|
Audio Asylum Thread Printer Get a view of an entire thread on one page |
For Sale Ads |
I'm in the market for a new TV to replace my 5 year old Mitsubishi 50" Diamond series. I thought I wanted to get a 50" plasma but have been quite blown away with the 50" DLP sets by Panasonic and Samsung. Looking at the DLP web site I also see Texas Instruments is making DLP chips for Mitsubishi, Marantz, Sony and others. I don't have a big enough room for a projector so that option is not doable. If anyone with knowledge in this area can give me the pros and cons of the 2 formats I sure would appreciate it. Price is really not a determining factor but quality and dependability is.
Follow Ups:
Both Plasmas and DLPs, provided they're set up properly can give you an excellent picture with sdtv/hdtv/dvd. The thing that worries me is the life expectency of the plasma. What happens when the pixels on the plasma start to burn out? You'll get tiny little black dots on your screen. To remedy that you'll need to replace the screen, but for how much??? I betcha it's a lot of $$$. As for the DLPs, depending on manufacturers, dlp bulb lifes vary greatly. 1500 to 3000 hrs. When the bulb burns out it's gonna cost you around 600.00 and most likely a service call.
I still like crts!!!If you ever get a chance check out Loewe's Aconda and Articos HD Direct View Tvs, very nice. I'm with some of the other posters, wait and see what the new, larger LCD panels will look like.
Petey
The bulbs on the Samsung sets are supposed to late 8000 hours.
Yes some don't. The lastest generation is much improved. The bulb
doesn't cost $600.00, it's $250.00. The price will drop as more & more of these unit are being sold. Repair costs of DLP sets are also far less expensive then CRT based units.
Oh yes. One other thing to consider when buying a new wide screen TV.
WEIGHT What you rather move? A 201 lb 34" CRT tv or a 67 lb 43" DLP?I have also read that a number of CRT manuifactures are already shutting down some of their production lines. DLP, Plasma, LCD, LCoS,
is going to due them in. How many people are going to want to lug around a 300+ lb 40" CRT. Not me. I have a 67 lb 43" DLP on order.
GTF
The Samsung DLP tvs have very nice color and constrast, but way too much digital artifacts, espcially with dvds. Once this problem solved, they can be very good tvs.
After shopping around for nine months and reading everything I could find, I finally bought the 43" Samsung DLP and brought it home mid-July. I wanted the 50" screen, but it wouldn't fit inside the armoire. Bottom line - this set has excellent picture quality and features for a price I can live with. The picture quality on some Plasma sets looks better in the store, but costs 2-3 times more than DLP. Plus I have friends with Plasmas that already have "burned" screens after one year. I had 14 days to return my set, but I was hooked after 24 hours. Normal cable looks good (without the HDTV converter) and progressive scan DVDs are unbelievable. I had to watch several movies before I found the settings that produced the best picture for my taste. Be sure to purchase the new model (HLN437W/HLN507W serial numbers) with the Faroudja chip (some dealers are trying to sell the older models).
That's interesting....When I checked the picture quality on a handful of different Plasma screens and compared them to the Samsung DLP rear projection TV, the difference was huge - in strong favor of Plasma.
To me, I thought the Plasma screens were brighter, much sharper, more vivid, more 3-dimensional, and with better contrast and saturation. I'm probably using the wrong words or being redundant but I thought the Samsung looked 'milky' compared to the rich and razor sharp Plasma screens.
I didn't buy either though. I'll live with my 34" 16:9 CRT for a couple more years. Here at high altitude, the Plasma screens buzz. I'm waiting to see what happens with LCD flat-panel technology from Sharp and others.
I've been keeping my eye on the LCD market. I've seen the new Mitsubishi and Sharp line of medium sized (30-34") LCD wide screens. One think I noticed right away, you will see the limitations of the current 520P resolution. Bummer, my DVD collection was just getting good too! :)This should put a little preasure for Sony to release the Blue Laser into the North American markets...
For longevity sake, I think LCD will be the winner against gas plasma...
I just wanted to buy a $1500.00 crt based 16/9 TV.
Then I saw the Samsung. No matter how much I tried I just
can't not justify spending the extra $1700.00 for the Samsung.
