Shopping for a Big Screen TV - help

[boston lou]

what sites should I hit up for reviews and the like?

also is there any upcoming 10-20% off coupons i should wait for?

thanks!

[Chew]

Here's a good place to start for reviews: http://www.hometheaterspot.com/html/index.php

[C_Fletch]

Also try:
www.audioreview.com

Go to the bottom part of the screen where it says 'community highlights'. This is where you will find end user reviews. Some are better than others but due to the fact that there are 5,000 different brands, models, sizes, etc - some equipment has more reviews than others. So YMMV.

Good luck!! :)

[TheKobra]

Originally posted by puddytay
buy a projector.

Well this really depends. If you don't have a light controled room I would advise agains it. Trying to watch a football game at noon may bad.

[DAC]

For under $30 you could have a 55" to 150" TV!
http://www.yourownbigscreen.com/index_wb.html









of course the quality is most likely not what you are looking for

[boston lou]

thanks everyone so far

salesman today at sears said he recommended mitsubishi and hitachi for big screens.... he seemed to be knowledgable... anyone agree or disagree with him??

i'm a little leary because he then mentioned a $200 off deal they were having on the mitsu's this week?

[joshd2012]

Mitsubishi all the way. Nothing can compare for the price. Everything else looks like crap next to it, though others in the Hardware forum will say JVC Elite is pretty close to it. Don't get Hitachi, the colors aren't nearly as sharp. Stick with the Mitsu and you can't go wrong. BTW, I own a 55" mitsu and couldn't be happier.

[X]

Originally posted by joshd2012
Mitsubishi all the way. Nothing can compare for the price. Everything else looks like crap next to it, though others in the Hardware forum will say JVC Elite is pretty close to it. Don't get Hitachi, the colors aren't nearly as sharp. Stick with the Mitsu and you can't go wrong. BTW, I own a 55" mitsu and couldn't be happier. :hscratch:

"Everything else looks like crap next to it"?

What's a JVC Elite? I've heard of a Pioneer Elite.

And I think others would more likely say that if you get the Mitsubishi ISF calibrated the Mitsubishi might be close to the Pioneer Elite out of the box.

[jfoobar]

Originally posted by joshd2012
Everything else looks like crap next to it, though others in the Hardware forum will say JVC Elite is pretty close to it.

Say what huh?

[simonduz]

Information overload can be achieved at this site.
AVS Forum (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=63)

[joshd2012]

Ugh, lack of sleep confuses the brain...

I meant Pioneer Elite. Thanks for correcting it (sort of).

Anyway, the Pioneer Elite looks poopy when I see it next to a Mitsu, but that is just my personal opinion. Both sets had the same HD feed on them and the colors just didn't look as sharp on the Elite as they did on the Mitsu. Also could have been a setup problem, but you would think an upper-end audio/video store would have them set up correctly.

[jasonbird]

Originally posted by joshd2012
Mitsubishi all the way. Nothing can compare for the price. Everything else looks like crap next to it, though others in the Hardware forum will say JVC Elite is pretty close to it. Don't get Hitachi, the colors aren't nearly as sharp. Stick with the Mitsu and you can't go wrong. BTW, I own a 55" mitsu and couldn't be happier.
I love my Hitachi 65" (http://www.hitachi.us/tv/browse/projection/16-9digital_mon/65S500.shtml), but unfortunately
I can't dis the other brands as it's the only one I
own, and I wouldn't judge something that I don't own. Just
remember that as you look at them at the stores, the tv's usually
aren't set up right, so it's not a good thing to compare picture.

Jason

[hoyalawya]

Originally posted by boston lou
what sites should I hit up for reviews and the like?

also is there any upcoming 10-20% off coupons i should wait for?

thanks!

My advice is to buy at Sears for the best price. Here is what I did.

(1) I bought 10% Sears coupon from EBay.
(2) Sears run a 10% off promotion when using their credit card almost every month.
(3) Find the lowest advertised price on the tv you want or get a receipt from somewhere to do price-match.

I ended up doing all three and got the Panasonic 50LC13 for about $2,200 tax included when it first came out in September. I don't think that BB or CC would fall for this kind of stunt.

[Sloth911]

may watn to check this out. i think this is a pioneer elite

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=1978033&cat=107530&type=19&dept=3944&path=0%3A3944%3A3996%3A107530

53 inch for < $1700

[X]

It's not the Elite model, but it has most of the guts from the previous year's Elite.

