Projectors/TVs

[Malakei]

Hey. Like most of us early on HT enthusiasts, the potential for best bang for my buck is almost always the stagnent issue. I have looked at TVs and projectors comparatively in depth for a while now but all I can usually get for information is either the uneducated randoms at FutureShop, the "buy whatever is most expensive, you get what you pay for" commision salesmen or the newbie internet reviews. Forums like these tend to be my best bet for some in depth help.

SO, with that said.

What are the main key features/qualities to look for in each type of TV. Excluding plasma because I dislike them.

LCD/DLP Projectors
Rear Projection CRT
LCD Projection
Flat Panel LCD

PLEASE give me an idea of what to look for id greatly appreciate it. I know a bit of everything but it seems that there is more and more little details to be missed as time passes.

Thanks guys.

Oh and BTW MINIMUM 720p 1080i display capability for HD plz.

 

[Dapper Dan]

...
What are the main key features/qualities to look for in each type of TV. Excluding plasma because I dislike them.

LCD/DLP Projectors

LCD and DLP projectors are just about even in terms of color, contrast, light output and affordability. The main problems with DLP is the speed of the color wheel (rainbow effect) if you are susceptible to the artifact. LCD suffers from panel degradation over time (especially the blue panel). Many good articles about them are located here and here

Controlling lighting is the major concern and it affects both equally (for all intensive purposes), which means if you use them in the daylight of a lounge, the colors will be very washed out, so are darkened room is best.

Rear Projection CRT

This technology is on the way out so to speak. Front panels seem to be the flavour as they are smaller and better supported.

LCD Projection

If you mean front, see the above comment. If you mean rear as in rear projection, also see above.

Flat Panel LCD

About the same popularity as plasma; LCD does not suffer from burn in and generally has a 40K to 60K hour life span. The blacks are not as dark as with plasma as they tend to be greyer. The same exists with DLP Vs LCD projectors. The above link also has some articles on flat screens.

Oh and BTW MINIMUM 720p 1080i display capability for HD plz.

Most of today’s products will support these standards, just be aware that if the price is reduced, it may be an older model that doesn’t. Also some 854 x 480 displays (1/4 HD) will not support HD input. Check before you buy.

Each has its strength and weaknesses; it really comes down to your personal preference. Just as you have decided you do not like plasma, check out the other options... just have a quick scan through some of these articles and you should be up to speed.

Cheers...
Dapper Dan...

 

[w.e-coyote]

Fully agree with Dapper Dan. By the way, why have you ruled out plasma? The burn-in issue has largely been solved and picture quality is usually a tad better than LCD flat panel.

On the whole it really depends on how and what you want to use the TV for. As Dapper Dan pointed out, projection systems sort struggle with the light output.

Concerning the TV's themselves, look out for connectivity options (number of HDMI, component inputs etc.), native video resolution, and video features/enhancements. In terms of video performance check out how you like things like DNiE (Samsung), Wega (Sony), PixelPlus -2 (Philips), etc.

I would suggest that you take your favorite DVD to the shops and have them play it on the TV's. Particularly watch for how the TV deals with fast actions scenes, diagonals, and contrast. Try to make sure that the other TV's are turned off and you are watching only one with the brightness set to a "normal" level. Usually what deals do is turn brightness to the max because a TV that is brighter seems to attract more people. Once you take it home the first thing to do is adjust the brightness otherwise colors will look "washed out".

Note that all flat screen TV's will look absolutely stunning with animated content (Finding Nemo for example) but have noticeably more trouble with "real persons".

Last but not least, have the dealer display regular PAL/NTSC content. Chances are, this will be what you watch a lot too and if the TV doesn't display this properly you will be frustrated with what all your money got you.

Good luck.

 

[westcott]

One last thing

My wife and I went with LCD because D-ILA was too expensive and DLP created eye fatigue and headaches. Make sure you watch a DLP through at least half of a full length feature movie. It may take a while for these issues to become apparent.

I see nothing good about rear projection.

Front projection is probably the most cost effective solution for screen inch per $.

CRT still rules but hard to get a monitor large enough to compete with front projection, especially in HD.

I agree with the others, HDMI is a minimum today for inputs.

I use two displays, a smaller one for SD programming and a larger one for HD and DVD material. I say this because you may be truly dissapointed with SD programming blown up to such large proportions and no way to watch it at a more comfortable size should you go really big.

Light control is the best investment for better picture quality from any of these technologies, some more than others so set aside some pesos to properly address it. You will thank me later.

Good Luck!