Made in Mexico??

[vwalk]

I'm going to buy a new t.v., likely a Panasonic plasma, but I'm also considering a DLP. Obviously, tvs are much cheaper on the internet vs B&M stores. I've heard that some tvs are assembled in Mexico to save on labor costs. It's implied that these tvs don't have the quality of the tvs that are purchased from the higher-end B&M stores. If I purchase a t.v. off of the internet (factory sealed box/US warranty) and save $800, am I possibly getting a lower quality t.v. than if I purchase it locally from a B&M store? Both tvs would have the same model number. I've talked to Panasonic and they don't seem terribly convincing in their responses.

Thanks!

[toomanycats]

I had a TV repair shop. Zenith used to offer board replacements for their TV's to shops. It was usually a $69.99 swap for the dead board to get a rebuilt board. When they moved the factory to Mexico from Chicago it killed the quality of the service and 7 out of 10 boards came back not working. I could no longer afford to have 300 or 400 dollars out on a $129 dollar repair while Zenith dragged it's feet on reimbursing me. That killed Zenith service. I personally wouldn't get a TV assembled in Mexico. I would never get any TV made by Panasonic as I have found they have poor protection circuitry and when something blows is usually goes all the way across the board. I always liked Sony and Sanyo. I would also only get a direct view LCD as opposed to a DLP TV. I would highly recommend actually seeing the TV working at Sears or somewhere else. Play with the controls and do a side by side comparison. I think you will be disappointed with the Panasonic compared to a Sony. Sony and LG share manufacturing of LCD panels in a joint factory so you may want to consider LG also.

[NightTran]

LG LCD is what I have and I really love it

[soup]

Ditto.

[vwalk]

I've ordered a Mitsubishi 73734 (DLP). I've purchased from a store with a 90 day return policy in the event that it has issues. It should be delivered next week. It's not 120hz which concerns me a little, but I'm having trouble spending another $700-$900 for the feature. Hopefully I'll be happy with it.

[toomanycats]

I am just about ready to get a HD TV. I am probably going to get another LCD Front projector.

http://www.projectorpeople.com/projectors/projdtls.asp?itemid=23186&itmname=Sanyo+PLV%2DZ2000

The Sanyo PLV-Z2000 is what I am looking at. 3 year full warranty and plays 1080p. I have a few more pennies to save,