finally buying a new tv(need help)

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Home Theatre
Home Theatre Posts: 469
edited May 2008 in Electronics
I am buying a new tv and I need some help.

LCD, Plasma, or DLP


I am not crazy about DLP, eventhough they are cheap now. The whole bulb issue scares me.

It will be used for:

Digital cable
movies
video games

1,000 to 1,300

720 vs 1080p


thanks for your help

DC
Everything I own burned in the fire!!!!!!!!!!
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  • mightymouse
    mightymouse Posts: 254
    edited May 2008
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    How much do you want to spend?

    If you are not looking for ultra fancy ridiculously large screen size, then I would recommend an LCD.
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  • bsoko2
    bsoko2 Posts: 1,449
    edited May 2008
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    I just bought a Samsung 61A750. It is a DLP but with LED light source and is good for 18 years or so.

    Bill
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  • shadowofnight
    shadowofnight Posts: 2,735
    edited May 2008
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    IF you are by one of the Texas Frys...and IF they are running the same ad as I am looking at right now here in the CA Frys ad for today....they are having a ONE day sale on the Panny 1080P Plasma models.

    For just 249 dollars more then your 1,000 to 1,300 price range you could grab the new 46" model... http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-electronics/shop/Televisions/VIERA-174;-Plasma-HDTVs/model.TH-46PZ80U_11002_7000000000000005702 ....for 1549 .

    The 42" 1080P model is 1,149 today as well......
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  • Home Theatre
    Home Theatre Posts: 469
    edited May 2008
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    yeah money is kind of tight due to a fire, divorce and everyday life.

    If you had to choose a brand, which would go with?
    Everything I own burned in the fire!!!!!!!!!!
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  • JDOGG
    JDOGG Posts: 433
    edited May 2008
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    I have a Toshiba REGZA 42" full 1080p LCD tv. Picked it up for $1199. 4 HDMI in, optical out, pc in. Really great bang for the buck. Here is the product page: http://www.tacp.toshiba.com/televisions/lcd/product.asp?model=42rv530u
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  • WilliamM2
    WilliamM2 Posts: 4,811
    edited May 2008
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    I also have a Toshiba REGZA 42" and love it. To be honest, with a 42" screen, and my 14 foot viewing distance, I cannot tell the difference between 720p and 1080p. With a larger screen the difference becomes more noticable.

    If you have a well lit room like I do during the day, LCD is the only way to go. If you have a dark room, any of them will work fine.
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,546
    edited May 2008
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    I won't specify a brand, as that debate could last decades, but look for:

    - 1080p native resolution
    - at least 2 HDMI inputs, and try to get 3
    - In DLP I would favor an LED light engine over lamp technonolgy
    - If LCD, make sure it's 120Hz refresh rate
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  • Home Theatre
    Home Theatre Posts: 469
    edited May 2008
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    I had my heart set on the Mitsubishi 57 inch dlp 1080p until I read the reviews on lamps burning after 6 months to a year. There were also other problems.
    Should I risk it and get a dlp? Would you get an extended contract?
    I can get a 57 to 60 inch Mitsubishi/Samsung DLP for the price of a 40-47 inch LCD Vizio or Toshiba. Anyone ever bought open box from Circuit City?

    Oh yeah I going to spend around 1,200 to 1,500 on this tv.
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  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited May 2008
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    SONY LCD 1080p 120hz
    SAMSUNG LCD 1080p 120hz
    Toshiba LCD 1080p 120hz


    LCD has a brighter picture, more natural looking skin, sharper picture, wall mountable.Works great as computer monitor ( just need wireless keyboard and mouse)

    Plasma has good rich color depth good for movie viewing. Glass front panel (sunlight glare), wall mountable. Watch out for burn in.
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  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited May 2008
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    steveinaz wrote: »
    I won't specify a brand, as that debate could last decades, but look for:

    - 1080p native resolution
    - at least 2 HDMI inputs, and try to get 3
    - In DLP I would favor an LED light engine over lamp technonolgy
    - If LCD, make sure it's 120Hz refresh rate

    yes.. very good idea.. the 120Hz refresh rate makes the picture smoother on LCD's. but it adds quite a bit to the price. I'm sure at some point the 120Hz will become standard.. prob in the next year or two.
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  • djlogix
    djlogix Posts: 115
    edited May 2008
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    leroyjr1 wrote: »
    SONY LCD 1080p 120hz
    SAMSUNG LCD 1080p 120hz
    Toshiba LCD 1080p 120hz


    LCD has a brighter picture, more natural looking skin, sharper picture, wall mountable.Works great as computer monitor ( just need wireless keyboard and mouse)

    Plasma has good rich color depth good for movie viewing. Glass front panel (sunlight glare), wall mountable. Watch out for burn in.


    Most of everything you said concerning a PRO towards LCD is completely subjective, not fact.

    As far as burn-in on PDP's, there's not much need for concern anymore as the technology has definitely notched up a bit. Glare, another subjective thing that depends on the television set and isn't neccesarily a downplay or upplay for any of the technologies.

