| rocky |
Looking to put a large screen into the "playroom" as part of the move to surround sound etc.
the Projection/micro displays have very tempting prices
Looking to hear the pluses and minues v LCD/Plasma (the LCD v Plasma debate is already covered elsewhere) |
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| tangotango99 |
quote:
Originally posted by rocky
Looking to put a large screen into the "playroom" as part of the move to surround sound etc.
the Projection/micro displays have very tempting prices
Looking to hear the pluses and minues v LCD/Plasma (the LCD v Plasma debate is already covered elsewhere)
My prefrence is LCD, I own 2- 15",2 32",1- 37" and a 50". I own a 7 speaker Kardon Herman stereo system. |
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| guitarman |
| Are you asking about DLP or cathode ray tube rear projection? |
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| jay |
quote:
Originally posted by guitarman
Are you asking about DLP or cathode ray tube rear projection?
Or front projection? |
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| robottik |
For me the main drawback of rear projection/micro displays is the limited viewing angle. They work best in darker rooms and when you are sitting in the sweet spot right in front of the display.
I have a 46" flat panel LCD upstairs in a bright room full of windows. LCDs work well in those situations
For my basement where the light is more subdued and I have more room (so I don't need the thinnest TV), I am thinking of putting a 50-60" Sony SXRD rear projection down there, which IMO is one of the best RP's out there.
Plus like you said the prices on the RPs are very temptiing. You can get a lot more screen for your money vs. flat panels right now. |
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| rockman19762001 |
I own a 52" rear projection Sony, that is about 10years old, and a 37" LCD by Olevia. The 52" Sony's picture quality is not as clear and crisp as the 32" lcd Olevia. The sony is ten years old so the technology may be better in todays rear projection. I do not have high definition cable setup in the house, only digital and I can tell that the picture quality is better with the Olevia when compared to the Sony. I will buy a larger 52 or bigger LCD unit for front in the coming year or two. I have never had a problem with the picture quality or angle of viewing with the Sony rear projection. As some rear projection do have a limit of 45degrees of angle from a perpendicular line of site. Some rear projection units have had problems in the past with bright sunlight washing out the picture. I have not had this problem with my Sony.
Plus, the Olevia has only 499.00 with a 170.00 rebate at office depot, before thanksgiving. Never heard of Olevia before I ran across it at office depot. Now, I have seen them every where I go lately. I use it for a computer monitor and television in my home office. |
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| Josey92 |
I lean towards LCDs also since they weigh less, less chance of burn-in -- although one would have to be a serious tv watcher to see the difference in shelf-life between a plasma and LCD -- and the "screen door effect" is less apparant on LCDs. Also, the heat produced by plasmas is noticeable in comparison to LCDs, especially when the internal fan comes on and you can hear it during quiet movie scenes.
Plasmas do have an advantage of higher native contrast ratios and brighter pictures as a result of it (the gap is closing with the current generation).
If space is not an issue (actually with the slimmer footprint of microdisplays these days that gap is closing also) and you want to take advantage of a competitive price while still getting the highest resolution, I would opt for the Sony SXRD. I was involved in the marketing and ad campaign for CES 2005 when they introduced it in their Qualia series (read overpriced "high-end" white glove line) and it's ability to nearly completely remove the screendoor effect and produce a true HD resolution picture is truly amazing. DLPs are nothing to snooze at either -- TI has taken great pains at developing their technology even further.
Just my 2 cents. Hope it helps. |
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| 2muchfun |
My preference is this:
1. Front projection... ~IF you have a suitable room that can be made dark and you have the $$ for a good system and screen its just the best "feel". True cinema experience
2. LCD. My 'practical' favorite. No pixles, smooth, Clean, clear picture, mmmm. And it just gets better with HD channels!
3. Old fashion, high quality, Tube!
4. Plasma. I won one on Iwon.com ~Horray. Its a Dell 42" and its Fan-freaking-tastic if you're watching a HD channel..... otherwise it sucks big time. I would rather have my old 36" JVC tube tv from the 90s for most channels. Ya ya, I know, there are more HD channels coming. WHEN!> :mad: :2:
I dont really care for rear projection. |
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| gpraceman |
I'll stick with my 34" Sony WEGA XBR widescreen HDTV. It has a better picture than most any plasma or LCD that I have seen (HD and non-HD channels). The plasmas and LCD's usually only come with a 1yr picture tube warranty (extremely pathetic considering the replacement cost). The tube TV comes with a 2yr (still pathetic, but not as bad). Of course, the thing weighs a ton, but it is not often it needs to be moved. The cost is also much less than a LCD or plasma.
I used to work at Sony and when our service guys recommend staying away from the plasmas and LCD's, I think I'll follow their advice. Who better to know than the guys that service them. |
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| rocky |
This is great stuff guys, keep it coming.
Looking at rear projection not front projection aka microdisplays.
TV's used to be so simple... |
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| jay |
I helped my Mom decide on a flat panel TV for my Dad for Christmas - she ended up with a 40 inch Sony Bravia S LCD from Costco for $1649. I looked at a Samsung DLP rear projection TV at Circuit City. The pricing, $1249 for a 47 inch TV, was attractive; the picture quality sucked. The viewing angle was small, and the brightness was - well, it wasn't.
