Thinking of making the jump to HD finally...

[Insane3D]

I've been waiting to make the HD jump for awhile now, and hanging on to my higher end 27" CRT's. I will need to keep this on a budget, so I ruled out DLP. I checked out the plasmas and LCD's in my price range, and I think I've settled on a LCD.

The model that I'm leaning toward now is a 37" Olevia 5 series set. It comes pretty highly regarded and is on sale for $999 shipped currently. The built in tuner, the high contrast ratio, and the good reviews make it look like it's a nice step up from a 27" Direct View.

Here's some info on the Olevia...

Newegg Link

Olevia's site

I currently have DirecTV for service, but Comcast is taking over Adelphia in my area, so they will be an option later. I'm out of contract with DTV, so I'm sure I could work a decent HD deal through them. I will also need to pick up a decent progressive DVD player as the Panasonic I have now is non-progressive.

One last thing...

I realize the set is not 1080p compliant, but I'm aware of that, and when 1080p is more mainstream, and I really feel the need for it, I'll just pick up a bigger 1080p set down the line to replace the Olevia. I did check out the Westy 1080p LCD, but it's specs were not as good, nor were the reviews..

Any input from the HD gurus?

 

[Reckoner]

Check out the AVS Forums- they're an excellent source of info for this type of stuff.

 

[Insane3D]

Thanks, I did most of my research over there, I was just looking for some opinions from AT'ers.

 

[DeviousTrap]

DLPs are actually very competitvely priced when you go up a little higher in size. You won't find a new DLP in stores for $999, but a 50" DLP should be cheaper than a 50" plasma. That being said, I bought a 50" Magnavox DLP on eBay two days ago for $712.

 

[Insane3D]

I should add this is a TV for my bedroom. The TV in my living room I rarely use... 42" would already be a bit too big, nevermind a 50" plus. My upper limit on what I'm willing to spend right now is $1k or just over. I just can't justify anything higher than that for a TV.

 

[everman]

I'd wait to see what kind of deals turn up around black friday, I'm sure we'll see something.

 

[Fritzo]

I'm not too fond of DLP's, and I don't care what people say. They look washed out to me unless you're sitting directly in front of them. Sony's XLS system is passable, but even the cheapest LCD or plasma looks way better.

 

[Insane3D]

Bump for some more opinions....

Anyone using an Olevia?

 

[cpals]

So what's considered the best bang for buck now? DLP, Plasma, LCD... ?

 

[Whoozyerdaddy]

I'm an Olevia dealer. Great panels for the money. And you don't need 1080p for something that small anyway. I say go for it.

 

[buzzsaw13]

Office Depot has the 27" Olevia for $350, you might wanna take a look at that

 

[Aharami]

Originally posted by: Fritzo
I'm not too fond of DLP's, and I don't care what people say. They look washed out to me unless you're sitting directly in front of them. Sony's XLS system is passable, but even the cheapest LCD or plasma looks way better.

i agree. I cant stand the washed out look from anything other than normal viewing angle. from what Ive seen, LCDs and plasmas look better! my GF just got a 27" Sharp Aquos. Although its not a big screen, man what a beautiful TV!

 

[CTrain]

I hope the bottom speakers are detachable.
The TV would look much better without it.

 

[Vette73]

I have their older 37inch TV. Works great and been very happy.

 

[Whoozyerdaddy]

Originally posted by: CTrain
I hope the bottom speakers are detachable.
The TV would look much better without it.

They're not on the 37". They detach on the 42".

 

[mrrman]

thats the same TV I picked up for $999 Its great

 

[mrrman]

Originally posted by: Insane3D
Bump for some more opinions....

Anyone using an Olevia?

I have the exact model....love it and no complaints. I have told my friends about this also.

 

[Mermaidman]

Circuit City has the Polaroid 42" plasma HDTV for $1199 this week. I wonder how crappy it is.

 

[SonnyDaze]

27" Westinghouse LCD......great addition to the bedroom.

 

[Insane3D]

Originally posted by: CTrain
I hope the bottom speakers are detachable.
The TV would look much better without it.

Yeah, I thought about that, but the 42" is $500 more. I'd probably use the speakers for normal TV viewing though...

 

[Insane3D]

Originally posted by: SonnyDaze
27" Westinghouse LCD......great addition to the bedroom.

I'd lose height over my 27" 4:3 set though...

 

[Amused]

The thing about HD is that you can have a much larger picture and still have detail.

I never understand why people buy small HDTVs. A 37" 16:9 TV is about the same as a 30" 4:3 TV. Not very large.

Personally I say if you're going HD, 50" is the minimum to get that "wow" factor... and that's in small rooms.

I mean, for a 37" screen the recommended THX viewing distance is only 4 feet. For 50" it's 6 feet.

 

[Insane3D]

Originally posted by: Amused
The thing about HD is that you can have a much larger picture and still have detail.

I never understand why people buy small HDTVs. A 37" 16:9 TV is about the same as a 30" 4:3 TV. Not very large.

Personally I say if you're going HD, 50" is the minimum to get that "wow" factor... and that's in small rooms.

I mean, for a 37" screen the recommended THX viewing distance is only 4 feet. For 50" it's 6 feet.

First off, I can't justify blowing more than $1k for a TV. I don't understand dropping $2K+ on a TV... I'm upgrading from a 27" 4:3 set now, so the 37", while "small" to you, is quite an upgrade in size for me.

Secondly...this is for my BEDROOM. I will be ~4-5' away from it.

I guess some of us will just have to survive with our low end sucky HD's...

 

[Amused]

Originally posted by: Insane3D

Originally posted by: Amused
The thing about HD is that you can have a much larger picture and still have detail.

I never understand why people buy small HDTVs. A 37" 16:9 TV is about the same as a 30" 4:3 TV. Not very large.

Personally I say if you're going HD, 50" is the minimum to get that "wow" factor... and that's in small rooms.

I mean, for a 37" screen the recommended THX viewing distance is only 4 feet. For 50" it's 6 feet.

First off, I can't justify blowing more than $1k for a TV. I don't understand dropping $2K+ on a TV... I'm upgrading from a 27" 4:3 set now, so the 37", while "small" to you, is quite an upgrade in size for me.

Secondly...this is for my BEDROOM. I will be ~4-5' away from it.

I guess some of us will just have to survive with our low end sucky HD's...

Ah, if you will be 4-5' away, it's a good size. I figured it would be on the opposite side of the room, at least 8 feet in a bedroom since most people put it opposte from their bed.

BTW, you can get a larger TV for that $ if you stay away from plasma.

 

[Insane3D]

Originally posted by: Amused

BTW, you can get a larger TV for that $ if you stay away from plasma.

I'd be interested to see where? Larger than a 37" for $999 shipped? I couldn't find any 37's that were under $1200...