adder: Thanks for the feedback about Panasonic using the IPS panels similar to LG. My feelings exactly about the way you described their picture quality. No wonder I didn't like the Panasonic picture as much.
sachin_k5 & Bull: I had called ICICI-Lombard General Insurance company to inquire if they sell extended warranty as well but they don't. They do sell Insurance for contents of a home (appliances, furniture, etc.) but that covers only calamities (man-made and natural) like fire, theft, floods, etc. Tata-AIG's extended warranty is an actual product warranty for repairs and replacement. The sad part is that Tata AIG sell it ONLY through Croma and not if you approach them directly (like I did).
Bull: Croma had said that for electronics below Rs.50,000 their extended warranty will cost Rs.1,800 and for electronics above Rs.50,00 it will be Rs.2,800 flat. But after learning about how much LG charges per year for giving extended warranty, I wonder if the Croma fees are for combined two years (my earlier impression) or if they are per year (more likely). Also, Thanks bull for letting me know about Croma's rates lists being monthly and eZone offering Saturday / Sunday deals. Also, thanks for letting me know about the bargaining policy of different Croma branches. I will try to go to Malad Croma then.
alokbharti: I do feel exactly like that "darr ke aage jeet hai", but that moment passes away. A friend of mine (living by the same stretch of khaadi and who has shared similar woes as I about other electronics items) had bought a smaller Sony Bravia LCD for his guestroom that went bad after the first year. They are asking him for Rs. 6,000 to repair on a Rs.20,000 LCD. It's lying unused for 4 months and he claims he will eventually get around to repairing it for a lesser price elsewhere. Hence, trying to be practical since I live in that same coastal belt (Santacruz to Goregaon) that gets a lot of issues from the Sulphur / Industrial dumping into the khaadi in this area. While I confess that I do get those moments of inspiration where I say "jo hoga dekha jayega", but a frank self-assessment brings one word to mind ...
hyeah: "fattu" :lol:.
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Anyways, I have not been able to go to the showrooms for checking their latest rates and neither have I moved on the Onkyo Home Theatre front. But I appreciate all your inputs and for putting up with me while I try to arrive at a decision.
But I do think that this forum is amazing and love the fact that people can share their experiences and knowledge to help the next guy make the correct decision (and to avoid mistakes already made by others). Thanks to the Forum administrators for this useful website. :clapping: