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Plasma v. HD-ILA
#173287 07/25/07 06:10 PM
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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.


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Re: Plasma v. HD-ILA
tomtuttle #173288 07/25/07 06:37 PM
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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.


Jack

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Re: Plasma v. HD-ILA
Ajax #173289 07/25/07 06:41 PM
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Every time I ask for and attribute value to Ray's opinion, it costs me money.


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Re: Plasma v. HD-ILA
tomtuttle #173290 07/25/07 06:51 PM
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LOL! LOL! LOL! Ain't it the truth!


Jack

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Re: Plasma v. HD-ILA
Ajax #173291 07/25/07 07:15 PM
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Ray has a commercial Pannie...


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Re: Plasma v. HD-ILA
tomtuttle #173292 07/25/07 07:20 PM
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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


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Re: Plasma v. HD-ILA
tomtuttle #173293 07/25/07 08:39 PM
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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.

Re: Plasma v. HD-ILA
Seattlelite #173294 07/25/07 08:52 PM
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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.


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Re: Plasma v. HD-ILA
MarkSJohnson #173295 07/25/07 10:47 PM
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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."


Re: Plasma v. HD-ILA
Ajax #173296 07/25/07 10:51 PM
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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.


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Re: Plasma v. HD-ILA
tomtuttle #173297 07/25/07 11:29 PM
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I recently went through the same decision you are now. I looked at the Panny PXxxU line and the JVC HD-ILA models and ended up with the 56FN97. Bottom line: Better picture and more screen acreage for much less moola. You get true HD (1080P native), better blacks, better color, less artifacting, sharper picture, all for lots less. So if you're not worried about the "look at the cool plasma on the wall" effect or scared of replacing a bulb (average 3-5 years of normal use) here and there the HD-ILA (really: LCoS) JVC is the way to go.

If you want to get a good side by side, do as I did and go into Video Only or whichever and strong-arm them into putting one of each in a HT demo room. They called me a few days later and actually had it set up!


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Re: Plasma v. HD-ILA
LightninJoe #173298 07/25/07 11:41 PM
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Thank you, Mark. That is very helpful.

Do you know how much bulbs cost? Are they user-replaceable?

How can I decipher the JVC "codes" (do you know what the difference is between the FH and FN, for instance?)


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Re: Plasma v. HD-ILA
LightninJoe #173299 07/25/07 11:43 PM
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Or do what I did. Buy seven different ones, try them out at home and take six back. Granted mine were a smaller screen size but if you want to do things right, you have to break a sweat .

Re: Plasma v. HD-ILA
Mojo #173300 07/25/07 11:54 PM
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or you can get both, one in living room and the other in bedroom. You'll get the best of the both world

Re: Plasma v. HD-ILA
tomtuttle #173301 07/26/07 04:10 AM
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I recently purchased the Panasonic TH-58PX60U 58" Plasma bout two weeks ago and I am loving it so far. Connecting it to an upscaling DVD player (such as Oppo-981) looks awesome. Also connecting it with the Wii? Don't get me started, it looks absolutely sweet even in SD (I am gonna get component cables for it soon). I was only able to watch SD footage for about 5 minutes and I can't judge my opinion as to how well it looks on the display, but I am coming back from my vacation tomorrow and I will report to you.

Also, for the 58" screen, I don't think you will be benefiting from 1080p at the distance you are viewing your display (12 feet).

Re: Plasma v. HD-ILA
Paul_Bassi #173302 07/26/07 03:12 PM
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WOW - ANOTHER opportunity to spend somebody else's money!!!!! Doesn't get any better.

Tom, I sent you some info in an email and just left you a phone message. I think it would be better to talk through the details/nuances on this puppy.

Re: Plasma v. HD-ILA
Paul_Bassi #173303 07/26/07 03:18 PM
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Also, I do not know how the picture quality of the JVC racks up to the plasma, but I think they are similar.

If you are not worried about how thin your T.V is, and thinking of not mounting it to the wall, then I say get the JVC.

I got mine because it is going to be mounted to a wall eventually and because it is a plasma (coolness factor). Pannys are an excellent choice for plasmas.

