Would you buy a refurb LCD HDTV?

[Known Unsoldier]

I'm in the market for a 42" LCD HDTV. I love this Philips model (42PF9731D), which happened to be on an unnamed website today for an amazing price ($1200). Problem is it's a refurb, obviously. I've had no problems with other kinds of refurbished electronics (digital camera, DVD burner, surround sound receiver), but LCD's seem to be more delicate as far as wear and tear is concerned ("dead pixels", burn-in, light seepage, etc). I must say, though, that this offer is very tempting to me. The $175 shipping cost is kind of lame, though.

Anyhoo:

http://www.consumer.philips.com/consume...MER&productId=42PF9731D_37_US_CONSUMER


Anyone?

 

[BernardP]

Originally posted by: Known Unsoldier
....but LCD's seem to be more delicate as far as wear and tear is concerned ("dead pixels", burn-in, light seepage, etc)

It is probably "refurb" because it was returned for having one of the defects you list. The thing is, none of these defects can be corrected in a refurbishing operation, because they are integral to the LCD panel structure and basically unfixable.

Could it be that the "unnamed web site" knows you are going to return the TV and are trying to make some money off the inflated shipping charge?

I would not spend any money for a refurb or open-box LCD TV/monitor, because the risk seems too high of getting a bad panel. Only maybe if I could buy it at a B&M store with a full Satisfaction Guaranteed return policy. But certainly not online.

 

[Known Unsoldier]

What you say is true -- a refurb'd LCD like that is a major risk, no doubt. My inner frugality, pragmatism, and common sense are battling eachother right now.

 

[imported_Imp]

Also nay. Many people who would proceed to purchase and return an LCD of that size are likely those who are very critical of their panel quality. That is, as you said, panels with many dead pixels, dead center corpses or very piss-poor backlighting. This is especially true for BB stores, and these stores probably ship them all back to the manufacturer. You can gamble, but $175 x2 is a bit too much...

 

[crispy2010]

Tv is just something you dont gamble on, I say nay!

 

[Known Unsoldier]

I have also said nay to the scheme. But damnit if that price didn't momentarily wet my whistle!

 

[Skott]

My rule of thumb is never buy anything electronic refurbished. Why buy something that was broken? And thats really what it was was broken. Granted the manufacturer fixed it and all but once broken there's that chance it'll break again. But thats just how I am. Penny pinchers may feel otherwise.