Advice needed, LCD TV purchase

[Goomph]

Hi folks,

I am going to US for a few weeks soon and planning to grab an LCD TV, 46" size.

I am concentrating on Samsung A630 or Sony V5100.. They seem to be the best purchases for my budget ..... Are there any Toshibas which are more or les equivalent to those two ? Toshiba TV's are a tad cheaper and if they are the same quality I do not mind grabbing one. Based on what I read in other parts of the forums here Sharp seems to be a no go, and there isn't really anything else out there worth considering right ? It is a big expense for me and I want to get it right ......

Your help and gidance would be very appreciated ....

Thanks !

[loybond]

The A650/630 is by far the best TV in the group you mentioned. Toshibas are a far cry from it, the Sony is pretty far behind too. I used to review these for a living and the A650 was better than TVs costing a heck of a lot more.

However, I was able to buy the 52" A650 for something around 1900 tax in last October, are you really going to get an awesome price in the States, after paying the state tax, GST+PST at the border, at least 5% duty (since it's not made in North America), the exchange rate and the fact that the warranty won't apply in Canada?

And finally, there are new models out this year, why are you looking for those? Depending on where you're planning on using it (as long as its not in direct sunlight), why not look at a Panasonic plasma? They have this year's version which is really good, a 50" 1080p for around $1087 in the States (Best Buy or something, there's a thread about it here). Pioneers look better than every LCD, and Panasonics better than 95% of LCDs.

[Goomph]

I saw a 40 Inch A630 for 950 usd, taxes in, if I remember correctly 46" was 1350 taxes in (In store prices) . I was looking at them few days ago at bestbuy/futureshop/sears here and those are around 1700 plus taxes here.

So looks like it is going to be more economical to jsut grab it. Don;t we have a tax exemption for 750 dollars after a week or whatever ? I was thinking that I would be paying taxes for the amount above that. There is always the chnace that the custums agent will just wave us through ! I know wishful thinking ...... but it might hapen :)

I considered Plasma seriously but my living room is small and faces south ... And when the sun is out a palsma would be unqatchable. Right now I have a 32" Sony CRT tv right next to the window and the sun/window reflects from it like you won't believe.

[sonic]

word of advie...BUY the EXTENDED warranty.

2 yrs ago we bought a samsung 40 inch LCD...the power supply panel went kaput & it cost us $500- to get fixed.

not sure if the warranty is good if you buy in the states though...:|

[loybond]

I saw a 40 Inch A630 for 950 usd, taxes in, if I remember correctly 46" was 1350 taxes in (In store prices) . I was looking at them few days ago at bestbuy/futureshop/sears here and those are around 1700 plus taxes here.

So looks like it is going to be more economical to jsut grab it. Don;t we have a tax exemption for 750 dollars after a week or whatever ? I was thinking that I would be paying taxes for the amount above that. There is always the chnace that the custums agent will just wave us through ! I know wishful thinking ...... but it might hapen :)

I considered Plasma seriously but my living room is small and faces south ... And when the sun is out a palsma would be unqatchable. Right now I have a 32" Sony CRT tv right next to the window and the sun/window reflects from it like you won't believe.

You know, there are stores other than FS and BB... you'll often find better deals at smaller stores. And if you're willing to go with it, overstock/refurb units are plentiful and very cheap, and from my experience, customer service and quality are just as they should be.

[Goomph]

Hmm, I read the comments and some more on the forums and looks like maybe I should buy one in Canada. My savings depending on the purchase price and having to pay taxes depending on the customs agent seems to be around 0 dollars to 150 at the most according to my calculations. I know that BB's warranty in USA does not extend to Canada .... So that will leave a few stores I can buy it from .....IF I find a really really good deal than I will probably grab it like that 40" Sony V5100 I saw for 799 ..... that would be totally worth it ..... But than again it would have no warranty :(


Thanks for the advice folks ......