Buying online you want to try to use a reputable site. Read the site to see if there are any restocking fees on returns and what their return policy is. Down the road problems are usually taken care under warranty and can be done locally. Most any retailer on or off line is usually more than willing to sell you an extended warranty for more protection.

I bought my 62" DLP from www.crutchfield.com as well as a host of other things and can highly recommend them. I bought a Sharp LCD from some place online and that transaction went smoothly, I saved enough to get an extra warranty on it. It goes against my grain to promote online buying but anymore a local store don't do anything more for you. They don't help with warranty, or anything. The only thing you get is a pimply face, minimum wage, poor individual forced to hear the wrath of disgruntalled customers.

If you buy online with a good credit card company it gives you a bit more added protection. Discover usually doesn't have the lowest rate but they have been great on detecting credit card theft and taking a charge back report right on the phone. Some credit cards want you to fill out a form and send it back.

What I'm trying to say is buying online from an established retailer is not a big deal and shouldn't be a concern. Look around many will even give you free shipping. Amazon.com is another good place to buy online, if they don't sell it themselves you can still buy through them and the other site ships it. So establishing an account with them is an option.