Moving to NZ from OZ (Plasma TV question)

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BigB

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Wannabe Geek

#32536 19-Apr-2009 22:09

Hi all first time post.

Looking at moving to NZ would like to know if I should purchace a plasma (I like the 42" or 50" panasonic) I notice that the model numbers in the Aus website are different to those in the NZ web site?

Will an Australian one work in NZ??

Thanks Big B

Dingbatt

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#208070 20-Apr-2009 08:51

BigB: Hi all first time post.

Looking at moving to NZ would like to know if I should purchace a plasma (I like the 42" or 50" panasonic) I notice that the model numbers in the Aus website are different to those in the NZ web site?

Will an Australian one work in NZ??

Thanks Big B

I went through this exercise a couple of years ago. At that stage there wasn't digital FTA TV in NZ. I discovered most TVs would work on the analogue side of things because they have international tuners capable of multiple bands and audio.

However NZ digital TV standards are NOT compatible with Australian ones. We use different encoding (MPEG4 vs MPEG2) and different audio.

So in answer to your question, a TV brought in from Australia will be of use as a monitor (with speakers) because you will need a set top box to get any digital service (analogue is crap on large flat screens).

I'd be surprised if you can get a better deal by the time you pay shipping and insurance, and possibly 12.5% GST (depending on your circumstances), than you would by waiting until you get here.

As an indication, I was is JB HiFi in QLD not that long ago and the cash deal prices from the sales-people were almost identical to those in Auckland when you converted AUD into NZD.

Also beware that there are more brands to choose from in Oz, some of which are not well supported here.

“We’ve arranged a society based on science and technology, in which nobody understands anything about science technology. Carl Sagan 1996

xpd

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#208071 20-Apr-2009 09:05

Thats assuming hes looking at a digital tuner model.... not everyone wants to go digital FTA at the moment :)

But no, in long run probably easier to pickup a TV over here, saves on worry about it getting broken in transit, warranty, potential GST hit when it arrives etc etc.

I picked up a 42" Panasonic HD Ready unit for $1200 a few months ago from Appliance Shed - "carton damage" was the reason for the price - I found one little tear in the box

That same TV is still selling at other big name stores for $1500+.

So save your money, get over here, then go shopping

Gavin / xpd / FastRaccoon / Geek of Coastguard New Zealand

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BigB

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Wannabe Geek

#208107 20-Apr-2009 12:05

Thanks Guys this is just the info I needed I will hold of buying till I get to NZ.

Those pricesquoted, are they Auckland prices or are they available NZ wide (ie Sth Island) ?????

Brian

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#208156 20-Apr-2009 14:33

Should be NZ Wide Id think.... Im in Auckland myself.

Gavin / xpd / FastRaccoon / Geek of Coastguard New Zealand

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