Projector or Plasma (1 Viewer)

[calvin534]

I am new to this forum and could use some sage advice and opinions. I am building a new home and this has caused me to rethink my home theater. I am torn between a 65-70" plasma/led or a projector.
The first obstacle for the Plasma is that it will installed over a fireplace and we will be sitting no more than 13' from it. I am concerned about the viewing angle. The next obstacle is that I do not have a confined space...meaning that the back of the room opens into a kitchen. I would like to be able to comfortable watching it while at a distance: aprox 25ft.
Projector- I am afraid this could be overkill. Most of our viewing will be off of the Direct TV, DVR, PPV and BlueRay. I am not overly concerned about the amount of light (all windows will have room darkening window coverings. I am looking at the following combo for the projector:
Sony SRDX
Screen Innovations Screen
Any advice you can offer would be appreciated.

 

[Jim Mcc]

Where would the screen for the projector be mounted? What size screen would you be able to fit? Whether you go with a projector or TV, will your seating distance mostly be about 13' ? If you could post a pic of this room, it would help.

 

[calvin534]

I wish I could post a picture of the room, all I have is the construction drawings (construction starts next week).
The screen would be motorized and offset over the fire place, with the the top edge of the screen about 2 ft from the top of the ceiling (9ft ceiling height) The screen would 100 to 110" and we are limited to a max distance of 13ft from the wall where the screen or tv would be mounted.
Thanks

 

[Jim Mcc]

I don't know what to say without seeing the room. Is this a corner fireplace? I'm no TV expert, but I would not mount a TV over a fireplace. Most rooms with a fireplace are a problem.

 

[calvin534]

This is the best I can...I have attached the final plans for the room where this would be.
Thanks in advance for your help,
[ATTACHMENT=282]family room and kitchen.pdf (381k. pdf file)[/ATTACHMENT]

 

[calvin534]

I wish I had that option. I like the idea of the projection, but I don't know how feasible this would be for everyday viewing. We are also upgrading the sound system and that has eaten into the budget.
If I go with the plasma, I would probably go with a 65" Panasonic (unless there are other suitable options).

 

[Jim Mcc]

As much as I love my projector, I recommend you buy a TV.

 

[calvin534]

I am starting to really lean that way....any suggestions for a 65" plasma?

 

[dmiller68]

I really like my VT25 which is a older version of the VT50. I really like the Panasonic Plasmas.

 

[Jim Mcc]

What is your budget? I would go with a Panasonic or Samsung.

 

[calvin534]

I was think 3-4k....from what I have seen on the internet this seems to be a good range. I just wish I could find something that did not have 3D- I really dont care for that.

 

[Jim Mcc]

All the nice TV's have 3D now, but you don't have to use it. Check out the "best plasma TV" reviews at CNet.