My dad bought a Phillips Plasma from Sears and was cheap and did not want to pay 500 for the extended warrant and deal with the manufacture directly. Needless to say 3 months later they finely got a tech out and fixed it. We found out that one that there are very little techs that handle these calls from Phillips (Might be deferent in your area). My advise don't be cheap and spend the money and let the store deal with the BS.
P.S. Talked to a Home Theater shop in my town and they have heard that Phillips might pullout of the US market completely like NEC did a couple years ago ( This is hear say so if anybody can confirm would be nice)
You should have come on here before you bout that TV, Philips is an absolute garbage company when it comes to TV's they are indeed cheap but not cheap enought to make me shell out cash for them. STAY AWAY FROM THEM ^^ take him as an example