Looking for the best BIG television

[CUPID]

I am looking to get a new TV. I want it to be big, massive, behemoth. I want it to make grown men cry when they challenge me to a round of Grand Theft Auto. I want the best of the best.
But being a girl means I know nothing about this stuff. I know about designer make up, Burberry and I can spot a Le Corbusier chair anywhere but nothing about audio visual.
So heres is what I want to know...
Best place to buy from
Best brand to get
Best models
What should I look for?

Thanks!

Jillian @ Cupids

 

[Berlin]

I'll try to be brief here:

For a starter, invest 15 bucks and get a copy of the latest What Hi Fi magazine. It's a UK publication but nonetheless provides very relevant, easy to read, and current visual/audio products ratings and info.

Arm yourself with knowledge.

If you're visual conscious, I would say flat panels such as LCD/Plasma would be more up your alley. Then, ther is the budget side to think about.

Have a look at plasma's by Panasonic, Pioneer.

As for LCD's, Sony's latest Bravia (KDLV ) series kick ass. Go see it for yourself at Sony store . Reviews should be available on the net as well.

And then, you might like LCD rear, DLP as well, although a bit chunky for some.

Just don't rush into any decisions. You still have the audio components to consider from that point on , mind you. Enjoy.

 

[albertp]

Kromer Radio has some nice stuff as well

http://www.kromerradio.com/about.html

 

[tboy]

Well samsung makes a 102 inch hd plasma and their 80" goes for $45,000.00 so if you want to make em cry, it'll cost you.

YOu may also want to consider an LCD HD projector. This is where you have a projector mounted to your ceiling and have a retractable screen come down. A buddy has one and for the money, the image was amazing at 96" wide (which equates to about a 110" diagonal). Only drawback is you DO have to sit further away, it is just too big an image to sit withing 10' of it.

Just know: I was watching a 60" plasma (Finding Nemo) in circuit city in the us and it was so sharp, and so brilliant, it made me nauseous. I had the same problem when I first hooked up my upconverting dvd player to my bigscreen HD rear projection tv. I eventually got used to it but for a while there....brrrrrrrrr

Plus, it will spoil you rotten. Now when I go over to any friend's place, or a hotel room, I feel like I need a pair of binoculars....

 

[Anynym]

You've still got a few big questions to ask yourself.

Do you want a "Plasma screen"? An "LCD TV" (flat, like a monitor, but not "plasma")? A "traditional" TV? A projection system?

Plasma systems used to have horrible "yields" off the manufacturing line (i.e. most of the ones they made wouldn't work at all), so the prices were high. Yields have been improving, so prices have been coming down ... but the expected lifespan of a Plasma Screen TV is still only a few years (maybe five years), compared to a traditional TV which you'd expect to last about 10 years or more.

LCD TVs are okay, but tend to show different "artifacts" when displaying fast-motion images (e.g. sporting events). Plasma screens also have "artifacts", as do traditional tv's, but the "response time" of LCD TVs is more likely to be an issue than with the others.

Traditional TVs are hard to "mount" on a wall or from the ceiling, once they get to be a certain size. They need the space behind the set, and can be heavy and bulky.

Projection systems are my current personal preference. You can get almost any size picture you want, depending on how much space you have to place the projector. And whatever resolution you want is likely available. But then you have to decide whether you want a screen (yes, for the very best picture; projecting onto a painted wall can be okay, but it's not The Very Best); HDTV or Standard Definition TV (SDTV); how much light will be in the room when you're watching; do you want a "colour wheel" (where each of the three colours are projected sequentially) or simultaneously using LCD techniques (a small percentage of the population can see a "rainbow" effect with the colourwheels); etc.

If you decide to investigate projectors further, check out:
http://projectorcentral.com/
They have a decent reference for projector systems ... check out the info they show in their "Buyers Guide".

Also check out the "Learning Resources" link under ...
http://avdeals.ca/
http://avdeals.ca/classroom/learning_resources.htm

Don't go with "mass consumer" products until you've done the research to be satisfied that what you're getting is what you want. Usually, it won't be.

