Audio Video News

Here's one more reason to buy a flat-panel TV. Whether you opt for plasma or LCD, either type is more reliable than a rear-projection set.

The Annual Product Reliability Survey in Consumer Reports finds that flat panels have an average three percent repair rate in their first three years of use, versus an average 18 percent repair rate for RPTVs.

The most reliable LCD brands were found to be JVC, Samsung, Sony, and Toshiba. Most reliable plasmas: Pioneer, Samsung, and especially Panasonic, whose 50-inch TH-50PZ700U had a mere two percent repair rate.

With flat panels performing so well in their early years of use, CR recommends against paying extra for an extended warranty. On the other hand, if you've bought a rear-projector, and plan to use it for more than 5000 hours within the warranty period, a warranty that covers bulb replacement might be worth the money.