recomend an LCD HDTV

[SNAAKE]

first question, whats the difference between DLP and LCD HDTV ??
I am looking for a 32" or bigger with no burn in problems. any recomendations ? thanks in advance !

[koz319]

There's a lot of good information over at http://www.avsforum.com - you should be able to find some good reviews for most of the current popular sets.

If you mention DLP, i assume you are referring to the 'projection' style TV's, not the flat panels.

DLP sets typically have one 'optical' chip in them used to create an image. Light is reflected off this chip to create the image on the screen. The chip is actually an array of miniature mirrors, each mirror in the array = 1 pixel on screen.  Each individual mirror oscillates rapidly to vary the amount of light reflected, controlling the brightness of that pixel on the screen.  The interesting thing about one chip DLP's is how they create a full color image.  If you think about it, just reflecting white light off a mirror will result in a greyscale image.  To create color, there is a spinning color wheel in between the light source and the DLP chip.  The color wheel sequences through the primary colors, and 1 field of the video image is projected on the screen  in  only that color.  Then another field is displayed for the next primary color, and so on.  So if you have a red,blue,green colorwheel,  first an entirely red field is displayed, then an entirely blue field, then green.   This happens so quickly that your brain/eyes fuse the three seperate color fields into one complete full color image.  (No, im not making this up I promise!) 
Benefits of DLP are typically considered to be a sharp picture (no convergence issues with just one chip), good color, good contrast and a decent black level.  Cons: a small percentage of people see artifacts relating to the way the DLP uses a color wheel to create a full color image.  DLP's can also dither the image in  some low light scenes. 

LCD projection sets typically have three different LCD panels, one for each primary color.  A prism splits the light from the light source into the primary colors, each color being shone through a different LCD panel.   The three distinct color images are combined to form one full color image on the screen.

LCD cons can be panel misalignment or misconvergence, meaning if the R,G,B panels are not perfectly aligned with one another, the R,G,B pixels on the screen will not completely overap.  Also, LCD panels typically do not have as high a fill factor as DLP panels, meaning the gap between the pixels can be more noticeable than DLP.   Some LCDs can have an issue with color uniformity across the screen, meaning if you put up a solid color screen, the color may not be even across the screen.

LCD pros - some people think LCD can have more natural or vibrant color than DLP.  Also, there are no color wheel artifacts or dithering.  LCDs may be a little less expensive as well.

There is another technology you may want to look at called LCOS, or SXRD if you are Sony.  This is kind of a cross between LCD and DLP.   It has three panels like LCD, but the light is reflected off of them like DLP.  No color wheel.  Very high fill factor, (better than LCD or DLP) so the picture is very smooth. 

If I were looking for a projection TV (not something to hang on the wall), I would look in this order and let my budget decide.

1) SXRD
2) DLP
3) LCD

But thats just me - whats important is how it looks to you.

  Oh - just as important as what display technology is in the TV is how good of a scaler/image processor it has.   Since all of these TVs are fixed resolution,  (the number of pixels on the screen remains constant no matter what you are watching), whatever video source you are watching needs to be scaled to fit the TV's native resolution.  This is VERY important when watching regular TV or DVDs when the image needs to be stretched to fill the screen.  A TV could have an outstanding picture when watching hi-def, but look like complete crap when watching normal TV or DVDs if it has a bad internal scaler.  No matter what you buy, make sure you test it by watching some hi-def, some regular TV, and some DVDs to see how it looks.

Hope this helps, didn't mean to write a freakin encyclopedia

Koz

[cdbrown]

If you can hold out it looks like Laser TV should be a good thing
http://uk.gizmodo.com/2006/04/04/mitsubishis_laser_tv.html

[bleemus]

I'll try to make a more abbreviated post:

You won't have burnin problems with either LCD or DLP.

Both are about the same price, depending on the brand and size, of course.

Biggest thing is: Go check out a DLP and see if you can detect the "rainbow effect" that some people see.  If you can see it, go with LCD.

Check out my post in this recent thread that is basically the same thing.

[shmokes]

Also, nobody's really come right out and mentioned it, but there's also a possibility that you're confused.  When you say LCD HDTV it leads one automatically to think you're talking about a flat-panel TV like a plasma.  With flat panels, LCD and Plasma are the two big competing technologies. 

DLP, on the other hand, refers to projection TVs, so you're not going to get a 4-inch depth with DLP, like you will with an LCD flat panel.  If you're talking about projection TVs then the information given above regarding LCDs is presumably accurate -- koz319 sounds more knowledgeable on the subject than me.  But I just wanted to make sure that you really were talking about LCD projection TVs and not LCD flat panels.

[sphetr2]

I love my Westinghouse 37" LCD HDTV.

But only with the HD channels, my game systems, and DVDs. Regular channels are a little bit worse than on the old tube.

That's how it is with all HDTVs and it will be like that until we all convert to HD programming.

[SNAAKE]

Also, nobody's really come right out and mentioned it, but there's also a possibility that you're confused.  When you say LCD HDTV it leads one automatically to think you're talking about a flat-panel TV like a plasma.  With flat panels, LCD and Plasma are the two big competing technologies. 

