Should I buy a refurbished Westinghouse?

[C E Jones]

Hi all,

I'm a student looking to buy a 32" LCD on the cheap. I've read positive reviews of the Westinghouse 32w3hd, and have just come across a refurbished unit on sale for $430 at macmall.com. This is considerably below available prices for non-refurbished units, but I'm not sure it would be a good move to risk buying refurbished.

Could anyone offer advice on the 32w3hd in general and/or the wisdom of going with a refurbished TV to save a couple hundred? Thanks in advance

--cej

[foondoon]

I've own a refurbished LTV-32W6. Great picture and sound. I paid $490 at Amazon.com. I'm really happy with the set, although the warranty for a refurb is just 90 days (which is typical). After 3 days, the external audio is dead. Internal audio is fine, but when I select my speaker system (which is plugged into the external jacks), I now just get a 'pop' and then silence. The speakers and cables are fine - I tested those with another TV.

Westinghouse support gave me some rather silly 'tests' to try and I'll do those tonight :hyper: . But I really think that something is goofed up in the set itself.

Except for the audio, it's a terrific HDTV for the money I paid !

[Knicks4973]

IMO, I think you are wasting your money buying a refurb. I'm not going to be the only person saying this, but you can get a 32" Vizio from like Walmart for under $600. I've heard great things about Vizio's and I don't think you can go wrong. Look through the forums and do searches for Vizio's. You're better off with a Vizio then a refurb Westinghouse.

[foondoon]

Quick follow-up on my previous post. An adjustment to audio level corrected the 'audio out' problem I had. So the Westinghouse works fine. I do plan to invest in an extended warranty though. So the Vizio would be a good move, too. I've heard really good things about that brand.

[Splicer]

I prefer to buy refurb/floor model if it is an option...As always...buyer beware...But I love the deals...

[C E Jones]

Thanks for all your replies--

I checked out the Vizio TV and it looks good. Whichever TV I buy I think I'll take my chances on a refurb--just can't resist quality HD for $400! In any case at this point I think I'll wait till after Thanksgiving to see if prices come down a bit.

-cej

[kevinw]

Thanks for all your replies--

I--just can't resist quality HD for $400!
-cej
One thing with a refurb is that you may want to consider an extended warranty. 90 days is not enough.
Another is connectivity, The Westy has 1 HDMi and 1 DVI. Vizio has 2 HDMI- In this day and age 2 are needed. Saves in cable costs.