Yes the plasma's look nice but not better. Especially when you consider the price difference.
I am such a fence sitter I went to 3 different stores to
make sure that Samsung is as good as it is. In every store is had the best picture. Good price, light (the 43" model weighs just 70 lbs. A 34" crt based 16/9. 200+ lbs.) stunning picture. FAR BETTER BLACK then any plasma.
I can't find a way to save myself some money. I will wait until the new SONY KV-34XBR910 is in the store to finally make up my mind.
It could have been the store lighting but I thought the Samsung DLP RPTV was soft looking as in lacking contrast and sharpness compared to the Plasma screens.In any case, I ended up buying an overweight dinosaur Sony KV-34XBR800 16:9 CRT that I'll live with for a couple years until Plasmas stop buzzing or another dominant 'flat panel' technology takes over - and at a more affordable price. The Plasmas and LCDs still cost more than I'm willing to afford. But I swear that 200Lb Sony was my LAST CRT purchase!
BTW, what does the new KV-34XBR910 have over the older model KV-34XBR800?
I am convinced that stores adjust sets to make certain models appear better and sell better and that this varies from store to store. I have seen Plasma, DLP and conventional rear projection(all HDTV) look both unbelievably great and the same model looking milky at another store. I too am a fence sitter. I am worried about the digital artifacts in both Plasma and DLP however it is so minimal that I think I could get used to it, but at these prices I guess that I expect perfection. The 50" Samsung DLP that I viewed in bright ambient light was crystal clear. The Pioneer plasma I viewed was also clear but if you got too close you could see little dots all over the screen sparkling. I am sold on DLP for great picture at a better price with self replacable bulb and 80lbs for a 50" and nearly as thin as Plasma) but am waiting for the price to drop under $3000 for the 50". Like everyone(I guess) I get off on the idea of hanging my TV on the wall but this screen buring scares me(especially at $9000 for a 50")
This is copied from SONY's release
SONY DEVELOPS HIGHER RESOLUTION FD TRINITRON WEGA TVS FOR PREMIUM CRT PICTURE PERFORMANCE30- and 34-inch Widescreen Models With New Super Fine Pitch CRT Deliver Ultimate High Definition Viewing Experience
LAS VEGAS (CES, Booth #N109), Jan. 8, 2003 - The Trinitron® XBR® television legacy carries on as Sony Electronics today announced two new XBR series widescreen FD Trinitron WEGA® models with advanced picture technologies for reproducing the highest quality picture resolution ever on a CRT-based television.
The two new Hi-Scan 1080i™ models, the KV-34XBR910 and KV-30XBR910, incorporate a proprietary Super Fine Pitch CRT, optimized for displaying high definition video content when paired with a HD receiver, recreating unparalleled picture images.
"The best got even better. Sony's legacy of television innovation continues, with the new XBR models, offering breathtaking picture clarity never before seen on a CRT television," said Tim Baxter, senior vice president of marketing for Sony Electronics' Visual Network Products Division. "Sony has incorporated its most advanced picture technologies in the new models for discerning home theater enthusiasts seeking an optimized high-definition picture display. These new models will set a new standard in picture performance in the CRT television category and raise the already legendary status of XBR TVs to a new level."
Super Fine Pitch CRT
Created especially for displaying high resolution pictures like high-definition broadcast, the new Super Fine Pitch CRT features the proprietary Super Fine Pitch Aperture Grill with 65 percent increased number of vertical "slits," which improve image resolution, for crisp, brilliant, highest picture quality reproduction from corner to corner.
Together with a new electron gun and high intensity luminescent phosphor, the Super Fine Pitch CRT delivers exceptional picture performance. The improvement is immediately noticeable, with no visible vertical lines on the screen and higher resolution to all corners.
Powerful Convenience Features
Expanding upon last year's Memory Stick® media functionality, the new KV-34XBR910 includes MPEG1 file playback, in addition to viewing JPEG images. Viewers can now watch their favorite video files recorded onto the Memory Stick media directly on the new widescreen set1.
For the best digital connection, the KV-34-XBR910 incorporates a Digital Visual Interface (DVI-HDTV) connection that enables copy-protected, high-definition video content to be delivered to the unit from a DVI/HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) compatible set-top box, such as Sony's new SAT-HD200 HD/DIRECTV receiver.
