Preferred TV

[Placebo005]

I was wondering what would be the best TV for my needs,
Use: Movies, games (xbox 360), and general watching (shows, news, etc...)

My budget is about $2500 no taxes and I'm looking for a nice 50" plasma.

My setup is in a basement so not much natural lighting... and the viewing area is about 8' from the TV.

I was looking at the Hitachi 50HDA39 ....and now that i look at it - the price got lower....hmmm

anyways, whats the best solution for my budget?'
Thanks

 

[jcsprankle]

I like DLP sets myself and finally settled on a 52" 1080p Mitsubishi, which I love. I stayed away from Plasma because I couldn't afford a 1080p one (do they even make Plasmas larger than 720p?) and I don't like LCD because of the problem with burn-in. I got the Mits for less than $1700.

 

[Placebo005]

Does DLP give u as nice a clear picture?

 

[Geno]

I got the 50" Panasonic plasma from Costco for 2 bills. Great set.

 

[Hi Ho]

I stayed away from Plasma because I couldn't afford a 1080p one (do they even make Plasmas larger than 720p?) and I don't like LCD because of the problem with burn-in. I got the Mits for less than $1700.

Yes, Panasonic and Pioneer Elite both make 1080p plasmas. They aren're cheap though.

LCD does not have burn in problems. Plasma has them but they are quite overblown and it is not as much of an issue nowadays.

Placebo005, If you want a plasma I would look at Panasonic or Pioneer. They both make models that will fit your budget and are very good quality sets.

Rear projection DLP sets do produce spectacular pictures and you can get more screen for your money. They do, however, have bulbs that will eventually need to be replaced for $250-$300 a pop.

 

[Placebo005]

Yes, Panasonic and Pioneer Elite both make 1080p plasmas. They aren're cheap though.

LCD does not have burn in problems. Plasma has them but they are quite overblown and it is not as much of an issue nowadays.

Placebo005, If you want a plasma I would look at Panasonic or Pioneer. They both make models that will fit your budget and are very good quality sets.

Rear projection DLP sets do produce spectacular pictures and you can get more screen for your money. They do, however, have bulbs that will eventually need to be replaced for $250-$300 a pop.

Awesome - thanks Hi Ho and everyone else

 

[markw]

Actually...

...and I don't like LCD because of the problem with burn-in.

...it's plasma that is susceptible to burn-in. LCD's are immune from it.

and, all things considered, a direct-view set will outperform a projection TV any day, particularly when comparing the same size display..

 

[jcsprankle]

LCD does not have burn in problems. Plasma has them but they are quite overblown and it is not as much of an issue nowadays.

...it's plasma that is susceptible to burn-in. LCD's are immune from it.

That's right. I was confused. Thanks for clearing it up.

As for my DLP, I love it. It is crystal clear (the SuperBowl was AWESOME) and it had a great price. But, it's not picture-thin. I suppose it's all about tradeoffs. There is no "perfect" set.

 

[BMXTRIX]

Rear projection, under ideal conditions, will almost always outperform flat panel LCD and plasma displays.

In bright rooms LCD and plasma do far better, and the ability for plasma/lcd to be wall mounted to truly not add to the footprint of the room is phenomenal.

But, if you can, go to a few good home theater stores and just browse - get up close and personal with the displays.

Time after time, LCD and plasma have processing issues and the inability to produce the same quality of overall image that rear projection can muster.

While rear projection won't be as bright, this simply is a non-issue in a subdued lighting environment, such as this one. As well, it is very common in a basement to have the floorspace to allow for the slightly deeper cabinet.

For the money, I would seriously consider something like this:
http://www.bestbuyplasma.com/Plasma/Product.asp_X_Sku_Y_KDS60A2000

Yes, that's 60" for under $2K.

You can go down to 50", save several hundred bucks, and use the extra cash to get a kick butt universal remote or maybe upgrade some part of your audio system.

Don't forget - audio is half of your setup!

 

[Placebo005]

hmm...i donoo, im kind of biased against Sony...i dont know what it is but i just don't trust them

And also, Pioneer and Panasonic in Canada, you can not find a plasma thats 50" under 2500

As far as space goes, i have a stand already that gives me a 19" x 60" (5ft)
so i can still go pretty wide
I'm sitting 7.5' - 8' from the display. and the display will be sitting 17" off the ground. once again this room is lit by fluorescent lighting, none-to-very little natural light is avalible.
My friend has a sony RP 50" and it is big but the picture isnt as bright and vibrant as even my regular 27" crt TV. soo idonno bout that

 

[Placebo005]

Also, as a side note im also looking at this http://www.complete-it.ca/plasma/MaxentMX-5020HPM.php
my brother sells them and says he can get me a deal
but ive never heard of maxent before so im kind of iffy on it - he just bought the 42" and installed in today

Anyone know this brand?