When are we going to get into 1080i vs. p vs. etc, etc, etc. :p |
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| guitarman |
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
I chose a Panasonic plasma to replace an aging 32" Sony tube. To me, plasma looks the most "true to life."
Something artificial about LCD. In fact, I'd prefer the Samsung DLP to an LCD (sorry Jay).
P.S., I'll get 1080p when network tv is broadcasted in 1080p. |
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| jay |
quote:
Originally posted by guitarman
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
...
or Beer-holder!:7: |
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| 2005exlPilot |
The wife and I really wanted to reduce our tv time (us and the kids) as a lot of the programming is really non-essential. An idiot box, as it has been called. I am sure there are others that feel otherwise, but that's what it is for us. However, we do enjoy movies and the old Sony 27" wasn't fun.
Since the TV was in the basement family room (house on slope, so just daylight windows on one side and big sliding door on the other to back yard. The family room was big enough to have sitting area with couches and stuff, the other half was play area for kids. Well, the play area got reclaimed for a small home theater with front projection system. Made a DIY screen with 1.2 gain - 96" diagonal. It fits perfectly in the space, easy to darken room - don't even need to do so in winter.
Great for movies, and the occassional important game. We've cut back to basic basic cable (just the local channels). In the last 6 months, we've watched lots and lots of movies - some weren't worth it, some were awesome; tv time less than 10 hrs.
Front projection works great for us. |
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| jestmaty |
We bought a 62" Toshiba rear projection DLP from costco on Sept 25, 2006. The picture and sound are incredible. It is also a HIDEF tv too.
The replaceable lamp appealed to me as I tend to keep tv's a long time. Should get approx 6-8 thousand hours on lamps before they blow out. At this time, lamps cost about $300 from internet sources.
Guess what happened Christmas Eve at 3pm?? Yup, the lamp blew out with at most 900 hours on it. I figured that it was on approximately 10 hrs per day for 90 days. We listen to music that dish network beams in, so, no, I don't WATCH tv 10 hrs a day. It was exactly 90 days old, the warranty is one year parts and labor. That didn't do me much good on Xmas eve....
Bunch of visitors for two days and my NEW $2500 tv blew up!!!!
I took costco up on their "No questions asked" policy regarding returns. Showed up at 11 am the day after Christmas with a high dollar return.
Consumer reports rated this model the highest a couple of months ago. I decided to buy the exact same one again, hoping I had an atypical lemon. The price and picture are just too good to pass up. As a bonus, the price dropped $200 since my original purchase and I did get the new price.
Take it for what it is worth, DLP tvs use a lamp that should last for 2 or 3 years before replacement. I can't stress how vibrant and clear this picture is, hence my decision to buy the same one again.
Oh, a BIG THUMBS UP for costco's assistance with my return.. Very polite and professional. I just don't want to feel like I'm abusing the policy, there really was reason for returning a 90 day old tv that quit working. |
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| jfrano |
Yes, there have been bumps in the road of SED, although NOT technology bumps. Those who have worked with, evaluated SED, indicate its such an amazing new technology, that is far superior to what is currently available and will be able to be produced at lower cost compared to plasma.
Having a currently working Toshiba 55", HDTV,thats about 5 years old. I will wait the 18 months for SED to be widely available and then upgrade.
If you have not yet entered the digital domain, that would be a long time to wait for your 1st HDTV.
Joe |
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| Tuck & Jack |
| If SED pans out, that will be the wave of the future. As for now, you need to decide on what and where you are primarily watching. I have a 36" Sony XBR tube, the thing weighs nearly 300 lbs so it is a major deal to move or adjust it as it sits in a cove built in above my fireplace. Just moving my XBOX 360 there and trying to plug in the cables require a mirror and some patience, but the picture is top notch, whether HDTV or not. If you only watch DVD's & Hidef or digital programming, any of the HDTV's will look good, but when you watch normal TV (standard cable), the tube looks the best. The screen size will not go as big, but most people buy one that is too big for their room anyway. |
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| jdeanski |
quote:
Originally posted by jestmaty
The replaceable lamp appealed to me as I tend to keep tv's a long time. Should get approx 6-8 thousand hours on lamps before they blow out. ......................Yup, the lamp blew out with at most 900 hours on it. I figured that it was on approximately 10 hrs per day for 90 days.
Consumer reports rated this model the highest a couple of months ago. Take it for what it is worth, DLP tvs use a lamp that should last for 2 or 3 years before replacement. I can't stress how vibrant and clear this picture is, hence my decision to buy the same one again.
Oh, a BIG THUMBS UP for costco's assistance with my return.. Very polite and professional. I just don't want to feel like I'm abusing the policy, there really was reason for returning a 90 day old tv that quit working.
Yes, lamps should last for at least two to three years of typical use. Consumer Reports did say in their article that bulbs tend not to last their expected life ( I wonder if that is only true for the bulb that comes with the TV?)
My Sony 42" is about a year and a half old so yesterday I ordered a replacment bulb to keep on hand. I don't want it going out durning the BCS game or the NFL playoffs. |
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| robottik |
| Took a pic while watching a DVD with my daughter... |
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| jestmaty |
quote:
Originally posted by robottik
Took a pic while watching a DVD with my daughter...
Regular DVD or Hi Def??? That still shot looks fantastic. I'm really impressed with the pic quality from my PS3 Blu-ray player.
I hooked it up through the HDMI connection, which I feel is the cleanest way to get source to the HiDef tvs. |
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| robottik |
quote:
Originally posted by jestmaty
Regular DVD or Hi Def??? That still shot looks fantastic. I'm really impressed with the pic quality from my PS3 Blu-ray player.
I hooked it up through the HDMI connection, which I feel is the cleanest way to get source to the HiDef tvs.
That's a regular DVD. My player upconverts standard DVDs to 1080p over HDMI (Oppo DV-981HD ). It does a really nice job. |
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| OB3 |
quote:
Originally posted by robottik
... My player upconverts standard DVDs to 1080p over HDMI (Oppo DV-981HD ). It does a really nice job.
I just ordered one yesterday on amazon.com from OPPO. I have done a lot of research on upconverting DVD players, I am not ready to jusmp into the bluray/hddvd war yet, and from what i have realy, the dv981hd does a fantastic job.
Can not wait to receive it !
Glad to hear that you are happy with it
tl |
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| robottik |
quote:
Originally posted by rocky
Looking to hear the pluses and minues v LCD/Plasma (the LCD v Plasma debate is already covered elsewhere)
Here is a comparison chart from Crutchfield of the various types of TVs. |
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| BillG |
quote:
Originally posted by rocky
Looking to put a large screen into the "playroom" as part of the move to surround sound etc.
the Projection/micro displays have very tempting prices
Looking to hear the pluses and minues v LCD/Plasma (the LCD v Plasma debate is already covered elsewhere)
I just bought a new TV for our basement rec room.
I started off considering everything (plasma, LCD, and projection). I ended up buying a 60" Sony SXRD. (model 60A2000).
Here were my criteria:
(1) HD (obviously) with 1080p preferable
(2) 56" minimum size
(3) <$2500
Having a wall mounted TV wasn't necessary in my application, so that took away a big advantage of the LCD and plasma screen. Rear projection had the best combination of price, image, size, and future portability.
The final decision came down to the Sony 60" SXRD or Samsung 61" HL-618xW.
In a side-by-side comparison, I thought the Sony had more natrual looking color and did a better job upconverting standard defition broadcasts. I also liked the Sony technology better than the spinning wheel of the Samsung.
Final note---- once you decide on a model, shop around quite a bit. Look for store specials and coupons. A 10% off coupon on a big purchase is big savings. I ended up negotiating with a store to get the price on my set. |
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| 2005exlPilot |
quote:
Originally posted by OB3
I just ordered one yesterday on amazon.com from OPPO. I have done a lot of research on upconverting DVD players, I am not ready to jusmp into the bluray/hddvd war yet, and from what i have realy, the dv981hd does a fantastic job.
Can not wait to receive it !
Glad to hear that you are happy with it
tl
Great, let us know how it does. I am waiting for the HD wars to play out and then go with the winner. Until then, the upconverting is the best way to go. |
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| rocky |
| Can DVDs even produce enough data to make a 1080 spec'd screen noticeably better than 720 in a TV over 50 inches? |
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| robottik |
quote:
Originally posted by rocky
Can DVDs even produce enough data to make a 1080 spec'd screen noticeably better than 720 in a TV over 50 inches?
I'd say yes, when the DVDs are played through a good upconverting player that creates the extra detail, better than using a regular player and let the TV do the upconverting.
I have a 46" 1080p screen and the difference between a regular DVD player and the upconverting Oppo player is noticeable.
Not all upconverting players are created equal. But many regard the Oppo players as the best bang for the buck out there. I've tried several other upconverting brands that weren't much better than a regular DVD player.
One also has to sit close enough so your eye can catch the extra detail. If you sit far from the screen, you really aren't going to be able to tell the difference between a 720 and a 1080 resolution screen anyway, no matter what DVD player you use.
All of the above is just MHO, but I've been dabbling in HDTV for a while now. |
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| CAjack42 |
quote:
Originally posted by jestmaty
Guess what happened Christmas Eve at 3pm?? Yup, the lamp blew out with at most 900 hours on it. I figured that it was on approximately 10 hrs per day for 90 days.
That's too bad. It's probably the exception to fail that early.
I have a 43" Samsung DLP that is about 38 months old, still on the original lamp, with over 12,000 hrs.
I did however, have the color wheel motor replaced at 14 mons. (had a 15 mon. warranty) due to an annoying whine. |
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| jpd0363 |
I seriously considered buying an HDTV this Holiday season.
After looking at the standard broadcast on an HDTV I decided to put it off altogether. The quality of the picture was terrible. I'd have to say the majority of my TV viewing is standard definition.
I love the resolution of the High definition, but didn't want to commit the finances due to only being able to capitalize on the HDTV approximately 50% of the time.
Does anyone else have a problem with the definition, or lack of, when viewing standard definition on a high definition television?
Also, here's a pretty extensive blog related to Audio and Video components and concerns:
www.avsforum.com |
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| Roger |
I did some looking this weekend at CC at was utterly shocked and amazed at how poor the standard digital cable picture was in the store. The movies and HD broadcast were obviously good, but regular cable was atrocious. That has really turned me off right now on these TV's.
Why is cable so good on my 32 inch CRT but so horrible on a $2500 LCD?
Guess I have a lot to learn. The thought of getting over the air HD got me started in looking at these TV's but that would be a small part of my viewing.
Roger |
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| BillG |
quote:
Originally posted by jpd0363
Does anyone else have a problem with the definition, or lack of, when viewing standard definition on a high definition television?
Here are a few things that I learned during my HDTV shopping...
There is a visibile difference between brands & models. Make sure to look at similar programming on several models. I though the Sony SXRD was one of the better TVs for standard def viewing. A few others were close, but some were significantly worse.
Also, strength and quality of the signal makes a difference. Some of the big box stores have rows and rows of TVs running the same signal. They need a lot of splitters and amps to route that signal. If they have a bad connection, a bad splitter, or problem amp along the signal path, then the picture quality will suffer.
Now that I have an HDTV, I always check the HD channels first before watching standard def. Lots of times I'll find something interesting there. I'm sure I watch more Discovery / National Geographic type shows now than before. |
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| BillG |
quote:
Originally posted by Roger
I did some looking this weekend at CC at was utterly shocked and amazed at how poor the standard digital cable picture was in the store. The movies and HD broadcast were obviously good, but regular cable was atrocious. That has really turned me off right now on these TV's.
Why is cable so good on my 32 inch CRT but so horrible on a $2500 LCD?
LCDs aren't the absolute pinnacle of picture quality to begin with.
However... the big difference is probably your viewing distance.
Up close, the smaller screen will look better. However, to compare a 32" set to a 60" set, you need to be about twice the distance from the screen. A lot of stores don't have a setup that allows this viewing distance.
Here is an interesting chart:
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadgethd.com/media/2006/12/resolution_chart.jpg |
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| jfrano |
It also makes a HUGE difference on how well the set is calibrated.
I know when I purchased my Toshiba a few years ago, a group of 20 of us, hired one of the best ISF Consultants in the country to come to each house and calibrate the sets (really made an amazing difference)
The felling amongst videophiles is that viewing a HDTV set in a BESTBUY, CIRCUIT CITY is pretty much a waste of time. They tend to just plug them in right out of the box.
Although, I think there have been some strides made in the ease of calibration and out of box performance, since I last checked in; I would visit some videophile web site to get a sense of this issue before you compare and buy. |
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| jpd0363 |
quote:
Originally posted by BillG
Now that I have an HDTV, I always check the HD channels first before watching standard def. Lots of times I'll find something interesting there. I'm sure I watch more Discovery / National Geographic type shows now than before.
Thanks for the response BillG. I'm still on the fence though.
Fortunately, Discovery, Nat. Geog., History and Military channels make up a good portion of my viewing. Good point about the Big Box audio feed as being a culprit.
This pushes me closer to buying an HDTV. It's now a matter of justifying the price and the sacrifice of having to deal with the Standard Def for the rest of my viewing time.
Decisions, decisions??? |
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| N_Jay |
quote:
Originally posted by jpd0363
Thanks for the response BillG. I'm still on the fence though.
Fortunately, Discovery, Nat. Geog., History and Military channels make up a good portion of my viewing. Good point about the Big Box audio feed as being a culprit.
This pushes me closer to buying an HDTV. It's now a matter of justifying the price and the sacrifice of having to deal with the Standard Def for the rest of my viewing time.
Decisions, decisions???
Don't give in!
You know that HD is just a plot hatched by those greedy corporate types to obsolete your old TV while it is still in perfect condition.
More electronics waste goes to the dump, while you pay more of your hard earned money to a company who sends pennies of it overseas to some third world sweatshop where they outsourced production after laying off all the US employees.
THEN they make it hard to set up, just to create yet another low-paying service sector job.
Its all a plot to keep you down.
And in the end, it is just pacify you and subdue your mind giving the media and the big evil corporations who own the media more control over your actions through subtle (and not so subtle) mind control.
:2: :2: :2: :2: |
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| Jet-Pilot-64 |
quote:
Originally posted by gpraceman
I'll stick with my 34" Sony WEGA XBR widescreen HDTV. It has a better picture than most any plasma or LCD that I have seen (HD and non-HD channels). The plasmas and LCD's usually only come with a 1yr picture tube warranty (extremely pathetic considering the replacement cost). The tube TV comes with a 2yr (still pathetic, but not as bad). Of course, the thing weighs a ton, but it is not often it needs to be moved. The cost is also much less than a LCD or plasma.
I used to work at Sony and when our service guys recommend staying away from the plasmas and LCD's, I think I'll follow their advice. Who better to know than the guys that service them.
I have the same TV as you do. Do you have a problem with curvature of lower thrird graphics on the bottom of the screen?. I notice on LCD TV's the graphic (font) lines are straight as can be. |
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| robottik |
quote:
Originally posted by N_Jay
Don't give in!
You know that HD is just a plot hatched by those greedy corporate types to obsolete your old TV while it is still in perfect condition.
