Author Topic: 51" Rear Projection TV - $700. Worth buying? (Read 3785 times)

saint · « **on:** November 21, 2006, 01:13:50 pm »

Friday/Saturday at Best Buy, this TV has caught my eye. Can't afford a $1500-$2500 TV, but this one will be $700 (normally $1000). Opinions on the TV/technology?

Hitachi 51" HDTV

ChadTower · « **Reply #1 on:** November 21, 2006, 01:20:56 pm »

Research viewing angle issues with that particular model. I know two people with very similar sets (not necessarily Hitachi) that look like crap in a bright room and are behind the curve compared to other modern sets in terms of viewing angle.

shmokes · « **Reply #2 on:** November 21, 2006, 01:29:21 pm »

Best Buy is going to have a 42" Westinghouse HD LCD for $1000 on black friday. It supports 1080i as well as 720p and has HDMI inputs, IIRC. It's not as big as what you're looking for, but if the room's not super big that might not be such a bad thing. Plus it's a flat panel which is a lot nicer than a big projection unit.

ChadTower · « **Reply #3 on:** November 21, 2006, 01:34:32 pm »

Are the flat panels less prone to problems than the projection units? I know a lot of people who have had problems with their projection TVs but don't know many that have LCDs.

May want to see if it's firmware upgradeable, too. That's probably going to be a pretty big deal going forward.

EDIT:

Quote

TV as a center-channel capability

Haven't seen that before... interesting.

saint · « **Reply #4 on:** November 21, 2006, 01:58:06 pm »

Well, $700 is going to be a stretch already, so $1000 is right out. My options are to wait another year, or pick up something at a bargain prices this year. I'm looking at this as an "temporary" family room TV for the basement until I can afford one of the nice LCD/plasma/whatever TVs. However, I'm not willing to throw away $700 if there are problems with the TV or technology.

shmokes · « **Reply #5 on:** November 21, 2006, 01:59:16 pm »

I think that using the TV as a center channel would sound bad. Speakers should match. They work as a team

And the speaker on the TV probably sucks.

I would think LCDs would be less problematic just because they don't have a bulb that needs replaced periodically (though I've had my rear-projection HDTV for more than five years and I haven't had to replace a bulb yet). But, I have nothing to go on but gut instinct on this. I really have no idea.

shmokes · « **Reply #6 on:** November 21, 2006, 02:05:46 pm »

Well, I'd say bite. Like I said, I've had my CRT rear-projection TV for more than five years and it works perfectly. I also remember that at the time Hitachi was making rear-projection HDTVs that were getting fantastic reviews.

One thing I miss on mine is 720p -- it only does 1080i. The link you gave only lists 1080i, but I'm kind of surprised cos that Hitachi is new enough to have HDMI input(s) and I thought only older sets didn't support 720p.

Viewing angles are definitely a problem with mine, as is viewing in a room with much sunlight. Neither are really big problems because I'm always sitting in front of the TV when I'm watching it and I can always close the blinds (the sunlight is a bigger pain than the viewing angle by far). But for $700 it really sounds like a good deal if you have the space.

AtomSmasher · « **Reply #7 on:** November 21, 2006, 02:33:02 pm »

Quote from: saint on November 21, 2006, 01:58:06 pm

Well, $700 is going to be a stretch already, so $1000 is right out. My options are to wait another year, or pick up something at a bargain prices this year. I'm looking at this as an "temporary" family room TV for the basement until I can afford one of the nice LCD/plasma/whatever TVs. However, I'm not willing to throw away $700 if there are problems with the TV or technology.

I think you'll be fine with the tv, but since your putting it in the basement where there isn't a problem of excess light from windows you may want to look into getting a projector

Infocus is having a deal with one of their projectors for $599 after $200MIR and a free 92'' screen.
Link shortened by saint

ChadTower · « **Reply #8 on:** November 21, 2006, 02:41:17 pm »

Quote from: shmokes on November 21, 2006, 01:59:16 pm

I think that using the TV as a center channel would sound bad. Speakers should match. They work as a team And the speaker on the TV probably sucks.