Last edited by Paul_Bassi; 07/26/07 03:43 PM.
Re: Plasma v. HD-ILA
Paul_Bassi #173304 07/26/07 04:18 PM
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PQ on the JVC is better in my opinion. It's the best of all the sets I tested. The Panny PDP's are great units at a pretty darn good price but on a straight price/performance basis the PDP can't compete. As far as aesthetics the PDP wins hands down. The JVC is about 14" deep plus you need to keep the back of it a few inches off the wall. Not nearly as big as a CRT RPTV but it can dominate a room.

PS: I'm too lazy to go through the rigmarole of hauling 7 sets to my house and returning 6.


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Re: Plasma v. HD-ILA
LightninJoe #173305 07/26/07 04:55 PM
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Thanks again, gentlemen. Paul, I am very interested in your ongoing impressions.

Ray stopped just short of calling me "stupid" if I don't buy the Panny. Or maybe he didn't stop short.


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Re: Plasma v. HD-ILA
LightninJoe #173306 07/26/07 05:08 PM
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Thomas,

I think you’re just going to have to go take a peak at them yourself. As with audio, we all hear/see things differently. It’ll come down to what looks good to you.

I was wandering through Sears the other day on a mission to find a new cloths washer/dryer, as instructed by the “boss”. She apparently doesn’t like my squeaky dryer and leaking washer. Hu! I happen to like them both just fine and can’t understand why they should take precedence over a $4000 amp that I don’t really need. I think she just doesn’t “get it”.

So anyway, while bored to death listing to this salesman go on and on for a seemingly endless rant in regards to a washing machine pros/cons, I had this perfect panorama view of about fifty big screen TV’s, all playing the same thing. Out of all of them, two just stood out and demanded a closer look. Pardoning myself from the salesman, I wandering over to these TV’s and both of them were Samsung plasma’s. Not only did they look better at a distance, but up close and personal they looked better to me. I have no idea what model they were, or even what resolution they were. All around them were Panasonic, Sony, Philips, Mitsubishi, and a few other brands. The Samsung just stood out from the others.

Good luck and have fun shopping. I’m sure there’s a few micro brews in between stores in the Seattle area. I’ve heard (but can’t confirm) that beer aids in the decision making process. – Just don’t surf Amazon while drinking.

Re: Plasma v. HD-ILA
michael_d #173307 07/26/07 05:36 PM
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Yeah, Mike, I know you're right. Probably have to take the Boss' opinion into account, too.

Quote:

don’t surf Amazon while drinking




Maybe that's the real reason Mojo got seven TV's.


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Re: Plasma v. HD-ILA
michael_d #173308 07/26/07 06:19 PM
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Quote:

I had this perfect panorama view of about fifty big screen TV’s, all playing the same thing. Out of all of them, two just stood out and demanded a closer look.




Always make sure to get the remotes and check the settings. Some manufactures purposely have the tv's defaulted to the tourch setting so that they look great in a bright department store/show room. Not to mention that the store may have certain brands they want to look better as well. It works though, catches your eye and you automatically think it's the best. Remeber all h/t stuff needs to be in your room and configured properly.

Have fun shopping!


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Re: Plasma v. HD-ILA
tomtuttle #173309 07/26/07 08:34 PM
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Quote:

Yeah, Mike, I know you're right. Probably have to take the Boss' opinion into account, too.





If your boss is like most other bosses, then have fun with your Panny plasma PDP and LCD usually have higher boss' approval rating than DLP and LCOS.

Re: Plasma v. HD-ILA
Seattlelite #173310 07/26/07 10:52 PM
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As Mike points out, your eyes will tell you the right answer (with liberal input from the boss and bounded by the confines of the finances).

BTW - I never called you stupid. I was simply inferring that you opinion might be a tad mis-directed.

Re: Plasma v. HD-ILA
Ray3 #173311 07/27/07 01:24 PM
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A guy I know who used to work at a local big box store that I like to make fun of, told me that if a particular line wasn't selling very well, they would be instructed to crank up brightness controls on that model to make it catch peoples eyes.

It's stuff like this that makes me hate even shopping for groceries.


