Plasma TVs from CSD Canteen

[captrajesh]

I'm planning to buy a Plasma 42" predominantly for viewing DTH. Due to unbeatable price difference, I intend to buy only from CSD Canteen. Unlike the open market, not all but only some of the models would be available in CSD. The following Plasma TVs are presently available. The cost at which they are available is mentioned there at.

1. Panasonic C10 - Rs. 35396/-

2. Panasonic X10 - Rs. 39521/-

3. Samsung B430 - Rs. 30058/-

4. LG PT350 - Rs. 27775/-

I can be considered a noob as far as TVs are concerned. Considering my usage for predominantly viewing DTH content, which of the above TVs should I buy? Buying criteria in the order of priority would be as under: -

1. Reliability
2. Quality of service support
3. PQ & SQ
4. Cost
5. Features (To cater to future whims of my fast growing up kids)
6. Brand equity & popularity (which IMO have a bearing on resale value)

I'd be obliged to hear from some of our knowledgeable forum members.

Cheers


Rajesh

 

[jatinmalhotra]

My choice , Panasonic C10 , Pana has 3 years warranty.

Confirmed: difference between C10 and X10 - AVForums.com

"The C10 is identical to the X10 in all respects except that it lacks: eco mode, surround-sound simulation, side HDMI input, and PC input."


I am not sure but what features for KIDs are you considering?

PQ is best among all,

SQ -> Please use a separate system, it is mediocre at best for all TVs.

I would rate Panny over LG and Samsung any day for Plasmas. ( I have a LG though)

 

[just4kix]

If your are primarily going to watch DTH content, I will recommend LED instead of plasma. In CSD, you will find a wider/better variety of choices in LCD/LED portfolio.

 

[vivek.saikia]

As far as I remember, CSD canteens do not provide guarantee. Please correct me if I am wrong. Otherwise the prices are a steal!

 

[TaureanBull]

Capt, I don't know what's your idea of going illegal/tweaking rules is but I can tell what some of my friends do.

You take the letter signed for a piece available in CSD to the dealer. Say the difference in price is 'x' amount. Buy any piece you like whether available through CSD or no and the dealer would reduce the equivalent amount from the selected piece. No harm done to anyone.

You must take the dealer in confidence before you do that.

 

[TaureanBull]

As far as I remember, CSD canteens do not provide guarantee. Please correct me if I am wrong. Otherwise the prices are a steal!

Hey you are absolutely wrong. Its like a normal buy. You pay less price because the items are exempted from all taxes. That's it. Only government is loosing money in taxes rest everyone is making profit as they would.

 

[vivek.saikia]

Hey you are absolutely wrong. Its like a normal buy. You pay less price because the items are exempted from all taxes. That's it. Only government is loosing money in taxes rest everyone is making profit as they would.

Believe me, I am also a big contributor in the development of Indian economy (or otherwise),by forgetting to submit my investment proofs and paying huge amounts in taxes.

 

[TaureanBull]

Believe me, I am also a big contributor in the development of Indian economy (or otherwise),by forgetting to submit my investment proofs and paying huge amounts in taxes.

I believe you. I do that too. I love white money. But this facility has been given to Armed Forces Personnel for rendering service to the nation. You can debate that why only to them. But I feel it's very difficult to understand what they go through and IMHO whatever is done would be less to mitigate their sufferings. Just my personal thoughts.

 

[borg]

c10, x10 etc, arent these obsolete models, 2009??, prices also doesnot look good considering it is from csd
you can get 2011 model for similar prices from normal shops

 

[kernelpanicpopcorn]

features for your kids:
must be 1080p. thats all i would want

 

[Kevian]

Good luck on your hunt Captn.

I believe you. I do that too. I love white money. But this facility has been given to Armed Forces Personnel for rendering service to the nation. You can debate that why only to them. But I feel it's very difficult to understand what they go through and IMHO whatever is done would be less to mitigate their sufferings. Just my personal thoughts.

Hat tip to you Sir.

cheers!!

 

[madbullram]

Captain, check with Vaibhav of JD , he might be able to match the prices with Warranty.

