US: Best Buy 50" 1080p Panasonic Plasma $1299

[Tjalfe]

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9236294&type=product&id=1218064394819

Panasonic - VIERA / 50" Class / 1080p / 600Hz / Plasma HDTV
Model: TC-P50S1 | SKU: 9236294

Reg. Price:
$1,599.99
You Save:
$300.00
Sale:
$1,299.99

seems like a great deal for a 50" Panasonic :)

edit:
seems I should not be browsing the net early in the morning :(

[steve-0101]

Please edit your title to reflect US only.

[Chi-tel]

it is bestbuy.com
not bestbuy.ca

[CFRTim]

Lol

[Anonymouse]

How much duty would you pay at the border for this TV?

[Drew_W]

How much duty would you pay at the border for this TV?

6%. Then 13% Ontario tax.

If you pick it up in NYC at a BB, you also pay just under 9% NY state tax.

The 50S1 is $1220 at Beach Camera, free shipping, have it shipped to CBI in Niagara Falls, you won't be charged any state tax, and then you can have fun with the CBSA at the border. :)

[fruzmatik]

6%. Then 13% Ontario tax.

If you pick it up in NYC at a BB, you also pay just under 9% NY state tax.

The 50S1 is $1220 at Beach Camera, free shipping, have it shipped to CBI in Niagara Falls, you won't be charged any state tax, and then you can have fun with the CBSA at the border. :)

I was under the impression that panasonic plasmas were assembled in mexico = no duty under nafta, i could be wrong tho...

[Drew_W]

I was under the impression that panasonic plasmas were assembled in mexico = no duty under nafta, i could be wrong tho...

I have no idea, but either way, it's still way cheaper than buying in Canada.

[Magoomba]

For the last time, there is NO DUTY on Panasonic Viera TVs as they are made in Mexico.
That's why we have NAFTA.
Just pay your PST & GST (and State tax of course).

[tickyboy]

Wow, with our dollar only costing us 10-15% this is super hot!

[Drew_W]

Wow, with our dollar only costing us 10-15% this is super hot!

As of this morning it's more than 15%...

[Vandal]

As of this morning it's more than 15%...

No, it's pretty much exactly 15%.

CAD to USD $0.8679
USD to CAD $1.1522

[Anonymouse]

Can you get out of paying the NY state tax, or get a refund of it by mail?

[idiotcanuck]

What about warranty issues, taking it into another country?

[ES_Revenge]

No, it's pretty much exactly 15%.

CAD to USD $0.8679
USD to CAD $1.1522

Uh yeah but is that just the straight conversion rate? That's not what you pay in reality--you have to account for the "spread" which is typically 2-3%.

[Drew_W]

No, it's pretty much exactly 15%.

CAD to USD $0.8679
USD to CAD $1.1522

1.1522 > 1.1500. Thanks.

Also your CC company likely adds 2.5% so you're paying around 1.17 actual conversion rate.

[Drew_W]

Can you get out of paying the NY state tax, or get a refund of it by mail?

No. Which is why I suggested doing what I suggested doing above. lol.

Buy it from out of NY and have it shipped to CBI which is 5 mins from Rainbow.

[Drew_W]

What about warranty issues, taking it into another country?

We covered this in another US Panasonic plasma thread, but you have no warranty in Canada. If your set screws up, you bring it back to the US for service.

[fruzmatik]

We covered this in another US Panasonic plasma thread, but you have no warranty in Canada. If your set screws up, you bring it back to the US for service.

Correct, Panasonic warranty is not valid in Canada, but you should be able to find a reasonable 3rd party warranty that would be valid in Canada.....

Nonetheless when savings are ~40%, I figure no warranty is worth it....

[Drew_W]

Correct, Panasonic warranty is not valid in Canada, but you should be able to find a reasonable 3rd party warranty that would be valid in Canada.....

Nonetheless when savings are ~40%, I figure no warranty is worth it....

There are Mack warranties available from Beach camera, but there was some confusion in that other thread as to whether it's international or not.

[t_garp]

Correct, Panasonic warranty is not valid in Canada, but you should be able to find a reasonable 3rd party warranty that would be valid in Canada.....

Nonetheless when savings are ~40%, I figure no warranty is worth it....

Or, use a credit card that extends your warranty. I got an American Express that extends you warranty for an additional year and the customer service agents I spoke to said that it includes US items. See the text below from their website

6. When you charge any retail purchase to the American Express AIR MILES Platinum Credit Card, the free repair period, and the coverage given under the manufacturer's original warranty, is automatically doubled for up to one additional year. This applies to products purchased (motorized vehicles and their parts are excluded) with the Card in Canada and the U.S., provided the manufacturer's warranty does not exceed five years. Proof of purchase, a copy of the manufacturer's warranty and a description of the product are required to register your claim. You will need approval from American Express before any repairs will be covered. Repair costs are limited to $25,000 per eligible item.

https://www212.americanexpress.com/dsmlive/dsm/int/ca/en/personal/ourcards/allcards/airmilesplatinumcreditcard/allthedetails_cm.do?vgnextoid=38891bf88bad4110VgnV CM100000cef4ad94RCRD

[bitbrain]

Or, use a credit card that extends your warranty. I got an American Express that extends you warranty for an additional year and the customer service agents I spoke to said that it includes US items. See the text below from their website



https://www212.americanexpress.com/dsmlive/dsm/int/ca/en/personal/ourcards/allcards/airmilesplatinumcreditcard/allthedetails_cm.do?vgnextoid=38891bf88bad4110VgnV CM100000cef4ad94RCRD

This may only double your US warrenty (not extend it to include a Canadian repair or a US product). So, you may find a US trip is necessary for repairs - even with AMEX.

[ES_Revenge]

Correct, Panasonic warranty is not valid in Canada, but you should be able to find a reasonable 3rd party warranty that would be valid in Canada.....

Nonetheless when savings are ~40%, I figure no warranty is worth it....
Odd, Panasonic warranty used to be good on both sides of the border; I guess they changed that now?

Also don't kid yourself, it's never worth it to buy a plasma :lol: :P

[scattershot]

Also don't kid yourself, it's never worth it to buy a plasma :lol: :P

Here is something all of you looking for TV's deals need to know, the second that someone makes a blanket statement that all Plasma's are crap, aren't that good, etc., then completely IGNORE everything they say.

For the money, Panasonic 1080P Plasma's offer a BETTER picture quality then ANY LCD in their price range.

In particular, the S1, G10, and V10 series are better than ANY LCD's remotely close in their price range. Want "Best bang for the buck?" Buy one of these Panasonic Plasma series.

--------------------------------------

In regards to LCD, there is no "Best" manufacturer of LCD's.

The reason why is simple.

A LCD TV quality is compromised of 2 things: the LCD (glass panel) itself, and the electronics unique to each individual manufacturer.

Sony (and Pioneer Elite Series) generally make the best electronics.
Panasonic and some high-end Toshiba (like X645 series) are like a tier 1a in quality.

Tier 2 would be Samsung and Sharp.

Tier 3 would be companies like LG and lower-end Toshiba's.

Tier 4 would be companies like Philips (Canada, etc.)

Tier 5 would be the worst of the no-name companies.

Now when it comes to the LCD panels, only Sharp, LG, and Samsung (of the big name companies) produces their own screen. Sony, Panasonic, Toshiba, etc. share joint ventures with some companies (like Sony-Samsung, Sony-Sharp) to get some of their screens.

So let's take Sony for example. Sony buys their LCD's from Samsung, Sharp, AU Optronics, etc. so some Sony's are best in class, some are overpriced, etc.

The best TV would be a Sony IF it uses the best LCD panel, but only some Sony's use the best in class LCD panel...

[betamaxman]

I concur, my 1080P 46" panasonic plasma has been treating me royally for two months now. I just love the picture. I was able to negotiate $350 off it's $1599 price tag at FS so though YMMV it is worth it to try on the 50".

[Drew_W]

We all know that Plasma is better than LCD, so let's not commit heresy in this thread and bring up LCDs again.

[scattershot]

We all know that Plasma is better than LCD, so let's not commit heresy in this thread and bring up LCDs again.

Just be careful with your wording (to avoid flame wars and mistruths".

We all know that the "1080P Panasonic Plasma TV's are BETTER Than ANY LCD in their price ranger".

Bringing in "Plasma" technology is dubious because there is a big difference between how Panasonic Plasma's are and say LG Plasma's...

[pete]

hmmm... bringing this post back to life...

Panasonic VIERA G10 Series TC-P50G10 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001UAEWUS/ref=s9_simx_gw_s0_p23_t1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-1&pf_rd_r=0YPMNBKQAPKH2PXBZW51&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938131&pf_rd_i=507846

$1297 (there was a deal with a bluray for free, but it's dead).. this is about $1600 cdn give or take.. if all you need to do is pay the taxes on it to bring it back from the US, that would make it about $1825... it sells for $2699 at bestbuy... seems hot if you have an amerifriend?

