HDTV: Sony LCD vs. DLP (not this again!)

ive got the 62" Mitsu DLP. two words. F***ing Awesome. Movies, sports events, and playstation are ridiculous on it. One problem, it takes a little to warm up and you have to get a new light cartridge when the one you have is shot. Minor inconvience in my eyes. i looked into LCD but decided against it because i just didnt feel the same thing as to when i saw the DLP. In fact the other say they had a show on one of the High def channels about Monterey and i saw the Ferrarichat.com 355 for a split second. O and the picture was gorgeous, i could count the blades of grass. I cant wait to watch the Super Bowl on it.

 

Have you checked the AVS Forum?

www.avsforum.com

The definitive audio/video forum.

 

After seeing 62" of HDTV glory on a Samsung DLP, you simply cannot ever watch regular TV again. I'd almost say HDTV is to Normal TV as black and white is to color.

 

DLP does seem to give better contrast vs. LCD. Brighter picture, too. The only downside is a slightly smaller viewing angle. Out of all the ones I've seen, I like the Samsung DLP the best.

 

I had this same delimna about 6 months ago. I picked the Sony LCD (42") over the DLP. Sony was just a better package IMO. I dont think you can go wrong with either one. The only downside to LCD that I notice is that it has a bit of trouble replicating black, its more of a dark grey.

 

They both suck, do not get a rear projection. The viewing angle* is so small that you can't see the edges of the damn picture even head-on.


*If you don't know what I am talking about, then it is likely you won't care, and in that you are truely blessed! Enjoy the DLP in that case!!!

 

Depends how your seating is set up. I find it hard to be outside of the viewing angle unless your off in some strange corner of the room.

 

Are we making a distinction between LCD and plasma flat panels?

--Dan

 

Also there is LCD and LCD projection (mainly for the 42+ inch tvs)

 

Right.

BTW, noticed you live on Bainbridge Island - off of Seattle? How large is the community? A friend of mine is from there. Annie Melson if that's at all familiar.

--Dan

 

I'm involved with the HDTV question as well, since looking at some Samsung DLP's the week after Christmas. DLP picture clarity is excellent, but not quite as good as LCD or plasma in the sense that there is a bit of edge and corner grayness, but that was when viewed at a distance and angle much greater than what our "home theater" setup would have.

The price of DLP is considerably less than LCD or plasma of comparable size and features.

However, I was just on the phone with a friend and he told me that when the single lamp projection cartridge for DLP burns out, it costs $500+ to replace, and they burn out every 1.5 to 2 years.

Is this true?

Comments much appreciated.

 

That's correct. DLP lamps have a life of about 2000 hours IIRC, and they will run you a pretty penny no question. $500 may be a bit high, but in the ball-park.

--Dan

 

Dan, thanks.

One question: what does IIRC stand for?

Tomorrow, I'm going out to evaluate HDTV's with the friend I was talking to about DLP's. Anything informative and of general thread subject interest, I will post.

 

IIRC = If I Recall Correctly.

Am I the only one who prefers CRTs to LCD monitors and plasma tvs?

--Dan

 

I'm talking about the rear-projection typical 'BIG SCREEN TV' in a large box with frenzell lenses. Even when I'm sitting direct dead-center, I can still see the brightness drop off at the corners. And if I move to the right so much as 6" everything goes to hell in my opinion on most 'sets'. I'm a picky SOB about this stuff though.


For flatscreens, LCD is by FAR the supior technology, though they are only at 45" right now. Give it a year.

 

I think we're up to around 28,000 and growing.

Don't recongnize the name, but i'm a youngin so chances are i wouldn't.

 

Dan, according to Consumer Reports, the CRT's still have a better picture than the LCD's and plasmas, particularly the Sony WEGA CRT's.

 

i have the sony grand wega 60" dlp, was thrilled at first, not so much anymore. dlp (doesn't look-like plasma)

 

I am now in the market for a big screen as well. Which one did you end up buying? Are you happy with it? Any regrets?

 

I have a 42 inch and a 50 inch Pioneer Elite Plasma and have been well pleased. They are both hooked up to DirecTV HD TIVO receivers with Bose Lifestyle surround sound systems.

 

DLP is the way to go, lasts much longer and IMO a better picture.

 

DLPs are two thick to hang on the wall or insert in a hide-away cabinet like I have though. It makes a room look so much better with the TV hidden from view when not in use. http://www.hookerfurniture.com/largeview.cfm?filename=articlephotos/large/mar04_hideaway_3_steps.jpg

 

and settled on a LG 50" plasma. Just jaw-dropping images, especially underwater and outer space (views of Earth) programming. I really liked the Sony 60" XBR for about the same money but decided that I needed the thinner profile. Some LGs have built-in 160 gig HD recorders. Crazy low prices on eBay.

KevFla

 

DLP is the best way to go IMO. I have a DLP projector and have fantastic HD quality. Look for the TI Mustang 2 Chipset present on some of the new projectors.