Bought this & Model in 2002 for the Football World Cup. Never had a single service problem. Have changed two houses since buying it. But dont see any reason to give it up. Even the remote has not been replaced even once. That says something about the TV. Yes looks wise it is no where. Fat and squat with metallic silver which has got a yellowish tinge - it doesnt belong in a Designer Villa.
But it does what it was meant to do after 5 years of heavy use. No problem in interfacing with the latest DVD’s.
Have never needed service - so cannot comment much about the same - but have done that anyway. Because the product overall has lived upto what was expected of it.
If this model is still available in the market ( which I doubt) you could go ahead and buy it - provided looks are not a criteria.This will definitely not a model of choice for one-upmanship with the Joneses.