Extended Warranties on RPTV's

Kalvin · 04-30-2003, 11:28 PM

are they worth it? i'm assuming a tv has minimal moving parts, and it's been my experience that if there is a defect with solid-state electronics...it will surface within the first year.

Wesley S · 04-30-2003, 11:38 PM

We got it on our 36" CRT. Paid for itself within the first 2 days. Tech had to come out and adjust the voltage as the picture was blurry. I asked how much this visit would have cost us and he said around $150. 4 year service plan was $100.

Also I've always wondered why people say if there is going to be a problem it'll be within the first year? I mean doesn't things wear out after the first year also? What makes things "surface" within the first year? I'm curious more or less as to I see this brought up frequently.

Man-Fai Wong · 05-01-2003, 03:51 AM

I believe the idea of 1st year (or 1st month or 2 for other gears) is mostly refering to actual defects, not normal "wear and tear". PLUS the manufacturer warranty typically covers that long, so that's what matters when considering an EW.

Also, I'm not sure about the numbers, but in this other current thread, some even suggest that "durable goods" are generally designed for 8 years of useful life (or there abouts):

http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htfo...hreadid=138238

OTOH, I have no idea how good a $100 4-year plan can possibly be unless we're talking non-HD direct-view. I paid essentially $250 for mine from Best Buy for a $1700 RPTV. Also, I get the impression that HD RPTVs are more likely to die prematurely than non-HD direct-views, which is partly why I made the exception to get the EW plan.

Personally, I think it's probably worth it if the EW essentially costs <=15% of the price of the TV upgrade/replacement you would need if the TV dies prematurely. Remember that you can almost certainly haggle a little more when you buy the EW, so the essential cost of the EW can likely be lower than its original stated cost. And also, you'll likely get better service and future help from the store if you buy the EW.

_Man_



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