Well it's that time.. my Big Screen rear projected TV went out and the part needed to fix it is no longer available.. so it looks like I'm going to be buying a new TV.. I want one that is bigger then 50" but I need some help with the details.. I know 1080p is the best.. can anyone suggest other details I should be looking for when searching for a TV.. or maybe you have an awesome TV and can let me know what type it is... any help would be appreciated. Thanks
So many choices really Kenny. I of course love my Sony, 60" LCD rear projection that I got about a year ago. Tons of good ones out there. Here are a few things I'd watch for and think about:
- First, know how much you want to spend
- How big do you want and can fit into your place?
- 1080p is pretty much a must in my opinion
- Watch for number of HDMI inputs (I wouldn't get one with less than 2. Three is even better.)
Then it just comes down to brand, type etc. Plasma is great but a bit more expensive than LCD. Personally I prefer name brands like: Sony, Pioneer, Toshiba, Mitsubishi.
Shop around and if you buy from a store dicker on the price. When I got mine last year at Best Buy I brought in a printout from an online store price and they matched it. Saved me several hundred dollars. Do your legwork online and try and know a couple models you like before you go to the store.
Enjoy the shopping!
And be happy you are a late adopter! Prices have fallen so much over the past two years. I still need to get one myself but I am glad I didn't drop $5000 for a 42" plasma 3 years ago when they are now $1500-$2000.
Actually, I'm going to go against the pack and suggest you find something in CRT or projection. While they are larger than LCD and plasma, they are actually more energy efficient than LCD (about twice as efficent) or plasma (about 3 times effcient) for the same size.
I don't know how green you want to be, but if it's a factor:
http://www.evliving.com/2008/07/14/854/energy-consumption/
Green saves green when it comes to TVs these days.
Actually if you read my post you will see I said I have an LCD Rear projection set. Energy efficient and a lot of TV (60" & 1080p) for the buck!
I saw you said that, but I don't know the difference between LCD projection and the other type. Is there a difference power or display wise?
hmmm so many choices.. what do you guys think of this one.
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=9252216#Item+Description
Kenny,
Have two links I hope will help you.
First a link to the HTguys.com site which is the best site / podcast about home theater. Read the show notes and maybe you would like to listen to that show.
http://www.htguys.com/archive/2008/January22.html
Second is a link I got from another one of their other shows talking about the buying process.
http://www.electronichouse.com/article/10_tips_for_haggling_retailers/
The link above is not working right now but it was an hour ago. Check it every now an again as it is great advice.
I'm hoping these will better prepare you,
Metron
Well, there are several differences. But I don't want to divert Kenny's thread too far. Also, standard old CRT is getting harder to find. I really wouldn't go that route these days. And typically projection requires a certain amount of space and very little light.
But again lots of choices Kenny.
Quote from: StarTrekFanatic5 on September 12, 2008, 12:00:35 PM
hmmm so many choices.. what do you guys think of this one.
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=9252216#Item+Description
Looks pretty good Kenny - the specs seem fine but I don't know that brand as well as others. I'd try and find some online reviews of it.
Excerpt of the Article from the HT guys site.
The Death of Rear Projection TVs
So it's down to two: Samsung and Mitsubishi. Both have always been very solid selections in the micro-display market, so it's not like we're left with two bad choices. But what is a consumer to do? Right now, if you're looking to buy a new HDTV, do you pick up a big rear projection unit, even though you know the technology will be extinct by the end of the decade, or do you go a little smaller and buy a plasma or flat LCD to make sure you have something that will be around for a while longer. Or perhaps, you do the unthinkable and you decide to just wait it out to let the dust settle. Maybe if it's your second HDTV that's OK, but if you aren't enjoying HDTV, you absolutely must buy something. We recommend:
1. Consider your budget. Know how much you can spend. Use it all.
2. Consider the room. Do you have the extra depth you need for a rear projection, or is wall amounting a big deal? How big should the screen itself be?
Those two questions should make the decision on which TV is right for you. For example, if your budget is around $1500 you're probably looking at a 61" rear projection or a 50" plasma (42" if you want to step up to a Kuro), and 42" LCD. If your budget is $2500 you can scale up to a 73" Mitsubishi DLP, get a 60" plasma or a 52" LCD.
