The canonical DVD Talk "hey, recommend an HDTV for me!" thread
08-17-06 | 03:55 PM
#126
Retired
One thing to consider with projectors (front and rear) is the cost of bulb replacement.
If you just use your tv/projector a few hours a day, I wouldn't worry about it. But it is worth factoring in, depending on your budget, if you'll be using it for TV, games, DVD etc. and have it on several hours every day.
If you just use your tv/projector a few hours a day, I wouldn't worry about it. But it is worth factoring in, depending on your budget, if you'll be using it for TV, games, DVD etc. and have it on several hours every day.
08-17-06 | 04:17 PM
#127
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Originally Posted by Josh Hinkle
One thing to consider with projectors (front and rear) is the cost of bulb replacement.
If you just use your tv/projector a few hours a day, I wouldn't worry about it. But it is worth factoring in, depending on your budget, if you'll be using it for TV, games, DVD etc. and have it on several hours every day.
If you just use your tv/projector a few hours a day, I wouldn't worry about it. But it is worth factoring in, depending on your budget, if you'll be using it for TV, games, DVD etc. and have it on several hours every day.
08-17-06 | 05:29 PM
#128
DVD Talk Legend
The more I read about the Westinghouse, the more I want to go pick one up right now.
Of course, the problem is getting a friend over on a weeknight to help take my current 270 pound demon off the stand.
Of course, the problem is getting a friend over on a weeknight to help take my current 270 pound demon off the stand.
08-17-06 | 05:31 PM
#129
DVD Talk Legend
Originally Posted by Blitz6Speed
Pixy, i should have used a higher res lol, but whatever, the camera sucks anyway. Remember, all these images are on a 92" screen, keep that in mind when look at these. Also, not a single thing is calibrated in these pics, since optoma is swapping my projector with a new one, i didnt bother to calibrate anything else on there. Also, the pics abolutely do it no justice, but enough, take a gander for yourself.
Projector Pics
Projector Pics
How many feet do you need to put the projector back? I've got 10.5 feet from wall to wall.
08-17-06 | 05:43 PM
#130
DVD Talk Special Edition
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From: Bend, Oregon
I bought my Toshiba 65H80 (RPTV) back in 2001 and it still works great. Unfortunately, since it doesn't have HDMI, upconverting isn't an option. If it did have HDMI, I would buy one of the Toshiba HD-DVD players now so that I could upconvert my existing dvd collection as well as partake in HD DVD's. Now I am trying to decide as to whether I should sell my RPTV and buy one with HDMI, possibly with 1080p capability. I would then feel more comfortable with buying the Toshiba HD-DVD as well. What would you all recommend realistically? I welcome your thoughts...
08-17-06 | 08:33 PM
#131
Banned by request
Originally Posted by PixyJunket
The more I read about the Westinghouse, the more I want to go pick one up right now.
Of course, the problem is getting a friend over on a weeknight to help take my current 270 pound demon off the stand.
Of course, the problem is getting a friend over on a weeknight to help take my current 270 pound demon off the stand.
I haven't researched the Westinghouse displays specifically, but I noticed it is an LCD screen, and you're not going to get a good movie image off of it. Your games should look good, but the movies will be lacking. For movies I would recommend a plasma (Adam mentioned his Panasonic which I've heard great things about) or a DLP (I'm looking at a Mitsubishi* that will be mine after Christmas). Between the two, the DLP will give you a higher resolution picture on the movies. I've talked to several people who have bought the 2007 series Mits sets and they said they've had zero lag or ghosting problems while gaming.
*Note: The set I linked is two models down from the one I'm considering, but it's the cheapest of the lot and still has good picture. I'm also not supporting that site, it was just the first link I came across. You should be able to get it cheaper than that at a B&M store if you have some good haggling skills.
Edit: I love the new title of this thread.
Last edited by Supermallet; 08-17-06 at 08:56 PM.
08-17-06 | 09:02 PM
#133
Banned by request
Oh, also, I'd stay away from front projection unless you want to put a lot more time into your lighting conditions. While you can get a good looking projector, imo, you're not going to get the most benefit from it without a controlled lighting situation.
08-17-06 | 10:06 PM
#134
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Originally Posted by PixyJunket
Cool pictures! Magician Lord! I'll assume those are on some kind of emulator.
How many feet do you need to put the projector back? I've got 10.5 feet from wall to wall.
How many feet do you need to put the projector back? I've got 10.5 feet from wall to wall.