[MonkeyGirl03]

For the last time, there is NO DUTY on Panasonic Viera TVs as they are made in Mexico.
That's why we have NAFTA.
Just pay your PST & GST (and State tax of course).

I just came back on Sunday from Buffalo and picked up a Panasonic TV. The customs officer charged me 5% duties. Some ppl on this board said I shouldn't have paid for the duties, but I guess the officer was being a prick. He said specifically that no tv's are made in North America.

[HockeyFan]

hmmm... bringing this post back to life...

Panasonic VIERA G10 Series TC-P50G10 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001UAEWUS/ref=s9_simx_gw_s0_p23_t1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-1&pf_rd_r=0YPMNBKQAPKH2PXBZW51&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938131&pf_rd_i=507846

$1297 (there was a deal with a bluray for free, but it's dead).. this is about $1600 cdn give or take.. if all you need to do is pay the taxes on it to bring it back from the US, that would make it about $1825... it sells for $2699 at bestbuy... seems hot if you have an amerifriend?

I'm trying to find the best deal on a G15 because it's thinner. However, if it's still too much i'll just get a G10. Almost the exact same thing.

[Viper98]

Just be careful with your wording (to avoid flame wars and mistruths".

We all know that the "1080P Panasonic Plasma TV's are BETTER Than ANY LCD in their price ranger".

Bringing in "Plasma" technology is dubious because there is a big difference between how Panasonic Plasma's are and say LG Plasma's...

even an LG plasma is going to be better than almost every LCD



hmmm... bringing this post back to life...

Panasonic VIERA G10 Series TC-P50G10 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001UAEWUS/ref=s9_simx_gw_s0_p23_t1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-1&pf_rd_r=0YPMNBKQAPKH2PXBZW51&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938131&pf_rd_i=507846

$1297 (there was a deal with a bluray for free, but it's dead).. this is about $1600 cdn give or take.. if all you need to do is pay the taxes on it to bring it back from the US, that would make it about $1825... it sells for $2699 at bestbuy... seems hot if you have an amerifriend?

if you don't have an amerifriend you can get it shipped to your door for about $300 CAD more from here
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart_accessories&A=details&Q=&sku=602496&is=REG

[mtlboy]

I just came back on Sunday from Buffalo and picked up a Panasonic TV. The customs officer charged me 5% duties. Some ppl on this board said I shouldn't have paid for the duties, but I guess the officer was being a prick. He said specifically that no tv's are made in North America.

I am trying to look for proof before I go pick up my TV in the U.S. If anyone finds proof, like from a panasonic website or something that we can print and bring down please let us know, so for the future people won't have problems.

[Glace]

if you don't have an amerifriend you can get it shipped to your door for about $300 CAD more from here
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart_accessories&A=details&Q=&sku=602496&is=REG

Viper, I want to thank you for this! I called and confirmed them and they do ship to Canada! For a 50" G10 with shipping and with 3 year extended international warranty (Canada too), it works out to be $2,000 CAD, save $700 from Best Buy! I know you can save more if you can take advantage of a parcel service and pick it up yourself, but I live in Alberta and apparantly there's no service in Montana or anything.

Thanks again!

[HockeyFan]

Viper, I want to thank you for this! I called and confirmed them and they do ship to Canada! For a 50" G10 with shipping and with 3 year extended international warranty (Canada too), it works out to be $2,000 CAD, save $700 from Best Buy! I know you can save more if you can take advantage of a parcel service and pick it up yourself, but I live in Alberta and apparantly there's no service in Montana or anything.

Thanks again!

Which shipping company do they use for large items? Also, how long is the delivery? Does the $300 include brokerage fees?

[pete]

they also have the G15 series for cheap on amazon... I like the playback feature of avchd in the sd slot...


if someone orders from bhphotovideo, please let us know how it goes for broker fees.

direct from their website:
International orders are generally subject to local import duties and taxes. B&H is not responsible for any related costs or brokerage fees. Continue onto the International Form

[HockeyFan]

they also have the G15 series for cheap on amazon... I like the playback feature of avchd in the sd slot...


if someone orders from bhphotovideo, please let us know how it goes for broker fees.

direct from their website:
International orders are generally subject to local import duties and taxes. B&H is not responsible for any related costs or brokerage fees. Continue onto the International Form

That's my fear. With the $300 and taxes and possible brokerage it might kill the deal.

[Glace]

$300 does not include brokerage. From their website it looks like they use UPS and from the UPS website: http://www.ups.com/content/ca/en/shipping/cost/zones/customs_clearance.html, the brokerage is about $73. I found this website http://www.thefinalcost.com/shipments/calculate/ and it confirms it. So all in according to the thefinalcost.com, TV + warranty + shipping + GST + Brokerage + Credit Card Conversion = $2,222 CAD for a 50" G10. According to Best Buy website, it is $2,835 with GST.

I still save $600, I'm going to think about this for a day or two and jump on this.

[pete]

$300 does not include brokerage. From their website it looks like they use UPS and from the UPS website: http://www.ups.com/content/ca/en/shipping/cost/zones/customs_clearance.html, the brokerage is about $73. I found this website http://www.thefinalcost.com/shipments/calculate/ and it confirms it. So all in according to the thefinalcost.com, TV + warranty + shipping + GST + Brokerage + Credit Card Conversion = $2,222 CAD for a 50" G10. According to Best Buy website, it is $2,835 with GST.

I still save $600, I'm going to think about this for a day or two and jump on this.


Considering shipping etc comes out to $400, it might almost be good to go on vacation some place and then pick up the TV on the way back (if you have family etc.)..

[rahzel]

even an LG plasma is going to be better than almost every LCD
/opinion. :rolleyes:

And no I'm not an LCD fanboy, my next TV is going to be a Plasma. But no way in hell an LG plasma is better than most LCD's, plus it depends on your lighting conditions.

Anyway, back on topic. Panasonic really needs to fix their pricing here in Canada -- a TCP50G10 goes for less than 1400 in the US and it costs over 2500 here in Canada.

[CFRTim]

/opinion. :rolleyes:

And no I'm not an LCD fanboy, my next TV is going to be a Plasma. But no way in hell an LG plasma is better than most LCD's, plus it depends on your lighting conditions.

Anyway, back on topic. Panasonic really needs to fix their pricing here in Canada -- a TCP50G10 goes for less than 1400 in the US and it costs over 2500 here in Canada.

+1
And Yes I am an LCD fanboy, because I couldn't afford the Kuro pricetag :mad:

[HockeyFan]

+1
And Yes I am an LCD fanboy, because I couldn't afford the Kuro pricetag :mad:

Speaking of which, people can still order kuros from the USA if they want.

I was looking at the Panasonic G15 and FS currently has the 46" for $2199. I didn't see it on bhp's website. I wonder if they'll list it soon.

[RabidRabbit]

I bought one of these (S1) two months ago from www.6ave.com for $1269.99

Cheapest I have seen in Canada is $1999.99, there is no duty as it is made in Mexico.

[RabidRabbit]

I am trying to look for proof before I go pick up my TV in the U.S. If anyone finds proof, like from a panasonic website or something that we can print and bring down please let us know, so for the future people won't have problems.

All Panasonic Plasmas for sale in North America are made (final assembly) in Mexico.

[Magoomba]

Forget the S1, get the G10.
On sale now at Buy.com for USD$1,259.99
http://www.buy.com/prod/panasonic-tc-p50g10-50-widescreen-1080p-plasma-hdtv-2-000-000-1/q/loc/111/210808015.html?dcaid=15890

[MbMike]

Found this last night it seems that there was a price dropped yesterday or the day before.

http://www.us-appliance.com/tcp50g15.html (http://www.us-appliance.com/tcp50g10.html)

The model up from the G10 (a little newer and a few more features) and $50 cheaper than the other deal. I'm thinking about pulling the trigger on this one.

I called Canada Customs last night to ask what the duty should be and was told that it would be 5%, I mentioned the fact that Panasonics were assembled in Mexico but she told me that it was basically up the the customs officer and what he decides, you can always apply to get the duty back afterwards. I don't think 5% is a deal breaker.



Mike


hmmm... bringing this post back to life...

Panasonic VIERA G10 Series TC-P50G10 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001UAEWUS/ref=s9_simx_gw_s0_p23_t1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-1&pf_rd_r=0YPMNBKQAPKH2PXBZW51&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938131&pf_rd_i=507846

$1297 (there was a deal with a bluray for free, but it's dead).. this is about $1600 cdn give or take.. if all you need to do is pay the taxes on it to bring it back from the US, that would make it about $1825... it sells for $2699 at bestbuy... seems hot if you have an amerifriend?

[Winkle]

even an LG plasma is going to be better than almost every LCD


Different technologies, it really depends on what you're mainly using the TV for... plasmas and LCDs each have their own strengths.

