[expat]

I've been following the threads about these RTPVs and am getting quite interested in buying one. I would settle for the 42WH36P, as my sofa is about 8 ft. from the screen. I may end up buying this sight unseen from an internet source, as I haven't been able to find a single store in Berlin that carries any of these models.

The German internet suppliers have a no-questions-asked return policy, where the buyer can cancel the purchase within 14 days and have the supplier pick up the merchandise at his (i.e. the supplier's) expense.

Before I actually place my order, I was hoping to hear from people about the following:

Has anyone out there had one of these beasts for at least six months or longer? Once you've got it set up properly (e.g. service level convergence), can you just sit back and enjoy it for years to come? Or do these RPTVs require regular realignment?

Don't you void the warranty by opening up the set to do mechanical and electrical focus?

[Dimmy]

The TV hasn't been available for 6 months. I think one of the first forum members to own such RPTVs was probably Demon, who'll probably post at some point.

RPTVs do - every once in a while - need re-calibrating for Convergence and suchforth, as settings tend to 'drift' with time. I don't think it's too regular - once a year at the most - but you do have to do it.

You only void the warranty by opening up the set if you botch it whilst doing so and a serviceman can plainly see you've been fiddling.

[Demon]

Well after 'messing' severly with my set, I haven't touched it since.. I am sure the cal may have drifted a little bit, but there is not noticeable image issues, so as they say, if it ain't broke, don't fix it..

My Brother had his delivered a week before mine, and since his mechanical focus was spot on, he has only done a service level convergence a couple of times in the first 2 weeks, and hasn't touched his at all since..

My prevous RPTV's where tweaked every month or so, but the new ones seem to be better at holding their calibration, this may have something to do with the changes they've made to the shielding, etc as this was intended to stop the convergence drifting over time, which so far it appears to be doing...