Another RPTV choice - advice? (1 Viewer)

[LouAR]

I have read the other thread and suspect that the choice has more to do with the individual use parameters. I am hoping someone will help me weed through based on my usage.

First, I should mention that I am probably giving up on the projector. As much as I want the really big screen, my room logistics may not accommodate one.

I live in Northern Az and we get tech last here too. I use cable with some digital channels. Dish/Direct are available but I am not ready to go that direction yet. I know HDTV will get here eventually but now no signal available. So my use is mostly cable and DVD. I have a great 5.1 so I am not concerned about sound, no audio signal will even go to monitor. I can price shop with the best of them but weeding through the specs is where I stumble. I'm looking at 50"+ and most are between 51" - 57".

Not many stores have all the models so it is difficult to do a thorough side by side. I'm willing to go up to about $2200 out the door and maybe stretch if really worth the difference. I do not particularly trust in-store sales people and I also realize this will be a set for 4-5 years so unless there is a HUGE difference, cheaper is better. Also, it is just me so I will likely remove any screen protector. These models represent a price range from $1000 thru $2000. CNET only rates a couple and I am finding that people here on HTF rarely agree with CNET reviews. How to decide?? Help - PLEASE? - T.I.A.
Mits WS55711 (price unavailable)
RCA D52W20
SON KP51WS510
SON KP57WS510
PAN PT53WX53
PAN PT56WX33
PAN PT53TW53
I think I want the side (edge) stretch for 4:3 and I could use some help on th difference between auto vs manual vs auto AND manual convergence.

 

[ChuckSolo]

I finally decided, like yourself, to pull the trigger on a widescreen HD RPTV this week and shopped around for about a month until I decided on an RCA model. It is the smaller model than the 50" you mention in your post. The store had it advertised as a 42", but the diagonal measure is only actually 40". I decided on the RCA after doing an instore comparison on picture quality with the other brands. So far, and it has only been since Monday last, I have been totally satisfied with my purchase. The RCA has both the manual and Auto convergence feature and it is really quite easy to use. My RCA has a "Cinerama" mode which stretches the 4:3 programming to fill the screen and there is virtually no distortion until you get to the extreme edges of the screen with the center being pretty much the same as in 4:3 mode. I have been a Panasonic owner for years and typically shy away from Sony because of the wide price differences I have seen in their products in comparison to the other brands. I was originally going to buy a Panasonic, but just couldn't pass up the price I got on the RCA and to my eyes, the RCA had a better picture. Check them all out feature for feature and then decide. For me, the RCA just fit the bill just right.

 

[LouAR]

Thanks Chuck,
The RCA IS by far the least expensive!

I am probably going to sell my 2 yr old Sony Wega 36" even though I love that picture. I have a large DVD collection and find I am pining for a larger picture. Price shopping is no problem but I live 120 miles from any CC/BB/UE, etc. So this kind of feedback really helps me narrow the field before the big drive.

Thanks again!
~Lou~

 

[John S]

Hmmm, on the question.

How to decide?

It has a very Clintonesque answer....
Only you can really decide, how to decide... lol

I like the foot print on the Pannys, I almost bought one.

But in the end, I ordered a 60" Philips online.

 

[ChuckSolo]

I too sold my Panasonic 36" to my Dad and really, really liked the picture on it. However, I was really sick of the 4:3 limitation of the Panny and wanted a widescreen HDTV. I am glad I did as I also have 400+ DVD collection and have been rewatching some of my library just because the visual experience is so much more dramatic on an big screen HDTV widescreen.

 

[LouAR]

I really like the footprint on the Panny but John mentioned the 720 missing and that will cause me to look at these pictures VERY carefully. I cannot justify a purchase based on the footprint of the set!!

 

[Danny Beck]

The Sony models upconvert 720p signals to 1080i. It looks very nice.