LCD TV - Are they reliable ?

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.

I have a Panasonic 50" LCD Projection TV. My bulb was replaced last October and the Light is on again. Panasonic will not replace until it blows. But I still have the warranty until October. Panasonic has had a class action suit filed against them for the early and constant failure of the lamps. I say stay away from projection TV's. The lamps cost $300 each time and they blow about once a year or so. On the other hand I have friends that have Plasma Televsions up to 73" and two of them have failed a little over a year after purchase. All were purchased brand new. All had purchased extended warranties but one friend was without his Plasma set for nearly 6 months while they tried to repair it so they simply replaced it.

I will replace my LCD Projection TV with a Plasma simply because the prices have gone down so much and the quality seems to have gone up. And I don't have to worry about replacing those bulbs. I have another LCD and plasma televisions but they are both new. No problems yet.

I say semi reliable.

The studies I have read to date have indicated that LCD and Plasma flat panels have proven to be just as reliable as tubed tv's. That having been said, I did buy a extended warranty with my Samsung LCD just because the technology was still relatively new and I didn't know how much to trust the Samsung brand. Also, I got a good deal on it ($150 for three years). Extended warranties are pure profit for the retail chains so try to negoitiate them down from the quoted price. FYI, I have had my LCD for just over a year and have not had any issues at all. I've never regretted the purchase, it's a GREAT tv. As others have said, stay away from projection/DLP.

five problem free years here with an Hitachi 42". Odd story: I bought the demo from Sears and when the employee unplugged it she got a shock and was thrown to the floor. She was OK.

ET

oh and since they have a cool down cycle connecting it to a UPS is a good idea.

ET