Plasma TV powercenter necessity?????

Question

I just bought a new 50" plasma HDTV and was told that I should definitely have a powercenter for it. We bought it (at 300.00) and I haven't heard of anyone else needing one and I can't find anything online that says I do...so is it really necessary to have it? I know it helps protect it from power outages and makes the picture and sound better, but would it be smart for me to return it and take the risk of not having it?

Answer 1

We have two HDTVs, and for each I purchased surge protectors that protect both the power line and the cable line. A surge could come in on either and zap the TV.

The one I just bought for our second TV, I got at OfficeMax for $29.99. You don't need to spend more than $50 for a good surge protector that includes cable connections. There are much more expensive power centers that do things like correct minor deficiencies in the power, like little ripples, but you won't need something like this unless you're setting up a studio for editing lots of video and distributing it around the world.

Edit -- I forgot to mention that the APC Surgearrest 8-Outlet surge suppressor I purchased includes a lifetime $75,000 protection guarantee for the connected equipment. So you don't need to pay big bucks to get good protection for your plasma TV, cable box or satellite receiver, home theater system, etc.

I don't usually like to endore specific products, because it may look like I work for the company or something, but APC is a well-known brand and you can check for comsumer opinion and experience with their products easily on the web. I like to buy at BestBuy since the sales people there are not on commission, but they didn't have the type of surge suppressor I liked at a reasonable price. A friend of mine did buy a Monster surge suppressor at BestBuy for about $80, but he just didn't want to take the time to look around at other stores.

I hope you will be able to take that $300 unit back and find one that meets your needs for a more reasonable price.

Answer 2

I disagree. I think you get what you pay for in surge protecters.

I just moved to Texas and found that we have some pretty crazy storms here. I have ... had two computers on at the same time. The first one had a cheap $40 surge protector.. the second had a UPS that cost me about $200. The second computer survived.. The first one is a goner.

I also had my DLP TV connected to a battery back up so it would keep the fan going in case of a power outage.. worked like a charm..

Answer 3

The power supply of the tv set already contains all of the stuff that's inside anyone's 'power center.' Most surge protectors are pretty much the same; the difference in price that you pay is the premium on a wildly-overpriced insurance policy that pays for replacement of damaged equipment. What you should do is to call whoever sold you the fire insurance for your home or apartment and ask them what to do. Chances are, the TV is already covered, or else you can buy a low-priced extension on your existing policy for it. They'll tell you if you need a surge protector.

Answer 4

All you need is a decent Surge Protector that you can purchase for less than $50.00. Be sure you plug it into a grounded outlet (has three holes on it) . If you don't have one,"any" power center/surge protector device is useless! Ask a friend familiar with electric installations to install one for you. Be sure you plug all the devices you connect to your new TV into the protective device you choose.Use the $250.00 leftover from your power center return towards a new "toy" ie: Wireless Headphones.Enjoy!