Need info on bigscreen TV's

[arameth]

So I've been good this year, and Santa is going to bring me a bigscreen TV.

I have been out of the TV market for years now, and I am just not familiar with all the technologies available (plasma, projection, HDTV vs EDTV, etc etc).

Can anyone suggest a good website that breaks down the difference between the available technologies? Or maybe there is a thread here on AT that I missed? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I am trying to keep the cost under $2000...which technology gives the biggest bang for the buck? I was hoping to get something around 42" (that is the number I keep hearing thrown around as a minimum size...).

Thanks in advance!

 

[rudeguy]

there are a few things to consider. The first is wihich is more important, quality, size or price. You can can an EDTV 42" plasma for under $2k, ,but the quality wont be the best. You can get a nice 51-55" projection set for no problem in that price range. If you are willing to spend a little more you can pick up a good 42" DLP set.

And since this is at the top, anyone who says SONY WEGA in this thread is a complete and total idiot

 

[Ameesh]

I would suggest going with a Mitsu Diamond Rear Projection or a Pioneer RPTV, both are fully HDTV ready and for $2k you can probably swing a 55" or 64" Set, I'd suggest getting the biggest you can find if your room can handle it and you can afford it.

I also agree with GoodDad, sony wega's are crap.

www.avsforum.com is a good place to look around.

 

[Doggiedog]

I third that Sony Wegas are crap and I used to own one.

 

[Lyfer]

At $2k most DLP's Projections will be easily outta reach with tax/shipping. I would suggest getting a standard projection HDTV from either mistu/samsung/or hitachi. Anyone from these three will fill the bill.

 

[RossMAN]

I've seen a beautiful DLP for $1799 at CostCo B&M

It was gorgeous!

 

[jammur21]

avsforum.com

$2k will get you the Pannasonic 42" EDTV plasma which is a fantastic plasma monitor. Panny sells both a commercial (less expensive) and consumer version (more goodies-stand, speakers, tuner, etc.). Go with the commercial if you already have a HT setup with speakers, you won't be disappointed.

 

[Apex]

I'd suggest the Panny TH-42PWD7UY for under $2k, as well. I'm currently using one and it's great. There are good choices in a bunch of different technologies though. You shouldn't make a decision before looking at a pansonic plasma, some good DLP's, and some CRT rear projection TV's.

What's your viewing distance? How's your ambient lighting control?

 

[Gurck]

Originally posted by: GoodDad
And since this is at the top, anyone who says SONY WEGA in this thread is a complete and total idiot

Originally posted by: Doggiedog
I third that Sony Wegas are crap and I used to own one.

It's not just their TVs, everything they make sucks and is overpriced, and to top it off they treat customers like sh*t. They're as ethical as the mafia.

 

[Doggiedog]

Originally posted by: Gurck

Originally posted by: GoodDad
And since this is at the top, anyone who says SONY WEGA in this thread is a complete and total idiot

Originally posted by: Doggiedog
I third that Sony Wegas are crap and I used to own one.

It's not just their TVs, everything they make sucks and is overpriced, and to top it off they treat customers like sh*t. They're as ethical as the mafia.

I am Sony hater #1 on ATOT. I crown you Sony hater #1A.

Tell me about it. I bought their top of the line CRT the 36XBR400 and it broke in less than 2 years due to a defect in the product that I am sure they knew about since a month later they came out with the 36XBR450. I got completely hosed by them and treated like sh!t. I know firsthand what kind of BS company Sony is. This is not the only Sony product I've had go bad on me but it was the last straw.

 

[arameth]

First, many thanks to everyone who replied

Second: I'm surprised at all the anti-Sony sentiment. I always thought they made a quality product, and I had never had any problems with them in the past with other products (just lucky I guess?). But I'm not sold on any brand in particular, so my thanks for the warnings. I will take that strongly under consideration.

To give more info on the viewing room:

Newly built addition: 16 depth x 24 width. (approx 400 sq ft). Floring is decorative concrete, walls are plaster...so sound will really carry..I may have to put a rug in here to deaden the echo effect? I will be placing the unit in the far righthand corner...viewing distance will be approximately 7 to 9 feet. If I understand "ambient lighting" correctly, it will be coming from 2 ceiling fan fixtures (glass dome covering florescent bulbs)....the nearest being about 8 feet from the corner (diagonally), and the other approx 16 feet away.

I had a question about rear projections...my only experience is with the "dinosaur" version of these units...where the light from a dimly lit candle would ruin the picture, and viewing had to pretty much be straight on, and not at an angle. I'm guessing this has improved over the years...or is this still an issue?

Thanks!!!

 

[Kishan]

have you thought about a projector? Ask MichaelD on help with that-his home theater looked good.

 

[Brackis]

Can you hold off until after Christmas? I have heard prices are going to be taking a hit.

 

[AntaresVI]

SONY WEGA!

 

[Raspewtin]

Try here:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb...display.php?forumid=63

 

[RossMAN]

Originally posted by: Brackis
Can you hold off until after Christmas? I have heard prices are going to be taking a hit.

Yep it's a definite possibility, holiday price drop thread.

