Help on Televisions

mofobe · 01-26-2003, 11:29 AM

HI,

I'm looking for a bigscreen TV. I have about $4K to spend and was looking at plamas initially. Then I read some reviews about how plasmas are really not there yet in terms of picture quality for that kind of money. As such, I'm looking more towards rear projections which also, as a bonus, costs considerably less.

looking for about a 50" TV. any recommendations or perhaps a good review site that i can visit?

thanks.
D

TERRIBLETOM · 01-26-2003, 04:04 PM

Have you even gone to see for yourself the picture quality of the plasma TV's? I thought they were pretty good.

pkinetics · 01-27-2003, 03:01 PM

I recommend going to AudioReview for reviews. Good site.

When I was looking, I really liked the Mitsuibishi line of projection screen tvs. I'm also partial to Toshiba's. HDTV of course.

If you are considering plasma, check out the
Plasma TV Buying Guide

Apex · 01-27-2003, 04:12 PM

If at all possible, you should go take a look at the different technologies available in your price range. Here are a few very very basic advantages and disadvantages of differing technologies:

PLASMA advantages

Very bright, brightest of any consumer display technology. Good for competing with ambient light
Good contrast on some models
Easy for placement
Some people love their picture. Very subjective though.
Great WOW! factor. Also great WAF (most of the time)

PLASMA disadvantages

Very succeptable to burn in. Plan to watch everything in 16:9. Plan on calibrating ASAP. Do not use with video games with static images
High cost for size

CRT based RPTV advantages

Excellent picture quality of some sets WHEN PROPERLY CALIBRATED BY A GOOD TRAINED ISF TECHNICIAN
Cheap for the size
Excellent contrast when calibrated

CRT based RPTV disadvantages

Succeptable to burn in. Calibrate ASAP. Do not use for extended periods with static images
Big and bulky
Dim. Requires better control of ambient light.
Viewing angles aren't as high.

Digital based RPTV advantages

Bright. Not as bright as Plasma, but definitely brighter than CRT based RPTV
Not succeptable to burn in. Use all day with computer or games. Watch 4:3 TV with no problems on 16:9 sets
Good colors when calibrated. Not great, but good.

Digital based RPTV disadvantages

Bulb life is short. Most last about 6000+ hours though. Bulb change is quick and easy, thankfully
Contrast isn't as good as plasma and definitely not as good as CRT based displays
Cost is higher than CRT based RPTV, though less than plasma

This is just a basic guide. Be aware that there are BIG difference between different manufacturers and BIG difference even between different models in a single manufacturers lineup. Also be aware, that it's very very difficult to find a bias free comparison or review that is more than just a compilation of specs.

Go view different technologies. Decide what's most important to you. Then, ask for suggestions after you've decided preferences and technology.

johnnymk · 01-27-2003, 05:51 PM

That Planar 42" on the deals page seems like a very good price. I looked at the price comparisons and it is approximately $1400 cheaper than anywhere else. I also believe that Planar makes models for the government, so it is probably a decent quality TV>
I couldn't find any reviews, though.

01-26-2003, 11:29 AM	#1
mofobe Ensign Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 45	Help on Televisions HI, I'm looking for a bigscreen TV. I have about $4K to spend and was looking at plamas initially. Then I read some reviews about how plasmas are really not there yet in terms of picture quality for that kind of money. As such, I'm looking more towards rear projections which also, as a bonus, costs considerably less. looking for about a 50" TV. any recommendations or perhaps a good review site that i can visit? thanks. D

01-27-2003, 04:12 PM	#4
Apex Can you hear me now? Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Here Posts: 5,506	If at all possible, you should go take a look at the different technologies available in your price range. Here are a few very very basic advantages and disadvantages of differing technologies: PLASMA advantages Very bright, brightest of any consumer display technology. Good for competing with ambient light Good contrast on some models Easy for placement Some people love their picture. Very subjective though. Great WOW! factor. Also great WAF (most of the time) PLASMA disadvantages Very succeptable to burn in. Plan to watch everything in 16:9. Plan on calibrating ASAP. Do not use with video games with static images High cost for size CRT based RPTV advantages Excellent picture quality of some sets WHEN PROPERLY CALIBRATED BY A GOOD TRAINED ISF TECHNICIAN Cheap for the size Excellent contrast when calibrated CRT based RPTV disadvantages Succeptable to burn in. Calibrate ASAP. Do not use for extended periods with static images Big and bulky Dim. Requires better control of ambient light. Viewing angles aren't as high. Digital based RPTV advantages Bright. Not as bright as Plasma, but definitely brighter than CRT based RPTV Not succeptable to burn in. Use all day with computer or games. Watch 4:3 TV with no problems on 16:9 sets Good colors when calibrated. Not great, but good. Digital based RPTV disadvantages Bulb life is short. Most last about 6000+ hours though. Bulb change is quick and easy, thankfully Contrast isn't as good as plasma and definitely not as good as CRT based displays Cost is higher than CRT based RPTV, though less than plasma This is just a basic guide. Be aware that there are BIG difference between different manufacturers and BIG difference even between different models in a single manufacturers lineup. Also be aware, that it's very very difficult to find a bias free comparison or review that is more than just a compilation of specs. Go view different technologies. Decide what's most important to you. Then, ask for suggestions after you've decided preferences and technology.

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01-26-2003, 04:04 PM	#2
TERRIBLETOM Commander Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 1,261	Have you even gone to see for yourself the picture quality of the plasma TV's? I thought they were pretty good.

01-27-2003, 03:01 PM	#3
pkinetics Ensign Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Anchorage, AK Posts: 28	I recommend going to AudioReview for reviews. Good site. When I was looking, I really liked the Mitsuibishi line of projection screen tvs. I'm also partial to Toshiba's. HDTV of course. If you are considering plasma, check out the Plasma TV Buying Guide

01-27-2003, 05:51 PM	#5
johnnymk Chief of Naval Operations Join Date: May 2000 Location: LEVITTOWN< PA> USA Posts: 13,621	That Planar 42" on the deals page seems like a very good price. I looked at the price comparisons and it is approximately $1400 cheaper than anywhere else. I also believe that Planar makes models for the government, so it is probably a decent quality TV> I couldn't find any reviews, though.

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