In addition, the new model features an Anti-Reflective Coating screen that minimizes glare for an even more enjoyable home theater experience.
Sony Breaks Ground In The Widescreen Category
Responding to an increased demand for widescreen Hi-Scan® television sets, the KV-30XBR910 represents Sony's first widescreen XBR model in the 30-inch screen size. Incorporating all the enhanced performance technologies and convenience features found in the KV-34XBR910, the new 30-inch model also incorporates the Super Fine Pitch CRT, delivering outstanding picture quality from corner to corner.
The KV-34XBR910 and KV30XBR910 WEGA TVs will be available in July for about $2,800 and $2,200, respectively.
So I sit and wait. I have a whopping 19" JVC for viewing.
I am still deciding between the DLP and one of these DV's.
George
SONY INTRODUCES WORLD'S LARGEST INTEGRATED
HIGH DEFINITION FLAT-PANEL LCD TELEVISIONCompany Further Expands Its Flat Panel WEGA Lineup
NEW YORK, Nov. 6, 2003 – Enhancing one of the most comprehensive lineups of flat panel televisions, Sony Electronics
today introduced the world's largest integrated high-definition flat-panel LCD television.
This new 42-inch model, along with another 32-inch flat-panel LCD integrated HDTV are both part of Sony's acclaimed
XBR® series. The expanded flat-panel lineup also includes a 50-inch HD-ready XS series Plasma WEGA™ TV.
These three flat panel sets include the advanced WEGA Engine™ system and a variety of picture enhancement technology
features that will delight the home theater entertainment and HDTV enthusiast.
The 42-inch KDL-42XBR950 and 32-inch KDL-32XBR950 are now Sony's largest flat-panel HD integrated LCD TV
models, expanding the company's rapidly-growing LCD category. They both feature an ATSC/QAM compatible tuner.
Unique to the new models is the Twin View™ Picture-And-Picture feature, which allows users to watch high-definition and
analog programs simultaneously.
"The introduction of these high-definition XBR LCD WEGA™ models clearly demonstrates the rapidly increasing demand for
flat-panel television and our goal to provide the widest choice of screen sizes and display technology," said Tim Baxter, senior
vice president of marketing of Sony's Home Products Division. "Consumers look to Sony for the latest in television technology
and outstanding picture quality. And all three sets deliver the latest technology and the ultimate picture performance with the
Sony proprietary WEGA Engine system."
With the two new sets, the company now offers nine LCD WEGA models ranging from 15-inch to 42-inch screen sizes.Plasma WEGA XS Series Adds 50-Inch Plasma
The flat panel plasma TV category continues to grow and Sony is leading the trend with its latest 50-inch model in the Plasma
WEGA XS series. The new KE-50XS910 unit incorporates many of the XBR series' features, including the re-engineered
plasma panel driver, the WEGA Engine system, Memory Stick® media playback, a DVI-HDTV connection and twin
surround audio system for an outstanding home entertainment experience.
"Sony is the major force in the U.S. plasma market," Baxter said. "The best way to reinforce our number 1 position is with the
introduction of the latest 50-inch plasma display, offering power and performance in one easy-to-use package."
Sony now offers eight Plasma WEGA models in the U.S., ranging in screen sizes from 32-inch to its flagship 61-inch integrated
HD XBR series model.Raising the Bar with Proprietary Technology
The three new models all incorporate the newly-advanced WEGA Engine™ system, which offers dynamic contrast and
sharpness. It's an all digital processing system that reduces the amount of analog to digital conversions for minimized video
artifacts that can occur during the conversion. The Block Noise Smoother feature further minimizes video noise sometimes
found in 480p sources from DVD players and satellite receivers that process MPEG2 compression.
They also feature such proprietary Sony picture technology as:
· Direct Digital II circuitry that optimizes incoming video signals to minimize video artifacts for cleaner signal processing;
· Digital Reality Creation® MultiFunction circuitry that bit maps any NTSC source (DVD, VHS, DBS, Cable, etc.),
creating a picture that rivals high definition resolution; and
· MID®-X (Multi Image Driver) circuitry that displays high-definition and conventional pictures for the ultimate
picture-and-picture performance.
