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[StoOgE]

Ok, so Im looking to get an HDTV, so any specific suggestions on products would be nice. Idealy I want to spend 3000 dollars or so, but am willing to go up to 5K...

1) I would like a flat panel so I can hang it on the wall.. which would mean LCD or Plasma.. I have an LCD monitor from Dell that I like.. but what are the advantages/disadvantages of both?

2) Im sorta dumb.. so whats the difference between HD ready/HD compatible/HD tuner built in, etc. Also, I keep hearing about something called EDTV (or something like that) what the fuck is that? Also, company specific jargin (XBR from Sony, etc.) explenations would be appreciated.

3) I know CRT's (I dont know if thats what they are called in the TV world, but whatever) are cheaper.. but how is their performance compare? Do they have response time advantages similar to the Monitor world? Because I dont want image ghosting while I watch TV.

4) Also, what inputs will I be looking for.? Im going to have a digital cable box hooked up to it.. an Xbox (360 when that comes out) and a DVD player.. with audio coming from a DD surround sound system.. so, If there is something better than component inputs that Im going to want, please let me know.

5) I also dont want a gigantic TV.. I have allways been happy with a 32-35" TV at 3:4.. what size widescreen TV is the equivellent?

Right now this one looks good to me, but isnt flat screen..

http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INT...pt=tvvideo&CategoryName=tv_hdtv_tube#features

any opinions?

Thanks.

 

[shantyman]

That TV you linked to is a CRT, and I would highly recommend it (I am partial to CRTs). My mother has the previous generation model, it's fantastic.

 

[EclipseGST]

Look into any flat panel that will offer multiple digital inputs (hdmi/dvi). These inputs will come in handy when you hook up a HD DVD player (bluray/whatever else is out there) and you xbox 360. Now as for your cable box try and get a cable card from your cable company as more and more sets are coming with a built-in hd-tuner with cable card access ready slot. Do not listen to anyone who saids component cables will get you the same quality as dvi/hdmi cables. You only get TRUE hi-def with hdmi/dvi.

Right now in the flat panel market you'd be looking at a pioneer 43" plasma (pdp-4350)(also this is the only model that I know of that has two digital outputs in a flat panel display). You can probably find one on the internet for a low price but you will pay 5499.99 regularly at any retailer you go to (outside and specials that may be offered). Great set and looks beautiful in every house i have setup.

anyone more question feel free to ask. Like i said you can probably find other sets out there with multiple digital connections but pioneer is the only one i know that has two hdmi inputs.

 

[pj]

I'm no expert, but I'll try to give you as little misinformation as possible..

1) plasma has burn-in problems and lcd is expensive

2) hd ready and hd capable are the same thing, i think, and they both mean you'll need an external hd tuner. if you get hd satellite or cable, they will give/sell you a hd tuner. edtv is enhanced definition, 480p, not hd. Cheap plasmas use it as a buzz word.

3) crts are still pretty high up when it comes to image/$, but they're also huge and heavy. In the ultimate high end, crt projectors are still > *

4) DVI, HDMI or firewire will provide better picture quality than component, because there will be no digital (dvd player/sat/cable)-> analog (component) -> digital (tv) stuff

5) I don't know, FIGURE IT OUT YOURSELF, or, if you hate math, go to best buy and eyeball it.



I wouldn't buy any hdtv right now, I'd wait until there's a 1080p standard, and then wait until that falls into my price range. That might be quite a while, so at least get a tv that's 720p NATIVE, none of that converting crap

 

[EclipseGST]

OH and if you want to get a new micro display(RPTV) tv go for the samsung dlp's as they offer multiple digital outputs(well most of them do). The sony xs line's are also good but i only seen them in a 55" and 60" size. Tubes are good but very few will actually reproduce a true hd picture due to the limitations of the tube.

 

[Atari2600]

Many new Plasma screens have a "pixel wobble" feature that helps reduce burn in. I'd make sure that any plasma your interested has a similiar feature. They often have different names for the feature, but you'll figure it out.

DLP seems to offer a nice mix of screen size and picture quality, all in a smaller cabinet than a rear projection. That's what I am leaning towards when I buy my new tv. Just sold my 55inch rear projection Samsung so I didn't have to move the beast again.

 

[StoOgE]

Ok, just did some comparisons.. a 34" widescreen is comparable to a 27" 4:3 TV...

and a 40" Widescreeen is comparable to a 32" 4:3..

although, in both cases, the widescreen is actually a bit taller than the 4:3 equivelent, but by less than an inch.

