parrotheads4

I don't watch sitcoms, soap operas, etc. I do watch sports, but mainly I watch dvd's. No one seems to be able to answer this question, and support it. I'd like something at least 60" in the $3000 range. Thanks.

X

You could go with a Mitsubishi or this year's Pioneer non-Elite. Make sure you have a progressive player if you go with the Mitsubishi. I'm not sure about the prices, but they should be around there.

gotapex

At just over $3000, you can get the Philips 64PP9751. It's a 64" rear projection tv (widescreen, hdtv ready) for $3120 shipped. The great thing about it is it uses 9" guns. It originally went for $8k, but Philips wasn't selling enough of them to make it worth it. They still OEM it for Marantz, which is selling it for $8-10k. The only other model with 9" guns is the $7000 Mitsubishi Diamond 72" (the platinum, platinum plus, and smaller diamonds all have standard 7" guns, just like Pioneer Elite, Sony WEGA, etc).

Only 9" CRT's can come anywhere near resolving 1080, 7" guns don't even come close. You'll get about 1500x1000 with this one, whereas you'll do MAYBE 1200x700 with a 7", and less with most tubes. Of course, if you don't watch anything higher than 480p (DVD's), and never plan on going to 720 or 1080, the high resolution will not matter to you.

This model has a 1/3 finer pitch lenticular screen than most 7" units (.515mm compared to .72mm).

Because of the enormous CRT's and fine pitch, you get 550 Lumens of brightness and 160 degree viewing angle. The extra brightness is great for sports (who wants to have to dim the lights for a superbowl party?)

It comes with a good Genesis chipset line doubler, though the units in Pioneer Elites are better (the Pioneer Elites have the best internal line doublers on any consumer RPTV).

You get one of the best remotes on the market with it too, the Philips Pronto. Comes with 1 year of warranty for parts and labor, in home.

Anyhow, here's the cheapest place I've found it at:

PriceShock.com for $3120 with free shipping in the US

The best advice I could give though, is try to go to the store and see what you like. No one can tell you what will look the best for your eyes. Be aware though, that the ones in the store probably won't be calibrated nor anywhere near D65.

X

I know you've been recommending this set for a while so I did some research on it. Reviews by owners were very much less than glowing. They seemed very unhappy with it which seems surprising given its specs. Have you found any reviews to the contrary?

gotapex

Yeah, over on avs. Most of the people who are unhappy (actually, all that I remember) did not bother to get it calibrated using a distorted grid template. It needs that for proper geometry, which is the main complaint.

X

I'll check those out. I saw the complaints somewhere else, I forget where. Maybe audioreview.com or epinions.com?

gotapex

Perhaps that's where. The thing most people don't realize is that RPTV's really do need good calibration before they really shine.

Honestly, I'm not the best person to be giving advice for RPTV. I've been swayed over to the evil camp (FPTV). After a year and a half, and 5 projectors later, I can't see using a RPTV for any serious viewing. I've been feeling the itch to upgrade again and am considering trading in the 80" screen for a 144" one (just a bit over the 120" minimum diagonal for my 14' viewing distance). Anyone need a slightly used (only about 5 movies) 80" screen?

parrotheads4

Thank you for your thoughts. I am looking at the Pioneer, and the Phillips. I've seen the Mits it looks very red and grainy. I've never seen the other two. The reviews of the Phillips are mixed. Based on specs it sounds great. What's up with the callibration using a distorted grid? Will the average technician know how to do this?

X

Mitsubishis are notorious for red push. There are ways to handle it such as putting a resistor on the red signal coming from your player.

parrotheads4

I thought I'd pass this along. I called Phillips to find out about this whole calibration issue (1-800-847-9320). After giving the model # the attendant asked if I could hold while she asked her supervisor about it. When she returned she said her boss was a specialist in RPTV, and claims to have no idea what I was asking. I asked to speak to him directly. He claims that calibration is done at the factory, and no further calibration is necessary. He said to get a service contract, and have the fluids changed regularly. Wow. What do I do now? Can I trust Phillips?

Geofferson

I've got a Mitsu 55" and after I made a few tweaks (SVM, red push, convergence)...it's nearly perfect.

gotapex

Holy smoke, that's not correct at all. Contact CinemaQuest:

http://www.cinemaquestinc.com/

Ask Alan Brown about it.

In fact, you're a member over there on the Spot, right? He's a forum member too, you can contact him there.

parrotheads4

I forgot to mention that I would be using the new tv for video games as well. I know that some games are 480i, and others are 480p. Do I have to get in behind the set and change conections to play the different games? I must say, the 9" guns get my testosterone pumping. I can't find anyone who will knock the Pioneer SD-643HD5 though.

parrotheads4

Gotapex and X, thanks for your comments. I'm very close to pulling the trigger on the Pioneer or Philips. I would like a review on the Philips if you guys have one. I've scoured the web, and can't find one. The price seems almost too good to be true.

skar

Excellent suggestions everyone. The only one I would add to the list is the Toshiba 65HX81. That Philips manager sounds crazy or really ignorant or perhaps both.

gotapex

Here's a couple:

http://www.widescreenreview.com/wsrm...5ermarantz.pdf

http://www.audioreview.com/Big,Scree...0_2726crx.aspx



Oh yeah, here's a better picture:

X

You really should try to see these in person. They probably won't be calibrated very well but you'll get a feel for their potential picture if you play around with them a bit (maybe you could bring along Avia or a DVD with a THX calibration track). Pay attention to things that you've read negative comments about and see if you can adjust them. Check out the stretch modes for your sports.

parrotheads4

I live too far from New York City to pull in an air signal (CBS), and too close to receive that "local" channel via satelite. I've been told by DirecTV that only two channels are available to me in HD (HBO and cinemax). This is killing me, and I think it kills the Philips as it lacks up conversion, and 3:2 pulldown. I asked if they knew of a time frame for CBS and FOX going satelite. The guy laughed. Thanks again.

gotapex

I'm honestly not too crazy about upconversion and pulldown because it's much better handled in the scaler (and even cheap scalers are more than a match for the best internal ones from a Pioneer Elite).

X has the right idea though. If at all possible, see the machines in person. Only your eyes will tell you what is best for you.

parrotheads4

gotapex, I don't know anything about scalers. Got an example? thanks.

edit: ya know, this thread is a perfect example of why HDTV isn't taking off. It's very frustrating.

gotapex

Focus Enhancements: Quadscan Pro, Quadscan Elite, Center Stage 1, Center Stage 2
Faroudja NRS, DVP
Extron DVS
Rock+
Leeza
Vidikron
Vigatec Dune
and, if you're loaded, there's the Teranex.

All of those listed will scale far better than anything internal.

JAMMER57

Why do you feel that you must have a progressive scan player if you go with Mitsubishi?

X

Its progressive/line doubler section is pretty bad.

Josh Z

You forgot to mention that most of those will cost as much or more than the television itself.

gotapex

Yeah, they start from $400 and go up to $50k or so for the Teranex.