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Re: Plasma v. HD-ILA
Murph #173312 07/27/07 02:19 PM
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I’m not pushing the Samsung…. I just found it interesting that out of all those TV’s, there were two that stood out and they were the same brand and type.

I did not look at the TV’s settings, but I did ask if they were calibrated. The response I got was “no” and that they were all set to automatic after being put on display. I didn’t think anything of that seeing how my Mitsubishi rear projection TV has this feature. It doesn’t work worth a crap, but it does adjust itself to ambient light and whatever else it looks for. I leave it off.

So what’s a good washing machine anyway. I need a good story to tell to convince the boss I did at least look around some…….has to be front loader.

Re: Plasma v. HD-ILA
michael_d #173313 07/27/07 02:36 PM
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"Automatic" on some sets is designed to have eye-popping hue, saturation, brightness and contrast so that the set will stand out in the shop. That's why you need to buy at least seven, bring them home, calibrate them and then make a decision .

Re: Plasma v. HD-ILA
michael_d #173314 07/27/07 04:59 PM
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Mike, we got the Whirlpool Duet series for Ian's mother. It comes with a DVD to explain all the feature-ettes!! She adores them, and she's not one to be swayed by inferior washing. . . FWIW

Re: Plasma v. HD-ILA
Amie #173315 07/27/07 05:19 PM
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Amie,
I'll recommend the Whirlpool Duet series washer and dryer package as well. We have had ours for about 2.5 years now and are very happy with them.

Re: Plasma v. HD-ILA
Amie #173316 07/27/07 05:39 PM
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Quote:

Mike, we got the Whirlpool Duet series for Ian's mother. It comes with a DVD to explain all the feature-ettes!! She adores them, and she's not one to be swayed by inferior washing. . . FWIW




Thanks Amie! I'll report that information to the boss.

Re: Plasma v. HD-ILA
michael_d #173317 07/27/07 07:29 PM
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Did professional calibrators come and modify the washing machines? Just wondering...

I havee the SONY SXRD 60 LCOS set, and I'm happy with the choice. I got a 60 inch screen at half the price of a similarly sized plasma, and it sits in my entertainment center perfectly. Your room setup and WAF requirements will probably determine the choice. Be careful with ambient light and plasmas. if you have a window or light source behind you, the reflections can be distracting.

Last edited by Nachosgrande; 07/27/07 07:32 PM.

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Re: Plasma v. HD-ILA
tomtuttle #173318 07/29/07 06:58 AM
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Quote:

Thank you, Mark. That is very helpful.

Do you know how much bulbs cost? Are they user-replaceable?

How can I decipher the JVC "codes" (do you know what the difference is between the FH and FN, for instance?)




Bulbs are about $200. The difference between the FH and FN series is that the FH series has gold plated connections and an RS-232 port. I got mine at Beach Camera. Delivery was free and they set it up for me and made sure it worked. Best Buy has the FN series, normally less expensive than the FH, for several hundred MORE than I got the FH at beach camera. BB was also the only place that had Sony, Mits, Samsung, and JVC all together to make it easier for a DLP / LCOS comparison. As others have commented here the JVC was the winner for me as well. The blacks were blacker and the rest of the colors just looked better IMO. With an HD feed, it's just stunning. Standard cable is anywhere from slightly to heavily grainy. QVC, and ESPN look really good for SD. ABC is horrible. I get only one HD station from an antenna, but it's an amazing picture.
The only real complaint I would register is that in scenes with any bright white, it looks like someone is shining a flashlight at you from behind a white sheet; you can see little specs of extra bright light.

Compared to the 60" 1080p plasma I was looking at, I really couldn't see the $4000 difference.

YMMV

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Re: Plasma v. HD-ILA
tomtuttle #173319 07/31/07 01:17 AM
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K, I looked over the SD footage on my 58" Panny plasma.

On regular SD channels, they look ok, not the greatest since this is SD afterall.

Channels that are meant to be in HD but down converted to SD signals have a better picture. One movie channel almost seemed DVD like.

I have a FTA receiver (Coolsat 5000) hooked up with component cable going straight to the plasma.