 

[borghe]

2) Im sorta dumb.. so whats the difference between HD ready/HD compatible/HD tuner built in, etc. Also, I keep hearing about something called EDTV (or something like that) what the fuck is that? Also, company specific jargin (XBR from Sony, etc.) explenations would be appreciated.

HD ready means it has component inputs and will accept hd input (usually now 720p and 1080i). hd compatible is the same thing AFAIK. hd tuner built in means it has a tuner built in that can receive HD channels over the air (just like regular TV over the air, only in HD). then there is an hd cablecard tuner built in. this means you can just rent a cablecard from your cable company for $1.75/month instead of the entire box for usually $8/month, but you won't get PPV movies, VOD, or an intergrated program guide.. but it is only $1.75/month in equipment fees.

3) I know CRT's (I dont know if thats what they are called in the TV world, but whatever) are cheaper.. but how is their performance compare? Do they have response time advantages similar to the Monitor world? Because I dont want image ghosting while I watch TV.

CRTs look better than every other display technology out there except for maybe 3-chip DLP. However they are bulkier, a shitload heavier, and take up a lot of room. nowhere near as sexy as a flat panel.. but they generally look anywhere from a bit better to a whole helluvalot better..

4) Also, what inputs will I be looking for.? Im going to have a digital cable box hooked up to it.. an Xbox (360 when that comes out) and a DVD player.. with audio coming from a DD surround sound system.. so, If there is something better than component inputs that Im going to want, please let me know.

as many inputs as possible. most mid- to high-end receivers today have component video switching, unfortunately everything is moving away from component video. if you can get multiple HDMI or DVI ports, the better. HDMI and DVI are essentially the same thing. HDMI carries the audio signal as well, but 9 times out of 10 someone will have the audio going to a receiver instead. If your cable box has DVI and your TV has HDMI (or vice versa) you just get a cable that converts.. they are pin identical, you just the the correct connectors on the cable.

5) I also dont want a gigantic TV.. I have allways been happy with a 32-35" TV at 3:4.. what size widescreen TV is the equivellent?

a 34" will give about a 30" picture.. a 38" will give about a 34" picture. some manufacturers have actually come out with 36" widescreen sets which are about a 34" 4:3 picture. it sounds like you will go with either a 34" or maybe 36".

 

[borghe]

Ok, just did some comparisons.. a 34" widescreen is comparable to a 27" 4:3 TV...

and a 40" Widescreeen is comparable to a 32" 4:3..

although, in both cases, the widescreen is actually a bit taller than the 4:3 equivelent, but by less than an inch.

this is not exactly correct.. basically with the way most boxes do sideboxing and most TV stations do sideboxing, you end up with a slightly larger picture. a 34" set is really closer to 30" usually.. my numbers were a little high all around, but most calculators are way small..

 

[StoOgE]

well, I got those numbers off of a website with a converter.. not sure how accurate they were.

In any case..

http://product.samsung.com/cgi-bin/...?eUser=&prod_id=HLP4663WX/XAA&selTab=Features

is this TV decent? It has a DVI and an HDMI input, so I could get two devices hooked up with true HD.. and I'll probably get the cable box because I order WWE PPV's a few times a year. Its actually a bit bigger than I want, but thats never a bad thing :lol

 

[Nerevar]

Go to AVSforum.com - seriously. You'll get a lot more informed (although sometimes much less balanced) information over there. I'll throw in my 2 cents ...

1) I would like a flat panel so I can hang it on the wall.. which would mean LCD or Plasma.. I have an LCD monitor from Dell that I like.. but what are the advantages/disadvantages of both?

LCD is very expensive and oftentimes suffers from ghosting / response rate problems, especially in high-speed scenarios such as racing games or watching sports like football. Response time is really important, so that's something to take into consideration. Modern LCDs are good about this (like Aquos), but do a lot of research in this area. The best part of LCD's is that they last forever (as long as the internal circuitry doesn't die). The panel's don't "wear out" like a lot of other techs.
Plasma's used to have lots of problems with burn-in and an annoyingly short lifespan. These are mostly remedied, but sometimes pop up (I know several people with permanent "TiVo" logos in their plasmas). Also, plasmas are one-and-done (when they burn out, there's no replacing - it's a whole new TV). However, most plasmas these days have an acceptably long lifespan, so it's not a big concern.