With 10.5 feet and the Panasonic AE900U, you could do 92+ from that distance and it would be 100% HD. I forgot to mention there was a lot of light in the room from 2 different walls while taking those pics, so it would be much brighter at night.
08-18-06 | 09:17 AM
#135
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Originally Posted by tofferman
I bought my Toshiba 65H80 (RPTV) back in 2001 and it still works great. Unfortunately, since it doesn't have HDMI, upconverting isn't an option. If it did have HDMI, I would buy one of the Toshiba HD-DVD players now so that I could upconvert my existing dvd collection as well as partake in HD DVD's. Now I am trying to decide as to whether I should sell my RPTV and buy one with HDMI, possibly with 1080p capability. I would then feel more comfortable with buying the Toshiba HD-DVD as well. What would you all recommend realistically? I welcome your thoughts...
But my main concern is replacing bulbs. That's really annoying. I've had my TV 2 years and it'll probably be at least another 8 before I have any problems at all. That's pretty hard to give up.
As hard as it is to do because I'm such a HT junkie, I think I need to wait at least a year before I think about getting a new set.
08-18-06 | 10:35 AM
#136
DVD Talk Platinum Edition
Originally Posted by Suprmallet
I haven't researched the Westinghouse displays specifically, but I noticed it is an LCD screen, and you're not going to get a good movie image off of it. Your games should look good, but the movies will be lacking.
08-18-06 | 11:03 AM
#137
Thread Starter
DVD Talk Legend
From what I'm reading, the best Westinghouse set is still just an HD monitor; HD tuner not included. Is that right?
If so, how much do the separate HD tuners run?
If so, how much do the separate HD tuners run?
08-18-06 | 11:33 AM
#138
DVD Talk Platinum Edition
Originally Posted by The_Infidel
From what I'm reading, the best Westinghouse set is still just an HD monitor; HD tuner not included. Is that right?
If so, how much do the separate HD tuners run?
If so, how much do the separate HD tuners run?
08-18-06 | 12:24 PM
#139
Retired
Originally Posted by Vipper II
Properly calibrated, the Westinghouse looks spectacular. Mine sure does. Add to that the fact that it is native 1080p and that it accepts a 1080p signal (no remixing), and you've got one hell of a good solution that's as "future proof" as they come. For someone running on a budget, it's a great way to go.
Calibrating helps, but can't solve the problem totally, so it's an issue where one just has to look at a properly calculated set on a movie with lot of dark scenes and see what they think.
08-18-06 | 07:34 PM
#140
Banned by request
Thanks Josh, that's just what I meant. LCD as a technology for movies doesn't sit right with me. Honestly, I wish they'd still make bigger color tube sets.
08-18-06 | 09:30 PM
#141
DVD Talk Platinum Edition
Originally Posted by Suprmallet
Honestly, I wish they'd still make bigger color tube sets.
08-18-06 | 09:42 PM
#142
Originally Posted by Vipper II
If they could think of a way to make them a little lighter, too, I'd definitely be all for it. My 30-inch tube HDTV was 150 lbs, and it wasn't easy finding an entertainment center to support the weight.
I know people are high on rear projection crt's, but the viewing angle isn't the greatest. Plus, aren't they being phased out al la CRT tubes? People want flat sets that take up less space.
08-18-06 | 10:01 PM
#143
Banned by request
DLP is definitely a thriving technology, as you can get a 57" 1080p DLP that isn't very big in the back for the same price as a 42" 720p plasma. My only problem with DLP is the bulb replacement rate, but I'm willing to put up with it for the benefits of the technology. DLP does have a more limited viewing angle than plasma or LCD, but it's somewhat wider than CRT. IMO, the best compromise between the technologies (although I've gladly put up with the fat ass on my 55" CRT Mits).
08-18-06 | 10:05 PM
#144
Nevermind the RCA brand, but is this what you consider to be the best compromise?
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1149040489796
or a flat dlp set?
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1149040489796
or a flat dlp set?
08-18-06 | 10:13 PM
#145
DVD Talk Platinum Edition
Originally Posted by Mr. Cinema
I have a Sony 30" 16:9 HD and that thing is a freaking monster. I think it weighs in around 175-180 lbs. Great picture quality, but a bitch to move.
08-18-06 | 10:20 PM
#146
Banned by request
Originally Posted by Mr. Cinema
Nevermind the RCA brand, but is this what you consider to be the best compromise?
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1149040489796
or a flat dlp set?
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1149040489796
or a flat dlp set?
