Phillips HDTV

[SoCalCaz]

I am thinking of getting this TV: Phillips 34 inch widscreen (http://www.outlet.philips.com/b2c_redesign/b2c/productdetail.do?productguid=41907ABB9A6F008D00000000828BD4724108CBF2AD2A031600000000828BD443&productarea=41907ABB9A6F008D00000000828BD472&scenario=catalog&shop=OUTLET) I have never bought a TV before, always got "hand me downs". I am ready to finally pull the trigger on a mid level theater set up. I want a HDTV and this seems like a good price, but I am not sure about the brand in general or the specs on this particular television. I would appreciate any advice. Thanks!

[ride2bhi]

Welcome to the boards SoCalCaz... Too bad you missed out on the 32" deal that was here last month. Could have saved you some coin. If you search for Phillips HDTV there are a couple reviews of that model. Good luck.

[Agent Plissken]

Are those Panisonic refurbs still available on the cheap? Anyone? Anyone?
*edit Ooops I mean Philips refurbs

[thekidrocks]

Philips refurbs are decent deals. You need to bookmark their widescreen refurb page and check it from time to time. They have been running several 30" widescreen deals that are really good. I've bought 2 Philips 30" sets, one higher-end for around $460/470, and the other was the famous $359 special. The cheaper one honestly has a better picture!

As for Panasonic refurbs, I don't know about the source for those. Panasonic sure beats Philips hands down!

[Bires]

I have the refurb 30" widescreen Philips set (for $359). For the price, it's unbeatable.

Unfortunately, it has become very vulnerable to interference and scan lines in the past 2 weeks (six weeks since I got it). I'm not ready to call the unit bad yet, since it was so inexpensive and I have tons of HT/HTPC cables behind the unit.

[AlpineJay]

My refurb was DOA. That just about did it for my Philips experience - not picking one up unless the price is great and if I can pick it up in person. It was quite difficult for me to get the item sent back after the courier just left.

[SoCalCaz]

Well I was at Costco the other day and there was a returned Phillips HDTV ready for $499 mark down from $599 (dude thought it had HD tuner). I was a little cautious about making the purchase until I learned that Costco will let you return any item (except for computers) for any reason....for life! That's rad! The TV is working great so far, I figure when I am ready for baller status I will return the TV and use the duckets on a fatty plasma. Thanks for the help.

[bachviet]

.... I was a little cautious about making the purchase until I learned that Costco will let you return any item (except for computers) for any reason....for life! ...
That's why my next big screen purchase will be from Costco. :D

[sdpsdca]

Get a Panasonic 50 " Plasma, you can get the for as low as $3400 on the internet, thats where I bought mine and I love it. Panasoic has the darkest blacks of any plasma.

[kimchicowboy]

My refurb was DOA. That just about did it for my Philips experience - not picking one up unless the price is great and if I can pick it up in person. It was quite difficult for me to get the item sent back after the courier just left.
i was reading about how these philips refurb. units are junk and not worth the cheap price.

[civicdidex]

i agree, not worth it...cant get philips hdtv display to work with my comp

[thekidrocks]

Just a note to confirm what everyone expects from the Philips sets. I finally gave up on the carp-box higher-end Philips 30" widescreen set.

I bought the one with the HDMI input, which is now around $418 delivered. I could NOT get a decent picture out of it! The image size shifted more than any known-brand set I've seen in stores - which is bad when watching a 4:3 picture with the sides bowing in. Never had clean text - major blooming of bright whites even when the contrast was set way down.

Well I unloaded it in my garage sale for $300. Glad to see it's gone.

I also have the $359 special of the same size... Ironically it has a far better picture.

[Bires]

My $359 special from last spring is still a great set. Like I said above I have to play with the component video cable to avoid light static lines, but it really is the best $380 (tax) I've spent this year. :shrug: