TV research

[Mike Oxlong]

I am thinking about buying a new TV for Hockey season. I don't think I want to shell out the money for a Plasma or any of the flat panel models just yet. However some of the rear projection 45"-60" TV's are at pretty good prices right now. That's the way I am thinking of going. Plus Soundsaround has a big sale on this weekend that I am going to check out so I want to be prepared with knowledge and questions.

I just want to do some research on different manufacturers and models so I can try to get the most for my money.

Anyone have any suggestions where to look for reviews, or personal suggestions for TV preference?

[peter12]

I would always check out Costco first.

[Mike Oxlong]

Never thought of them actually. I will look into that......

I just want to be a little more educated on features and functions that I want.

[photon]

If you really want to jump off the deep end: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=9

For a kinder gentler place: http://www.digitalhomecanada.com/

It's a huge topic so be prepared to spend some time reading.

[Barnes]

How much do you know already? Do you know anything about HDTV i.e 1080p, 720p, 480p, progressive scan 16X9 vs 4X3 and so on. Ask about colour calibration and if the will do it for you is one thing. Look at TVs that are close by to compare. Pay speacial attention to pure white things on the screen. That's where I find you notice the difference between TVs. Check the inputs and outputs for components that you may want to add. MAKE SURE YOU WILL BE ABLE TO GET IT INTO THE ROOM.
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YAMAHA TRX850

[greerb]

kinda in the same boat as you but with HDTV. I would check out cosco as well. They have a great 6 month return policy from what I have heard.

[InTheSlot]

I heard plasmas go bad after 2-3 years. About a year ago we bought a 56" Rear project TV with HDTV ready and I couldn';t be happier with it.


This isn't the exact TV I have, but it's real close. Made by RCA and it's 56", mine also has a built in DVD player on the left...this one appears to have it, or something like it, in the center.

[Draug]

Originally posted by InTheSlot@Sep 7 2005, 05:22 AM
I heard plasmas go bad after 2-3 years.

That is a total falsehood.

Plasmas are every bit as reliable as any electronics.

My brother has used his Panasonic plasma for just over 4000 hours, and it is as good as new. In fact better, since he learned how to calibrate it properly.

The half life on his display is 30,000 hours, but the new ones are 60,000. It should be half as bright as new at that point - it should also be noted that his brightness is set to about 20% of full, so half life means nothing. He would be dead by the time his plasma wore out.