Irishman said:
And cheap brands have long histories of functional and performance problems compared to first-tier brands. Don't be obtuse.
You think? Possibly in the past but these days it is often same shit different day, it is all made in China. I've had problems with Sony products and cheaper brands that have run years without problems.
PLUS - you get what you pay for don't you? If you pay $200 for something that lasts three years you can maybe think at the end of that time it does not really owe you anything.
Plus nothing you have said justifies a panicked return to the store.
I'd suggest he do like I am...save his money until he CAN afford a better TV.
That is called a personal choice - believe it or not, everyone on the planet does not subscribe to your way of thinking, and his arguments for buying the TV now are no weaker than yours for waiting.
Those of us who CARE about such things as fit and finish, image quality, performance, etc, over price are no more "obsessives" than those who place price above all else to be considered "cheap-asses".
Obsessives was possibly too strong a term. But certainly the average Joe will often not care about a 10% or even 20% relative improvement in picture quality, and as other posters have pointed out, sometimes you get a very good TV for your money.
I remember back in the old days when budget CRT TVs often had surplus TRinitron tubes and were often bluddy good for the money. Sure they were not as good as the top Panasonic CRTs with 100Hz tubes, but they allowed you to watch TV decently.
No-one is saying you are wrong in choosing the way you have, but it is not the right option for everyone.
Don't be inflammatory if you don't have to.
I'm just debating you, that is what the forum is for. I suggest you don't let it get to you.