Need advice on purchase of really big TV

[ttbwpg]

Hi all,

I have yet to do much reading on the topic, but thought I'd consult my RFD friends to get things started. I have a budget of $1,500.00 to $2,000.00 to spend on a big TV. I don't know much about the available technologies, but want a TV that is:

a bargain
in line with upcoming technology trends
really big
a quality piece of electronics

Any and all info and advice appreciated.

Thanks.

[Menace]

There is a thread in "Hot Deal" about Samsung DLP LED TVs, you may go there and read up.

Here you go:

http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=441520&highlight=Samsung+DLP+LED

[carmaster]

I saw a Samsung 61inch DLP tv at Sam's club Queensway for only 1190. This tv had a dvd playing and it looked pretty good. It is a 720P tv. I was stunned at the price.

[Menace]

Yes, I have seen that for a while and I wasn't sure it was DLP LED or not. I won't buy the pure DLP ones.

[carmaster]

I think it was pure DLP. What size tv are you looking for? The Sony SXRD 50inch is a great tv.

[fitbrit]

With that budget, you will not get a BIG TV that is uptodate technology, at least as far as 1080P goes.
The Westinghouse 47" models are great value. 1080P ~$2000

[ttbwpg]

Thanks for the info so far.

Can someone explain the basics of the technology issues for me?

[matkun]

First of all, what are you planning to do with the TV?

Digital cable/satelitte? Standard cable/satelitte? Xbox 360/PS3 HD Gaming? DVDs? HD-DVD/Blu-Ray? Hooking up to a computer?

Do you plan to hang on wall, or have on a stand? Bright or dark room?

That will affect what kind of TV you want, and what inputs you want to have on it. ie: HDMI, DVI, etc.

TVs have several resolution modes.. 480p, 720i, 720p, 1080i, 1080p. i = interlaced which means every other line is skipped. p = progressive, which means every line is used. So 1080i looks worse than 1080p.

DVDs are 480p. Computer connections will vary, and Xbox 360/PS3 HD gaming is mostly 720p I think. Most digital cable and satellite are 720p currently also, though again not 100% sure.

[lincoln]

I saw a Samsung 61inch DLP tv at Sam's club Queensway for only 1190. This tv had a dvd playing and it looked pretty good. It is a 720P tv. I was stunned at the price.

Most of the time the DLP tv's actually look better than the LCD Projection tv's. I'd buy this one for sure. Samsung DLP's are phenominal. 720p will be a high enough resolution if you're sitting 10+ feet back from this 61"

[ttbwpg]

To answer matkun's questions:

we'll use the TV for watching regular cable and perhaps digital cable in future
xbox gaming
yes, it would be nice to hook up the PV
the room has lots of windows but decent blinds
the couch is about 12 feet from the TV position
it would be nice to be able to mount on the wall, but not a deal breaker

[Capt.]

If you want really big buy a projector and 7-8 foot screen.

[Menace]

"the room has lots of windows but decent blinds"

Would that be a problem?

If you want really big buy a projector and 7-8 foot screen.

[CameraBill]

"the room has lots of windows but decent blinds"

Would that be a problem?

Yes. Black will only be as black as the wall in ambient light.

@ 12', 720p is more than enough. You have to sit closer to appreciate 1080p.

[Mortgageguy]

Is this a good tv? Is it worth $3900?

[Huggy Bare]

Stay away from microdisplays like DLPs and LCD rear pro jos.
They are going the way of dodos.

[Toronto Gamblers]

Is this a good tv? Is it worth $3900?

No its worth $2399 on costco.com