Panasonic 700u reliability?

I'll say the sales rep was spewing BS.

And besides, Panasonic also has one of the best warranty services out there with their concierge service.

Boy do we need spell check back.... I will translate

dought = DOUBT
threw = THROUGH

Actually Panasonic has a great record for excellent reliability and great warranty service. I don't know about officially how well Samsungs record is but I have been very unimpressed by them, I hear of people having problems with Samsungs more than any other brand. Also of the three people I know who bought a Samsung plasma all three had problems with the displays, problems with Samsungs service and all three returned them.

Best Buy has always pushed Samsung products over their other brands. They've repeatedly tried to steer me and countless other customers in my vicinity away from the Panasonic and Pioneer plasmas and recommending the Samsung LCD TVs or Plasma TVs instead. They really don't know what they're talking about, or are full of crap, or both. I like to engage in conversation with em and see how rediculous they can get, then i set em straight. I'm sure they make a higher net profit on Samsung TVs since their net cost is considerably lower than the corresponding Panasonic model.

I'd say that Panasonic seems to be a little more reliable and less problematic based mostly on what i read here and other forums but also according to my friend's father who is in the TV repair industry. Panasonic has better customer service, a better repair shop network, and parts are readily available.

Probably didn't have the Panny in stock and wanted to push you onto something that was in stock. Theres a phrase for salespeople called S.W.A.T = Sell whats available TODAY

I've noticed that at my local Best Buy store too. Often they put a sign by the Panasonic plasma on display: Looking for this model? We are out but check out the excellent Samsung equivalent model.

I think he was in a hurry or he must be a foreigners just like me.

Are you serious? Hah, if i ever see a sign like that at my local BBs i'll feel compelled to change it to:

"Looking for this model? We are out so check out Circuit City"

I ran into the same situation. I went in to look at the new Pioneer Plasmas a few months ago but they did not have it in stock yet. They tried to steer me towards a Samsung LCD.

Also, when they finally got the Pioneer PRO-1150 in they we charging $500 over the MSRP published on Pioneer's web site.

Now that would be hilarious.

Xanteen, if you've looked at the many post here, you'll notice every single brand in discussion here have had issues/problems. Anectdotal statements here and at Best Buy may not be the best indicator of reliability.
If the picture quality is the same or better on the Samsung to you then without a doubt get the Samsung because of the additional year warranty.