How long does a television like this one last? I have a 60 inch Hitachi projection television that Ive owned for the last eleven years with no problems. Before that, of course, I owned the old style televisions. I have no idea how long these televisions last....so what kind of investment is this? Am I going to have to replace this tv in two years? Any help you guys can give me is much appreciated. How long does a television like this one last? I have a 60 inch Hitachi projection television that Ive owned for the last eleven years with no problems. Before that, of course, I owned the old... » Read More How long does a television like this one last? I have a 60 inch Hitachi projection television that Ive owned for the last eleven years with no problems. Before that, of course, I owned the old style televisions. I have no idea how long these televisions last....so what kind of investment is this? Am I going to have to replace this tv in two years? Any help you guys can give me is much appreciated. « Show Less
574223
I can only say that my older 'plasma' started having its first issue after 6 years. I think modern LCD TVs in some respect last longer, perhaps since they produce little heat and don't have that plasma burn in...however the more technology that's put into these tv's, (LED, internet, etc.) the more 'things' that can go wrong. I do believe some manufacturers do a better job than others in build quality....luckily prices for these TVs have gotten generally much more affordable, but Ive never invested over $1500 on a TV, and so if it goes bad in 7-8 yrs I wont be super pissed off. I'll probably be itching for the next better image TV by then anyways. I can only say that my older 'plasma' started having its first issue after 6 years. I think modern LCD TVs in some respect last longer, perhaps since they produce little heat and don't have that plasma burn in...however the more technology that's put into these tv's, (LED, internet, etc.) the more 'things' that can go wrong. I do believe some manufacturers do a better job than others in build quality....luckily prices for these TVs have gotten generally much more affordable, but Ive never invested over $1500 on a TV, and so if it goes bad in 7-8 yrs I wont be super pissed off. I'll probably... » Read More I can only say that my older 'plasma' started having its first issue after 6 years. I think modern LCD TVs in some respect last longer, perhaps since they produce little heat and don't have that plasma burn in...however the more technology that's put into these tv's, (LED, internet, etc.) the more 'things' that can go wrong. I do believe some manufacturers do a better job than others in build quality....luckily prices for these TVs have gotten generally much more affordable, but Ive never invested over $1500 on a TV, and so if it goes bad in 7-8 yrs I wont be super pissed off. I'll probably be itching for the next better image TV by then anyways. « Show Less
574224
In reality there not a whole lot different than an LCD computer screen just larger in size.
574225
According to a "major consumer research agency", 68% of flat panel TVs that have had problems requiring repairs had the problem within the 1st year, when they were typically under warranty. They don't recommend extended warranties on most LCD TVs for that reason.
1917096
We've had ours over a year with no problems and did not purchase warranty. I know Consumer Reports said that new TVs usually last well past their original warranty and don't recommendpurchasing additional insurance.
552969
I haven't had any problems with mine, but I did have a similar problem with another model and this is how it started before the whole screen went dark. I had a technician come by. He said it was the mother board and that he would fix it but he couldn't guarantee it wouldn't happen again. He said that it's best to replace the mother board, and if you have to do that you might as well buy another tv. I took a chance and he fixed the problem temporarily, then it died, so I threw it away and bought this LG. I've had it since July 2013 and it's worked fine. Mine is the same model in a 50-inch. I did buy the 5 year warranty just in case since it's new technology. With these smart tvs it's best to get the warranty because you never know. If it's still under warranty, you should return it and have them replace it before your warranty expires because once the mother board gives out it's too expensive to fix and you're better off buying another tv.
2122000
I've had my Mitsu 73738 for nearly a year now and am still using the original bulb. However, I did purchase a replacement bulb for around $100.00 just to have on hand in case my original one does shoot craps. If the original bulb burns out within the warranty period, I believe Mitsu will replace it, but then you do have the waiting period until the replacement arrives. This way I can just plug in a new one right away. My previous TV was a 2001 Mitsu 46 inch model that I had for around 10 years and never did need a replacement bulb. And the picture on that set is still as good today as it was the first day I plugged it in. I think the key is to make sure you have really great air circulation around the rear of the set and that you have a very good surge protector to isolate your set from power surges.
