Costco has the Sharp Aquos LCC-5262U listed as a “hot buy” on their website at $1,699. To give you an idea on price drops over time, one year ago, this is the price I paid for my 47-inch Vizio 1080p LCD from Costco. The Aquos delivers an overall better picture than the comparable 52-inch Vizio.
Deal link: Sharp Aquos LCC-5262U at Costco for $1699.
Helpful Links:
Discussion of Aquos vs Vizio 52-inchers at AVS Forums.
*UPDATE* DEAL EXPIRED.
If you want the maximum screen size for your dollar, the Samsung HL-T7288W is the HDTV for you. It is a 1080p, 72-inch rear projection DLP HDTV with a 10,000 to dynamic contrast ratio. This 72-incher is available for $1,999 from Amazon.com. Comes with 3 HDMI inputs as well as a USB port.
Helpful Links:
AVS Forums discussion of the Samsung HL-T288W.
Samsung HL-T7288W HDTV tech specifications.
Blu-ray discs are now available for free in-store exchanges on Blockbuster Online Total Access plans. Customers can have unlimited exchanges with premium plans or 2-5 in-store exchanges with regular plans. A great summary of the Blockbuster service can be found here.
This is a big advantage for Blockbuster over Netflix, which has stated it will soon be raising subscription prices for those who wish to rent Blu-ray through its service.
Helpful Links:
Antennas Direct has just introduced the ClearStream 2 outdoor/indoor antenna. It’s 50 percent smaller than previous models and can pick up digital signals broadcast from within a range of 50 miles. According to Anntennas Direct’s website, the ClearStream 2 has the range and power of antennas up to 5 times its size, delivers TV signals from spread-out broadcast towers, and offers flexible aiming characteristics with an extremely wide beam width of 70 degrees.
With the analog shutoff, owning a good antenna is becoming even more important because digital signals have a much smaller cutoff range than analog signals. For instance, a weak analog signal would still display a “snowy” picture on your television, but with digital signals, no picture or a partial “frozen” picture would display as it tends to be all or nothing. Expect to see even more new antenna designs as the industry sees a resurgence.
The ClearStream 2 is being sold for $79 on Antennas Direct’s website and comes with a 90-day, no-fault return guarantee and a lifetime warranty.
Helpful Links:
ClearStream 2 HDTV outdoor antenna at Antennas Direct.
ClearStream 2 press release.
*Update: Deal has expired*
*Update II* Deal will be available on Nov 8, 2008 for the PS3. Link.*
Walmart.com has a deal with all its Blu-ray players, including the Playstation 3. You purchase a Blu-ray player at full price, and you get a $100 gift certificate that can only be used online at Walmart.com. How is this $100 off the price of a Blu-ray player? Well, if you’re going to buy $100 of something in the near future and it’s available on Walmart.com, it’s the same as saving $100 on $300 spent, right? Ok, it’s more like getting $400 worth of stuff for $300.
The Magnavox NB500MG9 is most notable because it’s the cheapest Blu-ray player at a starting price of $298. It has 1080p output but uses the Blu-ray Profile 1.1.
Deal Link:
Magnavox NB500MG9 at Walmart.com.
Blu-ray players at Walmart.com
Helpful Links:
Magnavox (Funai) Blu-ray player discussion at AVS Forum.
The BBC series Planet Earth is one the most-recommended Blu-ray discs out there. For fans of wildlife programming, this series is a must see.
Regular price is $67. You get 20% off with coupon code DDAF, which expires June 22, 2008.
This is the superior British version narrated by David Attenborough. There is an “Americanized” version narrated by Sigourney Weaver that reviewers say isn’t as good.
Deal Link:
Helpful Links:
Review of Planet Earth.
Pioneer’s line of Kuro Plasma TVs are some of the best HDTVs out there, especially when it comes to deep black levels. This may not be a bargain for most people, but if you’re a Pioneer fanboy, it’s a good deal for all five of you. Amazon.com also has it for the same price, but keep in mind that with Costco, you get a two-year extended warranty and 90-day return policy. The Kuro is the HDTV owned by Engadget HD’s guru Ben Drawbaugh.
Deal Link:
Costco.com link (also in-store).
Helpful Links:
Sound & Vision’s review of the Pioneer Kuro PDP-5010FD.
The Westinghouse TX-47F430S is a CNET-reviewed, 1080p, 47-inch HDTV that features 4 HDMI inputs and a 5:000:1 DNR contrast ratio.
Note: deal is limited to various local Costcos (not a national promotion). Call and check with your local Costco to see how they are pricing the TV.
Helpful Links:
CNET.com review.
FatWallet deal discussion.
Regular price of $165.00. The Logitech 880 comes with a docking station that charges the remote. LCD screen features customizable background, fonts, icons.
$93 after rebate at Buy.com.
Link to $50.oo rebate.
CNET review (w/ video).
Available from CircuitCity.com for $65.99 with free shipping. The Pioneer DV-400 is a 1080p upscaling DVD player. It plays DivX and WMV files and has a USB port for mp3 playback.
Link.
Additional links:
Pioneer DV-400 discussion on AVForums.com.