And, by the way: if you're concerned that these "projectors" don't have Television Tuners, you can always use an external box for tuning, or for converting signals to either Composite or VGA for input to any of these systems. Heck, I'm using something like these with an old computer monitor for one of my TVs:
http://www.cdw.ca/shop/products/default.aspx?EDC=978936
http://www.cdw.ca/shop/products/default.aspx?EDC=846136
http://www.cdw.ca/shop/products/default.aspx?EDC=620243
... although you'll probably want something with HDTV resolutions (e.g. 1080p, as opposed to standard resolution 480i or 525i, or "early" Hi Def sets at 720p, or 1080i ... "I" is "interlaced"; "p" is "progressive scan")

 

[tboy]

Good post Anynym except you're wrong about the plasma's lifespan. It USED to be that they were only good for about 20,000 hours but now they are pushing 60,000 for most major brands. Figure you watch 4-6 hours a day, x 364 days a year, =2184 that's 27 years of life. Even at the low end 20,000 hours of life is still over 9 years.

As for units without tuners, most people today have either cable, satellite, or digital cable boxes anyways so a built in tuner IMHO is just a waste. I actually don't think I've used a built in tuner for the past 15 years.

One other thing about plasmas is that make sure you get an HD or 1080 version. Anything else IMHO is just a waste of money. Although, if you're never going to bother obtaining an HD signal, getting the HD version then is a waste. I was reading somewhere (toronto sun?) that 92% of all HD tv owners don't have them hooked up properly or opt to receive HD signals. I know 3 people personally who argued with me to death that they were in fact watching HD...Until I pointed out that if the DVI connector isn't hooked to the source, it ain't HD....It certainly is nice, but not true HD (which is almost 3D in appearance)

Depending on where you live, a projector can be freakin awesome. Even without HD I had a neighbour in my loft building who had his set up to use his one wall (14' high) that was painted with a material used for projection (I think he got it at an A/V company possibly TelAv?). His picture was about 12' high x 21' Freaking as close to a movie theatre as you can get.

 

[Anynym]

I'll accept the updated numbers for Plasma screens, with the note that these are (so far) still theoretical lifespans; plasma screens still tend to be somewhat more fragile than other technologies, so YMMV (although there seem to be enough anecdotal reports to support the long lifespans). Thanks for bringing that to my attention.

I'll also point out something else which is new to me: there's a "tab" near the top of the projectorcentral website, which links to a similar site dedicated to Plasma and LCD technologies (Flat Screens). So you can investigate particular models, compare features, and get recommended pricing information with a few clicks (although availability in Canada may take further investigation, and importing from the US usually has warranty implications).

I should also note that one criticism of Projector systems is their own lamp life (typically about 1000 - 2000 hours), after which the image grows progressively dim, requiring a replacement bulb (costing several hundred dollars).

As for more specific recommendations, do you want to spend about $1000, $3000, $10000, or $15000 on a new system? I'd decide that first. Then compare what you'd get for that money between Plasma, LCD, and Projector systems. Look at what these sites recommend, and take some notes. Also look up what some of the mass consumer items actually offer, and you'll quickly recognize where you find better quality. You'll be able to educate yourself much more readily than I can offer any sort of idealized recommendation.

 

[onerealguy11]

I am looking to get a new TV. I want it to be big, massive, behemoth. I want it to make grown men cry when they challenge me to a round of Grand Theft Auto. I want the best of the best.
But being a girl means I know nothing about this stuff. I know about designer make up, Burberry and I can spot a Le Corbusier chair anywhere but nothing about audio visual.
So heres is what I want to know...
Best place to buy from
Best brand to get
Best models
What should I look for?

Thanks!

Jillian @ Cupids

Hi I am a broker for samsung dlp the best kick for your money as well as quality picture is the 50 inch dlp its on sale at future shop for around 1800.00 a year ago it was 4000.00 your cant beat this tv

 

[samcan]

I have a DLP projector, its awesome for movies and gaming.
As you state bulb life is a problem, not for everyday use but also have 36 in crt for normal viewing.Bulbs for these projectors
normally run 400-500. Anynym, you maybe thinking of the old dlps
which use 3 differnt colour bulbs that did run very steep and you
can't just replace 1.
In MHO a projector is great if you have secondary TV,light control and the space. They are now cheaper then most 56" rear screeen tv's.

Just 2cents.

80 inch screen is nice.

 

[frankcastle]

I spent an afternoon at Future shop staring at TVs a while ago.

I found that plasma TVs seemed to look the best in terms of watching from an angle. All TVs look great when seated directly in front of the TV but as you move to an angle the picture get darker.

Projectors seem nice but you seem to need a dark room, replacement bulbs are pricey and the fan makes noise.

Here's a question for owners of projectors do you notice the fan during quiet parts of movies?