More electronics waste goes to the dump, while you pay more of your hard earned money to a company who sends pennies of it overseas to some third world sweatshop where they outsourced production after laying off all the US employees.
THEN they make it hard to set up, just to create yet another low-paying service sector job.
Its all a plot to keep you down.
And in the end, it is just pacify you and subdue your mind giving the media and the big evil corporations who own the media more control over your actions through subtle (and not so subtle) mind control.
:2: :2: :2: :2:
Hey, this isn't the Current Events forum... Don't bring that stuff in here too! ;) :D |
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| N_Jay |
quote:
Originally posted by robottik
Hey, this isn't the Current Events forum... Don't bring that stuff in here too! ;) :D
I was just having some fun.
As for me, I'm praying for a nearby lightening strike to take out the (fairly) new WEGA (non-HD).
We have a bad habit of not replacing TVs until they die (15+ years) |
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| robottik |
quote:
Originally posted by N_Jay
I was just having some fun.
As for me, I'm praying for a nearby lightening strike to take out the (fairly) new WEGA (non-HD).
We have a bad habit of not replacing TVs until they die (15+ years)
We have a few old TVs in the basement... Sometimes referred to in our house as "The Place Where TVs Go to Die" :p
Which reminds me, there's a joke by Jeff Foxworthy that goes something like:
"You might be a redneck if... Your working television sits on top of your non-working television."
A practice my aunt and uncle subscribed to. :1pat: |
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| N_Jay |
quote:
Originally posted by robottik
We have a few old TVs in the basement... Sometimes referred to in our house as "The Place Where TVs Go to Die" :p
Which reminds me, there's a joke by Jeff Foxworthy that goes something like:
"You might be a redneck if... Your working television sits on top of your non-working television."
A practice my aunt and uncle subscribed to. :1pat:
It has happened for short periods of time in our house, but was standard furnishing in my in-laws house for years. |
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| jpd0363 |
quote:
Originally posted by N_Jay
Don't give in!
You know that HD is just a plot hatched by those greedy corporate types to obsolete your old TV while it is still in perfect condition.
More electronics waste goes to the dump, while you pay more of your hard earned money to a company who sends pennies of it overseas to some third world sweatshop where they outsourced production after laying off all the US employees.
THEN they make it hard to set up, just to create yet another low-paying service sector job.
Its all a plot to keep you down.
And in the end, it is just pacify you and subdue your mind giving the media and the big evil corporations who own the media more control over your actions through subtle (and not so subtle) mind control.
:2: :2: :2: :2:
I suspected that, wasn't sure, but I had my suspicions. Those bastards (it's probably the President behind it all).
:2: :2: :2: |
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| rocky |
Well theres a Costco on my way home so tonight I did a quick look see.
rear projection. All the models there seem to have pictures that faded as you got to the corners of the picture
And it seems that the LCD price plunge is beginning to make rear projection look like less of a bargain.
This, even though its under 50 inches caught my eye. Its not listed on Costco's site yet but in store it makes a really good impression next to the projection TV's.
http://www.vizio.com/products/detail.aspx?pid=20 |
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| jestmaty |
quote:
Originally posted by rocky
Well theres a Costco on my way home so tonight I did a quick look see.
rear projection. All the models there seem to have pictures that faded as you got to the corners of the picture
And it seems that the LCD price plunge is beginning to make rear projection look like less of a bargain.
This, even though its under 50 inches caught my eye. Its not listed on Costco's site yet but in store it makes a really good impression next to the projection TV's.
http://www.vizio.com/products/detail.aspx?pid=20
Very nice Vizio at that link.....
Two recommendations though....
Most folks wish they had bought a bigger set once they've lived with it for a while. Buy as big as you can afford....
Check optimal viewing distances for different types of tv's. I was shocked to see that Crutchfield.com suggested 8-13 feet viewing distance for a 60" hidef.
I spend quite a bit of time at our breakfast table which is 28 feet away from tv front. The "family" viewing of movies and such is on a sofa that is 10 feet from our 62" DLP that was purchased at Costco.
It sits in a niche that is almost exactly as deep as the tv is. And yes, you do lose significant picture quality at extreme angles. But the viewing angle does seem to have gotten better over the last couple of years. |
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| jestmaty |
Oh, I would be lieing if I didn't tell you that each time I visit Best Buy I visit the Tv area.
I find myself wishing that I would have gotten a 65 or 72" tv. But the price jump, particularly from the 62 to the 72", is HUGE!!! Something like +/- 2500 for the 62" and closer to $4800 for the same tv in 72" size.... like I said, buy as big as you can afford. |
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| 5Gs |
quote:
Originally posted by jestmaty
Most folks wish they had bought a bigger set once they've lived with it for a while. Buy as big as you can afford....
good point. although I'm happy with the 60" sony I have, once in a while, I wonder how it would've been if I bought the 70". :cool: |
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| BillG |
quote:
Originally posted by 5Gs
good point. although I'm happy with the 60" sony I have, once in a while, I wonder how it would've been if I bought the 70". :cool:
This is always true, but I think 60-61" is the sweet spot of DLP pricing right now. Going from 50-56-61 is genrally a couple of hundred bucks for each size bigger. Pretty much worth it if you can swing the next size up.
