Help me choose

[darkswordsman17]

Ok, so I'm wanting to get something new to play games (PC & Console, although console is the important part here, as I already have a 2001FP) and watch movies on, so I'm looking at a new TV.
Here's my dilemma. I can't figure out what I want to go with. Basically, I'm considering a projector, an RPTV, or a direct-view tube HDTV as both Plasma and LCDs are kinda out of what I'm wanting to spend.

I like the mobility of the projector, although there's the bulbs to worry about. For the TVs I'm kinda stuck as the RPTV would have a bigger screen for the price, but they have bulbs as well and would have no mobility to boot. Tube HDTVs are kinda small, but thats not a big problem for me. I like that I'd have the ability for HDTV with not a huge price and not the worries of a bulb.

To sum up: will play video games (consoles mostly, but probably some PC) and watch DVDs. If its a TV then I'll watch TV on it too, but its not a necessity.

So, I guess what I'm wanting to know is:

Out of a projector, RPTV, and tube HDTV what offers the best quality for the price range I'm looking at?

Are projectors a hassle (startup and shutdown)?

What kind of bulb life and cost involved with RPTVs?

What would be your recommendation for a budget of say $1,500? (for this include any extra components, like maybe an exra bulb if it will likely need one within 6 months of medium use)

Thanks in advance for any help at all.

 

[CombatChuk]

Tube,

Nothing is as bright or as reliable as a CRT. If you have the space

 

[furie27]

Originally posted by: darkswordsman17[/b

I like the mobility of the projector, although there's the bulbs to worry about. For the TVs I'm kinda stuck as the RPTV would have a bigger screen for the price, but they have bulbs as well and would have no mobility to boot. Tube HDTVs are kinda small, but thats not a big problem for me. I like that I'd have the ability for HDTV with not a huge price and not the worries of a bulb.

I think the last sentence answers it all. Gof for the good and cheap technology as it's litely to be replaced soon.

 

[Viper GTS]

Right now direct view CRT's are the best value in budget HD.

I picked up a 27" 16:9 Samsung for barely over $400 at Sears (Open box return).

For around $700-800 you can get a 30" with DVI (or HDMI) input, a built in OTA tuner, and 720P capability (mine only does 1080i unfortunately, but hey... It was $400.).

Projectors are great if you have absolute control over ambient lighting & can stand doing things in the dark. They're great for dedicated HT rooms but watching regular TV in the dark kinda sucks.

For a little more (around $1000 entry) you can jump to RP HD, but you'll sacrifice picture quality to gain size. Personally a properly adjusted CRT blows moderately priced RP away. Yes, you can get a gorgeous RPTV, but you're going to spend a lot.

Given the current state of the market, dropping large amounts of money on anything is kinda pointless. 1080P is on the horizon, content protection is kinda up in the air (DVI/HDMI), slim CRT's are now a reality, & plasma/LCD prices are plummeting.

Viper GTS