Entertainment Center: TVs, Stereos, VCRs and DVDs - Floor Model LCD TV

Hi,

There is a Floor Model Insignia 27" LCD TV at one of the big name stores for about $200 less than regular price and I was wondering if anyone has purchased floor models before. Is this a good idea?? Should I get the extended warranty?? This would be my first LCD product, so I want to know what are the things to look out for.

Thanks,

sweetboy

If you do buy it, definitely get the extended warranty.

If its a floor display model, it mostly likely has been used quite a bit. I'd ask the store clerk about how many weeks/months it has been used as a display model. Most big box stores of this type have the TV's turned on every minute the store is open. That adds up when you have the set on 12-14 hours a day. Yes, I would definitely get an extended warranty, assuming doing so wouldn't eat up your $200 savings. It would be worth a try to see if the store would give you a free extended warranty.....wouldn't hurt to ask.

Just FYI, Insignia is Best Buy's store brand, and obtaining service or parts down the road could be difficult or impossible. All the more reason to consider an extended warrany.

Yes..I was at Best Buy. Is Insignia a good brand to buy?? What is the difference between HDTV and HD Ready?? I have Directv and they say that I will have to purchase a receiver from them to get HD programming and that TV's don't come with the receiver already in them. I thought that HDTV's had receivers in them. Can someone clarify??

Thanks,

sweetboy

Sweetboy, Insignia is a "house brand" of Best Buy's. The Insignia brand is produced by various second-tier Asian manufacturers. I believe Insignia would rank definitely a step lower in quality than a product from a well-known manufacturer. Just be aware that service may be non-existent!

Your Direct TV will require a HD box, as that is a different signal than the analog signal your Direct TV is now providing. True HDTV's DO have a built-in tuner to permit them to receive over-the-air HD programming. But when you use an HDTV with satellite or cable services, then you have to use the "box" they provide. When used with cable or satellite services, the TV's built-in HD tuner is not utilized.

Not all HD capable TV's have HD tuners built in. Many of them, especially the smaller sizes, cannot receive a HD signal without the addition of an outboard HD tuner or with the use of a HD box from the cable or satellite company. I believe "HD Ready" refers to those TV's that lack the built in HD tuner.

So since I have to purchase Directv's "box" does it matter whether I buy a "HD Ready" TV or "HDTV" TV?? Is one better than the other?? Looking for Pro's and Con's...

Thanks,

sweetboy

You will pay alot more to have a HD tuner/converter built in. It is more economical to just get a HD READY set. Quality is the same.