I have yet to see HD footage on my plasma which I will be getting soon.

The Wii, even without component cable, looks really good IMO (despite the resolution).

Re: Plasma v. HD-ILA
a401classic #173320 07/31/07 06:44 PM
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I asked the same question one year ago and ended up with the JVC 61FC97. Both are great sets, but the LCOS suited my room better and was less expensive. No regrets, other than I could have gone 70"

I compared the HDILA and Panny Plasma, side by side on the same feed in a Future Shop store and each handled different scenes slightly better than others. I couldnt say I liked one over the other.

The Sony XBR was a great pic also, but not enough to make me spend extra for the Sony name. The Sony A2000 was much worse with SDTV, the Samsung DLP's looked great, but I find DLP harsh on my eyes.

If I were to put it in a room that had lighting control the Plasma would be great, while in the current room with a lot of sunlight the glare from the protective screen on the plasma would bug me. Good luck with your decision, but most with the FH96 or FH/FN/FC97's are very satasfied as are the panny plasm owners.

Re: Plasma v. HD-ILA
Rock_Head #173321 07/31/07 07:03 PM
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Quote:

Amie,
I'll recommend the Whirlpool Duet series washer and dryer package as well. We have had ours for about 2.5 years now and are very happy with them.




Wow! this is deja vu.

We moved into a place 2.5 years ago and had to do the whole appliances. I too can say the Whirlpool Duet set is loved by my "boss". There is a "whiter than white" cycle that she raves about. (BTW, the Kenmore HE3 series is the same set made by Whiripool)

My wife also loves the 61FC97 and Axiom setup for "the Sound of Music" or "buena Vista Social Club" DVD's we have.

Good luck with the purchases.

61FC97

Last edited by ctown; 07/31/07 07:05 PM.
Re: Plasma v. HD-ILA
ctown #173322 08/01/07 12:57 AM
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Thank you for the ongoing comments. Much appreciated.

I stopped at BB today. What a total joke (as expected).

They had the JVC's on display, but the color looked terrible. Compared to the Sony and Samsung models, the JVC's were very green; to the point that they looked maladjusted (quick, get JP). I didn't want to take time to really engage Heather and her crew, especially after my conversation with Jason about the Panasonic plasmas.

Me: do you have the 58" Panasonic plasma set up?
J: yes, it's right here.
Me: No, the older, 720p model.
J: Well, there's no reason to have it set up too, because the picture is the same as this one.
Me: But, it costs $2,000 less. If the picture is the same, why would anyone pay for the 1080p model?
J: The only way you see a difference is with Blu-Ray.
Me: Surely, the 1080p set scales any input to fit it's native resolution?
J: no, it just displays 720.
Me: Okay. Thanks. Bye.

The Samsung and Sony RPTV's looked better to me, but who the heck can tell anything in that place? The Samsung plasmas looked really good, too.

More research needed. But I might be able to get a good price on the JVC there, because they probably don't sell very many of them looking like that.


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Re: Plasma v. HD-ILA
a401classic #173323 08/01/07 04:48 PM
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One of the models is made exclusively for big box stores, hence the lack of gold plated connectors (yep, I know) and such. This is the FN97. Light engine, bulb, etc are all exactly the same. Bezels are slightly different. I believe there is one just for Costco and Walmart as well but that's not confirmed on my part.


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Re: Plasma v. HD-ILA
LightninJoe #173324 08/02/07 04:58 PM
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I have the 61FC97 and yes its all the same but with no gold plated connectors, RS-232 port, centre channel input.

The JVC needs some adjusting out of the box for sure, but I found similar experiences when comparing side by side.

Sony xBR, looked deep, dark blues on ocean scene

JVC HDILA looked to have brighter more greenish hue to the water, which looked more realistic of the algae filled ocean scene it was showing.

Panasonic Viera plasma, looked similar to the JVC, but not as bright.

The Sony looked great and deep blue until I realized that the scene of a seal playing in Monterey bay should show green water. The factory settings on the JVC require the black level to be reduced to -23 to get true black after I used my Avia setup disc.

Dont compare the Sony A2000, a pro calibrator told me the video processor is inferior to that of the Panny, JVC, Mits and Samsung.