Making the jump up to a 70+ is a big price increase.
I'm sure that 6 months from now when there are some bigger sets out, the 70" will drop into line with the other prices. |
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| 5Gs |
quote:
Originally posted by BillG
This is always true, but I think 60-61" is the sweet spot of DLP pricing right now. Going from 50-56-61 is genrally a couple of hundred bucks for each size bigger. Pretty much worth it if you can swing the next size up.
Making the jump up to a 70+ is a big price increase.
I'm sure that 6 months from now when there are some bigger sets out, the 70" will drop into line with the other prices.
yeah it was a $1500 increase in price for that extra 10"! :eek:
hopefully you're right that prices will drop significantly, especially seeing the 100+" tvs at ces! |
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| rocky |
Perhaps the stores dull down the rear projection TVs but I'm finding myself liking the LCD/Plasma best.
Its fun watching the prices vary. Sears has the Panasonic TH-50PX60U for $1999 this week, Best buy is $800 more. Last week the positions were reversed with Sears a couple of hundred bucks more. P |
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| jazcar |
Great Thread here, with lots of good info.
I have been wrestling with an LCD size issue. Small room, viewing distance 5 to 10 feet. LCD is a given, but from my observations, the jump from 32 inch 720P to 40 inch 720P in Best Buy or CC reveals a less clear picture. Even saw this in a Sony Style store, where a 32" Bravia XBR2 720P looked better than a 40" 1080P XBR2.
My question is one of up-converting. I see the path to do so with DVD's, but what about old VHS and Hi-8 Handycam content? If analog signals and the majority of broadcast TV via cable are the bulk of the content viewed, would this be a case to stay smaller to keep the "lines of resolution" tighter? ... or are there technological developments that help? |
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| jay |
quote:
Originally posted by jazcar
Great Thread here, with lots of good info.
I have been wrestling with an LCD size issue. Small room, viewing distance 5 to 10 feet. LCD is a given, but from my observations, the jump from 32 inch 720P to 40 inch 720P in Best Buy or CC reveals a less clear picture. Even saw this in a Sony Style store, where a 32" Bravia XBR2 720P looked better than a 40" 1080P XBR2.
...
I have two 32 inch Panasonic LCDs and a Sony Bravia 40 inch LCD, and agree that the picture looks a tad sharper on the 32 inch TVs. Not unlike the old tube TVs where the smaller the TV, the crisper the picture.:cool: |
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| BillG |
quote:
Originally posted by jazcar
My question is one of up-converting. I see the path to do so with DVD's, but what about old VHS and Hi-8 Handycam content? If analog signals and the majority of broadcast TV via cable are the bulk of the content viewed, would this be a case to stay smaller to keep the "lines of resolution" tighter? ... or are there technological developments that help?
I know that Sony has a built in upconverter. It certainly doesn't turn standard def into HD, but it is better than nothing. Should help with old VHS, etc. but the larger your screen is, the more of a challenge you face.
For DVDs, my TV can display 1080p so I bought a really good upconverting DVD plater called the Oppo DV-981HD. I'm happy with it. I tired a Sony upconverting DVD player first, but returned it in favor of the Oppo. |
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| jay |
quote:
Originally posted by BillG
I know that Sony has a built in upconverter. It certainly doesn't turn standard def into HD, but it is better than nothing. ...
Interesting. I did notice, too, that standard def looks better on my 40 inch Sony than on my 32 inch Panasonic. |
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| sfhondapilot |
I purchased the 47" Vizio LCD at Costco, yesterday. They have a manufacturer's coupon through this week for $250 off the $1899 price. I had been following early reports on this panel at AVSForum.com and decided to give the panel a try. I have to say that everyone in the family likes the Vizio, so it has gone up in the living room and my 4-year old 42" Panasonic ED plasma has moved to a wall in our bedroom.
:2: |
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| jestmaty |
Congrats!!!
I believe that having a 4 yr old ED tv qualifies you as our resident AV expert. You obviously have been following this trend for a while.
Enjoy the new Vizio! |
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| OB3 |
I hooked up my Oppo this weekend and alls i can say is WOW !
I have it linked to my 2 month old Sony kdl-40v2500 1080p HD LCD via HDMI and i am astounded by the clarity of the picture. Dare i say it rivals the Blu Ray displays at best buy and Circuit City in clarity, sharpness and color vibrance.
for $229 (less my 150 in gift certs for amazon.com) it was a steal.
I highly recco this player to anyone looking for a great upcoverting dvd player not ready to jump into the HDdvd/BR game
And the cs at Oppo was amazing too. I had an issue with the delivery (fedex delivered it to the wrong address and it was MIA for 24 hours) and they insisted on sending me out another unit ... thankfully i got a knock on my door 5 hours later so i called then immediately to cancel the extra unit. I would not want to screw such an honorable company
t |
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| jcantanixon |
If anyone cares, I buy new TVs more often than Jay buys cars ;) That doesn't make me an expert, it just means that I spent too much time at AVSForum...which I highly recommend for those of you looking for research.
Most, if not all, of the decent HDTV sets have upconverting chips in them, and should be able to display a standard def signal reasonably well. In fact, unless you have the Oppo, your TV set may be better at upconverting than your DVD player. I bought a cheapy upconverting DVD player from Costco and took it back because the DCDi chip in my Vizio did a better job with the standard signal from my old DVD player.
Speaking of Vizio, I love my 50 PDP, and I've seen that 47 LCD and it looks gorgeous. They're releasing a 60 Plasma in a couple of weeks for $3k and Costco has a $300 coupon goes into effect mid-march. The problem is that I'm giddy just thinking about the SB on a 60" PDP.
:2: |
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| 74PILOTMOM |
quote:
Originally posted by sfhondapilot
I purchased the 47" Vizio LCD at Costco, yesterday. They have a manufacturer's coupon through this week for $250 off the $1899 price. I had been following early reports on this panel at AVSForum.com and decided to give the panel a try. I have to say that everyone in the family likes the Vizio, so it has gone up in the living room and my 4-year old 42" Panasonic ED plasma has moved to a wall in our bedroom.
:2:
We just bought the exact TV last night :) So far loving it. Seems too big, but you know, I'm the wife and was happy with the 27"Sony Wega :2:
Definitely need a speaker set up though, we're probably the only people on the planet running the out of the box stock speakers. |
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| sfhondapilot |
quote:
Originally posted by 74PILOTMOM
We just bought the exact TV last night :) So far loving it. Seems too big, but you know, I'm the wife and was happy with the 27"Sony Wega :2:
Definitely need a speaker set up though, we're probably the only people on the planet running the out of the box stock speakers.
Hi, 74pilotmom!
We are still getting used to the larger screen up on the living room wall. Yesterday, I was sitting in the dining room, about 25 feet away from the screen, and that picture was so nice.
I am still using the stock speakers (altho we had a 5.1 system in the room when we had the Panny plasma on the wall). As noted on avsforum, I have a slight hum, mainly in the right hand speaker that seems to emanate from that perforated opening on the bottom of the set. Fortunately, the sound is barely noticeable, when the sound is muted. With the set wall mounted, the stock speakers do a decent job. |
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| 5Gs |
quote:
Originally posted by sfhondapilot
Hi, 74pilotmom!
We are still getting used to the larger screen up on the living room wall. Yesterday, I was sitting in the dining room, about 25 feet away from the screen, and that picture was so nice.
I am still using the stock speakers (altho we had a 5.1 system in the room when we had the Panny plasma on the wall). As noted on avsforum, I have a slight hum, mainly in the right hand speaker that seems to emanate from that perforated opening on the bottom of the set. Fortunately, the sound is barely noticeable, when the sound is muted. With the set wall mounted, the stock speakers do a decent job.
just wait a few more days...you'll wonder how you ever got by with the smaller tv! :D |
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| jay |
quote:
Originally posted by 5Gs
just wait a few more days...you'll wonder how you ever got by with the smaller tv! :D
I replaced a 32 inch Panasocic with a 40 inch Sony 10 weeks ago, and I'm ready to go bigger. :p |
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| jazcar |
jay,
What is your typical viewing distance? Since you want to keep going up in size, I wonder if you are 12 to 15 feet away, where the resolution is less important.
I am on the fence between the 32" and 40" sizes. 32" is good for most all occasions for me except when I really want to be immersed in the picture.
My max distance is 12 feet. |
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| jay |
quote:
Originally posted by jazcar
jay,
What is your typical viewing distance? Since you want to keep going up in size, I wonder if you are 12 to 15 feet away, where the resolution is less important.
I am on the fence between the 32" and 40" sizes. 32" is good for most all occasions for me except when I really want to be immersed in the picture.
My max distance is 12 feet.
It was said mostly in jest. My viewing distance varies from 7 to 15 feet away. :p |
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| 5Gs |
quote:
Originally posted by jay
It was said mostly in jest. My viewing distance varies from 7 to 15 feet away. :p
does your viewing distance depend on how hot the actress is? :p |
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| jay |
quote:
Originally posted by 5Gs
does your viewing distance depend on how hot the actress is? :p
You don't have TiVo to pause/ slo-mo live TV for nothing. :p |
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| rocky |
quote:
Originally posted by jazcar
jay,
I am on the fence between the 32" and 40" sizes. 32" is good for most all occasions for me except when I really want to be immersed in the picture.
My max distance is 12 feet.
Everyone keeps telling me bigger is better |
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| robottik |
Here's the rule of thumb I used when selecting an HDTV screen size:
If you are want more of a theater type feel, take your viewing distance in inches and divide it by 2 to get a suggested diagonal TV size for that scenario.
For more of a regular TV experience, divide your viewing distance by 3.
I sit 9 feet away from my TV, so I went with a 46” model, which is somewhere in the middle of those two scenarios, i.e. the TV is big but not too big for my taste.
I originally had a 40" model but found it too small when watching movies, so I exchanged it for a 46"
(My wife on the other hand thought the original 40" TV was too big... :8: ) |
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| doctorj |
Good thread guys. I'm about ready to purchase a plasma but I have a question for those of you that already own one.
