Whats better for HDTV: a projector or an actual TV?

[Runes911]

I will be looking into a good HDTV setup for the ps3, probably around tax time, but wanted to know if its better to get a REALLY good projector or a TV.
What are the pros/cons of each setup?
Whats the best choices for each?
Projector, DLP, or plasma?
Formats? 1080p? 1080i?
What contrast ratios mean?
Possibly a good site to learn about HDTV tech?

 

[R Nilla]

AVS forum

 

[jammur21]

Price range???

$500 gets you an Infocus 4805 which is 480p, but handles HD very well
$1000 gets you Mitsubishi 1000u which is 720p and is fantastic

Lots of off-label LCDs in 32-42" sizes from $500-1000 (Olevia, Westinghouse, Screpte)

Get both

 

[imported_bum]

A proper projector set-up will give you equal or better image quality at larger size, often for a lower price. However, set-up is a little more difficult. www.projectorcentral.com has some good information to look at. They also recently published an article on 1080p projectors, which is what you'd want to look at for ps3.

The most important question to answer before we help you is, "What's your budget?"

 

[wetcat007]

If you get a projector remember that you need to have a relatively dark room to use it in. TV wouldn't need to have dimmed lighting to work.

 

[Excelsior]

Yeah...if the room you'll be using will be light controlled, then I'd go for a front projector. 1080P projectors are starting to fall a good bit in $$$ (at least over the next 6 months).

 

[arcas]

Actually, there are a few manufacturers who for the last few years have been demonstrating projection screens that don't reflect ambient light so they can be used in brightly-lit rooms with little drop-off in contrast. The Planar XScreen is one. I believe Sony has demoed something similar.

You can also make your own screen that performs well in ambient light by coating a mirror (which gives you a very flat surface to work with). See the following threads:

AVS Forum thread # 630888
AVS Forum thread # 705018

 

[mrrman]

I have both so I cant answer

 

[Runes911]

Budget? Well let me put it this way, how much would a good projector setup cost? I am leaning tward the projector but I wanted to be *sure* that it was the best choice compaired to a TV.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: Runes911
Budget? Well let me put it this way, how much would a good projector setup cost? I am leaning tward the projector but I wanted to be *sure* that it was the best choice compaired to a TV.

I spent $1500 on my projector and $175 to make a screen and ended up very happy.
http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=38&threadid=1959097&enterthread=y

I would have a very hard time going back to a display that isn't front projection after my experiences with my two projectors.

You should go out to some good AV stores and see some well set up displays for yourself and see what you think.