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Plasma on a budget. Running in circles here!

post #1 of 137
3/22/11 at 9:25pm
Thread Starter 
I had been looking up all kinds of stuff on TV's to replace a 5+ year old CRT TV.

Budget is $700 at the most

I had decided on a Panasonic TC-P42S2 from best buy. But, returning to their site tonight I found that it's out of stock! As well as just about anywhere online. I then started looking at the 46" model, but I began to find some unsettling reviews about it. After that I decided to find some help!! And I ended up here! lol

I've now stumbled upon the TC-P42S30. Right at $699.99 on their site. But, maybe with a coupon or something I can swing it.

But, is it worth it?

My size range is 42"-50"

Picture quality is my first priority. I will gladly choose a 42" set over a 50" if the quality is better.
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post #2 of 137
3/22/11 at 9:41pm
At that price that may be your best bet. I would take a good look at the 50X3. It is only 720p but they still have a great picture. I have a 2 year old 42X1 and it has a great picture on it. I get comments on it a lot.

Comparing to the high end stuff at the store will make any inferior set not look as good, but once at home I bet you would be happy with it. 42 gets small fast.
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post #3 of 137
3/22/11 at 9:58pm
Thread Starter 
Would I notice the difference with the 720P? I have a PS3. Which is what I use most of the time. Whether it be Netflix or games. Other than that, All I have is over the air HD TV. No cable, Satellite, etc.

Also forgot to mention the current set is a CRT 1080i Samsung that is only 26" So, I have decent picture, just a tiny screen. And The couch is about 13' away! LOL.
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post #4 of 137
3/22/11 at 10:07pm
HOly cow at 13' you want a 50". Imo its a good choice. You can always take it back. Keep the box, its a pain but worth it if you are unhappy. I think you will like it. Go to best buy and compare a comparable 720p vs 1080p. Not a junker vs a high end.

But they will often have a 1080 and a 720 of the same brand and size right by each other. Its hard to tell the difference a lot of the time.

As far as the ps3 I think it upscales everything anyways. I don't think any games are over 720p, and I think some are even upscaled from less then that. I know thats how the 360 is.
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post #5 of 137
3/22/11 at 10:10pm
I would recommend getting a p42gt25. I got mine for 750 off amazon(free shipping). Right now it looks like it's price has gone up to 800 though. The price has been going up and down on it. When I was waiting on my bestbuy refund to post I noticed the price went up to 800 one day, then back to 750 the other. You can try checking Amazon every day to see if that happens. It would really be worth your while increasing your budget another 50 for it. I'd say even the extra hundred it is right now would be worth it. The THX preset on this t.v. is just stunning and I'm having no noticeable IR on this thing after 9hrs of gaming!
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post #6 of 137
3/22/11 at 10:13pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by LastQuestion View Post

I would recommend getting a p42gt25. I got mine for 750 off amazon(free shipping). Right now it looks like it's price has gone up to 800 though. The price has been going up and down on it. When I was waiting on my bestbuy refund to post I noticed the price went up to 800 one day, then back to 750 the other. You can try checking Amazon every day to see if that happens. It would really be worth your while increasing your budget another 50 for it. I'd say even the extra hundred it is right now would be worth it. The THX preset on this t.v. is just stunning and I'm having no noticeable IR on this thing after 9hrs of gaming!

Budget won't be going up. I already upped it from $550 that I was gonna spend on a Vizio LCD from Wal-Mart. I'm REALLY LUCKY I got the wife...and our wallet...to allow $700.
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post #7 of 137
3/22/11 at 11:08pm
Amazon has a 46G25 Warehouse Deal for $771 but if you can go to $796 get the one in Very Good condition. No taxes, you still get free shipping and the 30 days to return with their warehouse deals. Just be sure you select the one sold by Amazon and not a third party.

Also, if you get one that's not right you can exchange until you find one in their inventory that is- that is if you wanted to do that.

I love the G25. Have you read Chad's review of it?
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post #8 of 137
3/22/11 at 11:15pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by speedy_2 View Post

Budget won't be going up. I already upped it from $550 that I was gonna spend on a Vizio LCD from Wal-Mart. I'm REALLY LUCKY I got the wife...and our wallet...to allow $700.

The GT25 is a $1700 tv going for 750. That s30 is a $700 tv going for $700. Even though the s30 is a 2011 model it's features and PQ just can't compare to the GT25. Do what you got to do man.
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post #9 of 137
3/22/11 at 11:20pm
LastQuestion is right.

LOL, I'd donate blood and not tell my hubby to make up the difference.

