Basically, it's a warranty you can purchase for any electronics purchase, be it at a big box/chain store, or online. Far cheaper (cost me ~$40 for 3 years after coupon code for a Samsung 50" plasma), and far superior to the warranties offered by Best Buy, Fry's, etc. I've used SquareTrade twice now on items that broke, and both times, they took care of it no problem (money back, not worth fixing). You'd be fighting hand, tooth and nail to get most of the big box stores to honor their warranties. I highly recommend SquareTrade.