HDTV Format Question

[Zarg]

Well, my HT system is nearly complete. I have a Denon 3805, Axiom speakers, a SV subwoofer, and a Denon 3810 universal player. My goal was a mid-range system with high quality for the money, and I think I'm there.

Problem is, I'm still looking at a 5 year-old Toshiba 36'' CRT. Time for an upgrade. I'm thinking 43'' to 50'' HDTV. Space is not an issue, but I'm not trying to impress my friends and neighbors, either. It's for TV and movies, not for gaming. I'm looking for the best picture for the money.


I've done a fair bit of research into displays, but I can't seem to get my head around the pros and cons of each type. If you wouldn't mind, would you give me some recommendations regarding plasma vs. LCD vs. DLP?

If you had $5,000 ... what would you buy? And why?

Gracias!

 

[BMXTRIX]

If I had 5 grand, I would likely get the new Sharp DLP projector with a 80" screen - that is, of course, if I was actually building a theater as a front projection system defines 'home-theater' in my opinion.

Now, if I didn't want to go that route and I had the space, I would probably get a CRT television as the bang for the buck of CRT is much higher than it is for any other technology.

DLP has good contrast, but many suffer from the rainbow effect due to a single DLP chip and an internal spinning wheel that creates the colors. Many sets do not have the best DLP chip in them either.

LCD (rear projection) does not have as good of contrast as DLP, but has no rainbow effect since it uses 3 LCD panels.

BOTH LCD & DLP projection systems require replacement lightbulbs, which you should figure into your budget. Lamp life will vary, but do NOT expect any manufacturer warranty no matter what they quote the lamp life as actually being.

LCD flat panel displays (FPDs) are awesome, but a 45 inch model is a lot more than 5 grand.

Plasma FPDs can have good contrast, but for about 5 grand you likely will find yourself in a high quality 42 inch model, or a cheaper 50 inch model. They can product a very good image, but I have never seen one that is as good as a good DLP or CRT setup. So, if you don't need a FPD, then your money is better spent on other technologies.

If you will be using it a LOT - as in several hours a day instead of just for HD sports and movies, then projector bulbs should be considered... But, dollar for dollar, CRT rear projection is still an excellent value. Front projection is the bomb since you can DO the home theater experience. After you have a front projector and a 100" diagonal screen, every other home theater, no matter what the cost, is laughable. It is a big screen that matches up with all the audio gear that engrosses the audience.

But, that's all my opinion.

 

[sjdgpt]

CRT is still my first choice.

Plasma, with a cool sounding name and really bright colors, just doesnt live up to CRT.

LCD is getting rave reviews, and every unit I have seen has been impressive.

Speaking of LCD, there was a report ( I believe listed on audioholics front page a while back) that stated LCD units manufactured had exceeded CRT units manufactured during the prior quarter.

Important news, as with volume comes price advantages.

Even Wally World is getting into plasma and LCD.

All this means LCD and plasma prices should continue to decline over the next couple of quarters.

Bottom line, I would wait until prices dropped a wee bit more, and then jump into an LCD.

Or better yet, stick with CRT.

 

[ebough]

For the combination of size, image quality, and cost, I would get either an lcd or dlp rear-projection unit. The 60 inch Sony KDF-60XBR950 is an example at close to $5000. I have the 70 inch version (about $6500) and love it. For me, size is a very important aspect of the home theater experience (as well as good surround sound). A comparable plasma costs about three times as much and very definitely isn't three times better picture quality. Most family and friends, initially think my HDTV is a plasma.

 

[kenaudio]

I had the 70" 950 and I never thought it looked anything like a Plasma. The blacks were washed out and there was no shadow detail. It didn't have the three dimensional look of the Panasonic Plasma. Inch for inch the XBR is alot less money. Size is not as important to me as picture quality (just my personal opinion-no Sony bashing). But if you need a big screen, LCD is the way to go.

 

[Zarg]

The Fog is Clearing

Thanks, all, for the input.

I'm 90% sure we are going for a FPD because I have this HT vision ... you see, our setup is mostly under an overhang and my wife hung some curtains to create a movie theater feeling. Unfortunately, the CRT is too deep and it sticks out through the curtains -- kinda ruining the effect.

When I get the FPD, we are going to get some actuator thingees to electronically open the curtains. We are going to install some recessed lights. It's gonna be cool.

That being said, I'm hearing that LCD is the way to go -- not plasma. Am I getting the right message? Remember, I'm more interested in picture quality than in size, but I've got a blank wall eight feet wide by eight feet high to work with.

Thanks again!

 

[BMXTRIX]

If you have a HT vision, are you considering front projection?

