Entertainment Center: TVs, Stereos, VCRs and DVDs - Projection TV - Best Picks

Hi,

I'm in the process of shopping for a projection TV, the plasma's still out of my price range and I'm told they aren't built well just yet. In your professional opinion, who makes the best projection TV? I've heard good comments regarding the Mitsubishi WS series and the Hitachi Ultravision series. Of course I'm looking for HDTV compatability and a 50" - 65" screen.

Look at the Pioneer series--either the sd533 or the elite series.
I have one and it is great. Brad

Chris,

I think the Plasmas are still pricey, and most I've seen have screens that are too reflective. I installed an HD dish/receiver for a plasma on a lake home. Lake homes= so much window glass that the reflections were terrible.

I looked at Sony(LCD), Samsung(DLP) and the newer LG's.
I decided on the Sony 50" LCD, it has a consumer replaceable bulb. The screen is matte and much less reflective.
DiscHD blows me away.

fred

Hitachi and Mits are the best options on the market right now. Pioneer Elite is good, but you're goign to pay for it and last I heard Pioneer was phasing out their Elite RPTVs.

We bought a Hitachi 65T500 and it's been great. I believe the equivalent Mits has more inputs and slightly better SD picture. I don't remember why we chose Hitachi, it may have been for the price.

Defanitly get one that splits into top and bottom halves. Makes moving the unit _so_ much easier.

From what I've read, CRT gives a better picture than LCD or DLP for a lower price per inch.

"CRT gives a better picture than LCD or DLP for a lower price per inch."

I disagree, and agree.

CRT screens are generally smaller(34" +/-) than LCD or DLP projection (50 to 60 inches). Smaller pictures occasionally look clearer to the human eye.
However, I looked at numerous crt's and LCD'c/DLP's side-by-side and found the projections to be better. But they are more expensive per sq, inch.

Also, those big crt's are a bear to wrestle with - greater than 180 lbs.
My 50 inch Sony LCD proj. comes in at a measly 81 pounds.
While watching DiscHD or HDNet, I wouldn't trade it for a plasma!!

fred

I, too, agree and .... disagree.
I often stop in the local Circuit City and look at all the big screens.
With non-HD programming, the CRT has the advantage in picture and price. But with HD progamming or progressive-scan DVD, the edge is definitely with the LCD. There is just no comparison in picture quality.

And yes, how far back you sit does make a difference. A 60" LCD, even in HD, will not look good if you sit up close.