30-34" HDTVs as Video Source

Video Asylum

TVs, VCRs, DVD players, Home Theater systems and more.

4.47.90.159

Trying to set up home theater in upstairs bedroom. The video source will sit on a Bell'ogetti stand against one wall--it is 11 feet to the other wall. I primarily plan to watch widescreen anamorphic DVDs, and some nonanamorphic ones. Other gear: NAD T751, Marantz DV-8300, Monitor Audio silver speakers in a stereo set up.
I'm not concerned about rear surround sound speakers--I'll either use L&R fronts only (synthesize surround sound), or add a center and have L/center/R.
Since I only have 11 feet, I must optimally use space. A plasma screen is ideal in several respects: thin, large video source (32", 42"), but there are several drawbacks (cost prohibitive being #1, screen burn in, poor black levels). I don't want to spend 5,000 on a plasma now, b/c I think the prices will continue to drop (not fast enough for me!), and plasma technology is advancing enough that 3 years ago, I would want a new one. Also, the plasma pictures I like most are on the more expensive plasma sets--Pioneer Elite.
I've considered LCD technologies (30" Sharp), but off-axis viewing poses a problem, and I'm not ready to cast my lot w/ Samsung or Panasonic DLP RPTVs yet (I do think this technology holds promise and I eagerly await the 2nd generation sets).
I therefore incline to direct view HDTVs. A 34" is a nice size screen, but since they are all ~2 feet deep (Sony, Panasonic, Phillips), it seriously cuts into my 11-foot area. Also, these sets are so large (in addition to being 2 feet deep, they are about 2 feet high and over 3 feet wide)they overpower the room somewhat.
So I am left with a 30" HDTV set. They are slightly smaller and fit well on my stand. I like the Phillips best, Samsung's Tantus next, though Panasonic and Samsung (the black one) are also out there.
My question: has anyone set up a similar home theater? I concerned that the viewable screen on certain DVDs will produce a picture so small that it's simple not enjoyable to watch. I know this is a different set, but on my 27" Panasonic TV, Blackhawk Down--with an aspect ratio of 2:40:1--is almost unwatchable. It's just too narrow. I don't want to spend 2,000 for a 30" and end up feeling that DVDs on the screen are so small that there isn't a smidgeon of the "theater" experience. E.g., I have a 19" Dell monitor, but I don't enjoy watching movies on my computer.
I know that w/ the Phillips set, one can expand the picture to "fit" the screen, but I don't want to do that if the resulting picture is "distorted".
P.S. I know there are rules that one needs to sit from 2 to 2 1/2 screen heights from the video source, etc.
I know it might not be possible to set up a decent system in such a "narrow" width (11 feet), but if someone has wrestled w/ this problem, I would appreciate your insights, & any comments on the 34" Phillips are welcome (I think the newer one has addressed the HD source hook up problem found on last year's model). Thank you.

This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:

The Cable Cooker

Topic - 30-34" HDTVs as Video Source - townsend 17:36:20 01/08/03 (2)

I have the Philips widescreen. - Harmonia 23:13:14 01/13/03 (0)

Re: 30-34" HDTVs as Video Source - Aroc 10:44:58 01/09/03 (0)

You can not post to an archived thread.