Seriously though, do what you have to do but just make sure the screen on the S30 isn't too reflective or you'll have regrets.
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post #10 of 137
3/22/11 at 11:22pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by LastQuestion View Post


The GT25 is a $1700 tv going for 750. That s30 is a $700 tv going for $700. Even though the s30 is a 2011 model it's features and PQ just can't compare to the GT25. Do what you got to do man.

A budget is a budget. Although I'm one to talk. I raised my budget from $700 and ended up spending $899 on a brand spanking new GT25. I don't regret it one bit. Picture is downright best I've seen. Yeah. I could have gotten it for $773 but. That was open item with scratches on it. I'll still to brand spanking new. It's the safer choice.
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post #11 of 137
3/23/11 at 12:23am
I just thought I might add that if you use bestbuy you'll pay your state tax. With Amazon it's tax free and so is shipping. So, you'd prob end up paying more than $750 at bestbuy for a $700 tv. Also, shipping is free and it's white glove with amazon. The man from Pilot that delivered and then setup my t.v. was very polite and even called and asked to deliver it early, which was a plus since I took the day off. And just to put your mind at ease after they setup your t.v. you can turn it on and test it a bit before signing to make sure it works. I'd def buy again from Amazon!
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post #12 of 137
3/23/11 at 7:01am
Yah I agree whatever you choose go with amazon. When your budget is super tight tax kills it. If you could swing one of those G's you would love it.

Find something lying around to sell. lol have a garage sale.
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post #13 of 137
3/23/11 at 9:17am
Thread Starter 
haha. That's how the budget went up from $550 to $700. Stretching it more is gonna be tough. I'm also not too comfortable buying a used set. Factory refurbished......maybe.
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post #14 of 137
3/23/11 at 9:33am
Would you buy and open box from Bestbuy? That's Amazon's used and condition generally goes to the condition of the box, packing materials, and little stuff inside the package. If there's a problem with the set, ie blemish etc, they will state it in the description.

With their return policy you can't go wrong. Just make sure it's not sold by a third party.
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post #15 of 137
3/23/11 at 9:45am
Thread Starter 
Hmm....ok

Refurb...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listi...on=refurbished

Used...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listi...condition=used

This does look tempting!
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post #16 of 137
3/23/11 at 9:50am
Quote:
Originally Posted by speedy_2 View Post

Hmm....ok

Refurb...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listi...on=refurbished

Used...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listi...condition=used

This does look tempting!

Do it do it do it! lol
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post #17 of 137
3/23/11 at 9:53am
Thread Starter 
What if there is nothing on the site about the condition. It just says "Used - Good"

Quote:
Originally Posted by sheshechic View Post

Would you buy and open box from Bestbuy? That's Amazon's used and condition generally goes to the condition of the box, packing materials, and little stuff inside the package. If there's a problem with the set, ie blemish etc, they will state it in the description.

With their return policy you can't go wrong. Just make sure it's not sold by a third party.
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post #18 of 137
3/23/11 at 9:58am
Quote:
Originally Posted by speedy_2 View Post

What if there is nothing on the site about the condition. It just says "Used - Good"

The box is beat up but the TV itself isn't damaged in any way. When there isn't a description. Those are the best ones to grab.
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post #19 of 137
3/23/11 at 10:02am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by JukeBox360 View Post

The box is beat up but the TV itself isn't damaged in any way. When there isn't a description. Those are the best ones to grab.

Sounds good. Anything else I should look for. I dunno how I can go look at new TV's now after seeing this GT25 for $669.99 with free shipping. lol
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post #20 of 137
3/23/11 at 10:09am
Quote:
Originally Posted by speedy_2 View Post


Sounds good. Anything else I should look for. I dunno how I can go look at new TV's now after seeing this GT25 for $669.99 with free shipping. lol

I don't blame you. For the money. The GT25 will be the best bang for your buck. You'll get the set and be floored with the PQ. For it's PQ. I'd say the set is up to par with the VT sets. Just a tad bit behind. But at a quarter of the price? Can't complain.
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post #21 of 137
3/23/11 at 10:11am
Thread Starter 
Also, am I getting any kind of warranty or anything. I'm still kinda scared to pull the trigger on something labeled "used." Also, the Free Super Saver Shipping. How long should I expect that to take?
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post #22 of 137
3/23/11 at 10:19am
Quote:
Originally Posted by speedy_2 View Post

Also, am I getting any kind of warranty or anything. I'm still kinda scared to pull the trigger on something labeled "used." Also, the Free Super Saver Shipping. How long should I expect that to take?

You get the normal factory warranty. (1 year) Shipping doesn't take long at all. If you ordered today. You have your tv this time next week at the latest.
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post #23 of 137
3/23/11 at 12:14pm
You can get to the shipping options before you actually hit "BUY". You schedule a delivery. I just ordered one and could of had it in 2 days but work wouldn't allow it.