08-18-06 | 10:28 PM
#147
Originally Posted by Vipper II
Is it the 30HS420? That's the one I had, and you're right about it being a bitch to move. My lord. When I sold it, the guy who ended up taking it couldn't lift all that much, so I had to do the bulk of the lifting. Ouch! And I'm a reasonably strong guy, too.
08-19-06 | 01:52 AM
#148
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Originally Posted by pinata242
I got a Westinghouse LVM-42w2 (42" 1080p HDCP LCD) in June from Best Buy. They had it on sale for $1499.99. I'm pretty sure this is what you're seeing at $1800 now.
I was in the same boat as you. I was in no rush for HDTV and wanted to wait until 2nd generation 1080p sets. However, when my buddy who was more actively looking saw this on SlickDeals, he called me up and asked what I thought. I thought so highly of the deal, I had to jump on it.
This thing is in my bedroom since the wife and I have the HD/DVR box in there as we only watch tv after the young ones go to bed. The bedroom is bright during the day, but I haven't had any problems with that. The thing works great on the HD channels, obviously. Digital cable looks great and even the analog is great. I've also moved my home PC in there and hooked it up via DVI for 1920x1080 resolution. We've watched a couple of the streaming Rockstar: Supernova webisodes blown up fullscreen and it looks damn good for a low-res, streaming movie. Obviously the Spider-Man 3 HD trailer is tits
Now, in the living room where the video game systems are in my nearly 10 year old, 27" CRT. That's also where my surround system is since it is too kickass for the bedroom. So my HT is literally split. The Wii (and possibly 360) will undoubtedly stay in the living room since I imagine late night gaming when the wife is trying to sleep.
Last month, I had the monthly poker night at my house to show off my set. Another buddy brings his 360 and it looked fantabulous at 1080i on it.
All in all, I do not regret my purchase in any way, shape, or form. I wasn't in the market, but I wouldn't go back. I even joked after I got it that we should have got 2 for that price and she agreed...
I was in the same boat as you. I was in no rush for HDTV and wanted to wait until 2nd generation 1080p sets. However, when my buddy who was more actively looking saw this on SlickDeals, he called me up and asked what I thought. I thought so highly of the deal, I had to jump on it.
This thing is in my bedroom since the wife and I have the HD/DVR box in there as we only watch tv after the young ones go to bed. The bedroom is bright during the day, but I haven't had any problems with that. The thing works great on the HD channels, obviously. Digital cable looks great and even the analog is great. I've also moved my home PC in there and hooked it up via DVI for 1920x1080 resolution. We've watched a couple of the streaming Rockstar: Supernova webisodes blown up fullscreen and it looks damn good for a low-res, streaming movie. Obviously the Spider-Man 3 HD trailer is tits
Now, in the living room where the video game systems are in my nearly 10 year old, 27" CRT. That's also where my surround system is since it is too kickass for the bedroom. So my HT is literally split. The Wii (and possibly 360) will undoubtedly stay in the living room since I imagine late night gaming when the wife is trying to sleep.
Last month, I had the monthly poker night at my house to show off my set. Another buddy brings his 360 and it looked fantabulous at 1080i on it.
All in all, I do not regret my purchase in any way, shape, or form. I wasn't in the market, but I wouldn't go back. I even joked after I got it that we should have got 2 for that price and she agreed...
I have no banding problems, no dead pixels. I do have the lock up problem. The past 4 weeks it has locked up once each week. My firmware is 1.16. I'm sure a upgrade to 1.19 will fix this problem from what I have been reading on AVS.
08-21-06 | 09:56 AM
#149
DVD Talk Legend
Well, I decided to hold for now. The Westinghouse was awfully tempting, and if there's another $1500 sale I'd probably bite it.. but common sense kicked in and I figured I'd wait until I have more reason to actually use an HDTV. I'm just going to keep a keen eye on upcoming HD-DVD releases for now, something like a Godfather set or a Kubrick set (rumored) may get me to take the plunge.. and maybe after a few visually stimulating movies that don't suck come out.
08-21-06 | 01:55 PM
#150
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From: Mpls, MN
A bigger reason would be live sports or the upcoming fall season of TV shows. If you are simply waiting for HD discs and don't watch TV, I'd say at least another year before it starts becoming economically wise for most people. Maybe 3 years. No doubt the early adopter types on this forum will jump all over that statement, but I don't think there is any doubt that HD discs will have to be classified a niche market until there are hundreds or even thousands of titles available.