A flat panel display is cool, but a FPD of high quality will easily cost you $5,000.00 for a plasma at 42 inches. It's cool, but almost unimpressive these days as so many 42" displays are out there, and many are a lot less money - with lower quality.

The Sharp 45" LCD is fairly nicer than a 42" plasma - but is expensive.

So, those are your two FPD choices...

Once again - why not a projector and screen? The projector can be flush to the ceiling and the screen can be about an inch off the wall. It IS home theater at its finest when you fill your entire wall with a decent projector.

 

[kenaudio]

Picture quality=Plasma. Size=anything goes. A 65" Panasonic Plasma goes for about $11,000. Sony's coming out with a 70" new Lcos type unit for about $10,000 (XBR version) that's suppose to be pretty nice.

 

[sjdgpt]

Thanks, all, for the input.

I'm 90% sure we are going for a FPD because I have this HT vision ... you see, our setup is mostly under an overhang and my wife hung some curtains to create a movie theater feeling. Unfortunately, the CRT is too deep and it sticks out through the curtains -- kinda ruining the effect.

When I get the FPD, we are going to get some actuator thingees to electronically open the curtains. We are going to install some recessed lights. It's gonna be cool.

That being said, I'm hearing that LCD is the way to go -- not plasma. Am I getting the right message? Remember, I'm more interested in picture quality than in size, but I've got a blank wall eight feet wide by eight feet high to work with.

Thanks again!

Yep LCD is my choice.

 

[Zarg]

Projector & Screen

If you have a HT vision, are you considering front projection?

A flat panel display is cool, but a FPD of high quality will easily cost you $5,000.00 for a plasma at 42 inches. It's cool, but almost unimpressive these days as so many 42" displays are out there, and many are a lot less money - with lower quality.

The Sharp 45" LCD is fairly nicer than a 42" plasma - but is expensive.

So, those are your two FPD choices...

Once again - why not a projector and screen? The projector can be flush to the ceiling and the screen can be about an inch off the wall. It IS home theater at its finest when you fill your entire wall with a decent projector.

I guess I'm not ready for the wiring & hookups. HDTV I understand (barely) -- or think I do -- but I am not ready for installing a projector in my ceiling. (Hangs head.) Guess I'm not really an audiophile enthusiast, after all.

Thanks for all the input...

 

[BMXTRIX]

Nonsense!

If you feel like you can do in-ceiling lighting then you can do a projector on the ceiling.

If you are here doing some research, then you have already done the first step in doing a home theater with a front projection system.

If you look at your wall and your basement and go - I have curtains, but what really would look good on that 8 foot wide wall is a 92" screen with HD being shown on it with my curtains that open up - then you are ready.

The hard part is deciding what to buy - that is what you have to live with. But, if you can get wires to your ceiling from an A/V receiver and power - then the rest is a few screws and a tape measure. Really, I live in an apartment and while I didn't hide all the wires in my family room, I did have my projector and screen up in about 2 hours.

The nice thing about modern projectors is that you can actually set everything up before hand and see how it all looks, then put it up after measuring five times. I actually put my projector on top of a ladder upside down - just like I was going to have it from the ceiling - in the EXACT location it ended up being hung. I didn't know what I was doing, but I had a general idea and did some research.

If you feel like that is what you WANT to do and your room is light controlled and ideal for a front projection system, then it provides one of the best images you can see - with almost every projector in your budget being 1280x720 pixels native HD (720p).

There are sections on this site about people who have done their own theaters, there is a ton of info, and if you have questions, then feel free to ask... Also, check www.projectorcentral.com for some detailed info on almost every projector on the market these days and some good additional info.

1 screen - takes about 2 hours to install yourself with a little help when putting it up.
1 projector - takes about 2 horus to install as well - can do yourself.
6 pieces of coax to the projector (or 11) - 1 for composite, 2 for S-video, and 3 for component... If you want to hook a PC up, that's the other 5 cables (RGBHV).
1 power wire to the projector... for power - easy to run if you are installing ceiling lighting
I would add 1 piece of CAT-5 in case you want to add control or a 12 volt trigger of some sort later on.

You really seem to be going all out in the room, don't discount an idea because it seems hard, ask some questions and have confidence in your abilities - especially if it sounds like something you WANT to do.

If you prefer the idea of a 42" - 50" screen, then go that route.

I will be happy to post some pics of my setup in my apartment, which is not to pretty, but works until my house is done if you want to see how simple things can be.

 

[Zarg]

My Mind is Opening

Nonsense!

If you feel like you can do in-ceiling lighting then you can do a projector on the ceiling.

