JVC PD42WX84 - Any opinions?

Well, I've had one since mid-December, and overall, I'm fairly satisfied.

This is, however, my first plasma, and first HDTV. Having done a fair bit of reading on my TV (all post-purchase), I can tell you that most who know of this model say it's a decent, budget priced Plasma.

Drawbacks are the 1024x768 res rate, which is apparently the reason for the large amount of false contouring, and that some report that the DVI connection does not work. As for the latter, I've not found this to be the case, as my Comcast/Moto DVR 6412 works just fine over DVI. As for the former, when watching "dark" movies (i.e., Cold Mountain, Master and Commander), the False Contouring is so bad, it's almost unwatchable. Then again, with HD content, the PQ is brilliant. I hear that FC is a problem with most large panel screens, especially in this price range.

Am I happy with my choice? Yes.

Will I keep it? No.

I bought it at Costco because of their spectacular return policy. I plan to upgrade, maybe after 4, 5, or 6 months, to something bigger, and of better quality.

I love the TV, don't hear me wrong. But I want something a bit more 'minimal,' as far as the aesthetic design is concerned, and something that gives me a bit more quality of picture.


mt

Pedro2,


You've not misread my post. What is "ethically questionable" to you may not be so to me.

Personally, if a retailer has a policy like the one Costco currently does, then I'd be silly not to take advantage of that, don't you think? Surely in your life as a consumer you've used your buying power to it's greatest advantage, no? When your initial promotion with your cable or internet provider expired, did you just roll over and pay full value, or did you call back to see if something better was available?

If, when you'd driven that new car for a year, the auto dealership would've paid you full price to take it back, would you have sold it to them? Or would you view that as something beyond your moral fortitude?

Judge if you wish, but I plan to make the most of my hard-earned money. If that's something offensive to you, I'm very sorry. Such is life in a consumer-driven economy.


See you in the Return and Exchange line,


mt

Quote:





dvdchance,


I should've worded that a little more carefully.


Not that I'm an expert on the subject, as this is my first HDTV. Surely 1024x768, even if in number only, is superior to the EDTV platform.


When I purchased the set, the little card on the rafter showed a resolution rate of "1280x768". When I got home and set the thing up, I noticed that the manual had the "1024x768" rate listed as the true numbers.


I could've taken the set back then, and made a fuss, but to be very honest, I was impressed by what I'd seen with the PQ.


Plus, the aforementioned return policy made me feel very secure in keeping the TV for at least a little while.


Thanks,


marty

Martyteboe,


Do what you must, but to 1) advertise the fact to everyone on this forum that you are doing it, and 2) to then also try to come up with some kind of logical rationalization to make yourself and others feel fine about it is extraordinary. By your logic, it would be perfectly acceptable to never really buy clothes and instead continually return/exchange the "loaners" within the store's 30 day return period. You are right--it is a consumer driven economy--but if all consumers behaved as you do the economy would crash. You are what economists call a "free rider." The system only works if most people don't behave like you do. Your answer is that Costco's generous return policy is inviting you to be a free rider, so why resist the urge. Another way of looking at it, however, is that Costco is inviting you to be a responsible consumer with some ethical sense of the spirit of the return policy. But you know that. If you really feel so comfortable about your behavior (as you apparently say you do) I wonder if you go around boasting to your friends, family members, neighbors, co-workers etc. about how you've figured out how to not only enjoy a free plasma TV but have an endless free upgrade! When Costco changes its policy because of this kind of abuse, everyone loses.

Pedro2,


This will be my final word on my opinions regarding the Costco return policy issue.


My post was not intended as a "boast", and none of my friends are really concerned about how I spend my money, or if I am doing my best to be a responsible cog in the capitalist machine. They just don't care, I'm afraid. My family, on the other hand, does care. What they want is the best that the meager amount of money we have to expend can get. If that means upgrading our TV to something better, and using the Costo policy to do it, and we come out ahead, then we consider that a win.


We could argue ethics and philosophy all day, and get nowhere. But I've already graduated my freshman courses, and see no further need, and feel no great desire to carry on this type of useless argument with you, or with people of your general disposition. Sit in judgement all you like. It does nothing to me, other than arouse distaste for those that espouse the same vitriol. As I see it, every moment you analyze, criticize and judge my actions is one moment that you don't have to analyze, criticize and judge your own.


As Voltaire said, "all we can really do in this life is tend to our own garden."



Ridin' Free,



Marty