I think it's time for me to join the HDTV era...

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: LikeLinus

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello

Originally posted by: LikeLinus
How is the InFocus SP4805? I'm seeing a lot of people on avforums using it.

I like it a lot but if you have a $2000 budget you can do better.

4805 image example from my own

Yeah I just realized the resolution. It's a bit low. The 5000 looks better.

Yeah, it's a nice res for 480i DVDs, but if you're doing HDTV and have the budget for it, might as well go for something higher end.

The Panasonic ae700 is a popular LCD model with a 720p res and it goes for around $1700 I think.

Check out projector central for more info... and of course AVSforum too. It seems like there's a big thread over there for just about every projector out there.

 

[Apex]

Originally posted by: LikeLinus

Originally posted by: Apex
Prices will definitely fall by then.

In terms of a huge picture, you'll probably need a business type plasma, or something else with thinner bezel.

What do you think would be an approximate budget for projector and screen?

The reason I ask is if the budget is relatively low, then you can go with DIY screen. You can make a reasonably good one. However, it's generally a good idea to spend more on the screen than projector. Projectors change, the screen not as much.

I honestly have no clues how much screens cost. I was thinking around $1500-2000 for a projector. I had a Dell 3400MP Projectorat home this weekend.

The Panasonic PT-AE900 is just a hair above that budget (unless you get reconditioned), and is very good.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: Apex

Originally posted by: LikeLinus

Originally posted by: Apex
Prices will definitely fall by then.

In terms of a huge picture, you'll probably need a business type plasma, or something else with thinner bezel.

What do you think would be an approximate budget for projector and screen?

The reason I ask is if the budget is relatively low, then you can go with DIY screen. You can make a reasonably good one. However, it's generally a good idea to spend more on the screen than projector. Projectors change, the screen not as much.

I honestly have no clues how much screens cost. I was thinking around $1500-2000 for a projector. I had a Dell 3400MP Projectorat home this weekend.

The Panasonic PT-AE900 is just a hair above that budget (unless you get reconditioned), and is very good.

What did they improve over the ae700?

They're both 720p LCD right?

EDIT: or is this a whole new product not really related to the 700?

EDIT2: specs look like it's a little brighter and significantly better contrast ratio?

 

[Kryhs]

Well I went into Sears today and I think the DLP's look great, I'm probably going to get a 1080p Samsung if the general concensus is that they are the best...

 

[LikeLinus]

Originally posted by: Apex

Originally posted by: LikeLinus

Originally posted by: Apex
Prices will definitely fall by then.

In terms of a huge picture, you'll probably need a business type plasma, or something else with thinner bezel.

What do you think would be an approximate budget for projector and screen?

The reason I ask is if the budget is relatively low, then you can go with DIY screen. You can make a reasonably good one. However, it's generally a good idea to spend more on the screen than projector. Projectors change, the screen not as much.

I honestly have no clues how much screens cost. I was thinking around $1500-2000 for a projector. I had a Dell 3400MP Projectorat home this weekend.

The Panasonic PT-AE900 is just a hair above that budget (unless you get reconditioned), and is very good.

I'm reading about that projector now. It's a bit expensive if I have to get a 50" Plasma too

I guess it comes down to getting a 50" Plasma or 61" DLP. I need to go really take a good look at them and decide. They both cost around the same money.

 

[Apex]

Originally posted by: LikeLinus

Originally posted by: Apex

Originally posted by: LikeLinus

Originally posted by: Apex
Prices will definitely fall by then.

In terms of a huge picture, you'll probably need a business type plasma, or something else with thinner bezel.

What do you think would be an approximate budget for projector and screen?

The reason I ask is if the budget is relatively low, then you can go with DIY screen. You can make a reasonably good one. However, it's generally a good idea to spend more on the screen than projector. Projectors change, the screen not as much.

I honestly have no clues how much screens cost. I was thinking around $1500-2000 for a projector. I had a Dell 3400MP Projectorat home this weekend.

The Panasonic PT-AE900 is just a hair above that budget (unless you get reconditioned), and is very good.

I'm reading about that projector now. It's a bit expensive if I have to get a 50" Plasma too

I guess it comes down to getting a 50" Plasma or 61" DLP. I need to go really take a good look at them and decide. They both cost around the same money.

New (obviously not mine, so not spam):

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-FACTORY-SEALED-...4QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: Apex

Originally posted by: LikeLinus

Originally posted by: Apex

Originally posted by: LikeLinus

Originally posted by: Apex
Prices will definitely fall by then.

