[BuddF]

I have an oportunity to buy the equivalent of the Pioneer 59avi DVD player for $460 US. It is a display model in a Taiwan store (gold vice black but has I-link so I guessed the equivalent).


Would you buy it? I am not sure if I should or not. Please provide some advice to push me in one direction or another.

 

[Yellowstone Tim]

You will probably get responses that run the gamut from "never" to "right now!"


I look at it this way:


Some things I would be very relunctant to buy as display models, like a projector, unless the price was far below retail, because of the risk of failure or the risk of damage due to improper use is high.


However, DVD players, in my opinion, are very durable and generally not overly abused in a display. Also, DVD players are not a product known to have a short life or wear out easily. Therefore, I would buy a display model DVD if the price was right.


Find out how long it has been on display. Look carefully at it - every square inch - and examine it for scratches and marks. Look particularly for wear on buttons. If there is a little wear or rounded edges on buttons it may indicate a long period of heavy use. Check the vents carefully for dust and dirt.


Check the remote very carefully also. The remote may be a weak area - it could have been damaged if used a lot. Also remotes are usually ridiculously expensive if you need to replace it.


Find out exactly what it comes with in the way of original packaging, manuals and accessories and also warranty.


If all seems reasonably good and not overly abused AND the price is good than go for it!

 

[btran33]

demo or display DVD Player usually don't get connect to anything in store so beside the some dents here and there, it should be as good as new...I'm still regret that a few months back, a local electronic stores near my house had a clearen display Denon DVD 1910 sell for $80. It was in perfect condition! but I was afraid of the display and did buy. Now I wish I have!!!

 

[Chris Gerhard]

I would certainly be willing to buy a display model DVD player if the player comes complete with all accessories and warranty. My purchases of display models have resulted in significant savings and perfectly working products covered by warranty if something goes wrong. It can be a great deal, but be careful and check it out thoroughly when you get it home.


Chris

 

[CCarncross]

If you can check the hours of use on the transport and laser, it really helps you decide whether the unit has been used to death, or barely used, which is my criteria for buying demo gear or not, besides whehter the gear looks like its been abused.

 

[Axatax]

As long as I can see the unit in person I would have no problem buying a display model. I wouldn't do this sight-unseen.

 

[BuddF]

how do you check the hours of use? Sorry if it is a no brainer...


I will have to bring someone in with me to ask all the apropriate questions. They weren't the best at speaking english. It was hooked up and playing at the time I went in, but it was maybe due to them trying to sell it?! They had no new ones available.


I would normally pass on it but it seems to be at such a good price. I thought about contacting pioneer as well to see if they will support the warranty when I get back to the states.


Other than that it seemed in great condition remote was right next to it and seemed relatively unused.