I seem to be undecided on what type to upgrade with. Whatever platform I choose it will definitely be HD which leads to another question.....

is a HDMI TV the same as a HD TV?

I can live without the space saving aspects of plasma and LCD in favour of picture quality. But the DLP TVs don't seem to look as good as plasma.

 

[frankcastle]

What is the best mid sized screen HD TV in terms of picture quality, ability to view screen from angles and price?

I've noticed that there are 3 choices in the HD 42" Widescreen range

Plasma ($3000) Panasonic
LCD ($3000) Samsung (actually 40" unlike the other two which are 42")
LCD projection ($2000) Sony Wega

Between these three which might you choose and why?

 

[monkeychan]

IIRC, all of the above are only capable to display 720p natively. So you're buying obsolete technology. HD DVD, Blu-ray Disc are in 1080p and the PQ of 1080p is far better than 720p, even on a 20" screen.

 

[peeler_feeler]

I love my 54" Toshiba DLP. Big bright picture and excellent for watching movies and for gaming (the kids play their Sony playstation). I would enjoy the sleekness of a flat screen (LCD or Plasma) but I think bang for buck is best with DLP or LCP rear projection.

 

[frankcastle]

Looking at stats what does the i and p stand for

in 1080i and 780p (I got these #s looking at the specs for the 1999.99 42" Sony Wega DLP TV on futureshop's website).

Then looking at a different TV( the cheapest widescreen plasma above 40") I noticed that for HD TV capable instead of saying yes it said input only..... what does that mean?

 

[tboy]

Well, it is my understanding that for ANY video signal monitor you still need an HD source. Be it satellite, cable, or FTA. I have yet to come across a DVD produced in HD. It is also my understanding that HDMI and HD give you the same image.

As for plasma's at 3 grand, they ARE 1080I resolution or HD. If anyone pays more than 3 K for a 720 they should be smacked upside the head.

hell futureshop had 42" HD plasmas for $1800.00 a while ago (albeit not brand name but there are only so many plasma screen producers around).

No matter what the detractors say, Plasma is the way to go if you can afford it. (but that's just my HO).

 

[frankcastle]

YEah I like plasma but I also like video games.

I went and looked at the specs of the three TVs that I listed and the plasma was 1080.

For me plasma is #1 (except for the vid game flaw)
Gotta go back and compare LCD and DLP picture quality.

I think I may hold off at least till after Xmas and let the prices come down a bit more. I was hoping to spend 2 to 2.5 K not 3+ K.

 

[Cobster]

I'm not a big fan of DLP, because of the moving parts (chipped-mirros), but mainly the spinnng colour-wheel.

You never see ALL colours on the screen at once, as the wheel is constantly spinning.
You don't see it, but, your mind is processing the colours, in real time, sorta like homework for the brain. In effect, you get a little more tired by watching DLP TV's. How do I know this? I used to sell the shit and did my homework on it before selling it.

 

[monkeychan]

I'm not a big fan of DLP, because of the moving parts (chipped-mirros), but mainly the spinnng colour-wheel.

You never see ALL colours on the screen at once, as the wheel is constantly spinning.
You don't see it, but, your mind is processing the colours, in real time, sorta like homework for the brain. In effect, you get a little more tired by watching DLP TV's. How do I know this? I used to sell the shit and did my homework on it before selling it.

Very true. To this very day, I can't watch DLP at THX recommended viewing distance without getting a headache after about 10 minutes. (Unless it's a 3-chip DLP front projector, which doesn't have colour wheel).

LCD? The black is grey-ish (even after ISF calibration)
Plasma? The black is also grey-ish (even after ISF calibration)

The closest thing to "perfection" is LCD RPTV (but only the Bravia series from Sony) where the black is black-ish (after ISF calibration).

Right now I still hang on to my CRT RPTV and CRT FPTV. Crazy time consuming to calibrate, but the black is black.

 

[Cobster]

Or Hitachi's LCD rear projections.
http://www.hitachi.ca/Apps/hitachic...sion/details/60V525.html&path=jsp/hcl/hcl/en/
60"'s and in black, just gorgeous.
Can't stand silver or metal colour finish.

 

[tboy]

Well, if you're concerned with "black" in your images one should consider this when purchasing ANY monitor (computer/tv or other). The higher the contrast ratio the blacker the black and the whiter the white. Take a look at the screen off, if it ain't black then, it won't produce black when on. it's only logical since black in the video image is basically, no image at all.....

BTW: I've seen video images on plasmas where the black is black, not dark grey.