In terms of a huge picture, you'll probably need a business type plasma, or something else with thinner bezel.

What do you think would be an approximate budget for projector and screen?

The reason I ask is if the budget is relatively low, then you can go with DIY screen. You can make a reasonably good one. However, it's generally a good idea to spend more on the screen than projector. Projectors change, the screen not as much.

I honestly have no clues how much screens cost. I was thinking around $1500-2000 for a projector. I had a Dell 3400MP Projectorat home this weekend.

The Panasonic PT-AE900 is just a hair above that budget (unless you get reconditioned), and is very good.

I'm reading about that projector now. It's a bit expensive if I have to get a 50" Plasma too

I guess it comes down to getting a 50" Plasma or 61" DLP. I need to go really take a good look at them and decide. They both cost around the same money.

New (obviously not mine, so not spam):

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-FACTORY-SEALED-...4QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Quite a price on the ae700 too
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-FACTORY-SEALED-...21755301QQcategoryZ48654QQcmdZViewItem

 

[aeroguy]

Originally posted by: LikeLinus
Sorry I should have been more clear.

Distance for the living room is up to 20 feet. This is where I was considering sticking the plasma. I know the distance is huge, but we're actually going to shorten it by moving the seating around.

The entertainment room on the other the other hand is smaller distance wise. I couldn't tell you for sure, but I think its about 10-12 feet.

Suggestions for a projector also?

I don't think you need 1080p sitting 20ft away. You will never notice a difference. Save some money. I would suggest a 50" Panny Plasma or a 50-61" Samsung DLP. I want a Panny 42" Plasma (I sit 8-10 ft away) really bad but have to pay for school instead (wife is getting her masters ).

 

[aeroguy]

Originally posted by: Apex

Originally posted by: UNCjigga
Well from what I can tell, in terms of image quality for flat screens it goes like this:
LCD > LCoS > DLP > Plasma > LCD-projection

Now plasma is a finicky creature...on the one hand its got great contrast, bright colors, good viewing angle. However, I have not yet seen a true 1080p plasma display...and if one exists its probably at least $5k-$7k for a 'small' 42" version. The other problem with plasma is the half-life of certain colors. Generally, I would avoid plasma, as the newest LCD-projection units are true 1080p and MUCH cheaper. If you want plasma, Pioneer or Panasonic FTW. For LCD projection, its hard to beat Sony.

DLP is the best/most affordable option, and the newest panels all support 1080p and have wicked fast colorwheels so you don't see that rainbow effect anymore (unless you have eagle-eye vision.) Samsung FTW!

The one I know the least about is LCoS. Seriously, who's really marketing LCoS displays these days? Sony? RCA? Can we get some more on the market? I hear its better than LCD projection and shouldn't have the color-wheel effect of DLP, but where can you find them?

Now onto the king of kings for image quality. Hands down, a direct-view LCD (as opposed to projection) gives you the best quality and best image, plus the true hang-on-a-wall capability that only comes with LCD or plasma. These used to be limited to 30" but now you can find 45" and even 65" LCD panels. All of these new panels do true 1080p. The only problem is cost--these are less cost effective than plasmas, but they might actually be worth it in terms of longevity. Once you're assured you don't have dead pixels (most of them you can't see anyway) then a good LCD will last a long time. Sharp Aquos FTW.

Actually, most would disagree. LCD's are the worst of those when it comes to color. They can display the least amount of the NTSC color gamut. They have the worst contrast. They have the highest black levels (lowest is best). They experience the fastest brightness dropoff with usage of any flat panel device. They have the worst response time of any digital display, and the ghosting that goes with it.

They do have a few advantages, though image quality isn't one of them.

They are bright in a full window. They have good resolution. They use marginally less electricity. They are very burn in resistant.

Apex hit this one on the head. I don't even own an HDTV so my opinion may be worthless, but then again, I'm not a fanboi of my purchase either. Anyway, LCD is the worst IMHO. DLP, then Plasma, but plasma form factor may surpass DLP if that's important to you.

 

[Kryhs]

Ok, I'm at a standstill. I have 2 models picked out. One is a 1080p DLP and the other is a 768 plasma. Is 1080p significantly better than 768?

 

[Apex]

Originally posted by: Kryhs
Ok, I'm at a standstill. I have 2 models picked out. One is a 1080p DLP and the other is a 768 plasma. Is 1080p significantly better than 768?

