Buying a new TV

[Vulcan]

I've noticed sometimes this place has decent prices but I don't know what their shipping charges are like or much else about them. It's also good to pricematch when dealing, so this place may come in handy.

http://www.gibbysaudiovideo.com/-c-24_28_181.html

[OBCT]

Something else I'm reading about (in this thread from another forum) is the possibility of buying online direct from an American etailer, and simply eating the extra shipping, duty and taxes. One poster even mentioned that in lieu of the negated manufacturer's warranty that comes with shipping across the border, many etailers offer international extended warranties (through a company like Mack) at reasonable rates.

Not sure if this interests you, but it is something to think about. I would definitely phone or email the website beforehand, tell them what you're thinking of doing, and find out what their policies are for international purchases of large electronics (including shipping insurance, etc.).

[Boblobla]

I am out of thanks for the day, so THANKS

[Galakanokis]

Originally Posted by Boblobla

I am just worried about the ceiling fan in the room and how it would limit a projector. I would LOVE to get an HD projector because I am a contractor and a projector is a business expense .

Damn fans!

Some where I have some info on a couple of projectors ones Panasonic can't remember the other, Sanyo I think that can do extremely short throws. Less than 3 feet short throws. Not sure on the resolution though, might not be a 1920 by 1080 resolution.

If you spend a little extra you can get projectors that have wide angle lens. I am putting one in shortly that does between 100" to 130" from about 9' away. This projector would blow your budget but there might be some out there.

Aboutprojectors.com projectorcentral.com might have something you could work with depending on where your fan is. Not all projectors have to be completely in line with the screen as well.

Stewart film screens are the way to go for the screen.

It might be time to upgrade my TV with all this talk...

[Ironhorse]

My dad has decided to join the 21st century, and purchase a new TV. We've already determined it will be an LCD, and be around the 40" size.

What can you guys recommend on a budget of around $1200-$1500?

On a slightly related note, we're also looking for a BlueRay player and audio receiver. He's hoping to spend around $2000 on the whole setup.

[Russic]

Originally Posted by Ironhorse

My dad has decided to join the 21st century, and purchase a new TV. We've already determined it will be an LCD, and be around the 40" size.

What can you guys recommend on a budget of around $1200-$1500?

On a slightly related note, we're also looking for a BlueRay player and audio receiver. He's hoping to spend around $2000 on the whole setup.

You can get a 42" sharp Aquos for around $1200. I know that LG typically gets ripped on by people, but the two guys I've known that have bought them love them, and they are typically quite a bit easier on the wallet.

Don't forget that if your dad is joining the HD revolution he'll have to purchase an HD digital box that will either run him $500+ or up his cable bill by $20-$30 (once he subscribes to the channels).

[Vulcan]

Yeah, I've got two LGs and have been happy with them and they are priced right. They both have 120hz which helps with fast moving sports.

Samsung LCDs and Panasonic Plasmas are considered the TVs to get right now but I find them overpriced in Canada, especially if you are looking at their middle to top end units. Others to look at are Sony and Sharp, and Toshiba seems to be making a comeback from their bad rep a couple of years ago. Vizio are cheap and popular too, although I know little about them. Read reviews and get owners feedback from sites such as digital home canada AVScience forum and CNET. Watch for deals and don't be afraid to bargain. Educate yourself so you know what you want to look for and then go to a store and examing them although the store models are set up for bright lighting you won't have at home, so take what you see with a grain of salt because when you get it home and properly set it up it won't look the same. Should be some sales for Canada Day.

[Bobblehead]

I was in looking at TVs at Visions last weekend. I wish they would show some hockey for their demos, just to see some fast moving sports since that is a requirement.

[Thor]

The people who frequent Redflagdeals usually find the best deals and sadly I missed your post until now, this TV was on for $3999 and its simply amazing:

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pro...0106344&catid=

I'm a big fan of Projectors, we're talking here about 50-60" TVs and with a room your size you have the possibility of going well over 100" and nothing beats that.

The only downside is the install, the fact you have 2500-3500hrs lamp time, but if you can afford $300 every 1 to 1 1/2 yrs for a bulb its simply blows away every LCD or Plasma for experience.

Size matters so much, and yes so does quality but you can now get Infocus 1080 projector here online in Canada for only 1399, which is simply nuts.

Edit: its 1449 now, still great deal:

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...&Sku=I427-2128

As long as you can control the light in your room, especially if the window is behind you, a projector is in my opinon the best bang for the buck. The image will blow you away, you can skip a screen and just paint the wall where you project the image, something like screen goo (but dont buy that, look online for DIY projector wall paint).

Also if you buy mounts, cables, etc... www.monoprice.com !

[Thor]

Bah just re read your room size, definately too small for it to be worthwhile.

TV it is!

[ricosuave]

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pro...81&catid=23527

[3 Justin 3]

Get Plasma. 60" of either Samsung, Pioneer, Sharp, or Panasonic (I hate Sony tv's).

For $4,000 you should be able to get a superb tv, but I think you could get one for $2500-3000 for something close, if not the exact same.

As for warrenties, I would say wait til Boxing Day, then buy the tv, but I am sure you don't want to wait 6 months. I say this because I bought my new Pioneer receiver at Bestbuy last boxing day and got a 4 year extended warranty for $1. He said "Do you want the extended warranty?" I said "no", he said "I will give it to you for a $1." I said "ok then". That was a receiver, and Pioneer, but still, the people in front of me got a $2000 tv and the guy gave them 4 years for a $1 too.

Either way, the point is, is haggle them. Your going to be buying a $4000 tv potentially, screw cables (monoprice.com), get something good, someone I know got a free Xbox 360 controller and 2 games. Haggle the warranty for like $20 for 4 years, etc.

[sa226]

For whatever you get I would suggest shopping at Visions. Somebody already mentioned the money back extended warranty, but visions also has a 60 day money back guarantee, instead of 30 days which most other stores have.

Also the prices are somewhat negotiable, (I got a $900 TV for $700) I think they are more interested in moving product than anything. Where as Best Buy and Futureshop have fixed prices and you have to wait for a sale if you have any hope of getting it cheaper.

[Thor]

I just got a 50" Panasonic Plasma for about $1200 CAD, I have to drive 30 mins to south of where I am now (Vancouver) to pick it up in Washington, but still, Future shop has it for sale price of 2399.

http://www.us-appliance.com/tcp50s1.html

[WindomURL]

That's a smoking deal, Thor!
I'd choose that Panny plasma over any LCD under $2000 for sure.

I've passed the link on to a relative who lives in Vancouver too.

[3 Justin 3]

Originally Posted by Thor

I just got a 50" Panasonic Plasma for about $1200 CAD, I have to drive 30 mins to south of where I am now (Vancouver) to pick it up in Washington, but still, Future shop has it for sale price of 2399.

http://www.us-appliance.com/tcp50s1.html

When you brought it back up, what did customs say? I often think of driving down to Montana to buy one, among other things.

[Thor]

Originally Posted by 3 Justin 3

When you brought it back up, what did customs say? I often think of driving down to Montana to buy one, among other things.

Haven't picked it up yet, however since over 80% of this TV is made in Mexico they can't throw duty on it, so just pst/gst on this set.

There's a thread about this on Redflagdeals, I think 3 of us in the Vancouver area have ordered, one should have his hopefully soon so if there are any snags he can tell us.

http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/s...d.php?t=759361

Can't recommend enough just checking out Redflagdeals daily, sooo many ridiculous deals and freebies like the maxim 1yr free subscription. People on these forums are hardcore bargain hunters.

Sadly it will make you poor.