dlp vs. lcd vs. plasma

mcarry · 09-23-2007, 09:06 PM

Helping my father get a new complete system, would like to start with the tv. I have a projector and haven't shopped for this in the past. Don't have a blank check but pretty close. Looking to build a complete system, so do not need speakers. Want the best quality without over paying...probably 65" screen with multiple hdmi and other inputs to be ready for things down the road. Also will need help with the best receiver same criteria. Help is appreciated. Thanks, Marty.

mcarry · 09-23-2007, 09:07 PM

couple of things I should have mentioned...he has a well lit room and has plenty of viewing distance. Thanks again.

SethH · 09-24-2007, 04:58 AM

A few good options to consider:

- Mitsubishi 65" or 73" DLP -- WD-65833 & WD-73833 -- $3000 & $4300
- Sony 60" SXRD -- KDS-60A3000 -- $2500
- JVC 65" HD-ILA -- HD-65S998 -- ~$3700
- Panasonic 65" Plasma Monitor* -- TH-65PF9UK -- ~$6600
- Sharp Aquos 65" LCD -- LC-65D90U -- $6700

*The panny does not have HDMI, but it has a slot for add-on cards. An HDMI card costs around $150 -- this gives you the option for future types of connections as well.

As you can see, at this size the flat panels command a significant premium. IMO the premium is not worth it, but if you essentially have a blank check then it may come down to room decor, etc.

mcarry · 09-24-2007, 10:01 AM

Thanks Seth, looking for guidance on what type to recommend, what is everyone's thoughts on dlp vs. lcd vs. plasma? Can we start there? Also, I have not shopped for this type of tv before so we are not married to a flat screen just something that will be MUCH less cumbersome than the 10 year old 60" he has. Does that help?

Aaron Silverman · 09-24-2007, 01:00 PM

DLP or LCoS will give you much more for your money than LCD or Plasma. Each tech has its own quirks, but for pure PQ I think DLP or LCoS is your best bet. Consider flat panels if physical design is most important.

I just got a Toshiba 65HM167 DLP, and I am *very* happy with it. Paid less than $1600 with a coupon at Circuit City, too. As far as less cumbersome, it only weighs 83 pounds. I can easily slide it around on its stand when I need to get at the jacks on the back.

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mcarry · 09-24-2007, 04:24 PM

Thanks Aaron. Just curious, what do you anticipate the LCD / Plasma fans saying as to what makes them better over DLP? I want to make sure which ever direction I advise my dad is the right way to go. Thanks.

Ed Moxley · 09-24-2007, 06:41 PM

I, personally, prefer the LCoS (JVC HD-ILA or Sony SXRD). I've seen them hooked up to a good HD source, and they had incredible pictures. Best I've seen. I wouldn't consider a DLP, until they come out with the 3 chip models. The single chip models require the color wheel, and that's just something else to go wrong. The pictures look good on them though.

I have started to like the 1080p models of LCD tvs. They also look pretty good. I never did like the 720p models. To me, the pictures always looked kinda fuzzy, even while playing HD.

Plasmas, I don't care for at all. The glass screen reflects everything in the room, just like my old CRT tvs always have, and I hate that. They say Panasonic has a new plasma with an anti-reflective screen, but I won't have anything else Panasonic. If other brands have models with screens that don't reflect, I may end up liking them more. People like mounting plasmas over fireplaces and such, but that's more of a design thing, than an actual practical thing. I would think that over a fireplace would be the worst place in the world to hang one.

After seeing most everything available, in the stores, and seeing different types in some homes, I still say the best pictures are on the LCoS models. The only downside to them, that I can see, is the bulbs have to be replaced every few years. But, I figure it's worth that, to have the best picture (to my eyes anyway). Other's will argue these points. There's always someone that will disagree with your decision, no matter what it is.................
Good luck with whatever y'all end up with.

mcarry · 09-24-2007, 08:25 PM

Wow, thanks Ed, I have lot's to learn. Any other feedback out there. Any thoughts on JVC vs. Sony. One of my Dads concerns is simplicity, one advantage I can see with Sony is buying ALL sony which hopefully will translate into an easier remote operation.

Ed Moxley · 09-24-2007, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcarry

One of my Dads concerns is simplicity, one advantage I can see with Sony is buying ALL sony which hopefully will translate into an easier remote operation.

You could always get a Harmony remote. They will work everything, and very user friendly. Wives usually like them too. Easy to program online. You type in the model numbers of your equipment, and download the settings into the remote via a usb cable (included).

There's a button labeled "Watch Movie". With everything off, you push that button, and it turns on the tv, and puts it on the right input. It also turns on the dvd player, and then turns on the A/V receiver, and puts it in "DVD" mode. Just put the movie in the player, and you're ready to go.

Same thing with tv. Push "Watch TV" button, it turns on tv, and puts it on the right input, and turns on the cable box or sat box, and turns on the A/V receiver, and puts it in "TV" mode. Turns everything off, with push of one button too.

frogpond · 09-25-2007, 08:58 AM

Yep, I'll second the Harmony remote. So far great customer service too. When things didn't work exactly like they should they programmed the remote on thier end via USB cable and voila everything works!
I'm not a big fan of LCD or Plasma. In my pro experience I have seen way too many problems so my vote is for SXRD or front projection, better bangs for the buck.