Panasonic Repaired

In less than three months from purchase, my 42 inch Panasonic LCD flat screen needed repairs. That was surprising, especially since the TV was highly regarded in several reviews (Consumer Reports, CNET and Pricegrapper). After three weeks at Video Tech, an authorized service center for Panasonic and other brands, Laine, the electrician who did the electrical work on this project, and I remounted the TV to the wall bracket that is installed in the family room. Now the picture is excellent and I hope it stays that way for several years. The technician at the service center said I was fortunate that my set was still under warranty, as the repairs came to a total of six hundred and sixty eight dollars. He asked me if that was more than I paid for the TV and I told him it was. He said it wasn't unusual for parts to run more than the original selling price of the television. In fact, he said.. it often is no longer cost effective to repair an out-of-warranty flat screen television, because the parts are just too expensive. Although it seems many consumers are reluctant to pay the price for an extended warranty, it might save them money in the long run, particularly with some of the more repair prone brands. I'm considering adding a warranty for my Panasonic. In-store warranty prices are generally negotiable and agencies such as SquareTrade (thanks for the tip, Tim) usually undercut the typical Best Buy, Fry's and Sears offerings. Something to think about.