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I need to replace my 15 yr old Sony 46" XBR rear-proj TV.Looking at the newer flat panel stuff, but it's pretty confusing.
My priorities are dependability, long life.
Also looking to do 3-channel set up (R/L/Ctr) since my room doesn't really allow for 5 channel.
Should I invest in the newer 1080 sets or is there other technology I should be considering?
Thanks in advance.
Follow Ups:
Hi there. I have a room about the size of yours and I replaced an old Mitsubishi 45 incher with the 50 inch Sony SXRD. I think it looks stunning, but find myself virtually only watching hi-def (from cable). I can't believe how great this set looks, especially on the hi-def PBS feed. I can go to Europe any time I want. Now I want everyting in HD.
I've had the set now since February and it has been entirely glitch free.
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My business installs and integrates electronics including most types of displays to the corporate markets i.e.: digital signage, classrooms, briefing centers, houses of worship, etc. As such I get to see quite a few brands, models and technologies in real life. We don't sell consumer models, but I do have some general thoughts.
Plasma has an inherent burn-in issue. I'm sure they've improved, but I've witnessed burn-in results. I have a friend whose child watched the TV channel Noggin, probably too much and as a result the Noggin logo is visible on other channels. It doesn't take that long, probably a day would cause burn-in.
I'm watching the Falcon's game on DLP as I write. Good picture, but LCD and Plasma are better.
LCD is getting less and less expensive, larger sizes are supposedly coming.
One of the best pictures I have seen is the relativly new SXRD technology from Sony. To my knowledge its the highest resolution available. I would suggest taking a look.
1080i and other variations may not be pervasive today, but they will be here soon. DVD's are beginning to come out in HD.
Hope this helps,
Mac
"Should I invest in the newer 1080 sets or is there other technology I should be considering?"Well, 1080 is resolution and LCD/plasma/DLP are display technologies and probably all of them are currently capable of delivering 1080 resolution if your source is up to providing it.
I think I would always recommend going for as much resolution as you can afford. Resolution capacity is never going to go astray.
As for the other question, the question should really be which will give you the best quality picture in the environment and listening conditions that you're going to use it in. Is it going to be in an area where there is high or low ambient light? Whether you do a lot of viewing in the daytime or mostly at night will affect that. Is the screen going to be in a location where you will be able to see a lot of reflections on the screen surface or not if you have a reflective screen surface? Are there any space constraints on the size of the set that you can fit in?
One of those screen types is definitely capable of delivering a better quality picture than the others in absolute terms, but it may not be the one which delivers the best quality picture in your particular room and viewing circumstances. You need to provide more info if you want to get useful advice.
David Aiken
Thanks for the feedback.The ambient light should be medium with no reflective windows, etc. Most viewing in the evening. Space constraints the distance from the seating to the screen will be about 13-14'. The TV size isn't an issue.
There are always compromises, and size does matter. As already stated, at that sitting distance, 50" is OK, but you'll probably want 60" or more. All of the different technologies have their own pluses and minuses. Plasmas are nice, but not cheap in large sizes, plus they are just now putting out 1080p plasmas, and they tend to be high priced. They DO put out a nice picture though. The major brands are nice, but stay away form the lesser ones-they aren't that good. LCDs are nice if you have a bright room, and they last forever, but they don't do black very well-especially in dark rooms. DLPs are cost effective, but make sure you don't suffer from headaches or the rainbow effect from them. LCOS/DILA is nice, but make sure you get the newest versions (true with any TV). SED is supposed to come out next year, but don't hold your breath. The best thing to do, is set a budget, expected and the absolute max, and go out and look at whats out there. Look at as many stores as you can to see the sets under different conditions. Count on spending your absolute max. If you are buying now, you probably want to go with 1080 resolution.
Jack
Budget is a factor for many people. What's the maximum $ you can allow for a new display?Based on your seating distance, a 50" screen is the smallest I would consider. You'd definitely be better off with a screen that's larger.
Below is a link to AVS Forum's display section. You'll find plenty of information and discussion on the various display technologies.
Well, I'd say size IS an issue. You don't want to be watching a screen that's too small for the viewing distance. Usefully, as viewing distance increases, cost often becomes an effective deterrent to watching one that is too big for the viewing distance.One rule of thumb I've seen is that the viewing distance should be roughly 2.5 times the screen diagonal measurement so, for a 13'-14' distance you're talking a 60" screen. My viewing distance is about 8' and I'm comfortable with a 32" screen at that distance but probably a 37" would be better so maybe 72" or so would be better than 60" for your room. I've also seen another site with a calculator that ends up delivering an answer almost twice that size. Given the size, I wouldn't consider LCD because of cost and you're really starting to run out of LCD screens at that size anyway. Plasma is definitely a more cost effective option than LCD at 60" and DLP is more cost effective again.
LCDs have an edge over plasmas in rooms with higher ambient light levels or where reflections on screen are an issue, and both of those issues are problems in my room so I chose LCD given that I didn't need a big screen so cost wasn't going to be prohibitive with LCD for me.
My advice is to start looking at a few plasmas and DLP sets and see which you prefer, plus compare prices for screens in the 60-72" range. I think you'll start to get a feel for your preferences and what fits the budget once you start doing that. Try to audition screens in lighting levels similar to your usual viewing levels and at your normal viewing distance.
David Aiken
Hi,
Plasma has a wonderfully lifelike picture, but it puts out heat and
the good ones can still be kinda pricey. LCD tvs are nice, but I have no idea about longevity and I am not sure anyone does.If you have high ceilings and a big budget, projectors are a great way to go. If you just want a nice TV, a 42 inch plasma is nice. If you want something more theater-like, something at, or around, 50 inches is good. I don't suggest going larger unless you can back it up with a Faroujda.
Each technology has it's strengths and weaknesses. Next year a new kind of TV will show up that may well rewrite the landscape. It's very cool. A plasma is made up of thousands of plasma cells. This TV will have thousands of CRT cells. Gets great reviews.
Anyway, learn the basics. Consumer Reports has reviews this month of
TVs, buy a couple home theater mags while you're getting it.But after you learn the basics you will know enough to reject the obvious mistakes. Youknow, too big or too small, etc. After that, go with the force, Luke. Just get something that punches your buttons.
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