TV Help

[Adam in CO]

Need a new set for the new rec room. No idea what the hell I'm buying and don't want to take the word of some mimimum-wage, pimple-face, commissioned teenager. Was thinking a 42" would be about the right size for the space and it is in the basment, if that matters. Input?

[DennisAJC]

Make sure it has the capability to plug in your computer as a secondary monitor (DPL?).

You can watch TV while watching Elcova in the Picture in Picture box.

Don't get plasma Adam. You'll regret it even when the price nowadays is tempting.

[SteveRH]

I just picked up a 57" DLP. It kicks ass.
Your options for HD are DLP, Plasma and LCD.
Plasma being the most expensive.
DLP and Plasma will get you the best picture.
If you want flat, go Plasma, if you don't mind a thicker TV, go DLP.
LCD just isn't as good.
Plasma is super reflective - go to any store and watch a Plasma. If there's one behind it, you see the reflection pretty well. Plus, with Plasma, you can burn pixels and you can never tilt the television.
DLP will give you a damn good pic at a cheaper price, with relatively zero reflection and zero burn in issues...
Here's the one I got:
http://mitsubishi-tv.com/j/i/18326/T...s.html?cid=382

[dеiтайожни]

Just went through buying another TV. It pretty much depends if you want Plasma or LCD. Since it's in the basement I'm guessing not too much sunlight is down there, so either will be fine. There is something about plasma's glass screen that I really like over the matte black lcd screens, though.

I narrowed my choices down to plasma: Pioneer PDP-5070HD (also available in 42") and LCD: 46" Sony Bravia. I went with the LCD because it's in a very bright room and the glare on plasmas there is too much. If there is not much light that will cause glare on a glass screen where ever you mount it, I say go with a Pioneer plasma, they have always been my favorite.

[DennisAJC]

Best Buy here won't warranty a Plasma for unpredictable burn out reasons. Some can burn out in less than 2 years, some can last it's 20,000 hour lifespan. If you're going Plasma, ask about warranty.

With an LCD rear projection, the picture is pretty good especially with HD channels. When your picture starts to degrade or just old, you change out the bulb($350-$400) and the picture is like new again.

[PARAGON]

Sony 50" Grand WEGA SXRD Rear Projection
KDS-50A2000

SXRD is a type of LCoS display and is crisper and better than DLP

[KenP]

Originally Posted by PARAGON

Sony 50" Grand WEGA SXRD Rear Projection
KDS-50A2000

SXRD is a type of LCoS display and is crisper and better than DLP

X2 If you read the "other thread" then you know we just got the 60 and it's awesome. Much better than DLP.

Just remember that TV's at Best Circuit Buy City are set up to be seen from across the building and look clear. You really will have a different look when put it in your own home and the set is adjusted properly. There are forums out there we looked at before making the decision.

The only downside is it doesn't have PIP, so the Elcova/TV idea won't work.

Make sure the set has HDMI.

BTW, it's VERY light. The boy and the wife picked it up for me so I could move the stand with the components on it.

[RubHer Yellow Ducky]

Originally Posted by Adam in CO

Need a new set for the new rec room. No idea what the hell I'm buying and don't want to take the word of some mimimum-wage, pimple-face, commissioned teenager. Was thinking a 42" would be about the right size for the space and it is in the basment, if that matters. Input?

Plasma: Viewing space best if dark because of highly reflective
screen, not good for video games because of possible
screen burn, considered the richest blacks, I believe
screens are now rated at 20000 hours +++(good),
excellent color reproduction, cost the most, viewing angle
not as good as other types

LCD : Viewing good in dark or room with some light from
windows, doors, room lights, excellent with video games
almost no screen burn, excellent color reproduction,
generally largest size is 50", good viewing angles
cost less then Plasma

DLP : Very similer to LCD in all characteristics, much less
expensive then Plasma & LCD, Plasma & LCD run around 4"
to 6" in depth but DLP generally are from 9" to 16" in depth,
lamp life has improved greatly and cost has come down

Size depend on the size of the room which you didn't mention and how many people normally watch the TV at one time (because of viewing angle. The most recognized brands (Sony, Panasonic, Samsung, Mitshu and several others are the best rated) Your best bet is to pick up a copy of CONSUMER REPORT, the TV issue.

Good Luck

RYD

[DennisAJC]

I've had this 36" RCA color tube just sitting in the basement and it still works excellent ever since I bought it when I was 16 twenty years ago. And my parents hve this 50 year old B/W that's still maintenece free. Old school.

You can always go tube if depth doesn't bother you. It'll last forever.

[PARAGON]

Originally Posted by RubHer Yellow Ducky

Plasma: Viewing space best if dark because of highly reflective
screen, not good for video games because of possible
screen burn, considered the richest blacks, I believe
screens are now rated at 20000 hours +++(good),
excellent color reproduction, cost the most, viewing angle
not as good as other types

LCD : Viewing good in dark or room with some light from
windows, doors, room lights, excellent with video games
almost no screen burn, excellent color reproduction,
generally largest size is 50", good viewing angles
cost less then Plasma

DLP : Very similer to LCD in all characteristics, much less
expensive then Plasma & LCD, Plasma & LCD run around 4"
to 6" in depth but DLP generally are from 9" to 16" in depth,
lamp life has improved greatly and cost has come down

Size depend on the size of the room which you didn't mention and how many people normally watch the TV at one time (because of viewing angle. The most recognized brands (Sony, Panasonic, Samsung, Mitshu and several others are the best rated) Your best bet is to pick up a copy of CONSUMER REPORT, the TV issue.

