Rear projection LCD big screen

[kscotty]

I apologize if this is a redundant posting, but I have never really looked at anything but the cigar forums.

I have recently become very interested in the new rear projection LCD big screen (50" plus) TVs as a good alternative to expensive plasmas. I know the LCDs are not as thin, but I don't need to hang the TV on the wall anyway. The picture seems excellent with digital sources and there is no risk of burn-in, which I think is key.

Does anyone have personal experience or opinion between the Sony WEGA, Hitachi, and Samsung 50" LCD rear projections? I've looked on epinions and done a lot of web research, but was wondering what the folks in this jungle think.

Thanks for your input!

[Pablo]

I have the Pioneer Elite 58", and can't say enough good things about it. The best picture I have seen in projection TV's.

[motortown]

Ah, you're treading into murky waters, Kscotty. You really need to research the models you're looking at. While I agree that they are a more cost-effective alternative to plasma, there are some things that you need to be aware of. First, when you go to your local electronics showroom, look at a variety of sources on each one (ie- dvd, satellite & cable). It's also important to view action sequences from different lines of vision, played through each source. The knock on the LCD's is that the picture (at times) appears to be too digitizied. The black and gray levels also leave something to be desired. There is also a blurring problem (more so than normal) during action scenes. Peripheral viewing can be suspect, as well. While you're in the showroom, try to figure out which angles (and distance) you'll be viewing it from when you get it home. I can't stress that enough. What's really important is that any of those things can be a major drawback. It all depends on your viewing habits.

As far as the different models that you're considering, be sure to do some extra homework on the Samsung. They tend to go through bulbs like we go through cigars. They're very expensive to replace, and it can be an owner's nightmare. A good friend of mine is in the business, and I can get a website for you that breaks everything down, both good and bad. It's one that guys in that industry refer to, and it'll provide you with a ton of good stuff that might not be available in general forums.

I hope you don't feel like I'm trying to disuade you from you're upcoming purchase. A lot of people swear by them. It's still a nice chunk of change though, and the guy selling it to you probably isn't too concerned with your long-term satisfaction. If you can go a little deeper on the footprint of the television though, PDS has the right idea. The Pioneer Elite rear pros are hands down the absolute best ones on the market. They also look sweet when they're off, too, and have matching audio cabinents, if you need 'em. It's not an LCD, but it's definitely worth looking into.

I'll try to get that website for you over the weekend. Hope this was helpful!

[motortown]

Kscotty,

That website is avsforum.com, and will give you more than enough information on LCD, DLP, and rear projection televisions.

Best of Luck!

[LadyScarlet]

I am with Kscotty...Pioneers are great TV's. Leader in the industry with a long history (as long as this technology is old) for excellence. Hands down best of the money today in my humble opionion....

[kscotty]

Thanks guys (and gals!). I will spend a lot more time on this one, but once you start looking at these things, you tend to get sucked in..........and I know that most of the time the TV will be tuned to SpongeBob Squarepants for my 4 yr old!!!

[seagarsmoker]

I have a Toshiba 51" widescreen HDTV and it is very nice.

We were planning on a similar purchase, but the "viewing area" isnt what I'd like. I would like for all of the people in our living room to have a good view. You cannnot get that with a projection screen. I am now leaning to the Sony 34" HDTV monitor set up.