A strong contender that should be considered and is considered a real bargain at that price.

[jscout]

I highly recommend Mitsubishi too. They're great values. Definitely check out http://www.hometheaterspot.com for lots of great info about all brands. There's even a tweaks section for paid members. I used a few of the Mitsubishi service menu tweaks and now my TV is right up there with the Pioneer Elites, without needing an ISF calibrator. But I'm sure a calibrator couldn't hurt.

[sanjoelo]

Mitsubishi and Hitachi are both excellent RPTV's. These two manufacturers, along with Pioneer, became my final 3 candidates after months of research on RPTV's.

I finally settled on a non-Elite series Pioneer 53". My reasons:

*Pioneer is the one everyone else is chasing when it comes to RPTV. They have excellent picture quality, excellent build quality, make a great looking set.

* Pioneer still has the best stretch mode in the industry. Stretch mode is what you'll use to make a normal aspect-ratio (4:3) broadcast TV image fit your 16:9 (widescreen) screen. Many RPTV's are not good at this--they make the image look squashed and unnatural.

* Value for the dollar. The Pioneer SD-533HD5 can be had from Walmart.com for $1686.00 (http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?cat=3996&dept=3944&product_id=1978033&path=0%3A3944%3A3996%3A108509) + $92 in-home delivery (they place it where you want it, and take the packaging away with them), which is a fraction of what most people paid for it originally. If you want a bigger one, look for Pioneer's SD-643HD5 at a local Costco for $1999.

As I said, I have the 53", and couldn't be happier. The picture is nothing short of stunning. These models are owned by many happy home theater enthusiasts, and for good reason.

-JB

[Sdallnct]

Originally posted by jasonr114
may watn to check this out. i think this is a pioneer elite

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=1978033&cat=107530&type=19&dept=3944&path=0%3A3944%3A3996%3A107530

53 inch for < $1700

Damm that is a good deal. And it will fit in the entertainment center my wife is looking at. Yes, my wife wants an entertainment center with doors that will cover even on a RPTV. Yes, that will cost as much if not more then the TV, but at least I get a good sized TV AND keep the wife happy.

Going to go look at our house in February, may have to check that TV out. I thought the biggest TV I could get would be 51", so couple more inches would be nice.

Here is the Pioneer link for that TV with specifics.

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/product/detail/0,,2076_4131_34769_tab=B,00.html?compName=PNA_ProductDetailComponent

I did notice this TV does not have a DVI input which seems to be hot item right now. But don't know enough about it to tell if not having it is a big deal. If I understand it DVI allows the signal to stay digital all the way thru.

X (or anyone)- care to comment on the benifits of having DVI and if having DVI is a "must have item"?

[sanjoelo]

Some people will say that DVI is a big deal, because of new standards being imposed on copy protection. These standards, though, are going to take a long time to ratify (if it ever happens at all). Very few digital service providers are even using DVI at this point.

I have Dish Network's latest HDTV set-top box, and am using the Component inputs on my Pioneer. These are digital inputs as well, and there's no difference in the image quality. The installer never even asked about a DVI input.

By the time DVI ever becomes the defacto standard, I suspect it will be a moot point because of further technological advancement.

I did my research on this--wasn't a deal killer for me. I have absolutely no buyer's remorse whatsoever over this Pioneer. It's a fantastic TV, and unbeatable at this price.

Niether the 533 or 643 is part of the Elite series, btw. They also don't have the streaking problems last year's Elites had. For the Elite, you'll pay a lot more money for a piano style (highly polished gloss black) cabinet, a slightly better line doubler, and bragging rights (plus the streaking problem). Image quality has been directly compared by many a shopper, and all claim to see about a 2 or 3% better image on the Elite. Not worth it, IMO. I'd rather keep that money and use it towards good cables and/or an extended warranty.

[Sdallnct]

Originally posted by jbtech
Some people will say that DVI is a big deal, because of new standards being imposed on copy protection. These standards, though, are going to take a long time to ratify (if it ever happens at all). Very few digital service providers are even using DVI at this point.

I have Dish Network's latest HDTV set-top box, and am using the Component inputs on my Pioneer. These are digital inputs as well, and there's no difference in the image quality. The installer never even asked about a DVI input.