2) Im sorta dumb.. so whats the difference between HD ready/HD compatible/HD tuner built in, etc. Also, I keep hearing about something called EDTV (or something like that) what the fuck is that? Also, company specific jargin (XBR from Sony, etc.) explenations would be appreciated.

I wouldn't worry too much about this. It basically means whether or not an HD tuner is built into the system, but that's only useful if you want to put up an antenna and get over-the-air HD channels. Most people with HD televisions have cable or satellite, which require their own decoder boxes that do the work of getting the HD signal for you.

3) I know CRT's (I dont know if thats what they are called in the TV world, but whatever) are cheaper.. but how is their performance compare? Do they have response time advantages similar to the Monitor world? Because I dont want image ghosting while I watch TV.

CRTs have the best pictures, without question. They're also the cheapest. However, their size and enormous bulk are the big downsides. An average HD direct-view CRT will easily surpass 100 pounds, and the weight increases almost exponentially as you go up in size.

4) Also, what inputs will I be looking for.? Im going to have a digital cable box hooked up to it.. an Xbox (360 when that comes out) and a DVD player.. with audio coming from a DD surround sound system.. so, If there is something better than component inputs that Im going to want, please let me know.

Make sure you at least have HDCP-enabled DVI ports. An HDMI port is preferable (all HDMI ports have HDCP copy protection built in). The two are compatible (but make sure you get one that can decode HDCP - otherwise you won't be able to witch HD movies).

5) I also dont want a gigantic TV.. I have allways been happy with a 32-35" TV at 3:4.. what size widescreen TV is the equivellent?

The aspect ratio for HD is 16:9, or 1.77. Standard TV is 4:3, or 1.333. Since TVs are always measured diagonally, to get the exact same picture as a 35" 4:3 TV is going to be roughly 43", if my math is right.

 

[Atari2600]

EDTV is only capable of displaying stuff at a max res of 480p. It can accept high def signals, but it down converts them to 480p. I wouldn't bother with one, unless you're just going to watch some movies, play some games and watch standard television. Hell, even then I wouldn't recommend one.

And if my explanation wasn't 110% accurate from a tech standpoint... I'm just trying to help.

 

[Nerevar]

2 things. .

HD ready means it has component inputs and will accept hd input (usually now 720p and 1080i). hd compatible is the same thing AFAIK. hd tuner built in means it has a tuner built in that can receive HD channels over the air (just like regular TV over the air, only in HD). then there is an hd cablecard tuner built in. this means you can just rent a cablecard from your cable company for $1.75/month instead of the entire box for usually $8/month, but you won't get PPV movies, VOD, or an intergrated program guide.. but it is only $1.75/month in equipment fees.

CableCard is hardly widespread, so make sure your local cable company carries them. Many don't. And they're currently working on a CableCard 2.0 standard to support VOD and the integrated program guide, so even if you do get a set with CableCard it might become outdated relatively quickly.

HDMI and DVI are essentially the same thing. HDMI carries the audio signal as well, but 9 times out of 10 someone will have the audio going to a receiver instead. If your cable box has DVI and your TV has HDMI (or vice versa) you just get a cable that converts.. they are pin identical, you just the the correct connectors on the cable.

this isn't entirely true, as DVI doesn't have HDCP as a mandated part of it's specification. Therefore, some displays will have a DVI input but will not be able to display HD movies or upscaled SD movies from many players because they don't support copy protection. If your set does have DVI, make sure it supports HDCP. This is not something you have to worry about with HDMI.

 

[StoOgE]

And if my explanation wasn't 110% accurate from a tech standpoint... I'm just trying to help.

I'm no videophile.. I mean, I can spot the difference in TV quality, but I just want something that is going to look good. I hadnt bothered with HDTV because I mostly watch TV and play games on my TV, and very few games have taken advantage of it, but with MS mandating 720p I want to take advantage of it..

 

[borghe]

The aspect ratio for HD is 16:9, or 1.77. Standard TV is 4:3, or 1.333. Since TVs are always measured diagonally, to get the exact same picture as a 35" 4:3 TV is going to be roughly 43", if my math is right.

while the screen size is simple mathematics, what isn't simple mathematics is the way various things do pillarboxing
(or sideboxing or whatever you want to call it). Flip from station to station to station or even just view set to set to set and you see different sized side bars on seemingly every set and station. most sets and stations play with the size of the side box to balance between giving viewers a bigger picture and a less distorted picture. and I am not talking about 14:9 stretching but seriously just "4:3" stretching that is definitely not 4:3 (but not 14:9 either).

the stations you obviously have no control over (stations that upconvert SD material to HD and stick black bars on the side) but switch the TV into narrow mode and see for yourself what size the TV's 4:3 display.. most are a little wider than 4:3 hence why the calculators aren't entirely accurate.

