time to time.

But, as stated above, you either love 'em or hate 'em. I don't get it for anything less than $200, but something getting towards $1000, I'm all over it.
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post #6 of 30
1/26/09 at 12:55pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by creemail View Post

BB uses Geek Squad "Black Tie", in which you are able to select between standard and premium services. Now I find it hard that you can bring a 2 year old TV for service or 3 year lap top into any BB store. They are insured through AIG WarrantyGuard. They are similar to Mack or CPS as they are involved with a network of technicians to schedule to come out to your home location.

Chris

Their warranties go through a strange process. I have scene problems resolved as quick as a few weeks and as long as 2 years. From what I have scene it depends on the manufacturer and there parts service.
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post #7 of 30
1/26/09 at 1:00pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by AlexInvision View Post

Their warranties go through a strange process. I have scene problems resolved as quick as a few weeks and as long as 2 years. From what I have scene it depends on the manufacturer and there parts service.

Yes I know what you are saying. It can surely be a "process" for most consumers.

Chris
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post #8 of 30
1/27/09 at 2:44pm
Thread Starter 
BB wants to have you sign up right away when you buy the TV. It seems like Mack or CPS you can wait a while since you are covered by the mfg's warranty. What would the BB warranty cover that Pioneer's wouldn't?
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post #9 of 30
1/27/09 at 3:11pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by BlackFX35 View Post

BB wants to have you sign up right away when you buy the TV. It seems like Mack or CPS you can wait a while since you are covered by the mfg's warranty. What would the BB warranty cover that Pioneer's wouldn't?

They cover similar to manufacturer's terms. They may offer a replacement, while being repaired as well as cleans. That's about it.

Chris
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post #10 of 30
1/27/09 at 3:17pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by BlackFX35 View Post

BB wants to have you sign up right away when you buy the TV. It seems like Mack or CPS you can wait a while since you are covered by the mfg's warranty. What would the BB warranty cover that Pioneer's wouldn't?

Power Surge Protection, Dust Dirt and Humidity Damage and a few other things. They are just Like a MACK or CPS Warranty. I believe they now have a high end warranty that covers accidental damage now, but I bet it cost triple the amount of the normal warranty.
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post #11 of 30
1/27/09 at 3:42pm
You should be able to pick up the black tie plan up to 30 days after the tv purchase, but if you get a set on sale and come back to purchase the BTP later, sometimes the quoted price for the coverage can change.
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post #12 of 30
1/27/09 at 4:14pm
Run away very quickly from ANY BB warranty. I am close to month #2 for a VERY SIMPLE LAMP REPLACEMENT. They are hidious and completly incompetent tech people. First guy called in sick on one appointment, next time he showed he had the wrong part.

Then another tech came by last Saturday and they have the WRONG PART AGAIN!! What does it take to pull up my model # on Sony's website, see the part # I need and bring it over for a 5 minute install. They have been at my house 4 times and still have not fixed it.

I would go with a manufacture warranty before any BB warranty. Just look at their fourm for horror story after horror story.
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post #13 of 30
1/27/09 at 4:45pm
Usually the B & M want to much for there warranties......
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post #14 of 30
1/27/09 at 6:58pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gamester5 View Post

Run away very quickly from ANY BB warranty. I am close to month #2 for a VERY SIMPLE LAMP REPLACEMENT. They are hidious and completly incompetent tech people. First guy called in sick on one appointment, next time he showed he had the wrong part.

Then another tech came by last Saturday and they have the WRONG PART AGAIN!! What does it take to pull up my model # on Sony's website, see the part # I need and bring it over for a 5 minute install. They have been at my house 4 times and still have not fixed it.

I would go with a manufacture warranty before any BB warranty. Just look at their fourm for horror story after horror story.

I had the opposite experience. I called them, they mailed the bulb a couple days before the tech showed up. He installed the new bulb and reset the timer and was gone. Took about 20 minutes total including me chatting with him.
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post #15 of 30
1/27/09 at 8:20pm
I would buy these warranties if they offered outright replacement in the event of a failure. That would be worth the money to me, since it would limit downtime. Instead, I just use my MasterCard for all major purchases, which automatically doubles a 1 year manufacturer warranty. That's 2 years of warranty and it doesn't cost anything.