If you are here doing some research, then you have already done the first step in doing a home theater with a front projection system.



If you feel like that is what you WANT to do and your room is light controlled and ideal for a front projection system, then it provides one of the best images you can see - with almost every projector in your budget being 1280x720 pixels native HD (720p).


1 screen - takes about 2 hours to install yourself with a little help when putting it up.
1 projector - takes about 2 horus to install as well - can do yourself.
6 pieces of coax to the projector (or 11) - 1 for composite, 2 for S-video, and 3 for component... If you want to hook a PC up, that's the other 5 cables (RGBHV).
1 power wire to the projector... for power - easy to run if you are installing ceiling lighting
I would add 1 piece of CAT-5 in case you want to add control or a 12 volt trigger of some sort later on.


I will be happy to post some pics of my setup in my apartment, which is not to pretty, but works until my house is done if you want to see how simple things can be.

Well, thanks for the info. Before posting this thread, I was pretty convinced that I wanted a TV-type screen, not a projector. My your enthusiasm (fanaticism? ) is causig me to rethink.

I have time, though. First I have to wait for April to see how much money Uncle Sam has left for me to spend. And, as somebody else pointed out, since prices seem to be falling over time, I'm not any worse off for waiting...

Thanks again for the info!

 

[BMXTRIX]

If you have time, then definitely think about whether a front projection system may work for you and if your situation is favorable for front projection. The biggest problem I see with projectors is that there are very few locations you can actually go to that allow you to look at them. I mean, there are a hundred stores with big screen rear projection and plasma/lcd, but front projection is one in a hundred stores if you are lucky. I don't recommend front projection to everyone and am not positive that it is ideal for you, but you shouldn't dismiss any of your options either before giving it your full consideration and considering the pros and cons of each - and each DOES have pros and cons.

 

[Duffinator]

If you feel like that is what you WANT to do and your room is light controlled and ideal for a front projection system, then it provides one of the best images you can see - with almost every projector in your budget being 1280x720 pixels native HD (720p).

This is the really big issue with projection, if you cannot control the light in the room, and I mean all of it, you may want to stick with a display. I have two friends with nice projectors, one an InFocus 7200 and the other with a $15,000 Runco, both DLP. Neither has the ability to control the light to their liking and this renders their systems to mainly night viewing. Bigger is better in my opinion and I love watching movies on their 120" screens but there's a big difference between watching during the day and night.

I think projection is a great way to go but it's not practical in many living environments. If you are seriously going to investigate projection you must consider the light entering the room and how you can control it. Next step would be to find someone with a projection system and go visit their home and check it out. When you go shopping most stores will have their projection rooms blacked out.

With that said I like the Samsung 61" DLP, the JVC 61" D-ILA, the Mitsubishi 62" DLP along with the Mitsubishi 55" and 65" CRT based RPTV's. And I love the Sharp 37" and 45" LCD flat panels.

Good luck!

 

[Cuteman]

42'' Fujitsu plasma.

 

[tdenny]

Zarg,

If you already have a Denon 3805/3810 setup then BMXTRIX is right. For 5 grand you can get a front projection system that will far outperform the plasma. You can still hide your "screen" and your sound system will work very well with it. I have Denon 3805 as well and 5900 DVD player. I only use my projector for movies and HD sports so I'm not too concerned about bulb life. It's not hard to install and if you go the DVI route then you only need two cables to your projector (1 for DVI-D and power). I am pretty sure the 3810 has the DVI connection. My projector came with a very easy ceiling mount and if my ceiling was flat it would have been a snap. As BMXTRIX said this is Home Theater. You won't be disappointed.

Someone also mentioned LCOS which I've heard good things about but the big LCOS screens I've seen weren't as good as equal sized LCD's. The ones I looked at were priced in the same range as the DLP's. Good luck.

 

[Zarg]

Update

Well, the search (and research) progresses after a fashion.

I'm ruling out projectors because of my sharply angled cathedral ceiling and because of the WAF issue on the equipment.

We looked at the Sharp Aquos 45" this weekend and it was okay. We also looked at the Sony XBR 46" and liked it better. Do you think the Sony brand name is worth an extra grand or so?

But frankly, I'm now leaning toward plasma because I think a bigger screen will actually look better. I'm kind of leaning toward a 60" plasma. Do you think I can get one for 5 or 6 grand?

Thanks for all the advice!

 

[dr.sound]

Zarg,
Plasma is nice, but projection is much nicer. One can have the speakers directly behind the screen like this:
http://www.thedubstage.com/facility.php

If your striving for a "Home Theater" then the big screen is the ONLY way!


Good Luck,