Idiot box upgrade

[cloerts]

I'm trying to figure out what to do as a replacement for two dead tvs in my house, they are dead because I hate to replace anything until it is beyond repair. So after 8 years I't's time for a new tv. The dead one's are a 26" TV and a Digital Projector(100" on wall picture). Suggestions?

[81xsproject]

You forgot the most important option. Give up TV and spend time riding/fixing/modding your XS11.

However, I still put the emphesis on 'Give up your TV.' Personally, I own 2, and wish I owned 0. SWMBO, however, has a different opinion.

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Casey,

With regards to your PROJECTOR, I looked into getting one of those things several years ago, but found out that their projection bulbs burn out after IIRC some 2000 hours, but at regular tv watching rates of 6 hours a day, that was barely 1 years worth of use! So...what I'm saying is have you checked the projection bulb, it may just need replacing???

Now as for the Standard TV. We had a 52" diag. rear projection TV for some 16 years, but it finally died this past year. We got a nice modest priced and sized 46" HiDef unit, same actual viewing WIDTH screen as the 52" since the 46" is 16x9 format vs. the 4x3 of the 52". And HIDEF is definitely worth it for even just regular programming, as well as sports programs, and the LEARNING/National Geog channels and such.....ohhh....ahhhh!!

Plasma is cheaper but not as durable as LCD, plus more funky technology with DLP and such that can break down, etc.! The NEWER LCD's are much brighter, better contrast ratios etc., and their prices are coming down!!

You can get smaller HiDef TV's, and depending on where you watch your smaller TV, you can use it for a computer monitor, can get a HiDef output video card for your computer as well, and use it for both!?

T.C.

[madmax-im]

Sharp Aquous

My brother has one of these its an HD LCD and the picture quality is excellent...he got it in 36" size.The further away I sit from it the better it looks. I'm still using the old style CRT TV in 27"...its only 2 years old so I wont be springing for anything new for a while.

[Cobia]

When my 32" CRT TV died late last year I looked around and researched the subject extensively. In order to get the same vertical height I had to go to a 50" diagonal set. I opted for the Panasonic Viera plasma. Compared many side by side and in different lighting situations and found this one to be the best. Location is crucial in selecting a TV, how close to a light source such as a window (reflections), how far are you going to sit from it (pixelization), viewing angle (how far off center do you want to see the picture). Those are important factors in selecting plasma or LCD.
Good luck

[crazy steve]

I've got a DLP set and have been fairly pleased with it. Prices have come down considerably since I bought mine 5 years ago (a 60" HD diagonal) and that size can be had now for as little as $1000. The downside is lamp life (about 5000 hours if you don't run 'em too 'hot' i.e. bright), but some shopping will find OEM Osram or Phillips replacement lamps for about $120 each and they're easily replaced without a tech. DON'T buy the cheap no-name 'equivalent' lamps as they're real POS's. The DLP chip is supposedly nearly indestructable.

The plasma and LCD sets are very nice too, but much pricier and cranking up the brightness/contrast on those will also shorten their life (something the salesmen/manufacturers don't tell you about any of these sets when looking...). If looking at any big/flat screen, ask about the factory 'default settings' on the brightness/contrast as this will give you the best set/lamp life generally. They usually crank those up when on display in the stores. A good old CRT direct-view set will probably give the best brightness vs longevity of any of the TVs out there, and can give a better picture in a 'bright' room.

You might also pay attention to the 'kind' of HD you're getting, as there's been some compatibility issues with some vidio games and DVD/BluRay players.

'78E original owner

[trbig]

We go over to some friends' house a couple times a month to watch UFC fights and such. He has a 60" LCD, we have a 52" rear projection. His TV is clearer, but it has some distortion to it on the sides. Don't get me wrong, the picture looks great for TV, but I'm just as happy with my TV with a good surround sound system as his. The major difference I did notice though, was when he turned on a video game system. That really made it pop and could see a huge difference.

Considering I watch actual TV about once or twice a week, (House or UFC) I am going to just hang on to my old TV and fix it if it dies. It died a couple years ago, I took it in, and they fixed it up for $100. I can deal with a slightly less clear pic for a long time at those prices... lol. The other 4 TV's in the house are the CRT. I can buy a new 27" for @ $250 and don't see enough difference to make me spend double or triple that for 1/2 to 1/3 of the life span to have HD. I just have no need to see that hair growing out of that mole on someone's azz...

But that's just me...


Tod

[Elevenator]

We still have the same old school 32" CRT we've had for 10 years. I guess it's CRT...32" wide and 32" deep! LOL I "ain't" replacing it 'til she crashes...and even then I'll get the most affordable thing I can.

I just can't see spending anymore money to be fed slanted news, rigged sporting events or American "Idle" (pun intended). Besides I'm going through $1000 annually just to keep tires on my bikes. I need every spare dime I can get.

Lord what happen to real tv...Andy Griffith, Beverly Hillbillies and Gunsmoke?

[cloerts]

New boob toob

Well I did it, Took genius with me to fort smith and bought a 1080p projector. got it home and set it up. The screen size was just over 120" Not too shabby. I even spent less than my dad spent on his 46" LCD. We watched transformers as soon I got it setup, looked awesome. The only question now is will SWMBO let be keep it.

[CatatonicBug]

The only question now is will SWMBO let be keep it.

PPWWEEEEEAASSEE!! It followed me home!

[cloerts]

projector

she's lettin me keep it! She even agreed to help me string the new surround sound through the attic on saturday. I had to agree to remodel the bath and kitchen as she dictates, but I had planned on that anyway. watched a disc of Planet Earth yesterday, this thing is awesome.