-Thomas
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post #16 of 30
1/27/09 at 8:44pm
Get the BB warranty!! It was a 4 year plan that cost about $250 for a $3.5k purchase. It appeared to me that the bulb was getting dim so I asked for a replacement. A tech came and replaced it in about 10 minutes. The second time they came to replace a light engine. The tech came a day early and replaced it in about 10 minutes. The best investment I ever made. Even though they offer warranties on silly things like DVD players I would highly recommend it for high end purchases in the $2k+ range.
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post #17 of 30
1/27/09 at 9:47pm
Does anyone have any experience with SEARS? When the new Panasonic sets come out, I will buy from one of them.
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post #18 of 30
1/27/09 at 10:29pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by pojojo View Post

Does anyone have any experience with SEARS? When the new Panasonic sets come out, I will buy from one of them.

Sears is a very good company. You shouldn't have any issues with them. However, they will pitch you on their EW.

Chris
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post #19 of 30
1/28/09 at 7:43am
Quote:
Originally Posted by pojojo View Post

Does anyone have any experience with SEARS? When the new Panasonic sets come out, I will buy from one of them.

I got my rear projection from there 6 years ago and got the EW which came in handy when the TV took a dump a few months later. They simply brought a new one and took the broke one away.
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post #20 of 30
1/28/09 at 7:45am
Quote:
Originally Posted by twsnnva View Post

I would buy these warranties if they offered outright replacement in the event of a failure. That would be worth the money to me, since it would limit downtime.

I think it depends on when you use it. I think if it's within a year or so and they still offer the model they will probably just replace it outright. Otherwise they will give you store credit for the amount you paid and you can then buy something new with it. Not a bad deal frankly. But all depends on the cost of the EW vs. the cost of the TV.
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post #21 of 30
1/28/09 at 9:23am
Quote:
Originally Posted by bonscott87 View Post

I think it depends on when you use it. I think if it's within a year or so and they still offer the model they will probably just replace it outright. Otherwise they will give you store credit for the amount you paid and you can then buy something new with it. Not a bad deal frankly. But all depends on the cost of the EW vs. the cost of the TV.

I could be wrong, but rarely most EW company's will give you "full replacement value" on your display. Factor in the "depreciated value" when it comes to replacing the display. They will give you the first option of replacement of "similar or like model" with similar features.

Chris
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post #22 of 30
1/28/09 at 11:14am
In my very short part-time career at Best Buy, I have found that most TV's that actually use the extended waranty the most are DLP's and low-end flat panels. Selling them isn't very hard. You just have to be honest and explain that it is a protection, not something you're buying to hopefully use one day.
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post #23 of 30
1/28/09 at 11:39am
Thread Starter 
geez, it would seem that the mfg warranty (2 years on the Pio Elite) would be good enough. seems like if anything is going to go wrong, most likely it will happen within that timeframe. Can you purchase the Mack or CPS warranty anytime before the mfg warranty runs out?
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post #24 of 30
1/28/09 at 12:05pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by BlackFX35 View Post

geez, it would seem that the mfg warranty (2 years on the Pio Elite) would be good enough. seems like if anything is going to go wrong, most likely it will happen within that timeframe. Can you purchase the Mack or CPS warranty anytime before the mfg warranty runs out?

Mack = 3 months remaining on manufacturer's warranty.
CPS = within first 30 days of date of purchase.

Chris
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post #25 of 30
1/28/09 at 5:01pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gamester5 View Post

Run away very quickly from ANY BB warranty. I am close to month #2 for a VERY SIMPLE LAMP REPLACEMENT. They are hidious and completly incompetent tech people. First guy called in sick on one appointment, next time he showed he had the wrong part.

Then another tech came by last Saturday and they have the WRONG PART AGAIN!! What does it take to pull up my model # on Sony's website, see the part # I need and bring it over for a 5 minute install. They have been at my house 4 times and still have not fixed it.