In our minds, the rear projection sets are still great TVs. Between the two of us, we own three, and will be getting really good use out of them for years - even after they stop being sold at our store. While there may be a bunch of consumers who bought early CRT and RP LCDHDTVs who wish they would have waited a little while longer, the technology is far enough along now that you should be able to confidently purchase a micro display TV without any remorse.
Of course, a week or two after we say this one of the remaining companies will probably announce their intention to exit the market, but that's just how it goes some times...
Oh man.. this is going to be really tough.. here is another one that is a bit cheaper then the last one looked at and has a PC interface.
http://www.htguys.com/shop.php?id=B000UN914I
Now your talking! The Aquos is a very nice unit. I've seen it in a local store and it looks great! Good middle price range.
The site about haggling price seems to be down at the moment. But listen to their podcast that discusses it http://www.htguys.com/archive/2008/July11.html
Good luck Kenny, like everyone is saying, lots of choices, most you should be happy with after having a older RSP unit, just make sure it give you what you need in features and will serve you in the future. Ara, and Braden's podcast is great coaching in those areas as they have done a lot of research for you already.
Hope this helps!
Metron
Found the Aquos 52" even cheaper then the one before... only $1399.99
Has anyone seen one of these TV's.. my biggest concern is viewing it from the side.. alot of these TV's go dark when you view from the side. I guess I'll need to go to best buy and check one out first. Actually I may do that first.. go to Best Buy and see what they have and then go online and see if I can find a better price.
Thanks everyone for your help.
Quote from: StarTrekFanatic5 on September 12, 2008, 12:12:36 PM
Oh man.. this is going to be really tough.. here is another one that is a bit cheaper then the last one looked at and has a PC interface.
http://www.htguys.com/shop.php?id=B000UN914I
Hey Kenny, my father actually has that Sharp. He likes it but it's only one of three that he bought at the time. He also got the 62. It's a good unit.
Here is one that is pretty nice on the cost and the features.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8753734&type=product&id=1202649765525
I have the best buy store brand and it works great. Here is one that you might like:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8796387&type=product&id=1205538043295
The thing with the store brand is that 90% are made by the big manufacturers, but you get a cost break because it has the store brand name.
wow Chris, that looks awesome.
This is the best resource ever for buying a new TV: http://www.avsforum.com/ . The people on that board know every answer to any question you can throw at them.
If you are going to be watching movies in a dark room then plasma is for you but if you are watching TV in a bright room LCD is the better choice. My main concern is the black level on a TV which is essential for HD programming and movies which means that you can't beat a plasma at this point. Keep in mind that bigger is NOT better. If you are watching a TV that is too big you are going to regret it because you are going to see more pixels than if you watch it from the correct distance.
Also keep in mind the contrast ratio stuff is all marketing bs so do NOT fall for that when you go to buy.
The last thing is that callibration is the key to any TV. If you want it to look the best than get an ISF callibration pro to do it. You would be amazed what they can do with cheaper models like Vizio and etc.
I also forgot to say that for Plasma here is what I would suggest for quality:
1. Pioneer Kuros (NO QUESTION IT'S THE BEST) - Very expensive but black levels are nuts!!!!!
2. Panasonic - These are the best TV's for the price. The quaility and price point are hard to beat.
3. Samsung - Samsung was one of the top LCD companies. They are still new to plasma but they are a good TV with minor flaws.
4. Everything else....
5.
6.
7. Vizio (Sorry I am not a Vizio Fan)
What do you guys thing.. Best Buy is having this two day sale (ends Monday) and they have a 60" Mitsubishi 1080p DLP HDTV for only $999.99. It's the cheapest I have seen for that large of a TV. I think I'm going to get it.. I was wondering does anyone have a DLP HDTV.
My biggest concern is viewing the TV from the side.. alot of the large rear projection TV have the issue of going slightly dark when viewing on an angle.. that is the only thing that is keeping from buying it now.
Here are more details.
