Best budget HDTV??

[Matt2]

This question just didnt seem right in the video forum with all the 8800GTX babble.

I'm looking for the best HDTV I can find for between $1000-$1500. Closer to $1000 is preferable.

Screen size and quality are the most important things for me, so I'll probably end up getting a Rear-Projection one. An LCD or plasma would be nice but I dont want to pay the same amount of money for a 37" LCD as I would a 56" Rear projection.

Can you guys give any advice or thoughts? This is my first time buying anything over 27".

Edit: Forgot to mention, I'll be using this strictly for watching TV through HD digital cable, watching DVDs and maybe the occasional XBOX.

 

[DaveSimmons]

It's just outside your range, but the GottaDeal main page has a great deal on a Samsung 2006 model 50" 1080p DLP for $1649, a -lot- less than I paid for mine.

 

[A5]

You should be able to find a Westinghouse 37" 1080p LCD for around that on a good deal. There's a thread about it on AVSforum if you want to know more.

 

[Pacfanweb]

DLP is going to be your boy if you want the largest screen possible. Also, DLP can't be beat in that price range for PQ, either...IMO.

 

[Fiat1]

Panasonic for the win

 

[everman]

Good deals are popping up and it looks like we'll see more in the next month or so, I'd wait a bit.

 

[Pacfanweb]

Originally posted by: Fiat1
Panasonic for the win

He said he didn't want to spend that much, and IMO a DLP at that price level will look better than a plasma.
Sharper picture.

 

[alrocky]

42" Pannys at Hot Deals Forum at your price range. Otherwise DLP as Pacfanweb says if you want the largest screen possible.

 

[funboy6942]

Optoma H70 HD Front Projector for $999 or less
100" Screen from tigerdirect with no rebates less then $100 shipped.

If your going to get a rear DLP projector and have to change bulbs you may as well go front projector. Atlest then you have a wide selection of size and types of screens to choose from. You get bored with a 100" go 150, tired of that go stictch 2 sheets together and pop it out side and have a 300" screen. With a Front PJ your choices are almost endless

 

[jpeyton]

IMO, you have three choices here.

42" HD LCD Flat Panel (Westinghouse 1080P ~$1500, or Olevia 720P ~$1249)
42" HD Plasma (Panasonic 720P ~$1300 @ Walmart)
>50" HD DLP RPTV (Lots of options, 720P options would be ~$1200-$1300, 1080P options start around $1600)

720P sets still look great, accept 1080i signals, etc. 1080P is just the newest thing, more resolution, better picture (but it really shines if you have a 1080P source like Blu-Ray or HD-DVD).

 

[jpeyton]

Originally posted by: Fiat1
Panasonic for the win

Reading comprehension FTW!

 

[JackBurton]

I'd highly recommend this guy. It comes in right at the top of your budget, but I think you'll be very happy with it. Great HDTV.

 

[jammur21]

winner