[pcfriarfan]

I was prepared to buy the Elite 530 for $4400. However a home theater installer I was interviewing for my basement project recommended the 533HD5 which he can get me for $3000. He said they are the same set but that the price difference is due to the Elite having a fancier lacquer cabinet and the 2 year warranty. I know that the new 530 has an upgraded array with respect to the guns vs. it's predecessor, the 520. But if the 533 & 530 really have the same specs and new array, then I'll purchase the 533 as it's being built into a custom media center and showing off the cabinet isn't important. Any insight is appreciated.

 

[TomLamb]

From what I understand, the 530 has a better line doubler, better crt and lenses, and DVI inputs. I think the 533HD5 uses the older 510 line doubler and it does not have any anti-glare coating on the protective screen

 

[BTDT]

That agrees with my understanding. The 533 is a less-fancy version of the 510. 520s are better and 530 are purported to be significantly better than that (pretty much a re-design from the ground up improvement).


For $1400 you should be getting a much better set, plus an extra year of factory warranty.

 

[Jamie571]

That sounds high for a 533HD5. Most are selling for around $2100 online and my local dealer has it for $2700. The 530 price sound good from what I've heard so far. The 533HD5 is a great RPTV, but it does have a strong glare on the screen.

 

[Markz2k]

$3000 is way too much for a 533HD5 at this point. You can get it from Onecall for under $2200, shipped. Or, get the SD643HD5 from Costco for $2599. Both sets were introduced in June, 2001.

 

[wolfy]

In my area you can get the 520 for about 3999 and now a $300 off the top price drop on all products....I think it's a great buy at that price.