 

[captrajesh]

If your are primarily going to watch DTH content, I will recommend LED instead of plasma. In CSD, you will find a wider/better variety of choices in LCD/LED portfolio.

But the general wisdom in the forum seems to indicate that Plasma is the way to go and LED/LCD is a no no for home viewing conditions.

As far as I remember, CSD canteens do not provide guarantee. Please correct me if I am wrong. Otherwise the prices are a steal!

All items sold through CSD have warranty similar to those sold elsewhere.

You take the letter signed for a piece available in CSD to the dealer. Say the difference in price is 'x' amount. Buy any piece you like whether available through CSD or no and the dealer would reduce the equivalent amount from the selected piece. No harm done to anyone.

Don't know how they manage that (May be possible in Delhi by taking advantage of some loophole in the local rules) but here in Chennai, the customer is expected to pay to CSD by way of draft, collect the invoice papers etc and hand over to the authorised dealer. He would in turn send the papers to the company only after which, the consignment is dispatched. If an item is not listed in CSD, it cannot be purchased.

c10, x10 etc, arent these obsolete models, 2009??, prices also doesnot look good considering it is from csd
you can get 2011 model for similar prices from normal shops

I checked the websites and what you are saying seems to be right for Panasonic and Samsung. The models are not even listed. LG's model is listed though.

Captain, check with Vaibhav of JD , he might be able to match the prices with Warranty.

That would be great; Will check with him.

 

[jatinmalhotra]

@captrajesh don't get into whole LCD/LED vs Plasma Debate. If your heart is set on Plasma get one. LCD are surely for Home usage, they are just overrated.

My experience led me to this.

Pros
1. Over 40 Inch Plasma are cheaper to make.
2. In low lighting conditions or where you can reduce the lights Plasma are better.
3. Plasma are more natural where as LCDs are better at sharpness. This is my view. I felt LCD to be a little artificial. ( I have a Sony 32 inch Full HD V series LCD too).
4. No soap opera effect. I honestly don't know what this is , just read on some forums.

Cons.

1. Image retention, Forget about leaving a movie or video game paused for more than 10 mins
2. Burn In Issue.
3. Ignorance of Public, They believe Plasma is inferior technology hence frowned upon.

Just a advice if you can get a 50 Inch Plasma, after few days 42 looks small.
My 50 feels small now but 60 was double of 50 when i got it.

 

[shredder]

I must agree with borg. Those prices are not at all good, especially considering that they are 2009 models. The LG is at a very good price but for plasma Panasonic are generally acknowledged to be the experts. (And I have also heard that image retention is more in LG plasmas. While this may not be true, you don't want to find out after buying one). But the price is tempting indeed!!

At the price point of X10, I am sure you can get an X30 (in open market) which has inbuilt DivX playability via USB, and also actually looks quite sleek and stylish.

 

[captrajesh]

@Jatinmalhotra, thank you for the information which I've also gained from several threads in the forum. The lighting conditions in my bedroom, where the TV would be installed, is more suited for Plasma I guess. Regarding TV size, my bedroom size is very small; just 10' x 11' so 42" should be fine I guess. My living room is reserved for my audio setup, which is where I remain most of the time.

inbuilt DivX playability via USB, and also actually looks quite sleek and stylish.

I was checking the website of LG and the TV that is available in CSD has all these features.

 

[borg]

capt:

i didnt see the lg model when i read your post, that is awesome price for a 2011 42" plasma,
LG 42PT350 Prices - Flat-panel TVs - CNET Reviews

 

[borg]

here is some reviews
Amazon.com: Customer Reviews: LG 50PT350 50-Inch 720p Plasma HDTV

Amazon.com: Customer Reviews: LG 42PT350 42-Inch 720p Plasma HDTV

 

[mod-the-pc]

The Panasonic models are two years old and the price is no way competetive. Stay away from them. Get a X30 for around 38K outside CSD.

 

[prankey]

Yes I agree. Other than LG, don't even bother looking at the rest of junk when the latest models are available at similar or LESSER price in the market. They seems to be dumping older (originally high priced) models to CSD and encashing on ignorance of Army men who usually do not do comparison with other market!

Bitter truth which Captain smartly overcame by seeking advice from the rest of us Its an eye opener for all of us...