[mtlboy]

Found this last night it seems that there was a price dropped yesterday or the day before.

http://www.us-appliance.com/tcp50g15.html (http://www.us-appliance.com/tcp50g10.html)

The model up from the G10 (a little newer and a few more features) and $50 cheaper than the other deal. I'm thinking about pulling the trigger on this one.

I called Canada Customs last night to ask what the duty should be and was told that it would be 5%, I mentioned the fact that Panasonics were assembled in Mexico but she told me that it was basically up the the customs officer and what he decides, you can always apply to get the duty back afterwards. I don't think 5% is a deal breaker.



Mike


I am going to pick up my tv early next week, and I want to bring down a print out of proof that the tvs are assembled in mexico, still looking for something legitimate online that says it. Or maybe on the packaging it says it, who knows.

[thegradas]

Who's offering the international warranty? How much is it?


Viper, I want to thank you for this! I called and confirmed them and they do ship to Canada! For a 50" G10 with shipping and with 3 year extended international warranty (Canada too), it works out to be $2,000 CAD, save $700 from Best Buy! I know you can save more if you can take advantage of a parcel service and pick it up yourself, but I live in Alberta and apparantly there's no service in Montana or anything.

Thanks again!

[Spatzi]

You can also buy the 50" G15, which is a slightly thinner model than the G10 at Futureshop, and it's even cheaper at $2199 CAD. When I added the costs of ordering from the US: including shipping of $260, gst, brokerage fees, possible duty fees... it's really not worth it anymore. You can buy the G15 for $2462 CAD (taxes included), so I'd save maybe $200 CAD by ordering a G10 from the US, but would not even have a warranty that works for Canada. For $200 savings, this is not worth it to lose the warranty and deal with the cross border hassles should something go wrong with the set.

[pete]

You can also buy the 50" G15, which is a slightly thinner model than the G10 at Futureshop, and it's even cheaper at $2199 CAD. When I added the costs of ordering from the US: including shipping of $260, gst, brokerage fees, possible duty fees... it's really not worth it anymore. You can buy the G15 for $2462 CAD (taxes included), so I'd save maybe $200 CAD by ordering a G10 from the US, but would not even have a warranty that works for Canada. For $200 savings, this is not worth it to lose the warranty and deal with the cross border hassles should something go wrong with the set.


the G10 was $2149 at the BB online sale as well.... price dropped $550 in a few weeks

[thegradas]

If shipped to Canada:
US$(1279+260) x CAD1.10/US$ x 1.13(PST + GST) = CAD1912 + brokerage

If shipped to a warehouse near the border:
US$(1279) x CAD1.10/US$ x 1.13(PST + GST) = CAD1590 + US$27 + US$1.50/day + gas

For warranty, one can buy the Mack 3-yr (US$164) or 5-yr (US$214) international



You can also buy the 50" G15, which is a slightly thinner model than the G10 at Futureshop, and it's even cheaper at $2199 CAD. When I added the costs of ordering from the US: including shipping of $260, gst, brokerage fees, possible duty fees... it's really not worth it anymore. You can buy the G15 for $2462 CAD (taxes included), so I'd save maybe $200 CAD by ordering a G10 from the US, but would not even have a warranty that works for Canada. For $200 savings, this is not worth it to lose the warranty and deal with the cross border hassles should something go wrong with the set.

[Drew_W]

Forget the S1, get the G10.
On sale now at Buy.com for USD$1,259.99
http://www.buy.com/prod/panasonic-tc-p50g10-50-widescreen-1080p-plasma-hdtv-2-000-000-1/q/loc/111/210808015.html?dcaid=15890

$10 more gets you the 50G15 at US Appliance. Nice try though lol.

[ice168]

If shipped to Canada:
US$(1279+260) x CAD1.10/US$ x 1.13(PST + GST) = CAD1912 + brokerage

If shipped to a warehouse near the border:
US$(1279) x CAD1.10/US$ x 1.13(PST + GST) = CAD1590 + US$27 + US$1.50/day + gas

For warranty, one can buy the Mack 3-yr (US$164) or 5-yr (US$214) international

Brokerage fee is $80 last time I checked.
Plus you are getting a 3yr warranty vs FS/BB's 1yr

Just checked FS's 50G15, still show $2400
BB's 50G10 $2300

[thegradas]

more savings for the people! :)


Brokerage fee is $80 last time I checked.
Plus you are getting a 3yr warranty vs FS/BB's 1yr

Just checked FS's 50G15, still show $2400
BB's 50G10 $2300