High Definition TV

[G_M]

My old projection TV finally broke down. So, I now have a reason to upgrade and buy a new television. Also, I'm hoping to switch over to high definition equipment through Direct TV.

I'm considering a plasma but I've also looked a LCD models. Does anyone have an opinion regarding the quality of picture, dependability of the technology, reliability etc.? From what I've seen plasma and LCD seem to offer the "best" picture. However, many of the DLP sets also offer high quality pictures.

Advice and opinions welcomed!

 

[pdxKingsFan]

If you can afford it go with Sony SXRD or a 3-chip DLP. If you can't see the rainbows (or can ignore them) in DLP then a single chip DLP is also a good choice. LCD can not match the contrast of DLP which produces superior blacks although it is a brighter image. On the plus side if you buy direct view LCD you won't need to replace an expensive projection bulb every 2-5 years. I am not a fan of plasma but if you like the picture go for it. It is highly susceptible to burn in so if you play games or have kids that do be aware of that. Newer sets supposedly address this with some kind of screen shifting but the other technologies don't have any problems whatsoever.

Make sure your set has a native resolution that matches one of the formats - either 1080p (the newest and most expensive) or 720p. Both are superior to 1080i but some sets will have native resolutions that don't match any standard (768 vertical pixels) and everything you watch will be scaled up or down. Most HDTV sports are broadcast in 720p (the rest are 1080i) but HD-DVD and Blu-Ray will output 1080p.

Another thing to keep in mind is the number of HDTV inputs and the type. Try to get as many as possible as HDTV switching (especially HDMI and DVI) can get really expensive and signal quality degrades as well. If possible try to get at least 2 HDMI or DVI ports and at least 2 component inputs even if you think you don't need them now.

 

[Warhawk]

In general, for the price DLP is the best bet, especially if you aren't restricted to mounting it on the wall.

 

[G_M]

Thanks for the input!

I've done some additional research and I'm leaning toward a DLP. It makes the most sense for my space and needs.

 

[vj9999]

I've had a single chip Samsung DLP for over 3 years now. It kind of makes me sad when I think what could I buy today for the money I spent 3 years ago

I love my TV and have not had any problems. I used to see rainbows, but my eyes got adjusted to it after a while.

Light bulbs can be a drag. I just replacd mine for the first time. The original one lasted about 9000 hours (itwas rated for 8000). That's alot of TV watching time though. In my house we have a habit of leaving the TV on all day/night even when no one is wathcing it.

If I was buying a new TV oday I'd most likely get a DLP again or myabe an LCD. I'm not a big fan of plasmas either.

Either way make sure you get a latest model and that it is 1080p (most new models should be). THere is no 1080p programming, but with PS3 and blu ray coming out (and HD DVD that is out already) it is good to have.

I also have 26" Samsung crt hd tv in my bedroom that I snagged at Target on clearance at 75% off for $150 In comparisson though, my 43" DLP is about 90 pounds lighter.

 

[kupman]

There are a lot of internet articles out there regarding 1080i vs 1080p. If I was buying at this time I would not spend the extra cash on 1080p. 1080p is a little better, yet 720p and 1080i are still fantastic. Also, I was surprised to find that there are some 1080p tv's that do not accept 1080 input. Shocking yes, but evidently true. Additionally, blue-ray and HD-DVD's players are very expensive and nobody knows which one will win that technology war. You may end-up owning the equivalent of beta-max. Lastly, it is unclear when or whether broadcast signals will ever be done in 1080p.

 

[pdxKingsFan]

The thing is with newer sets the TVs won't go bad so much as you'll just need to replace the bulb every few years. So buy the highest/best resolution you can afford which is 1080p->720p->1080i and make sure the set supports that resolution natively then convert all your sources to output that resolution. If you're a gamer 1080p is a reality very soon and the HD-DVD add on is going to be dirt cheap for the Xbox 360 and PS3 comes with Blu-Ray. It may not even be a technology war if the video game systems drive the techs. Eventually someone will come out with a dual-media player. The main thing is to try and be as future proof as possible unless you like buying new toys every few years.

VJ I have a single chip Optoma projector, my bulb is rated at 2000-3000 hours. I'd love to get 8000 hours. I only see rainbows on dark scenes where a bright color or white darts across the screen doesn't bother me much and none of my guests ever complain.

 

[vj9999]

Also, 1080p TVs are not all that expensive nowdays. You can get a 42" 1080p LCD at Costco for $1599. That's not a bad deal at all considering Costco's generous return policy.

 

[BigWaxer]

What? if you see rainbows do not get a DLP and they are not the best. The most common thing you hear with DLP is headaches from the rainbow affect. 2nd and 3rd gen supposedly has curred that.

For the money I would go with a rear project.. LCD. Although I noticed at Sams last week the Plasma's really went down in price. TO LCD level.

RPLCD is the best IMO, DLP... the newest generation is also really nice but your going to pay more. I think if you get a more recent model you wouldn't have to worry about the rainbows either. LCD's have a big problem with black colors... my only complaint.

Plasma is very nice but when they die, they die... the stories about recharging them are mostly false. IMO LCD either RP or just a flat panel LCD are the best way to go right now. It will change though IMO... There are some great SED type TV's in the pipeline. DLP keeps evolving and I think Plasma is the one that will be left out to dry.

All great TV's, gotta try them out and see which demo you like the best, IMO go here http://www.avsforum.com/ and read others opinions.

 

[pdxKingsFan]

I've owned both LCD and DLP, if the rainbows don't bug you DLP is superior as the black levels on LCD just aren't there. I may see the effect 2 or 3 times during a 2 hour movie if I didn't know to look for it or what it was I wouldn't even notice it. I've never had a headache either and neither have any of my guests.

 

[vj9999]

All great TV's, gotta try them out and see which demo you like the best, IMO go here http://www.avsforum.com/ and read others opinions.

Ditto about that. kingsfans and avsforum are two forums I visit hourly

 

[BigWaxer]

I've owned both LCD and DLP, if the rainbo.

I have a RPLCD and trust me the black levels absolutely kill me. Its a second gen Sony... not the latest 3lcd that was supposed to have fixed. Its not the darkness scenes but rather the scence like someone wearing a suit and the black blends together. Totally agree as that is my major complaint with LCD also.

If your picky like me, that black color thing may be a deal killer. I would add get the latest gen of any technology in the HDTV world. Plasma/lcd/dlp/sed... They are evolving daily

 

[pdxKingsFan]

I probably had the same set. I used to work at Sony so I got it at a great deal and then it was stolen when my house was broken into right before I moved to Portland. Their new SXRD/LCoS stuff is supposed to be really nice but when I am not looking to buy I tend to avoid playing with new tv sets for fear of getting the "I wants".

I visit avsforum daily as well.