Help picking a display device

Cloud · 04-23-2008, 10:25 PM

I've been shopping around and do my homework for a while and I'm getting ready to make a purchase soon. Just wondering what everyone elses thoughts are and maybe finding some pros/cons that I missed before I make my decision.
Will be used for mostly 1080p, some 720p material. Lots of movies and gaming.

This is what I've been looking at and what my thoughts on them are:

Mitsubishi 73" DLP
Pros:
Best size/dollar ratio
No Burn-in
Cons:
Depth
Slightly narrowing viewing angles

Samsung 58" Plasma
Pros:
I love the dark blacks and awesome colors
I like the picture on this best
Cons:
High power consumption
Screen is noticeably warmer than both dlp and lcd
Possible Burn-in

52" LCD - Various brands
Pros:
Seems to be the 'standard' in big screen technology, with lots of support
Lowest power consumption of the 3
Cons:
I was not impressed with the picture quality outside the native resolutions
Dead pixels seem to be a common occurance
Response times don't often seem up to par for gaming/high action movies
Many units I've seen don't have great black levels
Less size for the money

Front projectors are out of the question due to size constraints. Other than that I'd like to hear others opinions on the various technologies, and maybe some first hand experiences with the various models.

**HTF Ads**

SethH · 04-24-2008, 04:44 AM

You missed one con under DLP. If you purchase a bulb-based DLP set you will have to replace the bulb ever few years at a cost of between $200 and $400.

With that said, I think you should consider the LED DLP sets from Samsung as well. Last year's 61" model (HL-T6187S) is still available for under $2000. The new model (HL61A750) is either in stores or will be there soon and will be $2400 MSRP.

Kreisler · 04-24-2008, 11:02 AM

Here is a practicle item to consider and many people ( myself included) overlook it.

You need to look for a HDTV that has the correct number of connections. These days, the connection you need is HDMI. You need about 3 of these on the HDTV to be safe. The reason is that all true HD sources will output the best 1080P on HDMI instead of component and forget about the other connections.

Most TV have 1, but you need to specifically look for one with 2-3.

Trust me, my HDTV only had 1 HDMI port and I had to get a external device called HDMI switch to connect my HD sources: HD Cable Box, PS3 and HD-DVD player.

Patrick Sun · 04-24-2008, 11:48 AM

I've owned a 50" plasma for a year, and the power consumption hasn't really impacted my electricity bill to a noticeable extent.

Cloud · 04-24-2008, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kreisler

Here is a practicle item to consider and many people ( myself included) overlook it.

You need to look for a HDTV that has the correct number of connections. These days, the connection you need is HDMI. You need about 3 of these on the HDTV to be safe. The reason is that all true HD sources will output the best 1080P on HDMI instead of component and forget about the other connections.

Most TV have 1, but you need to specifically look for one with 2-3.

Trust me, my HDTV only had 1 HDMI port and I had to get a external device called to connect my HD sources: HD Cable Box, PS3 and HD-DVD player.

Not really a concern of mine. Just about every thing out right now has 3 or more. Plus I'd only use one anyways as my reciever handles all my hdmi switching for me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patrick Sun

I've owned a 50" plasma for a year, and the power consumption hasn't really impacted my electricity bill to a noticeable extent.

Thanks for the input. A lot of people (who don't own them) tell me they draw tons of power. I've also heard thats mostly because the 'show room' settings are cranked way up and normal 'in house' setting are right on par with dlp's. I did notice however that the screens emit quite a bit of heat. Any input on that?

Patrick Sun · 04-24-2008, 09:49 PM

Maybe if I sat 6" from the screen, I'd notice the heat, but again, not a big deal to me as I sit 9' away. But I guess some people are sensitive to temperature changes, so it could be an issue.

Cloud · 04-25-2008, 10:16 PM

And one more question to throw out there: 120hz vs 60hz, is it worth the extra money for the 120hz?

Audioman321 · 04-27-2008, 09:08 PM

120hz is for sure better than the 60hz. Well I recommend you to have a look at the Samsung A650, one of my friends got one weeks ago, that tv is cool. You may need to read some reviews for it. And Samsung issued a firmware update, via their website on 4/3/08, that fixes the random shut off problem. You will need a USB flash drive to apply the update via the Wiselink USB port on the TV. This firmware update also enhances the AMP effect on all sets. And their price is quite nice now a deal on it is $2420 instead of $2580.

Cloud · 04-28-2008, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Audioman321

120hz is for sure better than the 60hz. Well I recommend you to have a look at the Samsung A650, one of my friends got one weeks ago, that tv is cool.

Well when I search Samsung A650, I get cell phones. Point me in the right direction?

Parker Clack · 04-28-2008, 09:47 PM

Cloud:

It is probably this model.

Parker

Cloud · 04-28-2008, 10:27 PM

^thank you, one more possibility!

smg035 · 05-05-2008, 09:19 PM

i just put the 73" mits in my brand new theater room and it is amazing. I was up in the air and finally decided to purchase the WD73833. like I said it has only been on fora couple days but I am very hapy with the decision. HD Sat/PS3/ and still one more HDMI slot. Go with the mits but be warned you need to be able to sit about 15 ft from the tv it is BIG

Cloud · 05-05-2008, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smg035

i just put the 73" mits in my brand new theater room and it is amazing. I was up in the air and finally decided to purchase the WD73833. like I said it has only been on fora couple days but I am very hapy with the decision. HD Sat/PS3/ and still one more HDMI slot. Go with the mits but be warned you need to be able to sit about 15 ft from the tv it is BIG

While I'd love to have something that big, I'm ruling it out for a few reasons. First I've decided to go with a 120hz capable tv. Secondly I've heard a few people having problems with the screen material sagging and coming undone in a screen of this size. I've pretty much decided on the Samsung HL-61A750, all the features I was looking for in a price I can afford.