DLP, on the other hand, refers to projection TVs, so you're not going to get a 4-inch depth with DLP, like you will with an LCD flat panel.  If you're talking about projection TVs then the information given above regarding LCDs is presumably accurate -- koz319 sounds more knowledgeable on the subject than me.  But I just wanted to make sure that you really were talking about LCD projection TVs and not LCD flat panels.

I meant flat panel, something I can hang on the wall.

snip

thanks for info ! so I am guessing I should be a looking for a flat panel LCD monitor ?

also, is rear projection HDTV same as DLP ? I saw this 60" rear projection panasonic HDTV at compusa for only like $1700. are there any burn in issues with rear projection ?

[boykster]

If you want small and thin, LCD flat panel is the tech to go with.  If you don't mind a larger cabinet, and want a bigger screen, then the best "bang for the buck" is a DLP rear projection HDTV.  For $1700, that 60" was probably DLP, but it might have been DILA/LCOS/SXRD which is essentially an lcd panel on a chip.

If you want bigger and thin, then you get to choose between LCD and Plasma (for now). I prefer plasma for it's deeper blacks, more even brightness (no backlight issues), and wider viewing angle, but cons against plasma are higher CHANCE of burnin (not a guarantee that you will have problems with it) and they tend to be heavier than LCD's at the same size.

If you want a 32" LCD tv, my money would be on a 32" Sharp Aquos for about $1300

[koz319]

snip

np!

thanks for info ! so I am guessing I should be a looking for a flat panel LCD monitor ?

also, is rear projection HDTV same as DLP ? I saw this 60" rear projection panasonic HDTV at compusa for only like $1700. are there any burn in issues with rear projection ?

Pesonally, I prefer plasma to most of the LCD TV's but really, its all about size/cost/what you like best. On either the plasmas or LCD's , you may want to check out the black level (how dark the screen gets with a completely black screen), and the contrast in low light scenes.  You may prefer how one type handles this better than the other.   For the smaller size TV's, LCD is probably the way to go. (I dont know if anyone makes a plasma less than 42")  If you're worried about burn in, LCD will be worry free.
There are no flat panel DLP's you can hang on the wall to my knowledge. 


Rear projection HDTV are typically either DLP,LCD,or LCOS/SXRD.  There really is no burn in with these types of sets.  (Older projection TVs were CRT, which can burn in.)
There is 'burn out'  though ,  after many many many (many) hours of watching one of these types of rear projection sets, the bulb in it will need to be replaced.  These can cost a little bit (in the hundreds, not in the 10's).  You can get a fantastic picture at a pretty good size/cost ratio though!  And although you cant hang them on a wall, you can some pretty slim ones these days,  especially if you want to put one in the corner of the room.

What are you primarily going to use the TV for?  (movies, normal watching, gaming?)




Just dont get me started on projectors, I may never shut up 

Koz

[shmokes]

Personally I think DLP rear projection TVs offer the biggest bang for the buck.  They've got a fantastic picture and they're really not that big.  I've confused DLP projection TVs for flat panels more than once.  They're nothing like the size of the projection TVs from even four and five years ago.  Plus, unless you can build the thing into the wall or something you end up with unsightly cords dangling from a wall-mounted LCD/Plasma that cannot be gracefully hidden. 

I think flat panel TVs are fantastic, but seriously check out the DLPs.  You may find that you get a helluva lot more in terms of size and picture quality and only give up a few inches in depth with the DLPs.

[J_K_M_A_N]

They're nothing like the size of the projection TVs from even four and five years ago.

They still have CRT projection screens that are somewhat big and still heavy. If you really want a big screen but don't want to spend over $1000 then you can pick one of those up. I see them in the 50" range for about $800-$900.

When I went looking for a new TV I started with looking for about a 32"-36" HDTV. Then I figured if I was going to spend that much money on a 32" HDTV tube, I should just get a big screen. Then I checked into the CRT projection TVs that were about $900-$1100 at the time, and I found out about burn in and weight. So then I went looking at 44"-50" DLP or LCD projections. I ended up getting a Panasonic 50" LCD Projection TV and I love it! Very light weight and fantastic picture. Too much money but what the hell. (I should have waited and gotten a 60" or bigger)

J_K_M_A_N

[SNAAKE]

snip

np!

thanks for info ! so I am guessing I should be a looking for a flat panel LCD monitor ?

also, is rear projection HDTV same as DLP ? I saw this 60" rear projection panasonic HDTV at compusa for only like $1700. are there any burn in issues with rear projection ?

Pesonally, I prefer plasma to most of the LCD TV's but really, its all about size/cost/what you like best. On either the plasmas or LCD's , you may want to check out the black level (how dark the screen gets with a completely black screen), and the contrast in low light scenes.  You may prefer how one type handles this better than the other.   For the smaller size TV's, LCD is probably the way to go. (I dont know if anyone makes a plasma less than 42")  If you're worried about burn in, LCD will be worry free.
There are no flat panel DLP's you can hang on the wall to my knowledge. 


