Rear Projection or Projector

[stau40]

I'm remodeling my basment now and plan on buying a new tv to upgrade my 61' rear projection. I'm wondering what everybodies opinion is on if I should stay with a rear projection or switch to a projector.

The tv would go in my basement, which is approx. 40'*15'*7' but the tv area is about half of the total. I watch most of my tv and all of my dvd's and music on this tv so it would not be a dedicated theatre and the bulb life becomes a factor. The way everything is set up now the maximum screen I would be able to fit down there is approx. 70" with the projection and 65" with the rear projection.

Anybody have any advice to make this decision a little easier on me? I'm not too familiar with the pros and cons of projectors yet.

Thanks!

 

[AVRat]

Either way you'll need to deal with bulb replacement eventually. If you really think there is only 5" difference capability between the two then RP may be the way to go for ease of set-up, but it may cost slightly more.

 

[stau40]

That's the way I was leaning also, thanks for the help. I see you have a rp Mitsubishi, are you happy with it? My front runner for rear projection tvs is the Mitsubishi Diamond Series 65", but haven't seen too many reviews.

 

[AVRat]

I have thoroughly enjoyed my CRT, 480i Mits Diamond model for the last 12 years w/out a problem. I posted this awhile back regarding upcoming Mits models: http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31909

HT mag did a comparison review of different RPs of this last years models if you’re interested: http://hometheatermag.com/rearprojectiontvs/207rptvface/

I’m getting the upgrade bug and it’ll be a tough decision. I'm leaning toward the LCoS models from Sony and JVC, but a new Mits is still a possibility for the 65". I'd like a Pioneer Elite 60+" plasma but that's pushing my frugality boundary beyond its limits.