Holy crap though thats a crazy deal on a great tv.
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post #24 of 137
3/23/11 at 12:38pm
I'm not sure if this applies to the warehouse deals but amazon's white glove shipping came free with my purchase. There was no need for the super savings shipping. Will try to check it fast tho.
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post #25 of 137
3/23/11 at 12:40pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by LastQuestion View Post

I'm not sure if this applies to the warehouse deals but amazon's white glove shipping came free with my purchase. There was no need for the super savings shipping. Will try to check it fast tho.

That too. All I saw was the Super saver and then the other shipping method which says I need to contact the shipping company to set up the ship day. I don't mind either way. But, would like to know the details of each method if someone knows.
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post #26 of 137
3/23/11 at 12:57pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by speedy_2 View Post

That too. All I saw was the Super saver and then the other shipping method which says I need to contact the shipping company to set up the ship day. I don't mind either way. But, would like to know the details of each method if someone knows.

Super Saver basically freights your package and drops it off. I'm not sure if they require you to sign, but if they do you can prob get away with opening and inspecting before signing. However, with the scheduled white glove service they call ahead to make sure you'll be home, then they deliver the t.v. and set it up and you get to make sure it's undamaged and functions BEFORE signing for it. I was nervous buying my tv from amazon until I learned about the white glove.

A word of warning though. One of their delivery services known as Home Direct is known to have issues but they aren't wholly incompetant. Be mindful if you get them. However, the other two known as CEVA and Pilot have nothing but positive feedback. I had Pilot and couldn't be more satisfied with them. Yet, I'm not entirely sure if Home Direct is still used by Amazon. I only noticed CEVA and Pilot being listed by the 'contact' details from the e-mail amazon sent me. It could be Home Direct doesn't operate in my area though and isn't listed for that reason. You can probably contact amazon to find out whether they still use Home Direct. Will skim through the gt25 owners thread to see if those posts about Home Direct were recent.

Edit: The posts for Home Direct are fairly recent. A short search brings posts from just last month. http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/searc...rchid=17315471
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post #27 of 137
3/23/11 at 1:10pm
I just purchased a set(The GT25) and it's being shipped from some Air Pilot.
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post #28 of 137
3/23/11 at 1:27pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by LastQuestion View Post

Super Saver basically freights your package and drops it off. I'm not sure if they require you to sign, but if they do you can prob get away with opening and inspecting before signing. However, with the scheduled white glove service they call ahead to make sure you'll be home, then they deliver the t.v. and set it up and you get to make sure it's undamaged and functions BEFORE signing for it. I was nervous buying my tv from amazon until I learned about the white glove.

A word of warning though. One of their delivery services known as Home Direct is known to have issues but they aren't wholly incompetant. Be mindful if you get them. However, the other two known as CEVA and Pilot have nothing but positive feedback. I had Pilot and couldn't be more satisfied with them. Yet, I'm not entirely sure if Home Direct is still used by Amazon. I only noticed CEVA and Pilot being listed by the 'contact' details from the e-mail amazon sent me. It could be Home Direct doesn't operate in my area though and isn't listed for that reason. You can probably contact amazon to find out whether they still use Home Direct. Will skim through the gt25 owners thread to see if those posts about Home Direct were recent.

Edit: The posts for Home Direct are fairly recent. A short search brings posts from just last month. http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/searc...rchid=17315471

My last delivery showed Home Direct but ended up being Pilot.

Home Direct delivered my refrigerator from Lowes and although not horrible they left a lot to be desired. They didn't install it the way the last one from Lowes was installed. We had to level it out and adjust everything on our own.
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post #29 of 137
3/23/11 at 1:32pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by speedy_2 View Post

That too. All I saw was the Super saver and then the other shipping method which says I need to contact the shipping company to set up the ship day. I don't mind either way. But, would like to know the details of each method if someone knows.

Everyone has to schedule. Just know that the date you select on Amazon is often the date projected to reach the company that will deliver to your home. You'll get a number and you can call them everyday if you like, they're usually very nice. Also, you'll get email updates but I would call to confirm.

As stated earlier, just be sure to inspect before you sign and if damaged don't accept it or note whatever you see on the document you sign. If it's 42" or under they may not unpack it and just bring it into the house.

You can read more here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/custom...&nodeId=510066

Check the topics on the left side too.

I wish you the best!
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post #30 of 137
3/23/11 at 1:56pm
If anyone is interested. I will be doing a side by side review of both the GT25 and St30 models this week. I'm no pro but it might help people with there new purchase. By no model or save a few and stick to the old. Etc..
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