Going Digital: Where and when to buy

This is the third installment in a series of reports by KATU Problem Solver Shellie Bailey-Shah aimed at helping you understand the upcoming transition to digital television in February, 2009. 

PORTLAND, Ore. - Although you don't have to buy a new TV for next year's digital switch, if you are going to go that route you need to know where and when to buy and whether or not to get the warranty.

Where to Buy

Where you should buy your next TV has a lot to do with what is important to you.

If price is paramount, a Consumer Reports survey found warehouse stores like Costco really deliver, although their selection and service may be limited.

If it's service you're seeking, you don't have to look far - local independent stores win. 

"They were better than most of the chains in terms of offering the type of hand holding that can be useful because digital television is a confusing area," said Paul Reynolds of Consumer Reports.

They may even match a competitor's price, if you ask.

The biggest surprise from the Consumer Reports survey was that people preferred buying online to buying in brick and mortar stores. Sites like Amazon and Crutchfield rated well.

When to Buy

Right now is a good time. Prices have dropped considerably in the last two years and most analysts don't see them coming down much more this year.

What about Warranties?

Consumer Reports says flat panel televisions have proven to be reliable in their first three years of life, which is the typical life of an extended warranty.

"And even if you do have a repair, we found on average the cost of the repair is about the same as you would have paid for that extended warranty, so on that basis they really don't represent a good investment." said Reynolds.