mitsu ws-65813 CRT vs. Sony KDF950XBR LCD

[Unregistered]

Hi, I am new here and looking for help deciding whether to keep my mitsu 65813 (test driving one for 3 days now), or to take it back and get he Sony KDFXBR950 60" LCD.

I looked at them side by side at my dealer's store and it's a VERY tough call. I liked the brighter, sharper look on the Sony, but the deep rich color on the mitsu is killer too.

Some keys to deciding:

Size doesn't matter (no pun intended). I can swing the behemoth cabinet of the mits, but my goodness the Sony is much less real estate to say the least.

So far, on the Mitsu, I like the look of DVDs, OTA HDTV, and even my DirecTV doesn't look bad. Video Games are OK, but I bought an S-Video cable for the PS2 and will try that out to see if it makes a huge difference over the standard RCA cables.

Also, my kids play a LOT of video games, so I am concerned with the burn factor on the Mitsu CRT.

Any and all input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
-Chris

 

[Westrock2000]

Have you considered the Samsung DLP Rear projection TV's?

61" HLM617W

50" HLM507W

I've seen the 61" at a Fry's before side by side with another HDTV, and was very apparent the difference in detail. It was the best rear projection I saw there. I believe it was $3500 (again I'm pretty sure it was the 61" model). Anyways maybe worth looking into before you unload the cash.

 

[zipper]

The 65813 is a nice set & personally I would take it over any LCD. Be sure to compare both sets on analog before deciding.

Agree with Westrock. The DLP's are fabulous & must be considered.

 

[Unregistered]

Thanks

My dealer is trying to talk me into the Samsung DLP as well. He only has a 50" (of the newer model, which is brighter and clearer), but he says he is getting a 60 or 61" in next month. It does not have over the air HD tuner built in like the Sony. That kinda sucks, cause here in L.A. there are a lot of OTA channels to pick up.

Having said that, I am open to alternatives.

Thanks again.

-Chris

 

[Audioholics]

As many know I have the WS-55813 and it is a phenomenal television. My only complaint is its size and the fact that it has horrible support for VGA input (640 x 480 only) from a PC.

Still... there's something attractive about foregoing the large chassis of a CRT for digital - but I seriously doubt the LCD can compare in quality. That's not experience talking however - that's me applying general knowledge of the formats.

The stores have both sets most likely all blown out in terms of contrast, saturation and brightness, so I doubt you can tell which is best until you calibrate the unit(s).

You will NOT have any complaints on the quality of the Mitsu.

 

[Unregistered]

DLP vs CRT vs LCD

Thanks Clint, I agree it will be VERY hard to take the Mitsu back if that's what I end up deciding to do. I just can't make up my mind yet. I sat in the store for 2 hours today looking at Samsungs, Sonys, and Mistus. Sigh...

But I have more questions for you guys:

1) DLP - I read a lot on the net about rainbow effects and other problems with DLP, and especially with the Samsungs being called out as problematic. Any truth to this?

2) I mentioned CRT image burn if my kids play a lot of games. Is that a myth or something I genuinely need to be concerned with on the Mitsu?

3) What do I need to worry about with the Sony, if anything at all? I heard with LCD the blacks look gray, but I am color blind and am having a hard time picking that up. Anything else to be concerned with as far as LCD technology goes?

I know it's ultimately up to me what to buy, obviously, but I am looking at spending in excess of 4 grand so I want to feel like I am making the right choice...

Thanks again.

 

[Audioholics]

1) Not sure that rainbow-effect on the rear projection units are as prone to being picked up as with front projection. This is something you should be able to tell in the store if you can spend some time with it. Sit in front of it and to the side and rapidly move your eyes across the screen.

2) IF you calibrate the set, the risk of burn-in is reduced (i.e. TURN DOWN THAT CONTRAST). I would also recommend alternating between 4:3 narrow and different stretch modes when playing games. This can be as easy as alternating every 4 hours of use.

3) WHY are you asking these questions then? Go get a cheap rear-projection LCD set for under $3k if you're colorblind!

 

[zipper]

I've never been a Samsung fan,so to speak,but from what I understand the technology of the DLP is owned by Texas Instrmnts.So no matter what brand of DLP you get the performance should be relatively equal.I have only seen them in-store & don't know anyone who has one yet.Panasonic & Mitsu. are supposed to be coming out with DLP's soon,so it will be nice to have something to compare the Samsungs with. The Mag. Hifi store near me is dumping a lot of their stock of RP's,including the 65813 for $3800. Very,VERY tempting but I want to see more DLP's 1st.


For now I'll have to keep coming home to 32" JVC.