$4k to spend on HDTV - what to get?
 

looking for at least 60"; would like a small footprint; $4k is prolly my absolute limit.. any suggestions?

got my eye on the following so far:

RCA 61" Widescreen DLP™ HDTV with Integrated ATSC & QAM Tuner (Brand/Model: RCA HD61LPW42)

Sony 60" Grand Wega™ LCD Rear Projection TV
Brand/Model: SON KF60WE610

Hitachi UltraVision 60" Digital Widescreen LCD HDTV Monitor
Brand/Model: HIT 60V500A

You might want to wait for 3-4 months for the new Samsung DLP with the new chips. Also, the three TV choices are havily discussed at www.avsforum.com. Please check the comments there.

P.S., the RCA DLP should be crossed out of your list as it upconverts 720p signal to 1080i first and the downgrade it to 720p again. This multi-step conversions degrade the pq.

I've had nothing except problems with RCA televisions. They're the only TVs I've used that have consistently crapped out. If I recall correctly, they released a tube HDTV a few years back that had to be recalled because it was prone to start fires. I'd give them wide berth.

You could get a damn good Pioneer or Mitsubishi for that price....both highly regarded TV's

have you thought about a nice Front Projector??? $4k would buy a nice one

FYI
Mitsubishi is coming out with 3 versions of a 62 inch dlp.

I agree.

thanks for the tips, everyone. couple things:

re: RCA - i currently have a 4:3 61" RCA RPTV, and i've had no problems with it through 4 years. but i agree, what hoyalawya said is reason enough not to get it.

so the wife and i went looking at tv's this weekend, and she made my decision much easier - she wants the Sony 60" XBR!! how did i get so lucky? :D we'll be ordering it later this week. :up: