i would advice to get from Courts/HN etc, for their extended warranty coverage. It will come in handy.
My previous Samsung plasma had a 1" wide yellow line in the middle(top to bottom) after one yr.
Luckily I bought the 2yr ext warranty from HN, & need not pay the $3k panel replacement cost.
I was given the option to replace the panel where HN will pay for the repair or get another plasma worth $3k.
I chose to get a new LG plasma, + bought another 3yr ext warranty for this LG from HN.
recently this LG(less than 1yr) also spoiled, got sound, no picture. Replace PCB costing $480. Which I need not pay cos under LG warranty.
Total warranty : 2yr(LG) + 3yr(HN) = 5yr!!
No worry for the next 5yr.
I agree warranty very impt. This one bought at HN got 5 year free warranty. Was one of the biggest reasons why I bought it also...