By the time DVI ever becomes the defacto standard, I suspect it will be a moot point because of further technological advancement.

I did my research on this--wasn't a deal killer for me. I have absolutely no buyer's remorse whatsoever over this Pioneer. It's a fantastic TV, and unbeatable at this price.

Niether the 533 or 643 is part of the Elite series, btw. They also don't have the streaking problems last year's Elites had. For the Elite, you'll pay a lot more money for a piano style (highly polished gloss black) cabinet, a slightly better line doubler, and bragging rights (plus the streaking problem). Image quality has been directly compared by many a shopper, and all claim to see about a 2 or 3% better image on the Elite. Not worth it, IMO. I'd rather keep that money and use it towards good cables and/or an extended warranty.

Thanks for the info. Do the new DVD players have DVI or is this really for HD receivers, Dish receivers, etc?

You also mentioned that the "stretch" mode for 4:3 TV works well. Is there an "automatic" setting for this? In other word, I travel a lot and would be great if my wife, kids or whatever, could just turn the TV on and have it select that appropiate aspect ratio for a particular input. Or can I maybe program this in advance? TV signal = strect mode, DVD = 16:9, etc.

While I want DVD to be as high a quality as possible, realistically this TV will probably be 70% regular TV and 30% DVD.

[hoyalawya]

Originally posted by jbtech
Some people will say that DVI is a big deal, because of new standards being imposed on copy protection. These standards, though, are going to take a long time to ratify (if it ever happens at all). Very few digital service providers are even using DVI at this point.

I think that consumers are better safe than sorry at this point. Most new HDTV sets now have DVI/HDCP connection. If Hollywood decides to implement copy protection for HD-DVD, DVI/HDCP will be the most prevalent secure connection type consumers already have and non DVI display will be out of luck. Besides, DVI is very important for fixed pixel displays (plasma, LCD, DLP, and LCOS). DVI connection offers superior pq in that type of display.

[hoyalawya]

Originally posted by Sdallnct
Thanks for the info. Do the new DVD players have DVI or is this really for HD receivers, Dish receivers, etc?

There are DVD players in the market now with DVI output. Examples are Bravo D1, Samsung 931, and Denon 5900. DVI will allow digital signal to be passed through directly to your TV without analog/digital conversion that the player must do over component connection. Moreover, the upconversion chips (to 720p or 1080i) in DVI dvd players are usually better than those inside the HDTV displays. Fixed pixel displays benefit most from DVI connection.

[X]

I don't think DVI is really going to give you a better picture than the VGA input the Pioneer has. It has CRTs which are analog so it's not purely a digital device and 1:1 pixel mapping isn't necessary as it is with LCD/DLP/LCOS type devices.

I use the VGA input on my non-streaking Elite (two generations back, before they had the problems) and primarily use it with an HTPC. Even though the HTPC has DVI I've had no desire that the set had DVI as well. However, as mentioned previously, it does help "future-proof" you.

Given that you watch so much TV you probably do want to go Pioneer due to its superior stretch modes. I've heard that Mitsubishi really improved theirs this year but I haven't heard anyone say it's as good as Pioneer's yet.

You just might want to take a look at other non-widescreen brands given so much TV viewing though. I wouldn't personally (I hardly every watch TV on it), but I thought I'd throw that in.

And the thing I've learned to appreciate about the Elite over the non-Elite Pioneers is the fine lens/dot pitch (.52mm) which allows me to sit very close to the set without seeing the individual dots. If you're sitting more than 7-8 feet away though you don't have to worry. And the solid case and piano finish of the Elite is far superior any other set if that matters to you. It does to me.

[sanjoelo]

Originally posted by Sdallnct
Thanks for the info. Do the new DVD players have DVI or is this really for HD receivers, Dish receivers, etc?

You also mentioned that the "stretch" mode for 4:3 TV works well. Is there an "automatic" setting for this? In other word, I travel a lot and would be great if my wife, kids or whatever, could just turn the TV on and have it select that appropiate aspect ratio for a particular input. Or can I maybe program this in advance? TV signal = strect mode, DVD = 16:9, etc.

While I want DVD to be as high a quality as possible, realistically this TV will probably be 70% regular TV and 30% DVD.

Yes, it will go into "Natural Wide" mode automatically with an SD source. It will also stay in Cinema Wide mode if the input is from the Component jack(s). It's only a matter of hitting the "mode" button on the remote to switch them, anyway. Very easy.

