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First Plasma/LCD purchase ever - a few questions..

My budget is under $1k and considering 37" - 42" sizes.

Any issues buying from Best Buy?
Any issues buying open stock/demo to save $$?
BB salesman told me I need to have the TV professionally calibrated on a regular basis. Can I DIY this process instead?
Plasma and LCD - does one require more maintenance (calibration) than the other?
And of course, the salesman wants me to buy the top-of-the-line warranty service. I've never ever bought any extended warranty on anything in my life. But is this, or any costly service contract, necessary for these TVs (plasma/lcd)?

I'd be happy to hear about your experiences related to these questions.

Thank you (in advance).
rockadanny

Showing 1 response by 55dok

55dok
162 posts
 
You can go to the home theater forums and AVS forums (audio visual forums) as well as some on-line reviews to get the proper settings for many plasma and LCD TV's. Or, as suggested above, you can get a calibration DVD. I would not spend the money on ISF calibrations and extended warranties. I still like the large plasma TVs (50" and over) better than LCDs but the differences are getting smaller all the time. Plasmas use more energy but have better blacks and LCDs are better in bright roooms. If you go 50" or larger try a panasonic plasma or pioneer kuro. If you are going for a 40'-46' try the samsung LCDs. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preferences. If you live in NJ/NY check the 6ave circulars as they are clearing out plasmas (58" panasonics for around $2500 and 50" sets for $1000 OR LESS DEPENDING UPON WHETHER THEY ARE 720 OR 1080 SETS) or check their website at 6ave.com
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