The 60" Hitachi rear view projection TV that we bought 4+ years ago has started to darken and lose colour. Helen and I decided to go out for breakfast today and stop by the store where we bought, just to see what is available these days. We made up our minds before hand that we were not going to buy anything.
When I explained to the store manager why we were there, he said "Didn't you guys get the 5 year warranty"? He did a quick search of his records and sure enough, we are covered until Nov 2010. "I can get you a $1,800 in store credit for your old set. It is cheaper for the warranty company to do that than to repair the old one". (Sight unseen).
Then we looked at a Sharp Aquos 60" LCD for $2,900. So for $1,100 plus tax we can have a much better, brand new TV. Naturally, we will purchase the 5 year warranty again.
It gets delivered next Tuesday.