CineMotion® reverse 3:2 pulldown circuitry is also included for the finest film-based video source display.
In addition to the WEGA Engine system, the new XBR models incorporate a proprietary panel driver LSI (Large Scale
Integrated circuit) for LCD, which improves response rate resulting in minimized image blur for fast action scenes. For greater
contrast, a new contrast enhancer function automatically adjusts brightness and contrast to maximize picture reproduction,
especially in dark scenes.
They also include the industry standard DVI-HDTV (Digital Visual Interface) connection, ensuring improved contrast and
detail with better white tone and video noise reduction--- without the quality losses associated with a typical analog connection.
Additionally, the XBR models include a high quality i.LINK® digital interface for D-VHS support, an advanced Memory
Stick® media slot for JPEG still images, MPEG video and MP3 audio playback, and five sets of A/V inputs (3 composite, 2
component). This allows for easy hook up to a Sony DVD Dream™ system, ES series audio/video components or any DVD
player with room for a Mini-DV camcorder, and even a VCR.
The new sets have sleek, floating screen design, and the 42-inch XBR model also features removable speakers for flexibility in
custom installations.
The KDL-42XBR950 and KDL-32XBR950 LCD models boast a wide viewing angle of 170 degrees and will be available in
January for about $10,000 and $5,500, respectively, while the KE-50XS910 plasma TV will be available this winter for about
$10,000.# # #
Editor's Note: News releases and digital images with captions are available at http://www.sony.com/news. For information regarding the nearest
Sony authorized dealer or service location, your readers can call 1-800-222-SONY.
George, thanks for the Sony news release. These new models explain the price drop in my KV-34XBR800 when I bought it a few months ago. Of course mine doesn't have the new super fine pitch CRT but it does have the DVI input. I'd love to try HDTV someday via DVI on satellite or direct broadcast.
I'm still torn between the DLP and a CRT.
I'm holding off until I see the new SONY.
That DSL always looks so good.
George
Sorry it's taken a while to get back to you. I like the Sony KV-34XBR800 a lot. It may have been the lighting in the store but I found the CRT set to be sharper and brighter than the Samsung DLP. I like it 'bright' for daytime viewing as my room has very large windows and it gets very bright in the house.The Sony has four preset 'picture modes': Vivid, Standard, Movie, and Pro. Vivid is the brightest mode and Pro the darkest. I set it to Movie mode for watching DVD's in a dark room. I also picked up a Home Theater tune-up / set-up DVD and calibrated the Movie mode per the instructions and it looks great. The DVD also allows for adusting the speaker levels.
Since I couldn't buy a Plasma screen due to buzzing at high altitude and the high price, I already had my mind made up that I would buy a CRT. But I swear this is my last CRT! It's a beast! I hate how huge and heavy it is so I don't plan on moving it anytime soon.
Abe thanks for getting back. Thats what counts. I like the Sonys myself but am concerned about the weight issue. I am only renting right now and have to consider moving it about in the future when I'm older then what I already am. The room isn't very bright so washout won't be an issue. I also like the no burn-in issue when watching 4/3's with the DLP. Sony has a smaller 30" XBR but even that weighs in around 175lbs. Only about 100 lbs more then the DLP. Samsung has a 26" 16/9 that might fit the bill for myself, it weighs 90 lbs.
I'm rambeling, no not really I'm justifying to myself spending the extra $1,200.00 for the DLP.
Thanks
George
34XBR910 & a 21" Sony computer monitor.
The Plasma's were stunning on the HD feed but were disappointing with a regular satellite feed.
GTF
Visit the AVS forum. You can get views on plasma in the "Plasma" forum and views on DLP in the "Rear Projection" forum.There's lots of opinions on each type of display technology.
I do a lot of trade shows and the plasma Sony we use started losing the gas about 2 years after we bought it. Along with that if you do a lot of graphics you can get burn in just like a crt. We now use an lcd base 24" monitor. Besides lugging that plasma was a pain in the a$$. Of course I would imagine the technology has improved Hopefully. Just a few observations, any others?
nt
test
This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors: