Poll: HDTV or Projector?

[v3rrv3]

Hey,
Just curious, I've been debating when I get the money to get a decent projector($1k or so) or an HDTV. What do you think?

- Kevin

 

[Apex]

Depends on if you have good ambient light control.

You can't use a projector without almost complete control over your ambient lighting.

 

[toekramp]

if you're going to invest the money you might as well invest it in something quality

 

[Zim Hosein]

W/ a 1K price range, I'd go w/ a HDTV as depending on your TV usage, projector bulbs can add up v3rrv3

 

[arod]

You can get a HDTV projector under 1 grand. Granted it reduces the HDTV resolution some so it can display but its still very nice and looks much better than DVD does.

 

[Kremlar]

If it's a dedicated home theater room and you'll be viewing in darkness, definitely go with a projector. Infocus X1 is a great deal for under $1k.

If it's a regular living room with windows and you'll be watching during the day, I'd go with an rear projector. Not sure what you can get for $1k that's decent though.

 

[thomsbrain]

you know you can have an HDTV projector, right? cause HDTV is a standard for resolution, not a type of TV set.

 

[Wingznut]

I went through the same decision a couple of months ago.

While projectors are very nice for watching movies, I came to the conclusion that they aren't ideal as a primary TV. Due to ambient light issues, bulb replacement costs, etc.

As Kremlar said, if it's dedicated for movies in a very controlled lighting environment, go for the projector. Otherwise, find the nicest RPTV that you can afford.

 

[TerryMathews]

For $1k you could find a CRT projector. Best of both worlds. You'll still need to be able to control the ambient light however.

 

[Kremlar]

For $1k you could find a CRT projector.

But that would be used, a big project to mount, and usually a decent amount of maintenance. That's a whole other ballpark to discuss if you're considering used.

 

[Apex]

If you have the light control and the room, nothing beats a projector.

I'm on like my 10th projector in 3 years.

 

[0roo0roo]

hdtv, wait until real full res hdtv projectors come down in price and are perfected. projector is less practical if its your main tv.

 

[Beau]

My friend just spent $3200 on a 52" LCD HDTV. I'm really dissappointed with the picture quality. He tried a projection TV before, and I still wasn't impressed. If I was going to spend anywhere near that much, I'd take the plunge into a Plasma screen... I just haven't seen anything as crisp as they are...

 

[SilentZero]

Id definately say HDTV. I was faced with the same chose a few months ago, and went with a 65in widescreen HDTV. Glad i went that route.

 

[Koing]

Originally posted by: Beau
My friend just spent $3200 on a 52" LCD HDTV. I'm really dissappointed with the picture quality. He tried a projection TV before, and I still wasn't impressed. If I was going to spend anywhere near that much, I'd take the plunge into a Plasma screen... I just haven't seen anything as crisp as they are...

Looks like Beau (hows married life anyway?) is the only one that likes Plasma screens here.

For that price of your friends $$$ I'd go with a nice 42" Panosonic set. DO NOT STAND next to the thing about 2-3 feet away from ti and say it looks crap. Stand 8 - 10 feet then it will look better.

For $1 I'd get a normal crt tv for normal viewing.

Controlling the light is a b!tch unless you have a dedicated room and bulb replacement

Koing

 

[TooOne21]

Originally posted by: Beau
My friend just spent $3200 on a 52" LCD HDTV...

My research has found that LCD cannot reach HD standards... (1080i/p)

 

[Apex]

Originally posted by: TooOne21

Originally posted by: Beau
My friend just spent $3200 on a 52" LCD HDTV...

My research has found that LCD cannot reach HD standards... (1080i/p)

My research has found that CRT based RPTV's cannot either, nor can tube TV's.

 

[vi edit]

For 3 g's I'd look at nothing other than DLP. LCD/Plasma don't do much for me other than scream "geek factor".

 

[Mani]

Originally posted by: vi_edit
For 3 g's I'd look at nothing other than DLP. LCD/Plasma don't do much for me other than scream "geek factor".

LCD and Plasma have better color gamuts than DLP. However Plasma has contrast/scaling/resolution issues (NTSC TV looks godawful) and LCD gets you the screen door effect.

DLP is probably overall the best imager out there for the price but not without its faults.

 

[vi edit]

DLP is probably overall the best imager out there for the price but not without its faults.

Everything has it's weaknesses. I just know that when my wife and I walk to a TV display, we see one or two displays that stand out as the best and it never fails that they are the DLP screens.

 

[v3rrv3]

For reference when I do(i better be able to do this or I'm gonna flip, damn you school + car) it will be in a room with what I'd say is controlled lighting and would be for primarily for just watching movies. I have to say though for those of whom are saying Plasmas, a friend of mine's wife is doing research on them and they don't look so good for the time being. They have noticed that typically one of the colors will die in under 5 years and that the red color randomly dies :x

- Kevin

 

[Mani]

Originally posted by: vi_edit

DLP is probably overall the best imager out there for the price but not without its faults.

Everything has it's weaknesses. I just know that when my wife and I walk to a TV display, we see one or two displays that stand out as the best and it never fails that they are the DLP screens.

You haven't seen a Samsung DLP TV and a Samsung Plasma side by side then. I toured Samsung's TV plant in Tijuana recently on business and got to see a lot of the two side by side with the same HD source. DLP's advantage is of course it's 100% digital crispness but I was surprised that the Plasma's image was much more vibrant and the colors are incredible. And with the quality of scaler, the resolution difference is not even noticeable unless you are inches away.

 

[Mani]

Originally posted by: v3rrv3
For reference when I do(i better be able to do this or I'm gonna flip, damn you school + car) it will be in a room with what I'd say is controlled lighting and would be for primarily for just watching movies. I have to say though for those of whom are saying Plasmas, a friend of mine's wife is doing research on them and they don't look so good for the time being. They have noticed that typically one of the colors will die in under 5 years and that the red color randomly dies :x

- Kevin

I would say go projector all the way then. In a controlled room with a single purpose, you can't beat a projector. The extra cool thing about it is that it can be taken anywhere for multiple purposes. (LAN parties, block parties, etc.)

Also, on Plasmas the reliability issue is less of a problem now unless you go with a cheaper set.

 

[kami]

If it is a dedicated theater room, projector.

If not, HDTV.

I went through the same dilemma earlier this year and ended up with a Toshiba 50h82 and couldn't be happier. Just watched Finding Nemo tonight, picture was amazing.

Though be prepared to do a lot of tweaking if it is a RPTV. Initially you gotta run it through Avia or Video Essentials, then touch up your convergence once a month (not required, but I like to do so since the difference is dramatic with a good transfer).

 

[EvilYoda]

If it's primarily for movies, I'd def suggest a projector. Since you'll be buying before the end of the year, you can get very lucky on price breaks and used equipment...if you're worried about the resolution, the Sanyo Z1s and panny 200s are selling pretty low now (used), and are 1/4th HD resolution, so they produce HDTV quite well. I'm still debating on if I need the Faroudja processing of the X1 or to just go to the Panny 200 myself.