Buying a Big Screen TV

[moyer777]

wow Chris, that looks awesome.

[Blackride]

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.

[Blackride]

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)

[Geekyfanboy]

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.

[Rico]

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.

[Dan M]

"3-D Ready"?  What does that mean.

[Ktrek]

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

[Meds]

Hold on, 60 inches, how big is your room, my 32 inch is big enough. Ok stop the sniggering regarding the size people ;)

[KingIsaacLinksr]

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

[Meds]

Ha ha Kings got a small one ;)

[X]

LOL

[Geekyfanboy]

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... :)

[Rico]

Sounds great!  Welcome to the wonderland of big screen HI DEF!

[Feathers]

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.

[Bryancd]

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. :)