I would go with a manufacture warranty before any BB warranty. Just look at their fourm for horror story after horror story.

you have never worked on your own vehicle apparently and had to make 2-3 trips back to auto zone because it was the wrong part...mistakes happen
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post #26 of 30
1/28/09 at 5:06pm
i'll state pure fact here surrounding BB "Warranties"

The Black Tie Service comes in standard and premium now

Standard covers the manufacturer's terms as well as heat, dust, humidity, normal wear and tear and power surge....nearly* anything but physical damage

Premium covers what standard does but offers repair or replacement for burn-in, free re-calibration if the tv is replaced (pending that calibration is purchased initially), loaner tv (32" tv, but its better than nothing) and guaranteed 14 day repair time once parts are confirmed to be ordered.

I dont buy them on dvd players and other items...but on items I see lots of problems with or items I cant afford to replace whenever, I buy them. I didnt buy it on my yamaha receiver, but I did on my tv, xbox 360 and ps3

- HEA, Best Buy
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post #27 of 30
1/28/09 at 5:28pm
So excited, bought the elite 50" today, for delivery by end of February. Cost was $2,800, (only way to make it work for me was 3 years no interest financing!). I did not get warrant coverage, but apparently have 30 days to decide, and since I will not have the TV for 30 days, made the decision about delaying easy. Here are the cost of the extended coverage, which seems expensive, but I would appreciate viewpoints/advice. For the standard Geek coverage it was $450, for the black tie premium upgrade, its $750, which includes the initial recalibration and follow up recalibration. I was planning on recalibrating this bad boy anyway (which best buy charges $200 stand alone), so the premium is $100 more. Two questions, should I get either the standard or premium extended coverage (it is a 4 year plan). And should I use BB for recalibration services? Thanks for any advice help.
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post #28 of 30
1/28/09 at 7:15pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by redwine111 View Post

So excited, bought the elite 50" today, for delivery by end of February. Cost was $2,800, (only way to make it work for me was 3 years no interest financing!). I did not get warrant coverage, but apparently have 30 days to decide, and since I will not have the TV for 30 days, made the decision about delaying easy. Here are the cost of the extended coverage, which seems expensive, but I would appreciate viewpoints/advice. For the standard Geek coverage it was $450, for the black tie premium upgrade, its $750, which includes the initial recalibration and follow up recalibration. I was planning on recalibrating this bad boy anyway (which best buy charges $200 stand alone), so the premium is $100 more. Two questions, should I get either the standard or premium extended coverage (it is a 4 year plan). And should I use BB for recalibration services? Thanks for any advice help.


congrats on your new Elite. Welcome to the owners club.

a mack 3 year add on warranty from one of the avs forum sponsors would be $203 for your new Elite that would give you coverage for 5 years total. ew is insurance and therefore just a numbers game so it's your choice whether you want it or not. But it makes much more sense to consider it if you get a much better deal on it then what bb charges.

Do not let bb calibrate your Elite. I have not heard of 1 bb/geek squad calibrator that uses ControlCal by Turbe which is the standard for getting it ISFccc calibrated. You can get it for $25 and diy with help here and the ControlCal forums or save the money and get a really good ISF tech that uses ControlCal instead of wasting the money spent on a bb calibration.
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post #29 of 30
1/28/09 at 7:48pm
I am sure each generation acts a bit differently, but as far as EW's go, do the elites have any noticable issues during their life time? (I probably should have asked this b-4 I plunked down a few grand for the Elite). Before I even knew about this EW stuff, I bought a Panasonic Plasma about 6 years ago. Didn't think about EW at all back then and have had no issues with this set at all. (BTW, a laugh at my expense, I have never thought about adjusting this set from the normal setting, until reading everything here, at which point, I start playing with the cinema setting and modifying brightness, etc., and the TV never looked better. Lucky it goes into the bedroom, so there is still some benefit).

I guess what I am getting at, is there even a reason for EW if these sets are fairly bulletproof for 5 year or more?
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post #30 of 30
1/28/09 at 8:04pm
reread the post........it's insurance and a numbers game, they do not offer it to lose money. IF you need it and you paid for it then it's a good/great deal. If you paid for it and never used it then maybe not so great but at least ya mighta slept a little better knowing your covered those years.

Pioneer did have a problem with some power supplies on some models a few years back. They have been covering the repair for those as they come up even though they have been out of warranty for several years now. Otherwise I think you will find overall Pioneer has at least an average or better track record so far with their plasma panels.

your money your choice.
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