RCA F38310 38" 16:9 HDTV with Built-In DirecTV and HDTV Receivers
Thompson blows it
We got a PS38000 TV last October and have had a nightmare since. I am writing this for anyone who has either of the older RCA/Proscan models of this TV. I know you are out there and you have been eagerly awaiting the \\"redesign.\\" <br />For those of you who were unaware, the TV was pulled from stores due to a \\"chip problem\\" which caused distortion and discoloration on-screen. We were told it was being re-engineered and the defective units would be replaced. <br />Finally, after 5 months, the new TV is being shipped to stores. I hate to say this but they have been redesigned for the worse. The picture on our older PS38000 is far superior to the 2 RCA sets we have seen. <br />I apologize to the other three of you posting on this site if you find that statement insulting, but it is true according to four sets of eyes: mine, the wife's, and a few salesmen. It just is not as sharp and dynamic. The previous Proscan was thrilling and the current RCA re-release is pedestrian. <br />Incidentally, there has been a $1000 price drop and I believe this is not solely attributable to consumer demand. I believe cheaper parts have been utilized. If not, then its even worse as the design is solely to blame. <br />Unfortunately, there is no hope of seeing a better Proscan version of this TV out. We have been told that if a version does get sold under the Proscan name it will be the exact same TV with no variation (except the name). There will be no upgraded parts. <br />I almost forgot.... if you bought a custom stand you know how good the old tv looked on it. It had an absolutely precise feel to it as all the lines matched up perfectly. Well, no more. The new TV has flat speakers and so all the lines are off. And no, there is no new stand to be had. You're simply out of luck. Normally, I would consider something like this nitpicking, but when you pay out 4 grand for an ensemble you should get top quality all the way around (that much=no compromises). <br />I could go on. We had a lot of problems with this TV that I have not mentioned, both with the TV's DM-1 unit and Thompson's customer service. But enough has been said. <br />I don't expect his posting to keep people from buying the TV, so here's something good. There is currently a free $500 progressive scan DVD being offered with the sale of this TV. If you like the TV and don't mind its negative history jump on the offer.