 

[Doggiedog]

The new LCD and DLP RPTVs are very bright. Much brighter than the CRTs that you've seen in the past. You shouldn't have any worries about lighting with them. I have mine right next to the window and I can see the picture just fine in bright light.

 

[arameth]

So, I can assume (based on what I'm hearing) that if the price drops have not already arrived, they will be here shortly.

I found some possible good news : The new bBest Buy Business unit is offering 10% off for first time purchase...

I found the following on their business site:

TH42PWD7UY Price: $2,110.60

10% off...brings that to 1899.54...still checking whether free shipping or not.

Does this sound like a decent deal? This whole thing expires on 12/7...so I have time to think about this. Then again, it wouldn't kill me if I had to wait a couple of months to get a really great deal.

BTW: these are some of the otherunits that were in my price range, and the prices...do any of these stand out as a decent deal for a good unit?

SAMSUNG PPM42S3 for 2167.94
SONY PFM-42V1/S (several variations on this model) for 2189.97
SAMSUNG PPM42S3Q for 2204.57


thanks!

 

[Apex]

That's a reasonably good deal (depending on tax) on a seriously awesome plasma panel. The new 7UY definitely a step above the 6.

 

[BrunoPuntzJones]

Originally posted by: Doggiedog

Originally posted by: Gurck

Originally posted by: GoodDad
And since this is at the top, anyone who says SONY WEGA in this thread is a complete and total idiot

Originally posted by: Doggiedog
I third that Sony Wegas are crap and I used to own one.

It's not just their TVs, everything they make sucks and is overpriced, and to top it off they treat customers like sh*t. They're as ethical as the mafia.

I am Sony hater #1 on ATOT. I crown you Sony hater #1A.

Tell me about it. I bought their top of the line CRT the 36XBR400 and it broke in less than 2 years due to a defect in the product that I am sure they knew about since a month later they came out with the 36XBR450. I got completely hosed by them and treated like sh!t. I know firsthand what kind of BS company Sony is. This is not the only Sony product I've had go bad on me but it was the last straw.

Fine, then I'm #0

Bought a 32" VVega which was $1000, after about 4 months it went out. Turn it on, it just turns off. 90 day warranty. Was so pissed. My fault for not checking but still, 90 day warranty on a $1000 TV? Sony wanted $450 to look at it. Told them where to stick it, and haven't bought a Sony product since.

 

[BrunoPuntzJones]

FWIW, the best bang for the buck rear-projection is the Panasonic 53" and 47" X54 series. the 53" will be $1300 at Sears on black friday. Loved by most folks at AVS.

 

[Doggiedog]

Originally posted by: BrunoPuntzJones

Originally posted by: Doggiedog

Originally posted by: Gurck

Originally posted by: GoodDad
And since this is at the top, anyone who says SONY WEGA in this thread is a complete and total idiot

Originally posted by: Doggiedog
I third that Sony Wegas are crap and I used to own one.

It's not just their TVs, everything they make sucks and is overpriced, and to top it off they treat customers like sh*t. They're as ethical as the mafia.

I am Sony hater #1 on ATOT. I crown you Sony hater #1A.

Tell me about it. I bought their top of the line CRT the 36XBR400 and it broke in less than 2 years due to a defect in the product that I am sure they knew about since a month later they came out with the 36XBR450. I got completely hosed by them and treated like sh!t. I know firsthand what kind of BS company Sony is. This is not the only Sony product I've had go bad on me but it was the last straw.

Fine, then I'm #0

Bought a 32" VVega which was $1000, after about 4 months it went out. Turn it on, it just turns off. 90 day warranty. Was so pissed. My fault for not checking but still, 90 day warranty on a $1000 TV? Sony wanted $450 to look at it. Told them where to stick it, and haven't bought a Sony product since.

I had first dibs on #1

Sucks that that happened to you. I had the same problem. It wouldn't turn on. It would degauss then just shut off and blink. We should start the ATOT Sony H8erz club.

 

[Crucial]

Originally posted by: Apex
That's a reasonably good deal (depending on tax) on a seriously awesome plasma panel. The new 7UY definitely a step above the 6.

What makes the 7UY a step above the 6? I have a 6 and am curious as to what is better about it. I admit I know nothing about the 7

 

[Crucial]

Originally posted by: RossMAN

Originally posted by: Brackis
Can you hold off until after Christmas? I have heard prices are going to be taking a hit.

Yep it's a definite possibility, holiday price drop thread.

Welcome to the AVSforum RossMAN.

 

[Raincity]

Originally posted by: GoodDad
there are a few things to consider. The first is wihich is more important, quality, size or price. You can can an EDTV 42" plasma for under $2k, ,but the quality wont be the best. You can get a nice 51-55" projection set for no problem in that price range. If you are willing to spend a little more you can pick up a good 42" DLP set.

And since this is at the top, anyone who says SONY WEGA in this thread is a complete and total idiot

Then who makes a better direct view tv over the Sony Wega except for Lowe ? Sony makes crap plasmas and their LCD are not so hot but the direct view sets is about as good as its gets with a Wega and the Sony crt rear projection screen are not bad either.