Need advise choosing the right rear projection TV (1 Viewer)

Brandon Wayne · Mar 28, 2003

Hello all, I'm a newbie to this forum and to HT in general.

I haven't purchased anything over $500 on HT equipment so I want to be sure that I am going to get the right TV. I am looking at spending around $2000 and I want to make sure that it the latest bells and whistles. I'm thinking 46-50" is big enough for my house. I will be using it for a variety of applications (regular tv watching, digital tv, dvds, xbox), so I need it to be versatile. I know regular tv will only look worse on the newer tvs.

Also, if you guys know of any good sites that I get get a good price feel free to share. :b

Any advice you videophiles could give me would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all that reply.

- Brandon

Anny Chien · Apr 5, 2003

btt for you

sean_pecor · Apr 7, 2003

I'd recommend the Sony KP-46WT500. I own one and the quality is stunning. Standard content via Dish Network looks good.

Here is a review:

http://electronics.cnet.com/electron...-20688347.html

I also recommend the Sony VL900 remote. It's $60, and is fully learning so you can consolidate your remotes. I own one, and it has made my HT much easier to manage. I especially love the system control buttons that you can have execute a sequence of commands (turn on tv, dvd, dolby receiver, switch to appropriate input, etc.).

Sean.

Jeff Peake · Apr 7, 2003

I know regular tv will only look worse on the newer tvs.

I heard this repeated alot on various forums, but after buying a Pioneer 64" widescreen, I was pleasantly suprised at how good Direct TV looked. I was expecting the worst, but it is passable.

If possible try to leave room in your budget for a HDTV reciever. You can check www.titantv.com (free reg required) to see what High Definition channels are available in your area.

I also have an Xbox hooked to my HDTV. Personally I was a little disappointed at how games look. If the game doesnt support 16:9 then you would have to stretch it to fill the screen (or use the sidebars)...neither is ideal for gameplaying. If the game supports 16:9, then generally it is pretty good looking. Just be sure to set your contrast to a low level to avoid burn in. I have played Xbox for over a year, sometimes for 4 hours+ at a time and have no burn in (have my contrast low and black level a little higher when playing games).

Good Luck

Jeff

Click to expand...

ManW_TheUncool · Apr 7, 2003

Yes, I think it's a good idea to save some $$$ for an HD tuner unless you're using digital cable already and can get HD service for little-to-no extra cost.

Depending on what your preferences/needs are, you can go as low as a Panny 47" and maybe still have enough left over for a prog scan DVD player and an OTA-only HD tuner. If you like the Panny's, you should wait til summer though when the new models w/ DVI/HDCP come out.

Since you're a newbie, it's probably worthwhile waiting a little and doing some more research in the meantime. There are plenty of new models from the various makers coming out throughout the summer. And you'd probably get better deals on current models when the new ones come out, even if you're happy w/ a current model. Also, you'd be able to learn how to get to most out of any TV you choose as you do your research.

_Man_

Allan Jayne · Apr 8, 2003

I still say, don't buy any TV that is locked in 16:9 for progressive scan DVD, or HDTV, viewing.

Video hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/video.htm

Brandon Wayne · Apr 9, 2003

Thank you all for your replies.

I have been doing some research and have narrowed down the selection between the Panasonic 47" and the Sony 46". I'll keep reading reviews until it comes time pick. I need to get a better handle on key features to get and proper care.

I'm not in a big rush to get the TV so I will Man's advice and wait until summer so I can get a better deal.

Thanks again for all your help.

- Brandon

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