November 4, 2009 2:49 PM PST

Get a 32-inch LCD TV for $298

by Rick Broida
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A new 32-inch HDTV for under $300 is mighty hard to pass up.

(Credit: Walmart)

Sorry for the late post today, folks, and sorry to serve up a one-day-only deal at the same time, but that's what happens on those rare occasions when I travel.

Anyway, today only, Wal-Mart has a 32-inch Soyo LCD TV for just $298, and shipping will run you a mere $4. (You can also opt for in-store pickup, but either way you'll pay sales tax.)

The last time I found a TV that size for that price, it was a not-too-great refurb. This one's brand-new, complete with a one-year warranty.

However, I'm a little concerned by one of the user reviews on Wal-Mart's site that states Soyo is out of business. Sure enough, I can't seem to find a working Web site for the company. Just who will honor this warranty, I'm not sure.

In any case, the Soyo features a 720p/1080i display and HDMI, component, composite, and VGA inputs (one of each, apparently--the specs aren't terribly clear).

In short, it's a pretty bare-bones HDTV, but one that might be ideal for a den, dorm room, game room, or the like.

And I'm going to leave it there (discuss!), as the streets of San Francisco are calling my name. Happy shopping!

Rick Broida, a technology writer for nearly 20 years, is the author of more than a dozen books. In addition to writing CNET's The Cheapskate blog, he oversees BNET's Business Hacks. Rick is a member of the CNET Blog Network and is not an employee of CBS Interactive. Disclosure. Deals found on The Cheapskate are subject to availability, expiration, and other terms determined by sellers. Follow Rick on Twitter at cheapskateblog.
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by Dan7637 November 4, 2009 3:19 PM PST
yeah and also they have an xbox 360 arcade for $199

but you get a $100 gift card along with it so really just $99.99

and same for elite except its $299.99 and $199.99 after gift card
Reply to this comment
by Dan7637 November 4, 2009 3:19 PM PST
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=11971646&sourceid=21523736591310105189
Reply to this comment
by pjh44 November 4, 2009 3:24 PM PST
From Wikipedia:

Soyo Group, inc. filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy with the United States District Court for the Central District of California, Riverside Division, (Case number 09-19355-RN) and ceased operations on May 5, 2009.
Reply to this comment
by QueSeraSera November 4, 2009 3:51 PM PST
An obscure brand with no QAM and no manufacturers warranty from a bankrupted company.
This is a risky buy. It's wise to wait a bit for better deals.

There will be much lower prices as we approach Black Friday, Xmas, and New Year.
Reply to this comment
by rufustel November 4, 2009 3:54 PM PST
"Much lower prices"? Time will tell, but I kinda doubt it. But, likely nice prices from companies still in business. Hopefully.

;^)
by rufustel November 4, 2009 3:55 PM PST
"Much lower prices"? Time will tell, but I kinda doubt it. But, likely nice prices from companies still in business. Hopefully.

;^)
by stoeckej November 4, 2009 8:29 PM PST
Well you can get a 32 in from either costco or best buy for only $30 more, so the prices are already there.
by ThomasPic November 4, 2009 3:53 PM PST
Just a quick note on the company: the Wikipedia entry for Soyo Group says that they filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy on May 5, 2009. So the company is indeed out of business although don't let that sway you as Walmart will have to honor the warranty in the case that you do need to use it. Anyway, looks like a good price for the value.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soyo_Group
Reply to this comment
by rufustel November 4, 2009 3:57 PM PST
Sorry but, as far as I am aware, the warranty comes from the manufacturer, not the retailer. Unless Wal-Mart has a separate policy.
by tkainz November 4, 2009 4:30 PM PST
I once bought an HD, no-name TV from Sears only to find out a year later when it broke down that the manufacturer was out of business and the repair part I needed was no longer available. I was told at the time that HAD I bought an extended service warranty at the time of purchase, they would have had to give me a new TV because the they couldn't repair the old one. You may want to look into WalMarts extended warranty policy before making the leap and consider getting the extended warranty if they cover replacement in lieu of nonreparability. As for my off-market TV bought at Sears, I was told that it was "an expensive boat anchor "the service techs words not mine" The saving grace was that he felt so sorry for me that he did not charge for the service call. As for this deal and me.....No Way. I'd rather pay a few bills more and get one from a company that's still going to be in business awhile from now.
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by tj19855 November 4, 2009 5:02 PM PST
Where does it say you get a $100 gift card??
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by tj19855 November 4, 2009 5:02 PM PST
Where does it say you get a $100 gift card??
Reply to this comment
by Beruda November 4, 2009 5:12 PM PST
Walmart is good for selling crap like this. My mom bought a HP computer years ago and it was a discontinued model.
Reply to this comment
by wwrrww November 4, 2009 5:19 PM PST
If the price is right, I'll take a discontinued model. Who cares if HP plans on selling more or none of the model computer I bought?
by george_liquor November 4, 2009 6:19 PM PST
A discontinued model is fine. A discontinued manufacturer is problematic, especially if the TV craps out before the warranty expires.
by Dan7637 November 4, 2009 7:16 PM PST
http://bfads.net/

heres the link yo where you can see the details for the Nov 7 Walmart sale
Reply to this comment
by ccmillsMIT November 4, 2009 8:34 PM PST
I built a PC from Soyo parts from Fry's a few years back (you know, back when that was a good idea). I still use that machine to this day, and I've had no problems with it. I can't vouch for their LCD monitors, but I can say that the company as a whole is pretty legit.
Reply to this comment
by IntelStepSpeed November 4, 2009 10:14 PM PST
What kind of deal is this?! Soyo has mediocre reviews on cnet itself, and Rick didn't find them? Here's a Soyo 32-inch HDTV review

http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/soyo-dylt032d/4505-6482_7-31829157.html
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by CornerStone__ November 5, 2009 7:37 AM PST
At this price the TV is practically disposable. If the TV lasts 3 years, newer tech will come out and you'll wanna buy that so... sounds like a good deal!
Reply to this comment
by DLRoth November 5, 2009 8:08 AM PST
SOYO Quality ?

I purchased a SOYO monitor a couple of years ago. After one year (just out of warranty) the monitor will not display an image until it is on for about 15 minutes. It seems like it needs to warm up. Then it works fine.

I would not buy another SOYO especially after the bankruptcy.
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by wirelesscaller November 5, 2009 9:26 AM PST
Not a bad price for a bedroom or garage TV.
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by rfw63050 November 9, 2009 8:00 AM PST
For $34.99 you can add a 3 year warranty from SquareTrade.com. Why wouldn't you do it?!?
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About The Cheapskate

The best things in tech are cheap. "The Cheapskate" scours the Web for great deals on PCs, phones, gadgets, and all the other tech stuff that makes life worth living. Send your own cheapskate tips to thecheapskate@gmail.com. Rick is a member of the CNET Blog Network and is not an employee of CNET. Disclosure. Deals found on The Cheapskate are subject to availability, expiration, and other terms determined by sellers.

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