The JVC is a great picture, but so are the Sony XBR, Panasonic plasma and mits dlp.

Here is a review 61FN97 review

Its like speakers. All personal preference. If I wanted to spend more, have a thin set and could get it away from my picture window, I would have gone Panny Plasma. I saved the $$ and the RPTV fits in my bright living room better than the plasma would have, so that was my choice.

good luck.

Last edited by ctown; 08/02/07 04:59 PM.
Re: Plasma v. HD-ILA
ctown #173325 08/02/07 07:39 PM
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ctown, thank you so much for your comments and the link.


bibere usque ad hilaritatem
Re: Plasma v. HD-ILA
ctown #173326 08/02/07 07:49 PM
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"Bang for the buck" was a primary concern. That and PQ were #1. 1080P v. 720P, the "look at the cool plasma" effect and the rest were somewhere below that. As far as "bang for the buck" the plasmas and LCDs just can't compete with a good RPTV.


"That's some catch, that Catch-22." "It's the best there is." M22ti VP150 EP350 QS8 M3Ti
Re: Plasma v. HD-ILA
LightninJoe #173327 08/02/07 08:03 PM
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Yeah Joe, the Plasma/ LCD owners will say that the cost less to operate in the long run when you factor in bulb replacement costs. I love my RPTV too and a new bulb every 5 years wont break me. 50" plasma prices are coming down so the bang for the buck is getting better.

LCD still has slower response time than LCOS or plasma, so being a sports and action junkie I never considered it.

Re: Plasma v. HD-ILA
ctown #173328 09/25/07 05:18 PM
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Well, in my usual fashion, I've succeeded in belaboring the decision long enough that Mrs. Tuttle has been reduced to "buy whatever makes you happy and makes you shut the hell up".

Budget has been reduced. I'm now looking at ~$1500 rather than ~$2k. Likewise, my expectation about screen size has been tempered - a 50" plasma or a 55-57" RPTV.

I've read and looked a lot.

Mrs. Tuttle likes the picture - and especially the viewing angle - of the Sony 55A2020 ($1,599 at Costco). I must admit, it looks good to me, too - much better than the Samsung and Mitsubishi models.

I'm pretty sure I'm going to go with either the Sony or the JVC. There's really no point in me spending extra for a plasma in the current room, and a future upgrade to front projection is probably only a matter of time (and sheetrock...). My wife seems to seriously not care about the form factor, since even a 16:9 LCoS TV will be noticeably smaller than our current set.

I have questions!

1. Viewing angle. This is one of the terribly seductive parts of the Sony, although I've been unable to really critically examine the JVC in this regard. How do you JVC owners feel about the off-axis video fidelity?

2. Inputs. To recap, I have to do any non-component video switching in the TV (at least for a while). I'll have the following inputs:
  • Oppo 980 (HDMI)
  • DirecTV (HDMI or Component - I still have the SD model at this time, which might be only S-Video)
  • Wii (Component)
  • HTPC (for browsing, games, music management, etc. Currently using a 15" LCD for control/text. It is a bummer.). I'm not sure if my video card outputs DVI, but I definitely have VGA and component. Problem is, I understand that I really need to use one of the two HDMI ports for the PC in order to get 1080 resolution.


Since I'll need to do video switching in the box, I have a couple questions. Are the inputs on the JVC discrete or do you have to cycle through them? I'll be wanting to build macros in the MX-700 to get "absolutely" to a particular input.

My plan would be to use the component video from the DirecTV box (since it could only be 720p or 1080i, right?) and reserve the other HDMI input for the PC. Does that seem right?

Thanks for your counsel.

- Tom


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Re: Plasma v. HD-ILA
tomtuttle #173329 09/26/07 01:31 AM
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Quote:

Well, in my usual fashion, I've succeeded in belaboring the decision long enough that Mrs. Tuttle has been reduced to "buy whatever makes you happy and makes you shut the hell up".[snip]
- Tom




HAHAHAHA! I was complaining about the Lifestyle 25 we had for months. She didn't budge. I even thought about "accidentally" disconnecting some cables - but couldn't bring myself to go that low Then one night, I fell asleep with the Axiom page on the laptop. In the morning I got the "if you wanted it that badly, just buy the damn speakers!"

