| lasma TV and chances are, you're basically thinking | | | | be obtained at very good discount prices, depending of |
| about two things: size and price. Size is a given | | | | course on the source, the brand, the age of the unit |
| — plasma TVs are built to impress and they | | | | and its condition. |
| make a good show of their capabilities but if price is | | | | If you go this route, however, be very careful |
| the main factor that keeps you away, you might be | | | | especially if you're buying from an online auction site |
| glad to know that you can, indeed, get your hands on | | | | such as eBay. A few drawbacks: if you can't inspect |
| a plasma TV at a discount — for real. Here's | | | | the unit in person, you only have to rely on the seller's |
| how: | | | | word and the image you see on the monitor to judge |
| Check out name brands. | | | | how good a condition the TV is still in. Furthermore, you |
| Before you wince and say, 'Name brands are premium | | | | can't test the TV yourself to see if you still like its |
| brands, so no way they're going to offer discount | | | | performance. |
| plasma TVs', read on. Even established names have | | | | Buy refurbished. |
| created plasma TV units that make it easier for you to | | | | Buyers looking for discounted plasma TVs can |
| part with your hard-earned money. Here are some of | | | | consider looking at name brands offering refurbished |
| the brands you might want to check out: | | | | units. 'Refurbished' refers to electronics that have been |
| LG | | | | returned by buyers or distributors to their origin, which |
| LG is a top contributor to the plasma TV arena and is | | | | is the manufacturer. These items are then tested once |
| considered as a very reliable brand, offering high quality | | | | again for functionality and quality checks are |
| products for home theatre systems. You could get a | | | | performed. If there are any damaged parts or |
| 32-inch LG plasma TV with an HDMI input and 1440 x | | | | defective chips, these are replaced by the |
| 900 resolution for just £350. The unit with an | | | | manufacturer. The refurbished plasma TV is then |
| integrated digital tuner costs about £30 more. | | | | packed once again and sold as such. |
| Westinghouse | | | | Where to find these: authorized dealers of |
| Granted, Westinghouse isn't as big a name as other | | | | manufacturers frequently sell these units at discounted |
| top contenders in plasma TVs but it's a recognizable | | | | prices so you might want to check with the |
| name on its own. It's also a very good brand to look at | | | | manufacturers themselves. You could also go online |
| if you prefer a discount-priced plasma TV. | | | | and search for sites belonging to distributors and |
| Other off-brand plasma TV manufacturers to | | | | retailers. |
| consider: Maxent and Syntax Olevia. They offer 50 | | | | Refurbished plasma TVs are offered at really great |
| Inch plasma TVs that are perfect for budget watchers | | | | discounts, allowing you to purchase a unit for as much |
| and penny pinchers. | | | | as 50% off the original price. To buy a product of this |
| Buy used. | | | | nature, always check if the dealer is authorized by the |
| If you want a name brand and don't mind paying for | | | | manufacturer and ask for the dealer/retailer's return |
| something that someone previously owned, then buy | | | | policy. This typically starts at about 15 days from |
| your plasma TV used. Second-hand plasma TVs can | | | | purchase. |