Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater Plasma v. HD-ILA

Yet another "which TV" thread...

I would like the benefit of your collective experience.

So, I've got this old (but still bright) 55" Mitsubishi CRT RPTV. It was the bomb 12 years ago. It's a little less incendiary now, but still weighs 300 pounds. We sit about 12 feet back on the couch. There is a loveseat on the side that is closer. One of the kids usually reclines there. There is no capacity in this house for an elegant flatscreen install or a projector. I've tried to work it around, and the tradeoffs just aren't worth it. So, whatever I get will probably still sit on the existing long/low TV stand.

So, I'm wanting to enter the brave new world of HDTV. Bleeding edge, that's me. Not.

I keep stuff a while (in case you hadn't noticed). I believe there is no substitute for "big".

In addition to a display, I'll have to spring for DirecTV HD DVR and a new player (probably an Oppo).

Other inputs could include HTPC and Wii. We DO watch SDTV a fair amount (with no other options at the moment...). My receiver is a Denon 1804 that doesn't do ANY HDMI, but I have a trusty MX-700 remote so I'm not really worried about switching inputs on BOTH the receiver and the TV when I switch sources. Macromania, baby.

Current candidates:

Panasonic TH-58PX60U 58" Plasma for about $2,279. Advantages - big, bright, flat, no bulbs to replace, possibility of slapping it on the wall if we remodel or move. Disadvantages - smaller, costs more money, energy hog, only 720p.

JVC HD61FN97 61" 1080p HDILA Rear Projection TV for about $1,750. Advantages - bigger picture, $500 cheaper, 1080p display, lots of inputs. Disadvantages - bigger form factor, future necessity of paying for an expensive bulb. I could move down to the 56" and save another couple hundred dollars, but I will not go to a 50" display, so smaller plasmas are out.

I'd consider just about anything 56" or above but it's going to be practically impossible to convince me to spend more than the Panny plasma.

Does the future cost of the bulb make this a wash economically?

Are either of these sets (or others) more forgiving relative to ambient light?

Should I wait (again, more) for the LED light engine like the one in this Samsung HL-T5689S to mature and come down in price? Does anybody have an opinion on that technology?

Your counsel is greatly appreciated.

Tom, PM our good friend Ray3. I know he bought a 58" Panasonic Plasma (or was it a Pioneer? ) which he loves, but I don't know if it's the same model you are considering. He can tell you why he loves his. If that is indeed the same model he now owns, I'll bet he will be very jealous of that price.

I know "squat" about the JVC.

Every time I ask for and attribute value to Ray's opinion, it costs me money.

LOL! LOL! LOL! Ain't it the truth!

Ray has a commercial Pannie...

Tom, If it was my choice I would go with the Panny, then again I'm a big fan of plasma. Depending on your seating distance I don't think you would gain anything from 1080p over 720p.
I like the ability if so desired to have the flexabilty to mount the screen on the wall, I also think IMO that the plasma has the best overall picture for any type of room lighting. I envy your choices, I have been trying to figure out how to get myself a larger than 42" plasma without foul play or an earthquake knocking over my current set

I have TH-50PX60U, I suspect the 56" version should have the same spec aside from being larger. My 50" plasma is 720p/1080i. I watch all HD content on 1080i and it's awesome. I've seen 1080p set and I personally can't tell the difference in picture quality with 1080i.
I think you would do just fine with the plasma. I personally prefer plasma over DLP. I just don't like the limited viewing angle of DLP and the somewhat bulky set.

Thank you, Edwin and Michael.

Mark, my recollection is the same about Ray; I thought he had a EDTV Panasonic commercial set, but he may have upgraded since then, too. I sent him a message. Hope he chimes in.

Mark, Ray has an commercial model EDTV Panny (40" or 42", no speakers; no tuner) upstairs in the Family room, but he has a 58" Plasma (consumer model I believe, with speakers and tuner) in the basement multipurpose room. Yes, the stinker actually has TWO plasmas. Piggy Piggy!

Went hunting, and found Ray said:

"I have a 42" commercial plasma in the great room above the fireplace and I'm very happy with it. If you get one, you will need a wall mount (Peerless model for around $100)"

"Settled on the Panny 58600U (has PC connectability). I was disappointed to have to get the consumer model (no commercial available in this size), but the thing is fabulous."

So, now I guess I have to decide whether having virtually the same TV as Ray is a good thing or a bad thing.

Thanks, Jack.