This is an ideal TV for that environment.

As for the DVI thing-- hoyalawya's info is correct as to the benefits of a DVI input. Bear in mind, though, that this is not a fixed pixel display. If you're in the market for Plasma, LCD, LCOS, etc, then you'll certainly want to make sure of a DVI connector.

Given that we're talking about RPTV (in a post that was originally in the Hot Deals Forum), though, I again state that it wasn't a deal killer for me. There are DVD players with DVI output as stated as well, but the upconversion in the Pioneers is excellent, and it was not a concern for me.

"X", don't think I was dissing the Elites, because I wasn't by any means. They are gorgeous sets, and they really are the standard by which RPTV has been judged for a very long time. The Elites are really a Professional grade television, and if you can afford one, get it. Rumor has it that Pioneer may finally have the streaking issue worked out (no confirmation on this, though). For my own budget (and busy household with young kids running around ), the benefits of the Elite didn't outweigh the savings.

The bottom line is: you're doing the right thing by asking these questions rather than going out and making an impulse buy. My recommendation would be to visit stores, check out the various models, their image quality, features, and prices. Make a short list of your candidates, do some research on those models on the Web and see where your gut takes you.

There is no ideal big screen TV--every manufacturer has their shortcomings, new features hit with every year's new lineup, this week's prize always becomes yesterday's news. RPTV is mature tech, but has it's limitations. Plasma, LCD, and their ilk are very young tech, and you'll definitely pay more. There are still bugs to be worked out.

For what I wanted to spend, the features offered by the 533 and general "bang for the buck" turned out to be optimal. They may not be for you, but you're on the right track.

-JB

[Sdallnct]

Thanks to all for the incredible, useful and helpful information.

That is exactly what I'm trying to do. Narrow down a list of 4-5 models then check those out for price, features, pq, ect. This TV (RPTV) will be in a family room. I will likely need to buy it as soon as we move, so that is why I'm doing as much up front as possible. (And it looks like this Pioneer moved to the top of my list to go check out. I really like that it is 53" screen but "only" 23" deep-I had mainly been looking at 48"-51" TV's)


I thought about going to a standard 4:3 for this TV, but I really hope to either go with HD cable or Dish, so will open up the realm of HD on "regular" TV (which if I understand it, is 16:9) Yes, I know even with HD cable or Dish there are "limited" shows that are broadcast, but I assume (hope) that this will increase in the coming years.

I'm 90% sure I want CRT RPTV. I seems to offer the best bang for the buck. My ONLY concern with CRT RPTV is angle of view. It does seem to have the narrowest angle of view of just about all current large TV's. That should be something I can view/compare at even BB or CC. But I think I will be ok in this area.

[X]

Originally posted by Sdallnct
It does seem to have the narrowest angle of view of just about all current large TV's. That should be something I can view/compare at even BB or CC. But I think I will be ok in this area. I think you'll be fine. Mine is very good at the sides (but it is an Elite with the fine dot pitch, if that makes a difference), much better than sets used to be.

However the vertical angle makes a big difference. If you stand up right by it you can lose most of the picture. Most people don't watch that way though.

[Sdallnct]

Originally posted by X
I think you'll be fine. Mine is very good at the sides (but it is an Elite with the fine dot pitch, if that makes a difference), much better than sets used to be.

However the vertical angle makes a big difference. If you stand up right by it you can lose most of the picture. Most people don't watch that way though.

You are right. I went to BB this afternoon to just browse. They don't carry Pioneer, but viewing angle on the Mit's, was fine. I guess I looked at one a few weeks back that didn't seem to have a good picture even at a slight angle. Maybe it wasn't adjusted right or maybe just that model. But all the CRT RPTV I saw at BB seemed fine from side to side.

[boston lou]

so i went with the 48 inch mitsubishi 48413 ... i was going to get the 55 but I just don't have the space

the 48413 has Quad Focus and Net Command over the 48313. I decided the Quad Focus would be nice to have so i spent the extra $200... and who knows... i may find the netcommand useable although i'm doubting it

sears had this model on sale for 1804 and then had a $200 instant rebate. So I ended up paying $1604 + tax (delivery was "free" because i also have a tractor coming where i paid for delivery there). Think I did ok.?.