When you watch a program that is in standard definition, 4:3 aspect ratio, do you watch it with the black bars or "columns" on the side? Unless you stretch or zoom, all non HD programming will have the sidebars and my concern is burn-in. All the plasma websites say to limit your viewing of non-fullscreen content and use one of the zoomed or stretched modes to prevent burn-in. I've been reading forums like avforums.com and most people make it sound like plasma burn-in is a thing of the past unless you abuse it. I'd like to hear from some people that have had them for a while. How do you watch your 4:3 standard programming. This tv is going in the family room so I don't want a $2000 tv that I'm going to have to baby so I don't damage it. Your thoughts? |
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| N_Jay |
quote:
Originally posted by doctorj
Good thread guys. I'm about ready to purchase a plasma but I have a question for those of you that already own one.
When you watch a program that is in standard definition, 4:3 aspect ratio, do you watch it with the black bars or "columns" on the side? Unless you stretch or zoom, all non HD programming will have the sidebars and my concern is burn-in. All the plasma websites say to limit your viewing of non-fullscreen content and use one of the zoomed or stretched modes to prevent burn-in. I've been reading forums like avforums.com and most people make it sound like plasma burn-in is a thing of the past unless you abuse it. I'd like to hear from some people that have had them for a while. How do you watch your 4:3 standard programming. This tv is going in the family room so I don't want a $2000 tv that I'm going to have to baby so I don't damage it. Your thoughts?
Almost without exception I see people running some type of stretch mode.
Personally I hate the look of stretched video, but maybe in 20 years we will see an improvement in girls "Body Image" as they see all the starts looking "fat". :eek:
:2: :2: |
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| rhcraig |
| We watch non-HD either in zoom (sports) or 4:3 (other). However, on our Panasonic the "bars" at the side change shading periodically in order to prevent burn-in - at least in theory. |
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| BillG |
quote:
Originally posted by doctorj
When you watch a program that is in standard definition, 4:3 aspect ratio, do you watch it with the black bars or "columns" on the side? Unless you stretch or zoom, all non HD programming will have the sidebars and my concern is burn-in.
I typically watch with the black bars just as the signal is being broadcasted.
I have a 60" DLP set and find the distortion of the stretched picture to be distraction. I don't really need the stretch to feel like I'm getting a big enough picture. Of course, I'm not concerned about burn in either. |
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| 5Gs |
quote:
Originally posted by doctorj
Good thread guys. I'm about ready to purchase a plasma but I have a question for those of you that already own one.
When you watch a program that is in standard definition, 4:3 aspect ratio, do you watch it with the black bars or "columns" on the side? Unless you stretch or zoom, all non HD programming will have the sidebars and my concern is burn-in. All the plasma websites say to limit your viewing of non-fullscreen content and use one of the zoomed or stretched modes to prevent burn-in. I've been reading forums like avforums.com and most people make it sound like plasma burn-in is a thing of the past unless you abuse it. I'd like to hear from some people that have had them for a while. How do you watch your 4:3 standard programming. This tv is going in the family room so I don't want a $2000 tv that I'm going to have to baby so I don't damage it. Your thoughts?
do you know anyone who has a widescreen hdtv? you may want to visit them and see how you like the zoom or stretch mode. when I got my first widescreen a few years ago, I had it on full/stretched mode. I didn't like the fact that everything's out of proportion. so I put it in zoom mode. that didn't work either when I'm watching a sports game, such as basketball, in non-hd, because the score would be cut off on top or bottom. so I've left it on standard with the black bars on either side for standard def programming. I have an lcd though, so I don't have to worry about burn-in. anyway, you may want to see for yourself if zoom or stretched mode is acceptable to you before you buy a plasma that may force you to watch programming in those modes. |
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| sfhondapilot |
quote:
Originally posted by doctorj
Good thread guys. I'm about ready to purchase a plasma but I have a question for those of you that already own one.
When you watch a program that is in standard definition, 4:3 aspect ratio, do you watch it with the black bars or "columns" on the side? Unless you stretch or zoom, all non HD programming will have the sidebars and my concern is burn-in. All the plasma websites say to limit your viewing of non-fullscreen content and use one of the zoomed or stretched modes to prevent burn-in. I've been reading forums like avforums.com and most people make it sound like plasma burn-in is a thing of the past unless you abuse it. I'd like to hear from some people that have had them for a while. How do you watch your 4:3 standard programming. This tv is going in the family room so I don't want a $2000 tv that I'm going to have to baby so I don't damage it. Your thoughts?
On our 42" Panasonic ED plasma, we never watched anything in 4:3 aspect ratio. After a while, we got used to visual stretch. |
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| Scoobs |
| If you get an upconverting DVD player connected through HDMI remember to look for a player that pillarboxes 4:3 content otherwise it will stretch everything, which drives me nuts. |
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| jmeitz |
if any of you guys live in the midwest i can get you a pretty good deal on audio and video.
Only requirement is you pick it up in your pilot. :D
www.webworxaudio.com |
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| rocky |
My TV will be delivered tomorrow.
Went with a 50 inch Panasonic Plama. |
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| jdeanski |
quote:
Originally posted by rocky
My TV will be delivered tomorrow.
Went with a 50 inch Panasonic Plama.
I'm sure you won't be unhappy!!!!! |
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