LCD TV - Are they reliable ?

I bought the warranty for my 60" LCD rear projection and it has paid off. The light engine and a bulb have been replaced under the warranty. Those two repairs would have cost more than $1000 without the warranty.

I also bought it for my 42" Plasma. So far, no problems requiring a service call.

My 32" LCD flat panel only cost $600 so I wasn't worried about an extended warranty. Again, no problems, so far.

I have no experience with the Sharp or Samsung.

Honestly I think it is wasted money for warranties on LCDs or Plasmas. Different story for a DLP though. The bulbs in most are only rated for 4000 or less.. just like a projector.

Never had any problems with my Samsung plasma and so far none with a Sharp LCD. You get a 12 month factory warranty with the Sharps(plus an extra 3 months when you register online. Or at least they were when I registered a few weeks ago.

You'll probably be happy either way you go. Once you get up in the lines you've mentioned. You start to split hairs on what's best. Too many variables to really know.

Not sure if the Samsung model 7 series has the reflective screen or not. I know some of their LCDs do and some don't. If you go Samsung, I would get one without the reflective screen if you can.

All of the Sharps are non reflective.

Good luck

I researched for 18 months before purchasing an LCD. The Samsung and Sharp are both great. However, did the Sony XBR 52" when all was said and done. Don't even like Sony that much as they are oft overpriced, but they do know their LCD work. Did not purchase extended warranty.

Check Consumer Reports. They usually have a major issue on electronics at least once a year. I would trust them on issues related to service and reliability for mass market consumer products.

The last time I checked, LCD projectors and treadmills were the only products they recommended buying extended warranties for. However, I take it you're looking at direct view LCDs, not projectors.