I just saw the post on the sears coupon from ebay so I might try that route although i'm not sure if it's eligible due to the rebate and also i'm not sure if i can use it on something already bought

thanks everyone for the help ... those other sites do have tons of information and i probably would of spent weeks doing research but the wife was pushing me to buy (still waiting for the other shoe to drop) and the rebate at sears ended on 1-3-04

[sanjoelo]

Originally posted by boston lou
...the wife was pushing me to buy...

:whofart:

That's impressive ! Mine was pushing me NOT to. Now I can't keep her away from the thing !

Sounds like you did very well..you should enjoy that Mits a great deal ! Welcome to the world of RPTV !

-JB

[boston lou]

Originally posted by jbtech
:whofart:

That's impressive ! Mine was pushing me NOT to. Now I can't keep her away from the thing !

Sounds like you did very well..you should enjoy that Mits a great deal ! Welcome to the world of RPTV !

-JB

i actually wasn't sure on the purchase but i didn't want to give her a chance to change her mind ;)

now i have to figure out which calibration disc to buy.... oh joy ;)

[Sdallnct]

Originally posted by boston lou
so i went with the 48 inch mitsubishi 48413 ... i was going to get the 55 but I just don't have the space

the 48413 has Quad Focus and Net Command over the 48313. I decided the Quad Focus would be nice to have so i spent the extra $200... and who knows... i may find the netcommand useable although i'm doubting it

sears had this model on sale for 1804 and then had a $200 instant rebate. So I ended up paying $1604 + tax (delivery was "free" because i also have a tractor coming where i paid for delivery there). Think I did ok.?.

I just saw the post on the sears coupon from ebay so I might try that route although i'm not sure if it's eligible due to the rebate and also i'm not sure if i can use it on something already bought

thanks everyone for the help ... those other sites do have tons of information and i probably would of spent weeks doing research but the wife was pushing me to buy (still waiting for the other shoe to drop) and the rebate at sears ended on 1-3-04

That TV is on my list as well. BTW...good price from what I have seen.

I also want to look at the JVC 48", but have read some bad feedback about it.

[boston lou]

i saw somewhere that this model is (or was last week) 1400 ish at HH Gregg... but there's none of those near me

[sanjoelo]

Originally posted by boston lou
i actually wasn't sure on the purchase but i didn't want to give her a chance to change her mind ;)

now i have to figure out which calibration disc to buy.... oh joy ;)

I have Digital Video Essentials, and love it. I haven't checked out Avia yet, but plan to (when I can find a deal on it). They're both excellent, DVE is the more current of the two. I'm sure one or the other would be great no matter which way you go, but I hear that the combination is killer...

[boston lou]

i saw the avia disc on onecall.com for $40 (35 + 5) shipped 3 day overnight.... good deal??

where did you get your DVE and how much??

thanks

[sanjoelo]

I bought mine on Overstock.com for like $12 and change after a $5 coupon. I don't even see it on there any more, though...

[shelland]

There's loads of information on the Pioneer 533/643 at Home Theater SPOT (http://hometheaterspot.com). Check out both the RPTV and Pioneer forums.

After about 3 months of diligent research, I went with the 643. I paid $2599 at that time, and it's now $1999. I have no regrets (except the fact that the price has dropped since I bought it). I would highly recommend it.

You can go back through well over a year of posts at The SPOT on these two models.

[RickDeckard]

Where besides costco (which I do not have a membership to) can I get a good deal for a Pioneer 643. I live in Burbank, CA.

Thanks!

[X]

It's probably worth paying the $45 or so for a one year membership.

[Sdallnct]

So what is the feeling on some of the LCD RP's?

I really like the price and picture (reviews) for the Pioneer CRT mentioned above. However,

I'm putting this RP in a "living room" so more light and less easy to control
Looking at the floor plans of our new house, the wall where I want to put it is smaller then I first thought. Meaning I will have to put the TV closer to the door, thus I would be nice if it wasn't such a huge TV.
Kids will play a lot of PS2 on this. They have the habit of leaving it on and leaving (so I'm worried about burn in)

I'm still trying to decide. But I like the size of the Sony and Panasoic 50" LCD RPTV's.

I'm also considering going back to tube. But I really wanted HD on this TV. Plus even if I skipped HD this time around, getting a high quality 36" TV is going to be in the $750.00 range. Doesn't seem like that good of a value.