It's better, no question about it. How much? Depends on your source, and your viewing angle (how close you're sitting compared to how big your screen is). You'd have to be sitting substantially closer than the SMTPE or THX recommended distances.

For instance, with a 50" diagonal 16:9 screen, with 1080i or better source, you'd have to sit closer than 5.6 feet away to begin noticing any differences.

 

[Kryhs]

I'd most likely be less than 10 feet away. Every time I use it.

 

[bluewall21]

768 is a weird resolution for broadcasted high-definition content. Most is in 720p or 1080i.

By the way, Samsung DLP FTW!

 

[Kryhs]

Err yeah, I guess I meant 720

 

[Kryhs]

Quick bump, what is the best ~42" model for either DLP or plasma?

 

[TimMyMac]

I like overhead projectors, but they do have their disadvantages too.

 

[kmac1914]

Originally posted by: KnightBreed

Originally posted by: DragonMasterAlex

Originally posted by: Kryhs
Thanks guys, I'll head over to Sears tomorrow and check things out. As of now, I think I'm going for a 42" plasma that supports 1080p. So now I just need to research the best brand and find the best price... Any suggestions? (Assuming I don't change my mind)

Edit: And I have a topic going on AVS. They are helping too, but I'd like as many opinions as possible.

Dude, if your top priority is gaming, you do NOT want Plasma. I had an early Sony plasma and the f*cking thing had burned the screen within 4 MONTHS. I eventually dumped that PoS and got a Samsung DLP. FAR superior in every conceivable way

Jason

Well good thing the OP won't be buying an early Sony plasma.

The first and second generation plasmas had issues with burn-in. Newer generations have half-brightness ratings in the 60,000+ hour range. By his own admission gaming will take <30% of the viewing time, making burn-in a non-issue.

Not only that, but if i understand correctly, many of the newer plasmas do that thing (forget the technical term for it) where they subtly shift over by a pixel or so every so often to prevent image burn-in.

 

[tjaisv]

Originally posted by: Kryhs
Quick bump, what is the best ~42" model for either DLP or plasma?

Samsung DLP either the 46" 720p -7 series for around $2200, or the 50" 1080p -8 series for about $3500

 

[Yongsta]

DLP

 

[MajorMullet]

Sony A10 series rear projection LCD. Also, check out http://www.avsforum.com

 

[LukFilm]

I got HP PL5000N 50'' plasma HDTV (a.k.a. Panasonic 500U) for $3,100 from 6th Ave. I recommend doing the same, it's one helluva TV for one helluva price.

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

Originally posted by: LukFilm
I got HP PL5000N 50'' plasma HDTV (a.k.a. Panasonic 500U) for $3,100 from 6th Ave. I recommend doing the same, it's one helluva TV for one helluva price.

Their website says it's $4,299. Am I missing something?

 

[dripgoss]

Originally posted by: hans007but the brightness half life on lcds is about twice of plasmas.

When you're talking about a halflife of 25 years, the point is moot. NOelectronic device should be considered as a long term investment! There is no ROI on a television. It's there for entertainment. You'll be getting another one in the next 10 years most likely anyways. Hell, in some states, they even charge a recycling tax because they're banking on the fact that you'll chuck the plasma you buy now in X years for a newer, better, cheaper model down the road..

 

[LukFilm]

Originally posted by: DonVito

Originally posted by: LukFilm
I got HP PL5000N 50'' plasma HDTV (a.k.a. Panasonic 500U) for $3,100 from 6th Ave. I recommend doing the same, it's one helluva TV for one helluva price.

Their website says it's $4,299. Am I missing something?

Yep, haggling with their CSR Stevie. Brought it down to that much, plus for another $100 you can get a 5-year warranty extension.

 

[hemiram]

I was drooling over these two today...

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/LG-37-LC...atOid/-12869/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Sharp-AQ...atOid/-12869/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

I drooled at these too, but they are kind of out of my league..

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Samsung-...atOid/-12869/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Sony-BRA...atOid/-12869/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

I have friends with burned in plasma TVs, so I will pass on those, and I'm one of those people that see rainbows on DLP TVs, so they are out too.

The only problem with some of the LCD TVs is the response time. I play DVDs with lots of explosions and if it's smooth, I'm interested. All the ones above, were ok, the Sony was very slightly too "slow", but I could probably live with it. The 37" LCDs were awesome looking.