RCA 36" 1080i HDTV $979 @Costco B&M

[ghankerson]

I've been looking for a decent 36" tube TV and I just found this guy at Costco. It's the cheapest larger screen HDTV I've seen. They told me they started carrying them about a month ago. Vertical resolution is 1080i and it is supposed to have an RGB or maybe a USB hookup. I didn't get the model number but it look just like this 32" RCA that Best Buy carries for $1399. LINK

Is this a deal or what? I am going to buy it after work, oh, it is at my local Phoenix Costco, NOT at Costco.com.

 

[Oxonium]

I wish there was a Costco near me so I could go check this out.

 

[ghankerson]

My parents just paid $2200 for a 36" Sony Wega and I can't really tell the difference in picture quality. I am off to buy it now, somebody please stop me!

 

[Joel Kleppinger]

Gotta like the VGA inputs. I've been keeping an eye out for a cheap TV w/ VGA inputs @ 800x600 or better for some time now. Of course, this one is still out of my range (but at least closer )

 

[mflacy]

What's the model number?

I might drive up to Charlotte for this deal.

 

[ghankerson]

Didn't get that. But I went to RCA's and this is what I found:

(Keep in mind I am not positive this is the model but it looks exactly like it and has the same specs)

LINK (RETAIL IS $1699)

Product Features: 36" diagonal Digital High-Definition Monitor

HDTV Monitor*:
- 1080i Capable
- 800 x 1080i Pixel Resolution

Up to 864,000 Pixels

1080i Display of High-Definition Signals

Progressive Scan Up Conversion

Anamorphic Mode

3-Line Digital Comb Filter

Advanced Twin Tuner? Picture-In-Picture (NTSC Only)

SYNCROSCAN? HD Component Video Inputs

SRS (?) Focus® Audio Technology

Six Sets of Audio/Video Inputs

GUIDE Plus+ GOLD? On-Screen Program Guide

*See Manufacturer's Product Specs for More Information

 

[mflacy]

Are you sure it's a HDTV? If it is this model: Link to F36715 then it's not a HDTV and the price is the same as everywhere else.

If it's this model: Link to D36120 then this is a SMOKING deal.

They both look the same.

 

[ghankerson]

POSITIVE it's HD. It was hooked up to an HD Dishnetwork box and I chatted with the Costco dude for 15 minutes. He said it was a killer deal and they sell out fast. They only have 1 left so I am going to get it right now. I'll let you know how it looks...

 

[mflacy]

Cool. Also when you get back, please post the model number so I can start calling stores.

Thanks!

 

[puppyfriend]

It's a great TV. I've had the Hitachi version of it for a couple of years. Same basic TV just with two VGA inputs and vertical squeeze. I looked at them all when I got mine and although the RCAs don't have as good specs, dot pitch etc, they look the best some how. If you go to a store and do a side by side with the Panasonics and Sonys, there's no contest. I got lucky because I got mine for $999 from Amazon a couple of years ago when they were $2200-$2500. It did cost $200 bucks to ship though.

DVDs look great on it with a HTPC or a progressive player. But you'll be amazed when you hook it up to a HDTV decoder.

David

 

[billtmore]

Well the PRICE is terrific...but check out consumer reports reliability data on GE,RCA,Proscan...all of them Thomson consumer electronics...Nuff said!!!

 

[Slacker]

The costco near me (fairfax va) has two of them, definitely hdtv, $979.00

 

[mflacy]

<< The costco near me (fairfax va) has two of them, definitely hdtv, $979.00 >>



I don't suppose you remember the model number?

 

[Slacker]

Sorry, I didnt notice, are you looking for a costco unique sku or do you need to know if it is the D36120? it is definitely the D36120.

 

[CaseyAZ]

<< Same basic TV just with two VGA inputs and vertical squeeze >>



Does it look like the MM36110 back panel?

RCA MM36110 back panel

RCA D36120 back panel

Sorry I don't know how to actually post the images so they show up in the post.

 

[ghankerson]

Yah, it's the D36120. As we speak I am looking at my new HDTV hooked up to my computer. Surprisingly, I can read text NO problem from 8 feet away with little bluriness. My 27" TV sucked hooked up to the computer. I am using the S-video out right now. The RGB out should be clearer once I figure out how to hook it up. It came with an RGB to RGB plug and an RGB to 3 RCA Component outs too. The games look perfect like Max Payne! I don't see a reason to use my 19" CRT anymore, a 36" monitor is MUCH better. Now I need a bigger entertainment center to hold this 190lb thing.

CaseyAZ
It has the D36120 back panel with 1 RGB input.

I never thought I could love a TV. I missed it when I went to the bar.

 

[RobsTV]

Get the extended warranty. If you didn't, go back and get one.
If they don't sell extended warranty, call some warranty places to see if you can purchase one.
Also, renew the extended warranty every time it is due.
You "WILL" need it within the first year or two (out of warranty RCA's are what pays my bills).
I hate extended warranties, and in 99.9% of the time they are a waste of money.
But not in the case of RCA/GE/Proscan.
The price is low for a reason. And, I am an expert RCA tech, so not someone just blowing smoke.

 

[Hugenstein]

Best Buy still has the Toshiba 43H71 Projection HDTV-Ready for $1299 ending today. Fry's also has the same TV for $1299 until next week.

 

[Hgabriel]

ALERT!!!

Hey guys, you should not buy this or any HDTV right now. All of them are going to be useless in about a year when the they start broadcasting the HDTV signal in new encryption. You won't be able to upgrade your decoder box either. All the decrption technology will have to be built into the TV. It sucks big time, but that is the way it is going to be.

 

[mdetz]

<< Hey guys, you should not buy this or any HDTV right now. All of them are going to be useless in about a year when the they start broadcasting the HDTV signal in new encryption. You won't be able to upgrade your decoder box either. All the decrption technology will have to be built into the TV. It sucks big time, but that is the way it is going to be. >>



IIRC, this same thing was said about non-HDTVs maybe ~4 to 5 years ago. I would be concerned if we were talking about a +$2000 tv, but this one is only $979. That is only a few hundred more than a regular 36". If you need a new tv anyways, you might as well get this one. Besides, its an RCA, so it will probably die before incompatability will even be an issue

And don't forget that costco takes AMEX, so there's your extended warranty, and if by some miracle you can find it cheaper somewhere else...

 

[Blindman]

what is the sku number on this?