    As far as my choices, I've had maybe 6-8 of the best LCD's in my home at any given time. I've had Samsung and Mitsubishi DLP's and I've had a few Plasmas.

    In my home currently, two Mitsubishi DLP's 65, 57 and a Pioneer 150FD Kuro. IMO you can't get better in terms of picture quality, but many of things come into play and it's entirely dependent on what the television will be used for.
    I should've listened way back in 2008, they told me I'd go broke... they were right
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  • EFanning
    EFanning Posts: 60
    edited May 2008
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    How many feet is the prime listening and viewing spot from the tv stand? 10 feet or less and a 42-inch tv will work. 10 to 14 feet and 46-inch model will work. 15 or more feet and you'll want something larger.

    So, if by this logic you need something larger than 46 inches, but can't affords it, buy a cheaper DLP. That logic is based on this: A snazzy 42-inch LCD will forever by annoyingly small.
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,546
    edited May 2008
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    Home Theatre wrote: »
    I had my heart set on the Mitsubishi 57 inch dlp 1080p until I read the reviews on lamps burning after 6 months to a year. There were also other problems.
    Should I risk it and get a dlp? Would you get an extended contract?
    I can get a 57 to 60 inch Mitsubishi/Samsung DLP for the price of a 40-47 inch LCD Vizio or Toshiba. Anyone ever bought open box from Circuit City?

    Oh yeah I going to spend around 1,200 to 1,500 on this tv.

    I can only speak from my experience; my Samsung DLP (lamp engine) has been great--it's about 1 1/2 years old. I'm still on the original lamp, and there's been no degradation in the picture. We watch ALOT of TV, so I'm surprised the lamp is still working. The replacement lamp I have was $149--so those "urban legends" of DLP lamps costing $400 bucks are BS, you gotta shop around.

    I would get an extended warranty--absolutely. Some of these TV's have light engine problems early on, and this is a very expensive repair.

    Here's some pros and cons I feel apply to my DLP (Samsung HL-S5086W, 720p, 50"):

    Pros: Excellent picture; no screen burn-in; excellent contrast; nice blacks; light weight for it's size (66lbs)
    Cons: Cooling fan is a little noisey at times; a wider viewing angle would be nice; 1 more HDMI input would've been nice (mine has 2)
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  • dylanblada
    dylanblada Posts: 77
    edited May 2008
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    I have a Mitsu 1080p 57" and its been about 1/5 years and its definitly still as bright as day 1 and I'm 100% happy with it. As far as other brands, Samsung and Toshiba are basically the same thing, I have NEVER met a Samsung in the last few years that wasn't as good or better than anything else. They aren't the cheapest,but they ARE the best. You can pretty much trust that if you buy a Samsung, you got the best PQ. Sonys I have never liked, especially for the price. Behind Samsung, the next best in PQ (in general) is LG, most Mitsubishis, then some Panasonics.
    BTW I did my time working for Circuit City ending last year, so I have a bit of experience.

    Also, I did get my Mistu Open Box at CC. I also worked in the warehouse for a time and, in general, the TV's were returned because somebody decided they couldn't afford a $3000 TVso they broguht it back the next day. The TVs were always treated well, and we DID test everything out when they were returned, if somehting wasn't right, we sen it out to our 3rd party repair shop.

    Honestly, I wouldn't buy an extened warrenty, especially if you are on a tight budget. For DLP bulbs, you may have to repace it a few years down the road, for maybe $200-$300 tops (if you still even have the TV then), otherwise, almost any other problem is covered by manufacturer warrenty for the first year, when most problems happen. Ext. warranties are similar to gambling: if you play (get the warranty), you MIGHT win (MIGHT need it) but the house (the store) always wins.
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  • Poee7R
    Poee7R Posts: 906
    edited May 2008
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    I have a 62" Mits Dlp and I love it.

    Its 3 years old or so, and I have replaced the bulb once (which was under $200 shipped). But replacing the bulb made it seem like I just bought a new TV which is great. My TV also runs most of the day, everyday. So if your use isnt similiar I bet a lamp would last for 3-4 years without problem.

    The one and only issue Ive had is dust, I had to have it cleaned on the inside for little dust bits that had built up over time. But I think it was over a year ago and I believe they fixed the problem cause I havent had the issue since.

    All in all, probably the best TV purchase I've ever made. And at the time I bought mine it was three times the amount they are today, so I think their a bargain at 1500 and lower.


    Dave
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  • djlogix
    djlogix Posts: 115
    edited May 2008
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    On a Mitsubishi WD-65831. Some blacks and details you just won't get on a LCD.


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  • Home Theatre
    Home Theatre Posts: 469
    edited May 2008
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    I do watch a lot of dark movies like batman begins, lost boys ect.
    The tv will be used 4-6 hours a day in a small house or condo. Viewing area around 6-10 feet from tv to couch. As far as side views go dlp or lcds?
    I am almost ready to just take the risk and buy a dlp. Circuit city has 65 dlp from 1000 to 1210. Samsung and Toshiba.

