Going to buy my first Big Screen (Projection) - Any Suggestions?

[Resurection]

First and foremost, I don't want to hear about flat panels or LCD's. I know the difference. I also know my price range, wants/needs.

I am looking at 42-52 inches, and rear projection. With a spending limit in the $1500 range.

Anyone have one, got any good/bad stories, etc? I know pc's but I don't really know tv brands.

[RapidTransit]

My advice is to wait till 1080p and 3 color DLP become cheaper. You may want one now, but waiting will pay off.

[maxama10]

well i know you said you didnt want to hear about LCD's but how about LCD projection? idk anyways might be worth looking into...? all i know is we have one could be the same as a projecttion for all i know

[Coralis]

I was in Circuit City over the weekend and Sony had out there newest projection TV and it was very sweet the clarity and color were so nice I thought i was looking at a Plasma the only downside was the price $3200 bucks for 52". Anyway if you can afford one with the DLP that is the way to go better picture quality and smaller footprint than the CRT projection tvs

[Recon by Fire]

For $1500 or maybe a bit higher, you may even be able to get a plasma screen. They have come down quite a bit in pricing! If you get the projection HDTV make sure you get the warranty! Even having to change a bulb in it once will pay for the warranty.

[BeaverEater]

until they better the quality of a plasma tv, i would get the dlp one over it. the plasmas that i have looked at seem to have a very "flat" picture. and unless your gonna have a different room for all your dvd players and such, a plasma just is dumb.

[Steelrat]

Plasma has too many issues to be a good primary TV.

I have an LCD rear projection by sony, one of the Vega series. Very nice picture. I looked at the DLP, but I could see the rainbow effect on the edge, so they didn't work out for me. A good rear DLP or LCD projection is a great TV.

[RapidTransit]

I looked at the DLP, but I could see the rainbow effect on the edge,

The 3 Color DLPs I mentioned above are supposed to fix the rainbow effect, but they are in the really really high end segment, thats why wait for the price to fall.

Who knows maybe by next year we may actually getall sorts of new stuff, read Scientific American every couple of issues there seems to be some sort of advancment in display tech. One of the more exciting ones is a CRT thats as flat as an LCD and consumes about the same amount of power.

Plasma, stay away from it like the plauge

[FooTemps]

We have a 52" Samsung pedastal projection TV back at home. It was around 2500 but it's got better sharpness and contrast than the sony vega we were comparing it with. The only issue is that the projector is built into the pedestal so you need quite a bit of space for the TV.

[Steelrat]

We have a 52" Samsung pedastal projection TV back at home. It was around 2500 but it's got better sharpness and contrast than the sony vega we were comparing it with. The only issue is that the projector is built into the pedestal so you need quite a bit of space for the TV.

I hope you weren't judging based upon looks at the store. 99% don't have a clue how to set up a tv, and manufacturer's stock settings are terrible.

[digitard]

https://www.visualapex.com

Get their OPTOMA RD50A.

50" DLP set using the HD2+ chip. I have the TV and couldn't be happier... quality is second to none. They wont the award on release at CES for the RD50 (its predecessor) for best 50" DLP set. Its now got a few tweaks cause the HD2+ chip.

You can hve it shipped to your door for under 1600.

[FooTemps]

I hope you weren't judging based upon looks at the store. 99% don't have a clue how to set up a tv, and manufacturer's stock settings are terrible.

Wasn't judging from the store, I looked it up before we decided. A couple tech sites said that the projector in the pedestal made a noticable difference... which was noticable when I looked at them.

[Hexis]

The 3 Color DLPs I mentioned above are supposed to fix the rainbow effect, but they are in the really really high end segment, thats why wait for the price to fall.

Where are you seeing 3 chip DLP RP sets? On front projection, sure. 3 chip comes with it's own issues. You end up with some contrast issues on 3 chip sets. With the color wheels going as fast as they are, most folks who can see the rainbow effect on older sets, can not on current gear.

Plasma, stay away from it like the plauge

Agreed, bad logevity issues on plasma.

[Dryden]

I recommend doing a price comparison first between the web sites of Best Buy and Sears. Once you've narrowed down a list of sets that fit your budget and viewing criteria, check out the forums at http://www.hdtvoice.com/ for reviews and setup experiences. Using your own pick list based on prices, and the reviews from HDTVoice, narrow down your selection to one model that both Sears and Best Buy stock -- Best Buy should have the set at a lower price, or ideally even on sale. When the set is available at the lowest price Best Buy regularly would advertise, go to Sears and ask for a price match. They'll (is this stupid or what?) actually give you a brochure and a quote and tell you to take it to Best Buy to be signed by a department manager. So, take that over to your local Best Buy and they'll beat that price by, usually, another 10% with maybe an extended warranty and free delivery thrown in too. If you work a Best Buy rep over, you should be able to get what you want. Best Buy will not allow you to leave the store without the TV -- that's their policy, even if it means undercutting their own sale price to keep you out of Sears.

I bought a $1599 Toshiba for under $1099 delivered by doing this. It works.

The Toshiba has been an awesome set, by the way.

[Resurection]

I recommend doing a price comparison first between the web sites of Best Buy and Sears. Once you've narrowed down a list of sets that fit your budget and viewing criteria, check out the forums at http://www.hdtvoice.com/ for reviews and setup experiences. Using your own pick list based on prices, and the reviews from HDTVoice, narrow down your selection to one model that both Sears and Best Buy stock -- Best Buy should have the set at a lower price, or ideally even on sale. When the set is available at the lowest price Best Buy regularly would advertise, go to Sears and ask for a price match. They'll (is this stupid or what?) actually give you a brochure and a quote and tell you to take it to Best Buy to be signed by a department manager. So, take that over to your local Best Buy and they'll beat that price by, usually, another 10% with maybe an extended warranty and free delivery thrown in too. If you work a Best Buy rep over, you should be able to get what you want. Best Buy will not allow you to leave the store without the TV -- that's their policy, even if it means undercutting their own sale price to keep you out of Sears.

I bought a $1599 Toshiba for under $1099 delivered by doing this. It works.

The Toshiba has been an awesome set, by the way.

And which set did you get and when? I love Best Buy, and their business policies are always great.