 

[robot]

I almost bought that XBR but opted for this:

42" Grand WEGA™ LCD Rear Projection HDTVspacerKDF-42WE655


It was a tough decision but I already own a HD tube (tho not an XBR) and wanted something bigger than 34". this is also going against a flat wall (not corner) so the dimensions were also a factor. A friend of mine owns it so I went over and had him demo some stuff on it, I walked away very impressed.

If my sony tube is anything to go by, Xbox is gonna look incredible on that XBR.

 

[Nerevar]

the stations you obviously have no control over (stations that upconvert SD material to HD and stick black bars on the side) but switch the TV into narrow mode and see for yourself what size the TV's 4:3 display.. most are a little wider than 4:3 hence why the calculators aren't entirely accurate.

:lol

I have an LCD and I always watch 4:3 in standard mode - I was wondering why there were thin black bars on the sides of some channels. I thought my TV might've been developing some kind of problem. Glad to know it's just the channels doing it.

 

[borghe]

CableCard is hardly widespread, so make sure your local cable company carries them. Many don't. And they're currently working on a CableCard 2.0 standard to support VOD and the integrated program guide, so even if you do get a set with CableCard it might become outdated relatively quickly.

this is actually wrong. cablecard support from cable companies is FCC mandated.. not many cable companies advertise that they support it, but 100% of all cable companies have cablecard. they have to.. it is an FCC mandate (implemented last june I believe).

this isn't entirely true, as DVI doesn't have HDCP as a mandated part of it's specification. Therefore, some displays will have a DVI input but will not be able to display HD movies or upscaled SD movies from many players because they don't support copy protection. If your set does have DVI, make sure it supports HDCP. This is not something you have to worry about with HDMI.

ehh.. while DVI doesn't have HDCP in it as a requirement, I challenge you to show me one TV manufactured by a major or even reputable offbrand manufacturer within the last 3 years which doesn't have an HDCP capable DVI port.

 

[borghe]

:lol

I have an LCD and I always watch 4:3 in standard mode - I was wondering why there were thin black bars on the sides of some channels. I thought my TV might've been developing some kind of problem. Glad to know it's just the channels doing it.

that is 14:9 stretching.. it creates thin black bars on the side.. it is basically filling up most of the screen but a little less distorted than 16:9 stretching. I used to completely hate it (even though no station in my area does it) but after watching anime on the XBox a TON I have actually started to do more 14:9 stretching out of fearing burn in from watching a ton of anime with 4:# black bars on the side... sigh.. if only ALL anime were 16:9.

 

[Nerevar]

ehh.. while DVI doesn't have HDCP in it as a requirement, I challenge you to show me one TV manufactured by a major or even reputable offbrand manufacturer within the last 3 years which doesn't have an HDCP capable DVI port.

I don't really pay attention to manufacturing, but every now and then I see a hot deal on fatwallet or somet other comparable site pop up on an LCD TV that lacks HDCP. I presume most people who buy these don't realize that they won't be able to use it on HD movies and such. I just think it's important to bring up, because people do end up buying those displays.

 

[StoOgE]

http://product.samsung.com/cgi-bin/...?eUser=&prod_id=HLP4663WX/XAA&selTab=Features

any opinions on this TV?

 

[borghe]

the specs are fine (2 digital video ins and 2 analog hd ins) 72p support, etc.

I would suggest trying to head to best buy or circuit city and seeing the TV.. don't worry so much about color brightness or any of that. you can tune that stuff in with Avia.. more importantly, try viewing the set from different angles and see if you notice a rainbowing effect across the picture.. if you don't notice it that is definitely a fine set then.

 

[StoOgE]

yeah, Im heading over to check it out now.. they have it at the circuit city about 10 minutes away, and its 450 dollars off the MSRP. I'll likely have a new TV this afternoon thats bigger than I was looking for, and for almost a grand less than I was expecting.

Hurray.

I think I'm going to spend the money I saved on a new surround sound set up with DPL II and those fancy wireless rear channels.

