Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater extended warranties and other things padding bill

I just purchased a PS3 and Pioneer pdp5080hd, but the TV won't arrive until next week on Friday though. When I was purchasing both of these items they were trying to sell me other things as well. They wanted to sell me an extended warranty for both, an expensive hdmi cable and a power conditioner. As people suggested, on a different thread that I started, it is a waste of money to buy a $100 monster hdmi cable that Best Buy is suggesting that you buy to get the best picture possible.

1. Is there any truth to getting a power conditioner to help get a better picture from a plasma and extend its life?

2. Is it a good idea to get extended warranties for these items?

Or are these just a few ways for these companies to pad the bill?

- Nick

Nick, as I pointed out in a previous thread, user reports(especially in Consumer Reports)indicate that both LCD and plasma sets have been very reliable(about 3% needed repairs in the first three years). CR suggests, and I certainly agree, that purchase of an extended warranty isn't cost-effective. Save your money on this and the rest of the high(or enormous)profit margin stuff that they're pushing.

i've gotten extended warranties on some items. things to consider. how long is the manufacturer's warranty? where is the closest service centre? ex: had purchased a Westinghouse TV a year ago and closest service center was in Las Vegas (i live in Ottawa Canada) so in this case it made sense. bought some hard drives, didn't get the warranty because i get 5 years through manufacturer and worse comes to worse i pay $15 bucks shipping to get it fixed. Also many credit card companies will double the extended warranty. Bought a Samsung LED DLP this year...didn't get the warranty cause i get 1 year manufacturer and MC doubles my warranty..plus lots of local service centers. I will say though the few times i've had to use my extended warranties from bestbuy or futureshop i've had no trouble at all... just my 2 cents

I agree with John on the warranty for the plasma. Plasmas and LCDs are quite reliable now.

I doubt that a 'power conditioner' would improve picture quality. I would be more concerned about power surges and what they might do to your nice new tv. I am planning to use the surge protection and power conditioning capabilities of a UPC to protect my tv and provide shutdown power for my pc (in the event of power failure).

Fred

I have read various reviews that state the reviewer saw an improved clarity to the picture while using power conditioners. I myself tried my PF60 with my 40" Samsung LCD just to see if I could see any difference.......None, Nada, zip, zilch, no improvement at all in PQ for me.

JohnK,

Yes, remember this comment from the previous thread and it is a very good source that you have. But, I tend to over-research things. I only settled on the Pioneer after reading 4 magazine reviews and several online reviews saying that this is tv has the best picture in its price class even vs. 1080p sets.

- Nick

fredk,

Yes, I did upgrade my surge protector to a Trip Lite 10 outlet surge protector. I found it for about $79 on amazon.com. I used to have a cheap $10 one that I have been a little bit worried about actually working if it had to so I finally upgraded.

- Nick