    Thank you for your help,

    DC
    Everything I own burned in the fire!!!!!!!!!!
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,546
    edited May 2008
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    I think (someone correct me if I'm wrong) DLP's have a slight advantage with viewing angle over LCD. My viewing angles only become an issue when there is a number of people in the family room, and some have to sit off to the side. Both of our sofas (normal viewing area) are fine for placement.

    For 6-10 feet I would choose something in the 46"-56" range; We sit about 10-11 ft from our 50" and it's perfect--though I think a 56" would work too.

    I would also recommend getting HDTV reception, be it Direct, Dish, cable, whatever. Standard def digital cable looks pretty homely on HDTV displays. I've got Direct TV w/HD package and the picture is gorgeous.
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  • PhantomOG
    PhantomOG Posts: 2,409
    edited May 2008
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    steveinaz wrote: »
    I think (someone correct me if I'm wrong) DLP's have a slight advantage with viewing angle over LCD.

    That's not what I saw when shopping for a TV last November. Current gen LCD's have really good viewing angles, much better than DLP, almost as good as plasma.

    Even dead center in the sweet spot, DLP's always looked darker in the corners to me. Its probably just me but I couldn't stand that.
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,546
    edited May 2008
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    Well, there you go. Every year these technologies are getting better and better. I really like the picture on the LCD's I have seen, seems very smooth and natural. It was an LG LCD in a hotel I stayed at, that got me hooked on HD.
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  • dylanblada
    dylanblada Posts: 77
    edited May 2008
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    Some may disagree with me, but as long as the TV fits in the door, its not too big! 6-10ft would be perfect with a 65". I sit about 8ft away for movies and love it. As far as viewing angle, its not that big of a issue with either DLP or LCD. I might actually say that many good LCDs are better than most DLPs but, unless you're watching at 85 degrees off center, it won't matter. Go to CC and look at each one, both should be almost identical in PQ.
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  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited May 2008
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    LCD have 178 degree viewing angle not offered with DLP and with plasmas you get alot of glare from the side.I just got rid of a 50" Sony DLP last year and the 2 LCD tvs that I have now blows that sony DLP away but then again you can't compare a $1200 DLP vs $3000 Sony XBR and $2200 samsung but even for $1300 you can get very good LCD.

    No matter what anyone says is the best tv your eyes will tell you the truth.
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  • djlogix
    djlogix Posts: 115
    edited May 2008
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    As far as your comment about "what your eyes tell you", I fully agree there.

    I disagree with "you can't compare a XBR to a DLP". I've had my fair share of XBR's with other LCD's in my home, they've all fallen prey to my Kuro and DLP's (which are calibrated). Just depends on your type and want of the viewing area.


    And it's common knowledge that DLP's tend to get buried in the back and settings reduced to low levels of contrast and brightness. CC, Best Buy, etc etc, all guilty in one way or another. They tend to push the more expensive sets in their showcase, all gutted to torch mode in hopes one will gain your attention and you'll walk out hooked up with all the features. Thing is, some CRT RPTV's calibrated offer up some of the best pictures still to this day. But they're old, they take up space, they aren't as sexy or sleek and they can't hang on the wall.

    DLP's hopefully with the introduction of LaserVue will keep the ball rolling.
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  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited May 2008
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    The days are numbered for DLP. My father swears by Mitsubishi. He just retired his 20+ year old mitsubishi with the wooden cabinet.
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  • djlogix
    djlogix Posts: 115
    edited May 2008
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    Ah, I wouldn't go counting the days. As they may indeed wind up extended. Depth has been drastically cut and for those that projectors are feasible or a proper method, DLPs and their large size are ideal to many.
    I should've listened way back in 2008, they told me I'd go broke... they were right
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  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited May 2008
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    here is an interesting article on the future of plasma TV's.

    http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-news/plasma-hdtv-news/are-plasma-hdtvs-on-their-way-out-the-door.html
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  • SKsolutions
    SKsolutions Posts: 1,820
    edited May 2008
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    If there is an interest for numbers and market share:
    It's published in HDTV, but the numbers come from a sales tracking firm.

    PDP vs. LCD
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  • JDOGG
    JDOGG Posts: 433
    edited May 2008
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    If I had to buy again, it would be a big(at leat 50") DLP tv. But I am extremely happy with my Tosh. I would go with DLP.
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  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Posts: 6,975
    edited May 2008
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    djlogix wrote: »
    Thing is, some CRT RPTV's calibrated offer up some of the best pictures still to this day. But they're old, they take up space, they aren't as sexy or sleek and they can't hang on the wall.

    Very true, IMO. Some people swear by their Mitsubishi Diamonds and Pioneer Elite CRT RPTV's to this day. And there is also quite a bunch of guys running CRT projectors (Sony G90, etc.) to this day for the picture quality.
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  • Home Theatre
    Home Theatre Posts: 469
    edited May 2008
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    http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/Search.do?c=1&searchType=user&keyword=KDL40S4100&searchSection=All&go.x=19&go.y=11


    What do you think of this one? I could probably get a bigger Vizio or Toshiba.
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