497907
I bought the SONY KDL 46vl160 in the month of November, 2009 from Costco. The TV ran great through Feb 2014 - when it died on me suddenly, the TV LCD panel would not turn on but I can hear the sound. Sony Authorized Service Center Technician checked it and viola - the LCD panel is gone and I have to pay almost the price of the TV to get one (all of the $950 down the drain as warranty expired on the TV). My friend bought a Vizio during the same and he SOLD the TV in Jun 2014 - though I had the privilege of having a superior TV for 4 years - all my money is gone. Moral of the story please be careful when you want to spend your hard end dollars on the so called "BIG BRANDS". I bought the SONY KDL 46vl160 in the month of November, 2009 from Costco. The TV ran great through Feb 2014 - when it died on me suddenly, the TV LCD panel would not turn on but I can hear the sound. Sony Authorized Service Center Technician checked it and viola - the LCD panel is gone and I have to pay almost the price of the TV to get one (all of the $950 down the drain as warranty expired on the TV). My friend bought a Vizio during the same and he SOLD the TV in Jun 2014 - though I had the privilege of having a superior TV for 4 years - all my money is gone. Moral of the story please be... » Read More I bought the SONY KDL 46vl160 in the month of November, 2009 from Costco. The TV ran great through Feb 2014 - when it died on me suddenly, the TV LCD panel would not turn on but I can hear the sound. Sony Authorized Service Center Technician checked it and viola - the LCD panel is gone and I have to pay almost the price of the TV to get one (all of the $950 down the drain as warranty expired on the TV). My friend bought a Vizio during the same and he SOLD the TV in Jun 2014 - though I had the privilege of having a superior TV for 4 years - all my money is gone. Moral of the story please be careful when you want to spend your hard end dollars on the so called "BIG BRANDS". « Show Less
2282362
you will need to know a few things about your tv... 1st off is your Hitachi TV Active 3D or Passive 3D? These are active 3D glasses which require a battery and in some cases an I.R. emitter. If its a passive 3D no emitter is typically required and all you need are basic 3D glasses no battery (just like a the Imax theaters). Hope that helped! Best Regards
960584
I do not know how you intend to purchase the set, but mine came new and included the usual warranty of 1 year. You can get on vizio's website to get details. I use mine for many hours daily and my experience with TVs is that if they get past the 1 year (it is referred to as "infant mortality" in the Quality field when they fail early) they will last quite some time. I generally get tired of looking at them before they stop working. Figure at least 5 years.
1200694
Hello Dawn! The reason why I bought this bulb is because of the warranty;but the bulb is still working for me and it is as good as the original. I guess is just a matter of luck with the bulb. I have to ask you though. How hard are you using your tv? Did you install it properly? and also the room temperature makes a big difference. If the bulb did not sit right in your tv then surely is going to burn because it might be making a false contact. If you did everything right! Then try on your tv settings. My samsung is set to COOL on the image or display settings. Hope this helps! I know its hard dealing with bulbs but i love my tv and LEDs are expensive! Hello Dawn! The reason why I bought this bulb is because of the warranty;but the bulb is still working for me and it is as good as the original. I guess is just a matter of luck with the bulb. I have to ask you though. How hard are you using your tv? Did you install it properly? and also the room temperature makes a big difference. If the bulb did not sit right in your tv then surely is going to burn because it might be making a false contact. If you did everything right! Then try on your tv settings. My samsung is set to COOL on the image or display settings. Hope this helps! I know its... » Read More Hello Dawn! The reason why I bought this bulb is because of the warranty;but the bulb is still working for me and it is as good as the original. I guess is just a matter of luck with the bulb. I have to ask you though. How hard are you using your tv? Did you install it properly? and also the room temperature makes a big difference. If the bulb did not sit right in your tv then surely is going to burn because it might be making a false contact. If you did everything right! Then try on your tv settings. My samsung is set to COOL on the image or display settings. Hope this helps! I know its hard dealing with bulbs but i love my tv and LEDs are expensive! « Show Less
262430
I agree with Gina. I did extensive research back in 1/07 about the DLP bulb vs DLP LED. I went with the LED since Samsung claimed it would last 20,000 hrs vs 3,000 with the Lamp. So, as a result, I did not get the best buy extended warranty b/c they said this thing was good for a lifetime. There is no bulb to replace so I went with the LED. BTW-it's the Samsung 56" DLP w/LED. Just yesterday, this thing died! I calculated at most I've used this TV for 2000 hrs and it's a goner. The LED engine costs $800 to replace...now what kind of benefit is that? At least the DLP lamp version allows you to replace the bulb for about $150. This is ridiculous and unless they do something for me to fix this, I will never buy a samsung again. STAY AWAY!
