Advice on what to get

[StacyT]

I need some help deciding on what to purchase.

I have a budget of $5K to spend and have been debating on what type of TV to get. I have been doing a lot of reading about the different technologies available.

The room that the TV will go into is bright, so not sure if a plasma would be the proper choice. Plus the position of the TV does get some glare in the afternoon. Also from the plasmas that I looked at it doesn't seem that the picture quality is as good as LCD, or projection.

I currently have an older 55" projection style TV, and it is starting to have some problems, so I dont think it will be to much longer before the set goes out, or I have to spend some money to get it fixed. I'd rather just buy something new I think.

I was looking at the sharp 45" LCD, but they are a bit expensive. Plus it would be a little smaller than what I have right now.

I was also looking at some of the newer projection sets, but doesn't seem like most of them support 1080p resolution. Any recomendations on a good set that can support 1080p? Also is it worth the difference?

Anyone have any recomendations, or suggestions?

 

[Thunder18]

Welcome to the Forum!
1080P is still very scarce. There are only a few companies even making sets that can display it and they are usually very expensive flagship models(I think my local Fry's has an 82" Mitsubishi for $15,000)! You won't find many 1080P sets right now.

Since you room has lighting issues, I'd definately stay away from front projectors.

Here is a link to a discussion that was on this same forum about LCD vs. Plasma. You may find some of the answers you're looking for.
http://forum.ecoustics.com/bbs/messages/34579/94117.html

 

[Duffinator]

First and foremost don't get a smaller set, always get a bigger one and you will be happier down the road.

Next, if you have a RPTV and it's working for you why not get another? The latest HD RPTV's from Mitsubishi, Toshiba, and Sony have outstanding picture quality and have HDMI inputs so they will work with whichever new HD DVD format wins. And they are about they least expensive of all the large screens.

Withing the next few weeks both Mitsubishi and Samsung will be releasing their new 1080P DLP sets. If you really want a 1080P capable set wait and check them out before buying anything else. These should hit the shelves at under $5K.

Whatever you purchase make sure it has an antiglare screen on it.

 

[Vancouver]

I got a plasma and at times the room is very bright, so i can say first hand you may want to stay away from them. I am lucky I dont watch much tv durring the day.

I assume you are talking $USD. If I were you if nothing else I would suggest having a look at sony XBR models. You can also get XBR LCDs from sony as well.

As far as picture quality goes they are right up there with the best. The benchmark I use for the absolute best picture quality in a CRT is the B&O Avante, and the XBR is the closest I have seen.

p.s. stay away from the B&0 Avente becuase the 32" is 13k.

 

[StacyT]

Thunder18 thanks for that link. Gonna take a while to read through that topice though.

Maybe it's just not worth getting a 1080 set right now, and just get a 720 projection? The way technology changes anyways I'll probably be changing out in a few years anyways.

I'll look into the projection models a little more in depth, but if anyone has a specific brand/model to recomend I'd like to hear it.

Also I am talking US$ here. If I dont spend everything on the set, than maybe I can upgrade the sound system as well.

 

[RMK!]

DLP Fan

Stacy,

Check out this link to TVAuthority on the AVS Forum site. They have a pre buy deal on the new Samsung 1080P DLP's. Prices are great and with your budget, you are in fine shape. I have a LG 44" DLP (720P) and have been very happy with it in a room with a lot of ambient light. I'm starting a HT room addition and will likely be getting one of the Samsung 1080P units. There is also a lot of good 720P vs 1080P info on the AVS site. Good Luck!

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=545162

 

[AVRat]

Did you read Mr. M.I.'s thread, he has a similar situation? http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11907

 

[StacyT]

Well buying a TV now days is definatly not as easy as it used to be.

I've checked out that power buy thread, and that seems like an interesting idea. I'm in CA and they aren't to far away from me.

Lots of good info, and thanks again for everyone's input. It's all appreciated.

Seems the common idea now days is buy at a good price point, and use what you save now to upgrade later.

Now I need to figure out what to do about an audio system to gi with this set. Guess I'll go read some more in that forum now.

 

[Duffinator]

I just got back from Fry's and they have the Samsung 61" 1080P DLP on display, $4,500 (full retail) so it's within your budget. They are expecting the Mitsubishi's within the next 30 days.

 

[StacyT]

Duffinator what did you think about the unit?

I am stuck deciding between it and the Sony XBR's.

 

[Duffinator]

They didn't have it displayed next to another set but it looked fine. I've compared the 61" Samsung 720P to the 70" Sony 720P before and while both sets looked great I thought the Samsung looked a little bit better. I'm not a big Sony fan, nothing wrong with Sony just you pay an extra few hundred dollars to have Sony's ONCE GLORIOUS name, so I usually lean towards the Samsung and Mitsubishi like I mentioned earlier. I mentioned in a couple of other posts that five years from now, nobody is going to buy a 720P large screen TV. With HD or BD DVD almost at our doorsteps I'd be looking at the new 1080P sets only, but that's just me.

BTW, Samsung is claiming a 5000:1 contrast ration on the R6178W.

http://www.tvauthority.com/AVS-Forum-MEMBERS-ONLY/Samsung-HL-R6178W.asp

 

[wilkenboy]

If you end up on the projector path, check out www.projectorcentral.com.

~Josh

 

[brian32672]

BTW, Samsung is claiming a 5000:1 contrast ration on the R6178W.

http://www.tvauthority.com/AVS-Forum-MEMBERS-ONLY/Samsung-HL-R6178W.asp

Wow, that Samsung looks like a good deal for the newest tech. And a 5000:1 contrast should be super nice.....

 

[StacyT]

I'm going to order the Samsung HL-R6168W probably some time towards the end of the week. I'm just waiting for a few others to get them in stock, and do some comparison shopping.

I'll let you guys know when I get the set in how it works out.

 

[Duffinator]

I'm going to order the Samsung HL-R6168W probably some time towards the end of the week. I'm just waiting for a few others to get them in stock, and do some comparison shopping.

I'll let you guys know when I get the set in how it works out.

One caveat on this set, do you already have an HD feed into your home? Many people are not happy with the hi-res sets with an SD feed.

 

[StacyT]

Currently I only have a SD feed. I was waiting for the Tivo's to drop in price to get a high def feed. I do have an HD antenna already for the sat, just need to upgrade my Tivo. I could probably live with it, as I'm sure it's gotta be better than what I am currently using anyways.

 

[brian32672]

One caveat on this set, do you already have an HD feed into your home? Many people are not happy with the hi-res sets with an SD feed.

Whoah Duffinator is at the 666 post. Uhm bad omen
The avatar is great BTW.