Any other channel would probably suck but the center channel could work. The center channel just needs clarity in the upper ranges and no substantial bass capability. I agree it's not optimal but it could work given that the center channel is commonly a different speaker than the left and right (rear and front).

Hoopz · « **Reply #9 on:** November 21, 2006, 02:52:42 pm »

Quote from: saint on November 21, 2006, 01:58:06 pm

Well, $700 is going to be a stretch already, so $1000 is right out. My options are to wait another year, or pick up something at a bargain prices this year. I'm looking at this as an "temporary" family room TV for the basement until I can afford one of the nice LCD/plasma/whatever TVs. However, I'm not willing to throw away $700 if there are problems with the TV or technology.

If that's the case, you should wait. Why throw $700 at something that may be an option now but is only temporary? Especially when $700 is a stretch. I would say bank the $700 and dont use it for anything while adding to it periodically. When you decide what your price point is, then you can get the best tv available. Or when you are ready, you can take the cash and buy the best.

Don't settle for less than what you want now and lose that cash.

ChadTower · « **Reply #10 on:** November 21, 2006, 02:54:16 pm »

I agree with that. It's more prudent to wait until you have the cash for what you actually want rather than blowing some now on what you can afford.

But hey, props for not just tossing it onto a credit card.

crashwg · « **Reply #11 on:** November 21, 2006, 03:09:43 pm »

Quote from: ChadTower on November 21, 2006, 02:54:16 pm

But hey, props for not just tossing it onto a credit card.

Hey, that's what I'd do. If they weren't already maxed out!

fredster · « **Reply #12 on:** November 21, 2006, 04:39:12 pm »

Saint, what does this TV have on it you picked?

saint · « **Reply #13 on:** November 21, 2006, 05:29:11 pm »

Built-In HDTV Tuner

HDMI input

1080i display

Automatic convergence function

3D Y/C digital comb filter

Full-range 24W speaker system, can be used a center channel

Inputs: 1 HDMI, 2 wideband component video, 3 S-video (1 front, 2 rear), 5 A/V (1 front, 4 rear), 1 RF, 1 center channel

Other convenient features include day and night memory by input with timer (set to auto-adjust different light settings)

Apparently it's on casters/wheels for easy movement.

The link on Best Buy's page has all the details.

It doesn't have VGA input or a QAM (

) HD tuner, it doesn't have a cable card slot. Mostly I want it for playing DVDs. We don't watch much TV.

RE: Waiting - that's always an option of course, but I've been waiting for a few years now for a wide screen tv. It hasn't been the inability to pay for it so much as the inability to justify the expense. I didn't think it was worth buying a wide-screen TV without built in HD support, and couldn't see paying $1500-$2500 for a TV. Even if I put my spare-change aside until I had $2500 in hand, I still couldn't justify spending that much money. $500 would be a no brainer. $700 has me on the fence. When I debated waiting before, it wasn't so much that I was waiting till I had more money as compared to waiting until the TVs came down in price to where I could justify the cost...

Decision decision

AlanS17 · « **Reply #14 on:** November 21, 2006, 05:52:02 pm »

Honestly, I don't think any CRT rear projection HD TV is worth it. They're noticeably blurrier than their LCD and DLP rear projection counterparts. It all comes down to opinion, but I would never buy one unless they were so cheap that they were practically free. If I were to own one, I know I would never be satisfied with it. Even the CRT rear projection TV's by reputable brands are just not that nice. I think they soley exist as budget TV's.