Rear projection HDTV are typically either DLP,LCD,or LCOS/SXRD.  There really is no burn in with these types of sets.  (Older projection TVs were CRT, which can burn in.)
There is 'burn out'  though ,  after many many many (many) hours of watching one of these types of rear projection sets, the bulb in it will need to be replaced.  These can cost a little bit (in the hundreds, not in the 10's).  You can get a fantastic picture at a pretty good size/cost ratio though!  And although you cant hang them on a wall, you can some pretty slim ones these days,  especially if you want to put one in the corner of the room.

What are you primarily going to use the TV for?  (movies, normal watching, gaming?)




Just dont get me started on projectors, I may never shut up 

Koz

we need 2 new tvs. my brother wants a flat panel in his room because he doesnt have space for a big one and we can have a big one for the living room. I guess I will go with a rear projection DLP HDTV as shmokes suggested and an LCD flat panel. the lcd will be for watching movies and tv. and sometimes I might use the rear projection for gaming.

you can post a thing or two on projectors too..always good to know !

[ChadTower]

Keep in mind you can get a 27" CRT for $75 at a pawn shop.  All things considered, that's probably a bigger bang for the buck than anything you could ever find at 50"+.

[SNAAKE]

shameless bump !

is this a good deal ? I've seen one just like this at compusa for 2k but about the same as this one.
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1488051&Sku=S223-5008

[DrumAnBass]

My parents have that Samsung and it is a nice set. I like my Hitachi LCD rear projection better however. Remember - it is not a "hang on the wall" TV - it is 14" deep. But much less expensive than the equivilent size LCD or Plasma, and generally just as nice a picture.

I would recommend buying an extended warranty however. Normally I avoid warranties like the plague but with something like this it can easily pay for itself. Sears has an extended warranty that covers bulb replacement as well, and bulbs can be $300...

Take a look at the Hitachi sets - I really like em. http://www.hitachi.us/tv/browse/lcd/lcd/lcd_index.shtml

[ChadTower]

shameless bump !

is this a good deal ? I've seen one just like this at compusa for 2k but about the same as this one.
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1488051&Sku=S223-5008

The TV is good but don't go near TigerDirect... just do a quick google on them and see how scammy those scammers scam.

[boykster]

Pretty good deal on what seems to be a good set.  You can get it for $1299 from Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-HL-R5067W-50-HD-Ready-DLP/dp/B0009EXVNA

[squirrellydw]

Love my Panasonic, 26 inch on amazon

Link shortened by saint

[boykster]

Here's a sweet price ($599) on a 32" Olevia at Target

Link shortened by saint

 

Oh, and you might get 10% off with promo code: TCRCRTAB

[ChadTower]

$600 is pretty damn low for a 32" LCD.  I'd consider that but I'd have to replace my entertainment center too in order to accommodate a widescreen... which would run another grand.

[boykster]

I would expect that you'll see "mainstream" brand (panasonic, pioneer, sony) 32" lcd's at this point within 12 mos.  However, the next couple of months will be a great time to grab oddball "doorbuster" type deals as the holidays approach.

I paid $4k for my first 42" plasma in 2002...and just bought a new one (much better, HD vs ED, better contrast, etc) for $1600....

things are definately coming down in price.

[ChadTower]

You could have bought a Korean infant for that much.

[boykster]

You could have bought a Korean infant for that much.

I got more enjoyment out of my $4k plasma than I would have out of a $3k shed

 

[Zakk]

You could have bought a Korean infant for that much.

You can get a Korean infant "made in Taiwan" for less.  I think they're at Walmart, aisle 12.

[ChadTower]

I got more enjoyment out of my $4k plasma than I would have out of a $3k shed

Right now that shed, among all the tools and stuff, houses Star Wars and Ms Pac cabs as well as a Dragonfist pin.   

[SNAAKE]

inputs on this one ?? http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Panasonic-52-LCD-Projection-HDTV-PT-52LCX66/sem/rpsm/oid/152131/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do#tabs

circuitcity will have it for $1000 on black friday

[ChadTower]

Are built in HD tuners better than they used to be?  I've always heard that they tend to be low quality and fail too often.  And it only goes to 720p if that matters...

[J_K_M_A_N]

inputs on this one ?? http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Panasonic-52-LCD-Projection-HDTV-PT-52LCX66/sem/rpsm/oid/152131/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do#tabs

circuitcity will have it for $1000 on black friday

I have an older model of that. (PT50-LC14) I love it! I have read of many people having problems with the bulbs but I haven't had a problem myself. I am not sure which bulb that one uses though. I would guess it is a different one but you may want to research that. Like I said though, I haven't had any problems with mine at all. It is a KILLER picture. HD looks great! It also has a great viewing angle.

I personally would buy another Panasonic but maybe not if I had the problems that other people had with the bulbs. I would see if there is any info on bulb problems with that model and if not, go for it. For $1000 it is hard to go wrong. I paid $2500 for mine and it is a 50".

Good luck.

J_K_M_A_N

P.S.
   How's that remote working?