949732
It depends on your budget. For me, receiver/amps last much longer them HDTVs. I just purchased a new HDTV and plan on purchasing an UltraHDTV (4K) after my current TV dies, maybe in about 5 to 7 years. Receiver/amps have historically lasted me about 17 years; therefore, I want the HDMI 2.2 connection for Utra High Def. But, then again, within 5 to 7 years receiver/amps will be less expensive and contain the latest technology. Oh well, you need to choose, is the extra money worth the extra HDMI 2.0 and 2.2 plug-ins, because that's what the extra money is for. Someday you might not be able to purchase a non-4K TV, but, that someday will be a long time from now. It depends on your budget. For me, receiver/amps last much longer them HDTVs. I just purchased a new HDTV and plan on purchasing an UltraHDTV (4K) after my current TV dies, maybe in about 5 to 7 years. Receiver/amps have historically lasted me about 17 years; therefore, I want the HDMI 2.2 connection for Utra High Def. But, then again, within 5 to 7 years receiver/amps will be less expensive and contain the latest technology. Oh well, you need to choose, is the extra money worth the extra HDMI 2.0 and 2.2 plug-ins, because that's what the extra money is for. Someday you might not be able to... » Read More It depends on your budget. For me, receiver/amps last much longer them HDTVs. I just purchased a new HDTV and plan on purchasing an UltraHDTV (4K) after my current TV dies, maybe in about 5 to 7 years. Receiver/amps have historically lasted me about 17 years; therefore, I want the HDMI 2.2 connection for Utra High Def. But, then again, within 5 to 7 years receiver/amps will be less expensive and contain the latest technology. Oh well, you need to choose, is the extra money worth the extra HDMI 2.0 and 2.2 plug-ins, because that's what the extra money is for. Someday you might not be able to purchase a non-4K TV, but, that someday will be a long time from now. « Show Less
1402079
Unfortunately this is not a unique problem. My research shows many customers have had this happen to their Sony TV's, even after just a year or so. My TV lasted 18 months before this happened. Bloggers have documented that it can't be fixed, certainly not at a cost that is worthwhile. The only option is to recycle the TV and buy a new one...of a different brand with a more stellar reliability rating. Sorry.
2251745
My PT61LCX65 has just had its light engine / LCD panel set fail. 7 years of age on a Panasonic. 14K hours. Never would have used a extended on it. Devices like these either fail in 6 months or many years after the warranty period. Look at a warranty vs what the TV will be worth in a few years.
2140620
Hi Tim. I recently purchased the HLT6187S and am fully satisfied with the product! To answer your question: NO, I did not get the 5 year extended warranty that was offered to me for $500. If anything is defective in the TV it should manifest itself within the first month - if not the first few days - of operation, and within that time frame, you can make your judgment call on whether you should return the item or not.anyway, for more info on warranties and such, check out this link: http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-3000_7-6398085-1.htmlhope that was of help.
1688669
I also recommend it. We had a 2 year old Mitsubishi 65" DLP and the color wheel went bad. Mitsubishi doesn't sell color wheels separately so it was going to cost us $1000 for a new optic unit and who knows what for labor to replace it. If we had bought the extended warranty this wouldn't have been a problem. Instead I'm buying this new Samsung plasma, WITH a 4 yr extended warranty from Best Buy. Think of it like insurance. Hopefully you won't need it, but if you do, you'll be glad you have it.
1548330
The 37" JVC is great pciture, sound, size for a cabinet, everything. But get the incredibly cheap 5 yr warranty from Square Trade on the Amazon site where you buy it. It was only 35$ for 5 yrs. The secret to any of them is don't leave them on if you don't have to!! 3 or 4 hours if possible. The light bulb will go out a lot sooner if you don't on any of these tv's and I couldn't replace the one on my good motorola 37" which lasted about 5 years. I left it on when we went out--no, no. Hope this helps if you paid attention long enough to read it. Buy it. It's as good as the expensive ones. Joe The 37" JVC is great pciture, sound, size for a cabinet, everything. But get the incredibly cheap 5 yr warranty from Square Trade on the Amazon site where you buy it. It was only 35$ for 5 yrs. The secret to any of them is don't leave them on if you don't have to!! 3 or 4 hours if possible. The light bulb will go out a lot sooner if you don't on any of these tv's and I couldn't replace the one on my good motorola 37" which lasted about 5 years. I left it on when we went out--no, no. Hope this helps if you paid attention long enough to read it. Buy it. It's as good as... » Read More The 37" JVC is great pciture, sound, size for a cabinet, everything. But get the incredibly cheap 5 yr warranty from Square Trade on the Amazon site where you buy it. It was only 35$ for 5 yrs. The secret to any of them is don't leave them on if you don't have to!! 3 or 4 hours if possible. The light bulb will go out a lot sooner if you don't on any of these tv's and I couldn't replace the one on my good motorola 37" which lasted about 5 years. I left it on when we went out--no, no. Hope this helps if you paid attention long enough to read it. Buy it. It's as good as the expensive ones. Joe « Show Less
1519562
The one I bought had a sound problem that the tech couldn't solve. I was shipped a refurbished one that developed the SAME EXACT sound problem. Phillips replaced it with a brand new one, but told me this model was discontinued, so they replaced it with a 46". I've owned several Philips TVs and they have been reliable in the past. My experience with this one was not so good, and my understanding is they are no longer made. If this is a used one you're looking at, be advised that my audio issue was a "come and go" type, and I would not really recommend this particular model.
1336124
Wow, good to know! I will keep my reciept for sure after reading this. I hope Amazon reads these blogs, BTW. And I hope that something this costly would last. My grandmother's TV is a 45-year-old RCA-- I miss the standard of good things lasting long.