Good Luck

RYD

Not even close, stupid. and Consumer Reports is for those that don't care what they get.


To clear up the confusion caused by Rubber Dummy:
There's flat screens, which are Plasma and LCD. Then there are Rear projections which are LCD, DLP, LCoS variants, and finally tube. Tube is the absolute best except it's brightness and side viewing is impacted.

LCoS-types (Sony's SXRD) and DLP in a 50" screen or viewed by the less than discernable eye, is close.

[RubHer Yellow Ducky]

Originally Posted by PARAGON

Not even close, stupid. and Consumer Reports is for those that don't care what they get.


To clear up the confusion caused by Rubber Dummy:
There's flat screens, which are Plasma and LCD. Then there are Rear projections which are LCD, DLP, LCoS variants, and finally tube. Tube is the absolute best except it's brightness and side viewing is impacted. like yor ass !!

LCoS-types (Sony's SXRD) and DLP in a 50" screen or viewed by the less than discernable eye, is close.

RYD

[PARAGON]

Originally Posted by RubHer Yellow Ducky

RYD

Actually, no. I've got the runs today..... but thanks for thinking of me.

[ssgharkness020147]

I've got a '42 Toshiba plasma 1080i in my rec room. I love it great picture quality, though the speakers leave alot to be desired but I'm just gonna throw surround in and never have to hear that damn hissing again. Dont let the salsemen sell you in to HDMI it is convient if you are not techno inclined and it does make for a very clean install, but the actual differences in picture quality are very negligable when compared to high quality component cables. Some TV's only have one HDMI input, which means without an HDMI compatible recievcer (like 1000.00+ a few months ago) you can only use one accecsory with HDMI.

[ssgharkness020147]

Will you ever shut the **** up?

Originally Posted by RubHer Yellow Ducky

RYD

[KenP]

Recently, I've had a 43" projection, a 43" plasma, a 50" plasma and now this 60" and of all of them, this one has, by far, the best picture. It's incredible. The 36" Sony WEGA we have in our den is also wonderful and has, probably, the best picture of all our sets, but HD letterboxes so much it's really not cool. Plus, being a CRT, it's heavy as hell.

We also have two other, small, LCD screens in the house and their picture doesn't compare with the SXRD. It's truely incredible.

Here's a link to Sony Style and some info on the SXRD. 2 million pixels per panel and there's 3 panels. Hell, you only need one panel.

Sony SXRD

Of course this is all mute if you don't want to, or can't, step up to a 50". Size is a concern for each viewing area and you need to size the monitor for it's application.

[errett]

Don't know if you made a decision yet, but remember one thing. No matter what any of us say, you have to live with it. Go spend some time looking at all the sets out there and decide what looks best to you. True, usually the sets on the display floor are set on torch mode and the feeds are usually crap, but you will get an idea of the quality. Also make sure you are not one of the folks that sees rainbows when watching a DLP.

I personally have a 61" Samsung DLP. It has the best picture for the money in my opinion, but I am on my fourth light engine (under warranty, but they run $1200 if you are out of warranty.) I personally will never own another Samsung product after this one.

The Sony SXRD that are being mentioned also have a great picture. Watch Circuit City for amazing sales on these to pop up. Before Christmas, they were all but giving them away if you used your Circuit City credit card.

Big things now are HDMI and if you are headed to HD DVD or Blu-Ray, you will want the set to accept 1080p over HDMI.

I never buy the extended warranty except on expensive TV's and laptops...and maybe this H2, but don't just assume you don't need the warranty. These sets are bad expensive to repair.

[RubHer Yellow Ducky]

Anyone have this & would you buy it again and whats a good price...

SONY KDF 55E2000 55" LCOS RP LCD

RYD

[KenP]

Originally Posted by RubHer Yellow Ducky

Anyone have this & would you buy it again and whats a good price...

SONY KDF 55E2000 55" LCOS RP LCD

RYD

It isn't 1080i, but 720p.

This will give you 1080p for about the same price to $100 more based on net results. Plus you'll get the SXRD technology.

I've never had problems with Sony and prefer them to anyothers.

[KenP]

Originally Posted by KenP

It isn't 1080i, but 720p.

This will give you 1080p for about the same price to $100 more based on net results. Plus you'll get the SXRD technology.

I've never had problems with Sony and prefer them to anyothers.

Haha, forgot to put the model number up:
Sony KDS55A2000 55-INCH Grand Wega 1080P Sxrd Rear Projection HDTV

Originally Posted by errett

This set is the 55" version of the set I have been looking at putting in my office for gaming. I think the set has a great picture. I also liked the pricing on it from Circuit City.

Two comments about that:
1) Get much work done at the office?
2) I got ours at Circuit City. You can go to their website and pay for it and then just pick it up at the store.

[Dug]

Hey perfect timing for this thread. I have recently moved into my new house and am looking for a new tv. I know nothing about tvs , but this thread is helping. My present tv is a 36" Sony, I believe it must be a "tube" type because it is heavy as hell and the depth is prolly 20". I only like SOny stuff , can someone steer me in the right direction . This is what i have.
Will be mounted in entertainment center built in wall , depth has to be less than 24".
The room is wired for surround sound.
The room is basically 20' x 28' , multiple couches.
The tv needs to be seen from quite a few angles . (if possible)
I am looking for dependability , doesnt have to be the latest techy model.
Pricing is definetly a factor , no more than a few thousand.
Any suggestions?

Thanks , doug