I have a dilemma...

I am looking to buy a RPTV and have the selection narrowed down to three (although, I could look at more).

Mitsubishi WS-48311 (Gold Series)
Mitsubishi WS-48511 (Platinum Series w/Integrated HDTV )
Sony KV-57WV600

Here is the back story to the two completely different sets...
Mitsu has been highly recommended to me by four different, and unrelated friends. So... I tend to lean toward the Mitsu...

I am looking in the $2,000 range... the 48311 = $1999, the 48511 = $2599, and the Sony is an open box at $2199 (retail $2999)

I like the Sony only for the fact that it is $800 off... open box, but comes with everything... (My buddy works at CC and he is making sure I get everything I should, just no box)

The viewing distance of my room is 13'. I know the Mitsu is the right size for the room, but the Sony is a good price... (although way to big)...

To compensate for the "bigness factor", I don't plan on staying in this house for more than another year or two, and will be moving into a larger house which "may" fit the 57" TV better... but that is all hypothetical...

Out of the two Mistu's...
the 48311 is cheaper, no HD tuner, and no 720p
the 48511 is $600 more with integrated HD, netcommand (which looks like it would be pretty cool, but I want to see it in action), and still no 720p

Is the 48511 worth $600 more?

Sony has 720p input which is upgraded to 1080i - Is that worth it?

Mostly what I watch is DirecTV and DVD's...

I am stumped... don't know what to do...

Any advice?

I'd recommend checking out the Pioneer SD533HD. Best stretch available in my (and many others) opinion. I have the 64" model and really love it. DIrecTV is pretty good. Watch everything stretched (except 16.9 Widescreen DVDs of course). Good Luck!!

Open Box ! Make sure it was not a floor model - Those things are in "Torch Mode" for 12+ hrs a day for god knows how many days.

But if you want it get it. I would recommend against it.

I'm not putting anything down but I would go with Mitsu over Sony'


Pioneer makes a great TV as "DiscoD" has pointed out.

But I would recommend Hitachi 57swx20B or any larger Hitachi they have some of the best guns and lenses on the market.

I'm sorry but I don't know too much about either or the models you are considering just that most people don't like Sony's RP TVs.

Good Luck

i have the mits 48511. its chill. buy it.

I can't seem to find the Pioneer SD-533HD5 anywhere... who carries it? I have heard that this is a nice TV and want to see it before I commit to anything...
Does this TV have 720p inputs?

I just got back from Tweeter and looked at the 48311 vs. 48511... Wow... the picture on the 511 is noticably better... much more detailed... I am really leaning toward that unit now...

But... I am always open to suggestions!

Don't get a floor model. It's not worth it. If it's a returned, opened box model, that's fine. But as CPA said, that thing will have been sitting out on the floor all day and everyday for a solid year.

Oh man. Sony! Sony!

I wouldn't buy anything used, such as a floor model, if I thought I was stuck with it for awhile. However, if it broke in the first _____ days, could you return it and exchange it for unopened box?

See if there is a way you can get it unopened for same price. Your friend works at CC. Can he buy it for you with discount? Can he take a brand new one, remove the box, and sell it to you for the same price? hehehe.

Hands down, go for a Mitsu. Good out of the box, and easy access to the setup menus so you can really tweak the geometry, overscan, etc. Mitsu appears to be the experts' rptv brand of choice over at hometheaterspot.com, where you can get much tweaking info. I have a 65", and with some info and AVia, it is simply beautiful. And Mitsus are reliable as all heck in my experience.

Also, don't think the 57" is too big! I would recommend, based on your watching habits, the Mitsu 55411. Probably can get it for less than the 48511, and you can always get an HD receiver later when they're cheaper, better, and there are more HD channels to make it worthwhile.