Take the Blu-ray plunge with $198* Magnavox player
(Credit:
Walmart)
Walmart is currently offering a $100 gift card on Blu-ray players (including the Sony PlayStation 3). That means if you buy the Magnavox NB500MG9 for $298, you're effectively getting it for $198.
The catch is that it's an online-only gift card, meaning you can't use it for, say, groceries. However, you could probably eBay it for cash.
The player itself delivers 1080p output, upconverts regular DVDs, and supports Profile 1.1. It includes both HDMI and component-video outputs as well as a coaxial digital audio output. Curiously, it doesn't appear anywhere on Magnavox's Web site (probably because it's made by Funai), and online reviews are few and far between. Of course, if you have any problems, you can undoubtedly return the player to any Walmart store (though the gift card is non-refundable).
Personally, I'd opt for the $299* PlayStation 3 instead, as you're getting a killer game console for just a hundred bucks more. What about you? Is this deal good enough to get you to take the Blu-ray plunge?
Thanks to reader David for sharing this deal!
Update: Several readers and a PR rep for Wal-Mart pointed out that if you buy a player in-store, you get a gift card you can use in stores. Nice!
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. 
Are you implying that anyone can return these things and make easy money with a free $100 gift card? There must be some catch that you don't get the card until the return period is over, no? Otherwise, it's too easy!
Anyhow, although very tempting, I still think it's a big expense...I'll wait some more. I'm happy with watching movies off my XBMC for the time being, plus there are still some old school games I need to get around to :-)
I price matched it at Best Buy and bought it over there. Basically they refer you over to the Customer Service booth and ring you up as a 'valued customer". You get the $100 gift card on the spot as long as you buy a blu-ray player, which in my case was a PS3. I would assume you have to return the $100 gift card if you do return your PS3. And if you already spent it, then I think you might have to pay them back. Nevertheless! I'm very happy with my purchase.
- by ButlerChurch June 10, 2008 8:16 PM PDT
- I purchased the Magnavox Blue Ray player, which works great. For $298.00 by itself is a great deal compared to other brands. I already tested it and it works great. I also purchsed the extended warranty, which added additional years after the product's warranty and because the Blue Ray Player was $300, the warranty was $17.95.
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(3 Comments)Here the kicker. I was expecting to receive a gift card that I could only use online, but I received a gift card that I could use at any Wal-mart store. There is even more, I was also able to use the card at Sam's Club. It says that on the back of the gift card as long as you have a Sam's Club membership. So, I got the really nice Blue Ray player and I was able to give my wife the $100.00 gift card. I am surprised at one thing though, why are these player not flying off the shelf. Must be the gas prices.