Need some advice on a used TV

[Adam West]

I have a co-worker who wants to sell a Mitsubishi GoldPlus Series WS-48613 - 48" rear projection TV that is in perfect condition for $250.

Does anyone know anything good or bad about this or whether this is a good deal?

I have a nice Samsung 48 inch HD LCD that I love. The rest of the tv's in the house are various size older picture tube tv's.

I also know that LCD's and plasmas are dropping a lot in price. I would like to have a secondary nice tv and have the room for. I'm on the fence about even going over to look at it because I am not familiar with the quality of the rear projection tv's and don't want to buy something that is bulky while prices keep coming down on the plasmas and LCD's.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[cjefferys]

Rear projection HDTVs can have a really nice picture, but these days, you can get a 48" LCD or plasma for a great price if you shop around (not for $250 though). The big thing to make sure about is if it's a LCD or DLP rear projection, it will use a light bulb. And if this TV has been used for a couple years or more, the bulb could die soon, and a new one could cost $100-200 or more, which kind of negates the good price on the TV a bit. Or even importantly, if the TV is an older model, you'd have to make sure that replacement bulbs are still easily obtainable when you need one (some RP models' bulbs are very hard to track down these days). Just a couple things to think about.

[Mikey]

I used to have a 50" rear projection RCA.

It was ok for back in the day but today it would be considered quite blurry.

You have to watch it from at least 6 feet away.

It got bumped once and I had to call a repair man to set the lenses straight (big problem with rear projectors) ... they're just too delicate...

$250 seems high in today's market --- where most people can't even give away their old rear projectors.

When I moved I gave mine away to the Salvation Army because I couldn't sell it (nobody wanted it) --- and it worked great.

To be honest, I wouldn't pay over $75.00 for it.

Their just too outdated

[livnxxxl]

Yeah, Just as Mike described above if it is an older as in non HDTV rear projection screen I would definitely take a pass on. Used electronics in general is really a bad idea. At least when you do buy new you get a warranty.

I have heard too many bad things about used electronics and that is why I would not mess with them myself. There is generally a good reason why the person is getting rid of something to begin with. Their old problem becomes your new problem.

That and most older TV's are boat anchors and again as Mike pointed out above not many people want to mess with them.

[cjefferys]

Oh, yeah, if it's not even an HDTV, I wouldn't even bother at all. And I agree that used electronics are tricky unless you get something dirt cheap.

Those TVs definitely haven't held their value at all. I bought a 60" rear projection HDTV about 3 1/2 years ago for $4000, and I'd hate to think what I'd get for it if I tried to sell it now. Probably less than a tenth what I paid. Only a few years later, and I could get something even better for about half of what I paid. Oh well, that's how consumer electronics work.

[Zemo]

It's HD 1080i. If you have the space for it and it works fine. I would offer him 200.

looks like that tv came out in about 04.

[Zemo]

600 bones
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Dynex%26...&skuId=9605116

[MIB41]

Give that alot of consideration. Here is a link I think you'll find useful.

Rear-Projection Television - What You Need To Know - Additional Considerations

[Zemo]

If it's for a bedroom then RP is not the best option because your close and it takes up space.

I think 32-42 lcd is a good bedroom set.

[Adam West]

Thanks all.

I think I am going to pass on it. I was going to place it down in our basement and just use it as a spare since I have one LCD and the remaining TV's are tube tv's. This monster weight 180 lbs and like everyone said, with Plasma and LCD's dropping in price, doesn't seem like a great deal even at $250.

Thanks again.

[megoapesnut]

Here's a link you can find useful as well

Rear Projection - It sucks! - nuff said.

[livnxxxl]

Thanks all.

I think I am going to pass on it. I was going to place it down in our basement and just use it as a spare since I have one LCD and the remaining TV's are tube tv's. This monster weight 180 lbs and like everyone said, with Plasma and LCD's dropping in price, doesn't seem like a great deal even at $250.

Thanks again.

I think you made the right call here.

Besides the $250.00 price tag did not even reflect what you would have to have paid Damian to deliver/move it for you.

[Mikey]

My old rear projector had a daddy longlegs living in it.
I swear to God
... and I couldn't get into it to get him out.

For a few months I had to deal with him walking across the screen FROM THE INSIDE.
The screen also made him look about 2 times as big as he actually was.

He did this around 7:00PM almost EVERY FREAKING NIGHT !!!

It was funny for about 2 days --- after that it got quite annoying

[livnxxxl]

My old rear projector had a daddy longlegs living in it.
I swear to God
... and I couldn't get into it to get him out.

For a few months I had to deal with him walking across the screen FROM THE INSIDE.
The screen also made him look about 2 times as big as he actually was.

He did this around 7:00PM almost EVERY FREAKING NIGHT !!!

It was funny for about 2 days --- after that it got quite annoying

That's funny Mike and irritating for you at the same time. Maybe that is how the movie arachnophobia came about. Some one else had a similar issue as you and they took the idea and ran with it.

[Mikey]

It's very possible.

Only good thing even though I HATE spiders I don't mind daddy longlegs