$1500, What would you buy?

[crgriggs]

Hey guys I been looking around for about 3 days and have come to the conclusion that I have no idea about this stuff. So please post and give me some suggestions on what to buy for around $1500. It can be a little more or less but not too much over $1500. I have no preference as to what type it is, the only thing is I would like to be able to watch HDTV, get the best television for the money and keep this television for 5 to 7 years. Also I only have Best Buy in my area so if you know a good online store please post a link to the product.

 

[brian32672]

I have no preference as to what type it is

Well by saying that, I would suggest front projection.
Here is an entire package for 1455.00
Projector, Screen (92"), Cables, Ceiling Mount, Avia disc, etc...
http://www.visualapex.com/hometheater/HomeTheater_Details.asp?chPartNumber=H31_Essential_Bundle

They also have Plasma, LCD, DLP, etc... Tv's

And they are highly recommended here. Also there are packages for Audioholic members...

EDIT, New link says 1425.00 http://www.visualapex.com/LCDprojectors/Bundles_Details.asp?chPartNumber=H_31_Bundle_1&MFR=Optoma

 

[plasmalvr]

If 34" is big enough and you have room for a CRT, Sony's 34" widescreen HDTV is the way to go. It lists for $1800- can be found for less. It's a top pick from Consumer Reports- again.

 

[crgriggs]

brian32672 that rocks!!!!!!!! I am ressearching at the monent, but won't you have to keep the room pretty dark for this to have a good picture? Thanks very much for this recommendation.

 

[crgriggs]

If 34" is big enough and you have room for a CRT, Sony's 34" widescreen HDTV is the way to go. It lists for $1800- can be found for less. It's a top pick from Consumer Reports- again.

Looks nice but I currently have a 27" and would like to get quite a bit bigger than what I currently have. No less that 37" is what I am guessing.

 

[brian32672]

brian32672 that rocks!!!!!!!! I am ressearching at the monent, but won't you have to keep the room pretty dark for this to have a good picture? Thanks very much for this recommendation.

As long as you can draw the shades closed it will be fine. That screen is a high gain screen at 1.8 I have a 1.0 gain 120" screen. Yes you will loose some contrast during the day, but once it hits 7:00pm you should be fine.
I as well as others have taken many pictures of our screen, I have some with all the lights in the house on. And the image is fine to me.
Here read this link. This is my el-cheapo screen. http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13957

Also start here on front projection FAQ's http://www.projectorcentral.com/buyers_guide.cfm

 

[BMXTRIX]

Yeah, I am all about projectors as well, but you do have light issues that you must deal with, and if this is a primary viewer, you will have to deal with replacement bulbs ($300.00ish) about once ever 1-2 years depending on your usage.

But, they last a long time, and you get a really big image for the money.

Another down side is you need some sort of audio hookup, like a Onkyo HTS-770 surround system to deliver audio and handle video switching which may not be within your budget (about $350.00 more).

What would I recommend? Not sure - I would probably save a bit more and get an inexpensive 42" EDTV plasma. They should last you for several years, have built in speakers, and some have built in CableCard which you may find useful/cool. No bulbs, hang it on the wall, enjoy the reliability.

 

[crgriggs]

As long as you can draw the shades closed it will be fine. That screen is a high gain screen at 1.8 I have a 1.0 gain 120" screen. Yes you will loose some contrast during the day, but once it hits 7:00pm you should be fine.
I as well as others have taken many pictures of our screen, I have some with all the lights in the house on. And the image is fine to me.
Here read this link. This is my el-cheapo screen. http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13957

Also start here on front projection FAQ's http://www.projectorcentral.com/buyers_guide.cfm

Dark is not a problem, and I have about 15 feet to work with so I can move it back to a nice view distance.

 

[jaxvon]

If you do end up going for the projector, make sure to purchase an extra bulb to have on hand. While your current bulb should last you awhile, it's nice to have a a spare one just in case.

Scenario: You're having a Superbowl party and everyone is psyched to watch the game in HD on your awesome new projector setup. And then...the bulb goes dead. Suddenly you went from super cool to sadly disappointing. If you have an extra bulb, the crisis can be averted and the game shall go on!

 

[brian32672]

Scenario: You're having a Superbowl party and everyone is psyched to watch the game in HD on your awesome new projector setup. And then...the bulb goes dead. Suddenly you went from super cool to sadly disappointing. If you have an extra bulb, the crisis can be averted and the game shall go on!

Good advice.


By chance because of the recent hurricane. I have to sell my PJ.
It is a 3000 lumen 2000:1 EP758. With 239 hours on it (perfect condition).
And a spare new bulb (sealed & boxed)
(these bulbs claim 3,000 hours, so with both you are looking at 6,000 hours apprx.)) Also mount, etc.. But it is a tad more than what you are spending. But not by much.

 

[jcPanny]

Check out this deal . . .

37" LCD HDTV with 1080P resolution for $1699. Here is a reveiw from another site.
http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_12_4/sceptre-37-inch-lcd-hdtv-11-2005-part-1.html

 

[df4801]

If you can go a little higher.
Panasonic 37" plasma. One of the top plasma sets.

Westinghouse makes a great 37" LCD monitor. I believe it can be had for around $1750.

Front pj's are great if, 1) you have the room, 2) dont have ambient light, 3) dont mind spending extra for install, canles, receiver, etc. 4) want a big picture

 

[crgriggs]

Hey guys would this tv be a good buy?

http://www.visualapex.com/plasma/plasma_details.asp?chPartNumber=TH-42PWD8UK&MFR=Panasonic

Please explain why it is or is not a good buy. Thanks

 

[df4801]

its supposed to be a great set, but not high def.
Personally, I would spend the extra 500 or so and get a high def model.