I actually bought Samsung's 6756 at Costo so I can't really answer your JVC related questions. Enjoy!


--
Denon 4520, EPIC80/500/VP180 Speakers
Re: Plasma v. HD-ILA
tomtuttle #173330 09/26/07 07:41 AM
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Quote:

1. Viewing angle. This is one of the terribly seductive parts of the Sony, although I've been unable to really critically examine the JVC in this regard. How do you JVC owners feel about the off-axis video fidelity?
Quote:



For all the seats in my room, which are about 12-14 feet away and cover a ~90* angle, there is little difference. If I go to where the next seat would be either left or right, the brightness drops off rapidly, but it's still a good pic. Keep in mind this covers a line of seats that woud be 20+ feet long and ~110* total angle. Realistically I wouldn't sit this far off center anyway - the surround balance would be off more than the PQ. I've also got a Samsung 40" LCD in another room that has an amazing viewing angle - 140*

Quote:

Since I'll need to do video switching in the box, I have a couple questions. Are the inputs on the JVC discrete or do you have to cycle through them? I'll be wanting to build macros in the MX-700 to get "absolutely" to a particular input.

- Tom




If there is a way to go directly to an input, I have not found it yet, but truth be told I also have not spent that much time looking. I also have not tried to program my MX-500 to deal with scrolling to the desired input.

Scott


Scott

My HT
Re: Plasma v. HD-ILA
a401classic #173331 09/27/07 06:02 PM
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Tom,

Try the files section at Remote Central for the JVC (don't forget that a manufacturer will use the same codes for different models). The Pronto MX files are here and the Pronto .ccf files are here . You might also try the files for projectors.

Additionally, check/search in the Universal Remote Control forum and the Discrete Code Hunter forum .

If you opt for the Sony, there is a wealth of files, most notably this one (you only need to find video input 8 in a newer model's file).

Also, for the Sony, you can disable the VID inputs you aren't using. I suspect a similar functionality is available for the JVC.

Just to add some spice these folks get consistently excellent marks as etailers. Take a look at the commercial models - TH-50PH10UK @ $1448 and the TH-58PH10UK for $2090. They look to close enough for you to pick up.

Whatever you choose, the MX is up to it.

Re: Plasma v. HD-ILA
Ray3 #173332 09/27/07 09:14 PM
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Thanks, gentlemen. Much appreciated.

Ray, I know I can always count on you. However, the commercial Panasonics have a couple of fatal flaws for my installation. First, I'm not going to be wall-mounting the display (at least until the furniture or our address get rescrambled). So, I do need a pedestal base. Second, I really need at least one (if not two) HDMI inputs (for the Oppo and the PC). I feel like - by the time I add extra input blades to the standard load and figure out a mounting solution - I might as well have gotten the consumer model.

I could easily drive to visual apex, but then I'd have to pay sales tax, which may or may not be more than the shipping from somebody else.

Anybody have wisdom about buydig.com?

The JVC apparently HAS discrete input codes, but NOT native to its own remote control.

Thanks again.


bibere usque ad hilaritatem
Re: Plasma v. HD-ILA
a401classic #173333 09/27/07 10:14 PM
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When I compared the JVC to SXRD I couldnt notice any difference in viewing angle. I'm perfectly satasfied with off axis viewing on my JVC, but I really am just sitting 30 degrees off when I'm on the sofa.

Re: Plasma v. HD-ILA
tomtuttle #173334 09/28/07 01:54 AM
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No personal wisdom about buydig, Tom, but if you check resellerratings.com, it has a quite high rating.


-----------------------------------

Enjoy the music, not the equipment.


Re: Plasma v. HD-ILA
JohnK #173335 09/28/07 11:12 PM
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Good point John. resellerratings is always one of my stops in the shopping process.

Re: Plasma v. HD-ILA
Ray3 #173336 09/29/07 12:24 PM
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Post deleted by me.

Last edited by MarkSJohnson; 09/29/07 12:30 PM.

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