Which RPTV should I get - you decide? (1 Viewer)

[JohnKings]

Here are the competitors and the prices I can get them. May the best TV win!

Panasonic PT53WX42 - $1,499

Hitachi 51SWX20B - $2,199

Sony KP51WS500 - $1,800

Toshiba 50HDX82 - $1,850

So which one Should I get?

John

 

[MikeM]

John, where are you located?

I think you'll get the most bang for your buck with the Hitachi 51SWX20B, however, you can do a lot better on that price.

If we know your location, maybe some of us can point you in the direction of some local deals...let us know, k!

 

[greg_t]

Pioneer SD533 or SD643

 

[JohnKings]

Mike:

I live in the Lehigh Valley, Eastern Pennsylvania. I would be really suprised if you can find that TV significantly cheaper. I can't even find a reputable place online that sells them new for that price. Are you sure you are not thinking of the UWX series? Most retailers are selling the 51SWX20B for 2,499 And the lowest price I can find for it online is $2,199 from PAC-2000.

Anyway, thanks for the help it is greatly appreciated!

John

 

[MikeM]

John, about 5 months ago, I was able to pick up the 57TWX20B for $2400. That's the TWX (better screen, enhanced cabinet) AND the 57" model! That's why I saw your original posted price of $2199 and thought it seemed quite high. This will vary by location, but your best bet is to haggle from a smaller local authorized dealer as opposed to Circuit City, etc. That's how I got mine.

Punching in the dealer locator from Hitachi's web site, and your ZIP, there are a lot of authorized dealers in your area for the specific TV you're looking for. Here's a sample of them within just 25 miles.
Good luck.

Search by US Zip Code*18001

19th Street Audio
532 19th Street
Allentown, PA 18104
610-434-8833
3.37 miles

Audio Images
2337 MacArthur Road
Whitehall, PA 18052
610-437-1200
4.56 miles

CIRCUIT CITY #949
1055 GRAPE STREET
WHITEHALL, PA 18052
(610) 266-6166
4.56 miles

Palmer Audio Video
1710 MacArthur Road
Whitehall, PA 18052
610-820-6377
4.56 miles

SEARS #1154
1259 WHITEHALL MALL
WHITEHALL MALL
WHITEHALL, PA 18052
(610) 776-2200
4.56 miles

Artistic Video & Sound
344 So. 3rd Street
Route 309
Coopersburg, PA 18036
610-282-0632
6.16 miles

Harvey's TV
5964 Nor-Bath Blvd.
Bath, Northamption, PA 18014
610-837-8825
12.29 miles

Boscov's
121 Palmer Park Mall
Easton, PA 18045
(610) 250-2772
12.72 miles

Saul's TV
1041 E. Philadelphia Avenue
Gilbertsville, PA 19525
610-367-2472
20.20 miles

Boscov's
Route 724
Coventry Mall
Pottstown, PA 19464
(610) 327-8080
24.10 miles

SEARS #2484
RT 100 & RT 724
COVENTRY MALL
POTTSTOWN, PA 19464
(610) 327-6000
24.10 miles

 

[Kami]

If it were me I'd probably get the 53" Panasonic and spend the saved money on a ISF calibration because I hear Panny's can look really great calibrated (and not so great out of the box). It's the biggest of the bunch too.

If you needed 720p and DVI support I'd go for the Toshiba then.

 

[Michael De Costa]

John,

I have a Toshiba, it's the 57", and I love it. The only other set I liked more was the Pioneer Elite. The Toshiba puts out a great picture and I have yet to even get it calibrated. Definitely check into better prices on the sets your looking at. Many retailers will discount the sets further or throw in an extended warranty if you haggle. I got mine at 6th Ave Electronics in NJ. Great place to pay less than sticker......

 

[kevin_hart]

The Toshiba sets over the last 18 months have gone totally down hill in quality. A buddy of mine purchased a Panasonic and I ended up helping him pullit out of his basement 4 times in one year for service before the delaer replaced it with a different brand. So in my mind you are down to the Hitachi and the Sony, both great sets, but not with out their problems (check out http://www.keohi.com/keohihdtv/index.htm for more details on this). The nice thing with the Hitachi is the cabinet, with the Sony if you have a large center channel speaker ther is no where to put it (???) but, the Sony is cheaper.

Anyways there is my two cents.

 

[Kami]

Kevin, that is what we not-so-lovingly refer to as a lemon. An isolated incident. That's all you really see when reading message boards like this, but don't be fooled....the vast majority of TVs out there work just fine.

Pick something and be happy with it