Product Features
* Built-in HDTV tuner
Add HD-capable antenna to receive over-the-air high-definition broadcasts, where available. Optional set-top box required for high-definition cable or satellite programming.
* 1080p display
Provides the highest quality progressive-scan picture possible from a high-definition source.
* 60" screen size
Measured diagonally from corner to corner, ideal for larger rooms.
* 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio
For a cinema-style entertainment experience.
* 3D-Ready
Brings movies, video games and sporting events to life.
* 6-Color Light Engine and x.v.Color
For expanded colors and brighter images.
* Tru1080p Processing, PerfectColor and color 4D video noise reduction
For improved image clarity.
* 2 built-in 10W speakers
Deliver quality audio.
* Auto volume leveler
Prevents volume fluctuations and is ideal for night viewing.
* Sleek design
Provides rear-projection quality without taking over your living space.
* 3 HDMI inputs
Provide an uncompressed all-digital audio/video link for the highest-quality connection and support of copy-protected HD broadcast content.
* USB 2.0 port
For quick connection of a digital camera or other USB device.
* Inputs
Include 1 S-video (rear), 1 component video (rear), 2 component/composite video (1 rear, 1 front), 3 HDMI (rear), 2 RF and 1 stereo audio (rear).
* Outputs
Include 1 coaxial digital audio and 1 stereo audio.
* Additional features
Include ChannelView and Easy Connect.
It's a decent set and that's a great price. But you are correct on side viewing Kenny. It is a bit limited on these types of sets. If your home setup will involve a lot of side viewing make sure you take a good look at those types of angles in the store. About 20 -30 degrees is going to probably be ok, but more off center than that and you will lose image quality.
"3-D Ready"? What does that mean.
That's a really good price Kenny but if there will be a lot of side viewing you might want to look at LCD an Plasmas. If your viewing will straight on and you just want more of a theater experience I'm sure you and Harry would be happy with it.
Kevin
Hold on, 60 inches, how big is your room, my 32 inch is big enough. Ok stop the sniggering regarding the size people ;)
Quote from: HawkeyeMeds on December 01, 2008, 11:30:25 AM
Hold on, 60 inches, how big is your room, my 32 inch is big enough. Ok stop the sniggering regarding the size people ;)
All mine are 20inches. Your much better than I.
King
Ha ha Kings got a small one ;)
LOL
Well I just bought the TV.. a 60' for that price I couldn't pass up.. I went to Best Buy on my lunch and checked out DLP TV and it's not that bad.. it goes dark if you watch from a very sharp angle but for the most part we watch it straight on.. so it will be good and we only paid $1000 which is great so we can get another even better TV down the road if needed. I get on Wednesday but it is a Christmas gift from Harry and I to Harry and I. I wonder if we will have to wait to open it... :)
Sounds great! Welcome to the wonderland of big screen HI DEF!
I think you and Harry should wrap it up properly in Christmas paper and stop each other fom opening it until the big day :)
Enjoy.
Congrats to you and Harry on the 60" bundle of joy! I am going to be getting a Panasonic plasma or LCD soon, probably only 42" as we have a TV insert space that will only accept up to that size and I don't feel like demoing my family room right now. :)
Quote from: HawkeyeMeds on December 01, 2008, 12:42:37 PM
Ha ha Kings got a small one ;)
Ow, ow, my ego is bruised. :( :(
King
Congrats on the new TV Kenny, I am sure you and Harry will enjoy it quite a bit. I have a HD Projection Screen I bought a few years ago, and for the most part I don't have any real issues with viewing it from the side. I suspect with that size you are not going to be sitting really close to it anyways.
I'm sure you guys will love it! Enjoy!!!!
Kevin
Sounds like an awesome TV Kenny! I'm gonna have to follow your lead and pick up a new set one of these days. I imagine using it will almost be like seeing films in the theater. :)
Quote from: Kinglinksr on December 01, 2008, 04:32:54 PM
Quote from: HawkeyeMeds on December 01, 2008, 12:42:37 PM
Ha ha Kings got a small one ;)
Ow, ow, my ego is bruised. :( :(
King
LOL