Advice on Buying an HDTV

Well, that was just idle speculation. I believe Mitsubishi has dropped LCD projection from their 2008 lineup and only offers DLP projection. And projection TV's days are numbered, just waiting for the price of large flat panel displays to drop close enough to completely kill them off. So that, coupled with the fact that in every company that offers both LCD and another projection technology, LCD is the lower cost, lower picture quality technology, made me think that projection LCD is dead.

After a little research though (I don't like their picture, so I don't follow their developments), it appears projection LCD may have some life left in it. I wasn't aware that Sony recently updated their 3-chip LCD projection TVs to full 1920x1080. Panasonic is offering 1080p LCD projection TVs too. So me calling it a dead technology was at least premature, if not completely wrong.

LCoS is kind of a cross between LCD and DLP; it's reflective like a DLP, but uses a mirrored surface, and modulates the light through the liquid crystal. Compared to projection LCD, LCoS has greater contrast, and higher fill factor so they don't suffer from screen door effect. They also have a smoother, more life-like picture than DLP in my opinion, and as three-chip devices, don't require a color wheel or induce rainbow-effect in some viewers. Sony SXRD and JVC D-ILA are both LCoS. I have two LCoS projection HDTVs, two DLP projection HDTVs, and two LCD flat-panel HDTVs, and much prefer the picture of the LCoS to anything else.

 

Thanks for all the info, as I am planning also to buy a large LCD TV. Mostly for DVD's, so I will have to decide on a format, I guess.

Just to put one model out there, for people to comment on is the Sharp Aquos xxx64, which is 1080P. They have newer ones out now, xxx84 and xxx94 (if i remember the numbers correctly) which have a faster refresh.

A fun non-Prius thread on Priuschat.com!

(I have to watch Monk on DVD now).

 

I think everyone should just wait until the 1080p OLED with DCR TVs come out. That should take care of everything.

 

I also have an Optima 1080i HD projector.
A 10 foot projected image is the most satisfying to watch.It equals a movie theater experience.
We had 8 people over last night to watch an old movie.Even though the picture is technically lessor than a plasma.Super sharp, OK blacks and HUGE .
They cost about $800 for 1080i.

 

You haven't been paying attention. Your Optoma (not Optima) is a 720p display. You're just feeding it a 1080i signal, but that's not what is being displayed.

 

Big +1 on monoprice.com. Great prices!

I have an LG 47" 1080p (47LC7DF) that I absolutely love. When I was shopping I was looking at contrast ratio and response time, I found that the lower priced($1200-$1600) LCD's in my size range had a 1000:1 to 1200:1 ratio, while going up a few hundred bucks got you into the 5000:1 to 10,000:1 range, which was worth it to me(mine is 8000:1). I also got a 5 ms response time, which smooths out fast motion. The lower priced tv's were in the 8 to 10 ms range. Hope this is helpful.

 

It's xxx82 and xxx92 for the 120Hz models. For some good entertainment, go to Best Buy and ask one of their sales associates to explain the benefits of a 120Hz display. The advantage of a 120Hz display is that movie film is shot at 24 frames/sec, and 120 is a multiple of 24. So each frame gets displayed with a 5:5 cadence. A 60Hz set has to display it with 3:2 cadence (since 60 is not a multiple of 24), meaning every other frame is on the screen 50% longer than the previous and following frame, leading to visible stutter in scenes with motion which some find distracting. A 120Hz (or 72Hz) display displays each 24Hz frame the same amount of time, leading to smoother motion. The advantage of 120Hz is that 120 is a multiple of 24, 30, and 60, which pretty much covers all the frame rates you're likely to see (in this country at least).

 

Even a seasoned Amateur learnt a few things

Great thread.

I need to say again - strictly for watching movies - a Projector.

• 108" screen is cheap, under 200$, non motorized. Use a stand or tack to ceiling, and pull it down in front of the TV (lcd or plasma)
• Take it camping !!! (Great for free beer - admission price)
• In the summertime at night, make a neighborly movie night with the kids, use a garage door, or the side of the house.
• Quite cheap, 720p widescreen models at 1200$ with 200hr bulbs at 150$
• The WOW FACTOR
• Hook it up to your laptop for instant display on the go, like special parties, marriages, 25/40/50 anniversaries

And lastly, the FUN FACTOR cannot be underestimated. Remember Grandpa taking out his 8mm projector to watch home movies. Sometimes you can't take the party to the TV, just use any wall.

I've even gotten paid requests, so I usually charge $$$ for a spare bulb.

Indianna Jones watched larger than real life is extra exciting.

Like I said, often a 32+projector & accessories is cheaper than a 57+ plasma, or about the same price as a 52" plasma.

Don't overbuy, a 52" plasma should be viewed at 12 feet, any closer and you can start seeing pixels, or dithering in the blacks.

 

Heres the one I have ,$749 after rebate.
http://www.visualapex.com/lcdprojectors/LCD_projectors_details.asp?VA=Optoma&chPartNumber=HD70

 

I just have to interject that it is more important to save electricity BEFORE you put solar panels in than after.

 

My cheap solution for that is just taking my glasses off. No way I can see the individual pixels then!

 

That is what kept me out of an LCD until now.

Another downside to a rear projection is the inside of the screen gets dusty. My last TV was a Sony 43" 4:3 aspect ratio HD rear projection. Great picture when new and dead reliable, but the image started to get a little fuzzy after a few years. On top of that, a spider got inside and built a web on the back of the screen!

 

I've heard some horror stories like that but thankfully it hasn't happened to me. My rear projection is still going strong at my dad's house. 6 years old and zero problems. He thinks its great considering he had a 25" CRT.

My LCD had really good reviews online. One guy at bestbuy.com said it was crap, but he was only on bad review out of many, so I think I got a good one.

 

Yes you use your cable box as tuner ,or computer or dvd as input.Also need speakers and amp.
But I just project onto walls so Ive avoided some expense.
Its really inexpensive compared to LCD.