Arcadiac · « **Reply #15 on:** November 22, 2006, 01:52:12 am »

Opinions are just that, opinions.
I bought a used 52' RCA projection TV 3 years ago for $600 (retailed for $1200!).
It was a year old at the time and had a great picture, I tested it at the store with a PS2 and DOA 2. I've since made 1 repair, cost $225 about a year ago, the circuit board needed resoldering in several spots, a common problem with RCAs.
Having said that, we've enjoy our set, it gets used every day for at least 8-12 hours.
It's not even a wide-screen or HD capable but for us it was such a step up from the 27"
Zenith, we were overjoyed.
I, for one, for financial reasons mostly can't dive into HDTV, much less lcd/plasma right now.
Not everyone can afford or needs the latest, greatest, expensive gadget.
For a basement family room I think you are making a good choice.
Hell, you're getting HDTV at a just $100 over what I paid for my regular TV a few years ago.
I think your family will enjoy it.
But that's just my own opinion

ARCADIAC!

ChadTower · « **Reply #16 on:** November 22, 2006, 07:42:03 am »

8-12 hours is a lot. That must be a lot of people in and out.

I'd have no problem with going with this one except that he said he'd probably replace it in a year with what he actually wants. That's the killer.

shardian · « **Reply #17 on:** November 22, 2006, 08:39:21 am »

FYI saint, Walmart will be having a 52" rear projeciton hdtv for $474 on Black Friday.

ChadTower · « **Reply #18 on:** November 22, 2006, 08:51:35 am »

Damn that's low. He could buy that and sell it for 85-90% of what he paid when the time comes in a year.

saint · « **Reply #19 on:** November 22, 2006, 09:01:51 am »

No kidding. I can't find it listed. The 42" I find listed is $988. Got a link?

ChadTower · « **Reply #20 on:** November 22, 2006, 09:05:30 am »

Maybe it's one of those $488 (w/two year Vonage sub, $788 without) deals.

saint · « **Reply #21 on:** November 22, 2006, 09:09:10 am »

Just saw where someone on fatwallet.com said it was something they'd advertized as an unadvertized special on TV. RCA. Mmmmmmm We've already nixed spending $700 this year, but they keep tempting me....

shardian · « **Reply #22 on:** November 22, 2006, 09:41:52 am »

Quote from: saint on November 22, 2006, 09:09:10 am

Just saw where someone on fatwallet.com said it was something they'd advertized as an unadvertized special on TV. RCA. Mmmmmmm We've already nixed spending $700 this year, but they keep tempting me....

Yes, it was only advertised in a tv commercial. The big stores have become pretty frustrated this year with the ads coming out weeks in advance, so they are holding onto some deals to release online thru their own websites. The tv ad was genious in my opinion.

divemaster127 · « **Reply #23 on:** November 22, 2006, 09:45:57 am »

I was at walmart yesterday checking out the tv for $474.00 its a pretty setup esp. for that price
dm

ChadTower · « **Reply #24 on:** November 22, 2006, 09:46:41 am »

That could also mean it's only in that specific area. I wonder if any of the stores have gone the route of physical post only specials... that is, only announced by a sign inside the store. It's a method used to limit notification to current foot traffic customers.

divemaster127 · « **Reply #25 on:** November 22, 2006, 09:52:21 am »

The walmart I was at yesterday had posted signs & also had signs stating they had limited quanities but would issue rain checks...
dm

ChadTower · « **Reply #26 on:** November 22, 2006, 09:54:11 am »

Any idea if some of those may be things that are only advertised in that way?

divemaster127 · « **Reply #27 on:** November 22, 2006, 09:57:22 am »

I dont know
dm

ChadTower · « **Reply #28 on:** November 22, 2006, 10:01:08 am »

A rain check notification is cool, though. Hopefully they have people standing by with them and are not going to try and send 200 people to the customer service desk.

gnateye · « **Reply #29 on:** November 22, 2006, 10:58:26 am »

is there any more info on that walmart deal? link to the tv on another site or something? i picked up a 52" DLP/HDTV RCA projection tv from walmart for 940$ a few years back and i am very happy with it...

divemaster127 · « **Reply #30 on:** November 22, 2006, 11:59:34 am »

I have not seen a link & this not a dlp its the old style tank projection
dm

Wade · « **Reply #31 on:** November 22, 2006, 01:05:23 pm »

My opinion... SKIP it and hold out. Rear projection TV's really stink in general, I don't know why anyone even buys them any more when there are so many better options and LCD panels look SO much nicer. Even LCD panels are getting into the $1000 range and FALLING every few months. Wait a year and you will probably be able to get a 42" LCD panel for that same $700. Or something even nicer if you add a little to it while you save.

