Rear Projection, What do I need to know?

[bluejay]

There looks to be a good deal today only on a 56" Panasonic rear projection set. It is a PT56LCX70. The one on their web site is a PT56LCZ70.
Does anyone know the difference? How is the picture?

 

[supervij]

I can't speak to the questions in your post, but to answer the question in your post title, "what do you need to know", you should know that rear projection is on its way out. The companies making them are scaling back the production of RP big time. You could buy an RP, and then be stuck when there are no bulbs to buy someday! And this is from a cat who owns an RP!

Being purely selfish, I hope you buy RP anyway, cos if enough people do, maybe it'll convince the big companies that people are buying them anyway! I'm sure others here can comment on that specific model. Good luck with your buying decision!

cheers,
supervij

 

[xboxweasel]

For one I don't believe the bulbs will just disappear. Someone will always be making them. As to the model number difference. The X is for 720P panels. The Z is for 1080P. At least that is the method Panasonic has used on other models.

 

[Hi Ho]

That Panasonic uses their new LiFi bulbs which supposedly last 20,000 hours and have a five year bulb warranty. I saw one of the Panasonic LiFi sets at Costco (don't know the model) and it looked quite good, likely the best LCD rear projection set I've seen.

 

[bluejay]

Thank you gentlemen. I held off and did not pick it up. I read a few things and you have to consider some other sets, such as the Sony or Samsung. Deals do repeat themselves if I decide the Panasonic is what I want.

 

[bj274]

RP is still the best looking picture and the best choice unless your one to want the "wall hanger" look. The RP's of today are not very big anymore and you can find very good deals.