what's the best way to buy tv?

Question

I'm dying to get a flat screen t.v. for my living room because my current t.v. is so old. These t.v.'s are expensive and I can't decide how to buy it. My credit card has a high interest rate but I don't have enough money to pay in cash. What about rent-a-center or something like that? What about getting a best buy credit card and buying it on that? Does anyone have experience with that? Thanks!!

Answer 1

If you're on a budget, don't waste your money on the most expensive brands or features. You can get a decent 42" LCD HDTV for under $1000 that will easily suit your needs (Best Buy has a 42" Insignia LCD HDTV for $899 and a plasma for $809). The resolution is only 720p. But, that's the resolution of most HD broadcasts, anyway. Only the newer video games and Blu-Ray DVDs have 1080p resolution. And, I think the HD picture is just fine at 720p (although I have a Sony Bravia).

One thing you should figure out, though, is whether you want a plasma or LCD screen. The plasmas are currently less expensive than LCD screens. And, the technical specs (color, contrast, etc.) are better than a comparable quality LCD screen. But, they don't have as much picture brightness as an LCD. If your TV will be in a bright location, you should choose an LCD. Otherwise, you'll be happy with a plasma. The best way to find out what you want is to go to a TV store and look at as many models as you can find. You don't have to buy it there. But, you can jot down the model number and search the net for a deal elsewhere.

Getting store credit isn't a bad way to go. You might find a special low-interest incentive deal. Sometimes they have same-as-cash financing (no finance charges if paid off with monthly payments over a certain amount of time). Just beware that, if even one payment is late, the account reverts to a very high interest credit account for that purchase. Some jump up to as high as 20% or more if you miss a payment. Also know that the credit account they give you will probably be more than the purchase price of the TV. And, any purchases made on that account will be at the high rate.