 

[EclipseGST]

any opinions on this TV?

Great set but one thing that I don't like is that it uses the HD3 chipset which upscales to get 720p as oppose to be a true 720p resolution...just my two cents. Look at the 52" mitsubishi (wd-52525) if you want a dlp as they carry the HD2+ chipset which well do a 720p without any upscaling...or even the toshiba dlp's (46hmx84)

if you want to stick with a samsung go with this one it has the HD2+ chipset
http://product.samsung.com/cgi-bin/nabc/product/b2c_product_detail.jsp?eUser=&prod_id=HLR4677WX/XAA

 

[EclipseGST]

yeah, Im heading over to check it out now.. they have it at the circuit city about 10 minutes away, and its 450 dollars off the MSRP. I'll likely have a new TV this afternoon thats bigger than I was looking for, and for almost a grand less than I was expecting.

Hurray.

I think I'm going to spend the money I saved on a new surround sound set up with DPL II and those fancy wireless rear channels.

For the best surround sound go with a these speakers
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage...t&productCategoryId=cat03049&id=1051826208777

and go with the same Klipsch sub woofer either the sub10" or the sub12".

any yamaha/onkyo/denon reciever over 100w per channel will be fine. but then again it all depends on how much you spend.

 

[EclipseGST]

if you decide to buy it i do recommend the cityadvantage (circuit city plan) or the performance service plan (best buy plan) for the bulb coverage and labor for it. this way you can keep the tv on without worrying about the bulb going out (4000 hr blub)

 

[StoOgE]

well I looked at it and really liked it, but decided to wait 24 hours, look over the net some more and make sure Im really happy with the decision. So far Im still leaning this way, but I heard that the new Samsungs will be out soon with the HD4 chip from TI... or that I might be better getting an older model with the HD2+ chip because alot of people arent big fans of the HD3 one...

personally, I dont think Im enough of a videophile to notice/care... so I'll likely go with this.. and I think Im going to hold off on the new sound system.. I mostly want it to get the wireless rear speakers so I can get rid of the wires in my living room.. but I think Im going to get a foosball table instead so that my sad pathetic game room (a bar and a dart board) wont be as sad anymore... or perhaps an air hockey table if I can get one for about 800 bucks.

 

[nitewulf]

im in your dilemma, i pretty much deccided to go with the 26" version of the flat panel LCD MS is gonna be using for the xenon kiosks. check out that thread to get the model number for the 23" version.
i think samsung has a 30" version available as well.
looks great, big enough for me, fast switching time, 3d filter, and HDMI input.

 

[StoOgE]

those are just a touch too small for me... this has to be large enough for a full living room.

 

[jett]

CRTs 4 life, LCDs and Plasmas can go to hell and die.

 

[Manick Joe]

I own the 34" Panasonic CRT which was about $1300 back in the winter and it has a great picture ESPECIALLY for non Hi-Def programming which is a problem with a good deal of other sets. HD is obviously awesome and only some Sony models (mainly the XBR's) have a significantly better picture in my opinion. It has HDMI, DVI, two component and like 4 S-Video/Composite hookups.

 

[FightyF]

Are you sure PSP covers bulb replacements? My understanding is that it does not...btw I work as a GeekSquad double agent here in Canada. Hey, maybe there's a difference in the Canadian vs. American PSP

 

[Marty Chinn]

Are you sure PSP covers bulb replacements? My understanding is that it does not...btw I work as a GeekSquad double agent here in Canada. Hey, maybe there's a difference in the Canadian vs. American PSP

It really depends on who is providing it. I think Circuit City does cover bulbs though. When I got my protection plan from an online store, I made sure that the bulb was covered.

Manick: My problem with CRT TVs is that many of them don't handle 720p signals well, and those that do have to upconvert to 1080i. I'd rather have a set do native 720p rather than any type of conversion.

 

[FightyF]

I did buy this Toshiba for my Dad...it's a 62 incher, with HD2+ DLP...but I've installed it once at a customer's house and it has major overscan issues with PCs hooked up via HDMI.

I can't wait to try some widescreen games on it...though later on I want to get an HDTV for myself, I won't go that big. I'm thinking of going with CRT for myself...

 

[Marty Chinn]

Look for service code help at avsforum. The Sony is such a popular and recommended set at avs that there are extensive guides on tweaking the TV. I too had huge overscan problems but got them licked thanks to that forum.