It has a big screen, but that's it. I'd rather have a smaller LCD, or as a compromise even a smaller and cheaper CRT monitor.

Wade

ChadTower · « **Reply #32 on:** November 22, 2006, 01:09:05 pm »

That LCD panel price drop is finally happening now. A lot of people have been waiting a couple of years for that. Hell, even me[/i], the biggest CRT proponent out there, finally acquiesced and picked up an LCD because the prices on the LCDs are approaching where the CRTs were 5 years ago.

shardian · « **Reply #33 on:** November 22, 2006, 01:30:54 pm »

The main reason I am not even tempted by the 52" deal is that I have a little tv destroyer due in February. I won't settle for anything less than a lcd securely mounted on the wall as high as possible.

ChadTower · « **Reply #34 on:** November 22, 2006, 01:53:34 pm »

That little destroyer won't have the ability until sept or oct, probably... so bide your time. Bide your time.

When our first was born, we had an ancient 27" CRT on a footrest with a cardboard frame. Had to get a real entertainment center then, no good having the baby pull the TV down on his face.

boykster · « **Reply #35 on:** November 23, 2006, 09:57:44 am »

Quote from: ChadTower on November 21, 2006, 01:34:32 pm

Are the flat panels less prone to problems than the projection units? I know a lot of people who have had problems with their projection TVs but don't know many that have LCDs.
.

Yes and no. Not a ton of long term data, but 2 year failure rates for LCD/Plasma have been on par with CRT (both RPTV and direct view). Oddly enough, the highest rate of failure/repair is in RPTVs using LCD/DLP/SXRD/DILA but usually the "failure" is bulb replacement needed, not a board / chip / optics failure.

If you need big, then I'd say go for it, otherwise if 32-37" is an option, then keep your eyes peeled for LCD deals in that range (or lower).

BestBuy is also having a 42" Panasonic HD plasma for $1000....super super deal....If I was at home (not relatives) I'd be tempted to stand in line for that one.

Santoro · « **Reply #36 on:** November 23, 2006, 11:45:41 am »

Quote from: ChadTower on November 22, 2006, 01:09:05 pm

Hell, even me[/i], the biggest CRT proponent out there, finally acquiesced and picked up an LCD because the prices on the LCDs are approaching where the CRTs were 5 years ago.

Santoro · « **Reply #37 on:** November 23, 2006, 11:47:40 am »

Quote from: Wade on November 22, 2006, 01:05:23 pm

My opinion... SKIP it and hold out. Rear projection TV's really stink in general,

My Samsung 61" DLP was a great value and the HD is just stunning. RPTVs used to stink in general, I don't think that's as true as it used to be.

J_K_M_A_N · « **Reply #38 on:** November 23, 2006, 01:49:46 pm »

Quote from: Santoro on November 23, 2006, 11:47:40 am

My Samsung 61" DLP was a great value and the HD is just stunning. RPTVs used to stink in general, I don't think that's as true as it used to be.

I think the CRT projections are still not so good. The viewing angle is not great at all. I would hold out if I were you. (Actually, I would, and did, go out and get a 50" LCD Projection and pay too much and put it on the credit card. But it is paid off now.

For me, it is the best purchase I have ever made. I LOVE IT!)

J_K_M_A_N

AlanS17 · « **Reply #39 on:** November 24, 2006, 06:44:47 pm »

Bottom line:

DLP rear projection =

LCD rear projection =

CRT rear projection =

... at least that's how I see it, and I think most would agree. I personally have a Samsung 50" DLP rear projection and I absolutely love it.


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