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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Location
    Boston, MA
    Posts
    51

    Default New TV

    Hey guys,
    Im not sure if anyone ever gets down here to read but here goes. I am finally looking for a 42" set, for around $2k. Probably around 65% TV, 30% movies, and with 5% gaming thrown in. I will be seated about 8 feet or so away, and during the day I have a good amount of light in the room.
    I really dont have any insight on the new plasma's, lcd's or dlp's, so I was looking for a little help and any suggestions you might have.

    Thanks

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Austin, TX
    Posts
    46

    Default Plasma vs. DLP vs. LCD projection vs. LCD

    I did quite a bit of research on this subject before buying my Sony KDS-R50XBR1.

    From my research I found that of the 5 major technologies using in displays that they all have certain advantages and disadvantages. I'll try and break them down for you.

    1) Plasma
    Pros: thin form factor
    Cons: Burn-in - I wouldn't recommend playing games or watching news channels with a ticker on a plasma display. Plasma half-life - after time the display will not be as bright as it was when brand new. That being said, I believe that the half-life is about 10 years of normal viewing.

    2) DLP
    Pros: No burn-in, medium form factor
    Cons: Replacement lamps - DLP and LCP projection is basically a projector in a box, so the bulb must be replaced after ~8000 hours. Each lamp can cost between $200-$500. "rainbow effect" - DLP uses a microchip with millions of little mirrors to reflect light through a spinning color wheel. Some people claim that they can see the transistions in the color wheel producing a rainbow-like effect. (I personally can't see it).

    3) LCD Projection
    Pros: No burn-in, medium form-factor.
    Cons: Replacement lamps - just like DLP projection, the lamp must be replaced periodically. "Screen-door effect" - LCD projection uses thin colored LCD panels that light is shined through. The gaps between pixels are visible on older sets or under magnification. (I bought my Sony because of the SXRD technology that spaces the pixels closer together. I can only see the pixel gaps under magnification)

    4) LCD
    Pros: No burn-in, small form factor
    Cons: large sizes are not readily available or are very expensive.

    5) CRT
    Pros: best picture, large form-factor
    Cons: HEAVY! Not available in large sizes.


    I hope this helps you in your decision!
    I reject your reality and substitute my own

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Location
    Oaktown, CA
    Posts
    226

    Default

    Actually, most good plasma sets have a 60k hour half/life. This is 20 years at 8 hours/day... every day!

    As for burn-in, plasma manufacturers have decreased the potential for this dramatically. My old Pioneer plasma was prone to Image Retention and burn-in. My new Panasonic has shown absolute NO sign of either... that said, you can burn in a CRT if careless, so yes, Plasma wil have burn in, but you almost have to try... and yes, serious gamers are the only ones I've ever heard about who have experienced this issue on a good panel.

    Go to the AVSForum for comprehensive comparisons of the options you present.
    Don't be shy about asking questions there. Most members are very helpful... but be careful of those who trash one technology or the other. There are many who will be jingoistic about what they have purchased and are 'Brandies'.

    Good luck

    shane
    Yes Eve, I like to watch.

    My setup:
    http://www.fototime.com/5EF1F78FC789849/orig.jpg
    HT: 340SE's Front & Center - 340 Classic's Surround, SVS PB110-ISD.
    Office (2-ch): 170SE's

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Austin, TX
    Posts
    46

    Default

    shane55, I believe you are correct on the plasma half-life issue. When I wrote up my previous comment I was going from memory, and was probably a bit off on some of my figures. Also, I believe that plasma technologies have improved since the first plasma sets were released.

    And you certainly can burn in a CRT - just go to the bank and check out some of the ATM CRT displays....ewwww.... I would be cautious about the opinions of those who trash one technology over the other. Each technology has some advantages and disadvantages and just like with audio, it's a personal choice.

    Good luck with your new TV purchase ChrisC!
    I reject your reality and substitute my own

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    St. Louis Area
    Posts
    123

    Default

    I just bought a new LCD HDTV for my bedroom last month. I'm a big fan of Sony's TVs but I fell in love with the picture quality/price/features of a Westinghouse TV at BB. It seems that LCD TV prices are on the decline and the gap between the major players and the new entries seems to be getting smaller.

    AVS is a good place to do more research but I will say that with 2K you should be able to find a nice set in the size you want. Good luck!

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Aug 2003
    Location
    Ohio
    Posts
    1,066

    Default

    I've just started researching a big screen and AVS video section is horrible in my opinion. It might as well be on a Chevy v. Ford truck thread. I was coming here for help.

    From what I'm reading the new generation of DLPs have 5 color wheels instead of 3 which supposedly eliminates the rainbow effect.

    I'm looking for the family room. It wil be used for general tv watching, sports for me, and movies.

    It is an L-shaped room and you can't sit off-axis as the seating area is only 10 feet wide. Seating is about 12 feet back.

    I can control light some but not eliminate it.

    I want SD picture to look good as well as HD.

    I have the space for a RPCRT.

    Confused if 1080p is worth it. Can I really see the difference? Is there going to be any 1080p media availible?

    I'm not a gamer and I'm the only guy under the roof so I don't see gaming in the future.

    I am concerned about burn in as the the kids channels have their logos on all the time.

    I want 50" minimum preferably 65". Budget hopefully under $2500 but preferably under $2K.

    HELP!
    Last edited by Quinn; 08-09-2006 at 04:16 AM.

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