Direct View TV vs Rear Projection TV (1 Viewer)

[Haris Ellahi]

I have having a hard time trying to decide which TV to get, a Samsung 36" Direct View 16:9 or a Samsung 55" Rear Projection 16:9.

The exact model number for the 55" TV is Samsung HCL553W.

My room is fairly light-controled, only some day light comes in through the thick curtains, otherwise it is pretty dark. Secondly, the TV will be used only for DVDs, not regular TV.

So, how is the Samsung 55"? How much picture quality will I lose by getting the Rear Projection rather than the Direct View?

 

[Haris Ellahi]

By the way, the room is about 14 feet by 14 feet.

 

[Haris Ellahi]

Oh, and one more question.
Do you think 55" is too big for a 10-12 feet seating distance?

 

[John Chevalier]

I have a 54 inch samsung and I'm about 9-10 feet away.

 

[Haris Ellahi]

Which model number is it? How do you like it?

 

[Kevin N]

Being an owner of a Mits 55", I love the size for anamorphic DVDs. You'd be surprised how quickly a 14x14 foot room becomes a seating distance of 7-8 feet away, though; keep in mind as well that if you have any seats closer to the TV than that, it may be hard for that person to see the TV clearly.
If it is 100% for anamorphic DVDs, and absolutely no SD broadcast or 4:3 DVDs, I would say go for it. Since my viewing habits are 90% 4:3 / 10% 16:9, I'm currently in the market to sell mine and 'upgrade' to a nice 32" direct view. Good luck.

 

[Brad_V]

RPTVs are great. 12 feet is great for just about any size TV under 60". Sounds like a no-brainer to me. An extra 19"... RPTV all the way. Just turn the contrast down and enjoy.