 

[ChrisReid]

At this point I wouldn't recommend a tv in the $3000 range. Toshiba and others have some very nice DLP tvs in the $2000-2500 range that are the perfect blend of short depth, image quality and few problems (such as burn in/ghosting).

 

[Ristamar]

A word of warning concerning DLP TVs and gaming: http://forums.gaming-age.com/showthread.php?t=39579

 

[EclipseGST]

Are you sure PSP covers bulb replacements? My understanding is that it does not...btw I work as a GeekSquad double agent here in Canada. Hey, maybe there's a difference in the Canadian vs. American PSP

well here we do cover the bulb change but the plan is 399.99, still the lowest priced plan for bulb change compared to other retailers.

 

[EclipseGST]

A word of warning concerning DLP TVs and gaming: http://forums.gaming-age.com/showthread.php?t=39579

no more problems like that when HD Gaming is out...hah...

 

[shantyman]

CRTs 4 life, LCDs and Plasmas can go to hell and die.

I second this!

 

[Tedesco!]

I third that!

 

[truffleshuffle83]

try lifting a huge crt. grab about 5-6 friends. im gettin a 55 inch sony lcd in a couple months.

 

[borghe]

no CRT for life.. seriously.. CRTs are nice now, but once 3chip DLP starts becoming available at consumer level pricing (re: $3500 55") it will blow out CRT.

and mind you I've had CRT rear projections for over 7 years now.. but geometry, convergence, and size/weight are ridiculous in the face of the new sets. and before anyone pipes up with calibration, I've had my current set calibrated by craigm on the spot and two years later now it is still ready for some touch up work..

I love the blacks and fidelity of CRTs also, but would settle down to the level of a nice 3chip DLP set in exchange for no geometry, no convergence, and a set that is less than 300lbs.

edit - though yeah.. I would probably not give up the blacks and color fidelity of my crt for an LCD or single chip DLP.... and definitely not plasma..

 

[Nerevar]

no CRT for life.. seriously.. CRTs are nice now, but once 3chip DLP starts becoming available at consumer level pricing (re: $3500 55") it will blow out CRT.

and mind you I've had CRT rear projections for over 7 years now.. but geometry, convergence, and size/weight are ridiculous in the face of the new sets. and before anyone pipes up with calibration, I've had my current set calibrated by craigm on the spot and two years later now it is still ready for some touch up work..

I love the blacks and fidelity of CRTs also, but would settle down to the level of a nice 3chip DLP set in exchange for no geometry, no convergence, and a set that is less than 300lbs.

Agreed. CRT's are the best right now bang-for-the-buck, but they do have some drawbacks. Once the new techs start really ramping up (including 3-chip DLP and FEDs), CRTs are going to get phased out.

 

[Truelize]

I currently have a projection TV and a very nice stand for it and therefore have no real need for a flat panel TV. But I'm a little curious if a LCD projection can give me a top quality picture. This question doesn't seem to be talked about much, probably because all the flat panels out there are freakin gorgeous.
I have the space for the biggest projection style TVs available and would love to have a 60+ inch widescreen TV.
If anyone has any input regarding LCD projections please let me know.

 

[Nerevar]

I currently have a projection TV and a very nice stand for it and therefore have no real need for a flat panel TV. But I'm a little curious if a LCD projection can give me a top quality picture. This question doesn't seem to be talked about much, probably because all the flat panels out there are freakin gorgeous.
I have the space for the biggest projection style TVs available and would love to have a 60+ inch widescreen TV.
If anyone has any input regarding LCD projections please let me know.

I have an LCD RPTV. It's nice, but it does have it's drawbacks. It doesn't look very hot on SD, blacks are more of a "milky black" then a true black, and if you get too close you can see a bit of a screen door (like, within 3 feet of the screen). That's not to say that I'm unhappy with what I got, I'm thrilled. We couldn't go DLP in my place because both my girlfriend and I saw rainbows, which was annoying. Best bet is to go to a store and do some comparison. Most stores will let you play with the settings, so turn it off torch mode and set it back to normal and see what you like more between LCD RP and DLP sets.

 

[shantyman]

Agreed. CRT's are the best right now bang-for-the-buck, but they do have some drawbacks. Once the new techs start really ramping up (including 3-chip DLP and FEDs), CRTs are going to get phased out.

That is why you buy a $1000 CRT now and upgrade in 3-5 years.