Panasonic PT-50LC13 50-Inch TheaterWide HDTV-Ready Projection LCD TV
Not durable, periodic bulb and ballast problems
On 12-23-03, we purchased Panasonic LCD TV Model PT50LC13 from Circuit City, and paid $2,782.39 (after price adjustment) plus TV stand $299.97 plus tax $184.94 = Total 3,267.30. <br /> <br />Two months later on 2-29-04, the TV was dead. Under the manufacturer's warranty, all the internal components (unit, PC board, lamp, cable) were replaced. Total Cost: $2,654.14. <br /> <br />One year and 4 months later on 6-22-05 (that is 1 year and 6 months after purchase), the TV was dead again for the second time. The lamp was replaced and the ballast was repaired. Total Cost: $605.26. Since it happened after the manufacturer's 1-year warranty had expired, we had to pay the cost. <br /> <br />Six months later in 12-2005 (that is 2 years after purchase) the TV is dead again for the third time. We have been told that it would cost about $500.00 to have it repaired. <br /> <br />First, we thought that it was just our luck with that particular TV. We have recently checked the reviews on the internet for this model, and we were surprised to find out that we are just one of the many victims. <br /> <br />There is even an online petition for this specific model at <br /> <br />[...] <br /> <br />Although Panasonic states that the lamp bulb last about 10,000 hours, according to the reviews and our experience, it only lasts a few hundred hours, and the ballast also doesn't last very long. <br /> <br />Having to have a brand new Panasonic LCD TV repaired and having to pay a few hundred dollars every few months is simply unacceptable. This model has design flaws and should be recalled. <br />