Having gone through this personally (not from Singapore), here are my tips:
(1)Practically all TVs are now available in India and prices are not bad. So if you really want to get one from abroad, choose one that is really worth all the pains. In my case, I went for the Pioneer Kuro plasma, something hardly available in India and whatever available were at too high prices. I would still say, if you can get one from some old stock in Singapore or slightly used one, go for it. Nothing beats it and is worth going through the import pains. If not, the best bet is to get a Panasonic plasma in India with warranties etc. Another I would consider is the Phillips 21:9 LCD, now an extinct species, but believe me, the best LCD I had seen. It should be available at throwaway prices if they still exist. Of late, I am seeing big screen Sharp LCDs, quite impressive. With such a wide variety of choices, decide what you want and then whether you need to import or buy locally.
(2)As far as I know, when a family travels together, only one duty exemption up to Rs35,000 is allowed. If there are 1 husband, 1 wife and 2 children, only one person gets the benefit when travelling together. Otherwise, all have to travel together but keeping a safe distance away from one another and behaving like strangers, praying at the same time that some smartass does not get ideas.
(3)If you are unfortunate enough to decide and buy a plasma from abroad, contrary to the advices of well-wishers like me and some others, it should be shipped only inside a wooden container box specially made to hold the TV. Here in the Middle East, freight agencies are specialised in that as several people send TVs home safely. They themselves make the wooden frame once the TV is handed over to them and transport it and never do it otherwise. I have heard that most of them reach the destinations safely.
(4)To complete the story from comedy to tragedy, I sent the Kuro plasma which reached safely at my home in Cochin. When I went home, I got a bit misadventurous and tried to unpack and install myself when it slipped from my hands and you can imagine the rest. I still keep the broken panel with me with all accessories like its media box, speakers and stand. Why? I was so crazy that I bought another one and am using it now!!! The broken one serves me to use its spares whenever needed! Do I regret? No. Some money went down the drain but it is Kuro plasma and I have yet to see another better it.
Good luck with your quest and all the best. Hope you don't end up like me!
murali
