Alright so I have about $2500 Cdn (maybe $3000) to spend on a new viewing device, and since it will get used for watching TV as well as movies, and due to ambient light being somewhat uncontrolled, I'm thinking that a RPTV is really the only way to go.
Are there any brands which are just generally better than others? Is there a best buy no brainer in this catergory? I'm looking for widescreen, HD-ready (but don't need to get one with an HDTV tuner) set, anywhere from 45'' to 55'', or thereabouts.
I live in Ottawa, if that helps narrow down what kind of stores will be accessable. thanks.
How much is that in US $ - about $2K+?
You can get a great TV for that money, especially if you avoid the new fangled technologies (DLP, LCD, etc...). I would get the biggest CRT RPTV that you can afford regardless of manufacturer name brand. It's a mature technology and they're all about the same (picture quality) IMO.
I have an Hitachi 51S500. I love the picture quality. You can usually work with the seller on prices.
I have done a _lot_ of research in this area. I've looked at every thing imagineable in RPTV: CRT, DLP, LCD, etc. I like DLP but I see rainbows on all of them (including the new Samsungs). I really like the Sony LCD but I don't like some of the other issues with LCD.
I've just ordered a 61" JVC HD-61Z585 D-ILA (JVC's version of LCoS). It's a three chip design and is very reasonable. I imagine you can get the 52" in your price range.
I would recommend Hitachi as well. We have a Hitachi 57F500 and we love it. The picture quality is great and Hitachi has a good track record. Mitsubishis are supposed to be great units as well, but your gonna pay a little more.
Best Buy had a special on the Panasonic PT50-LC13 LCD rear projection system. I paid $2399, normal price is $2999. Not sure if you have BB in Canada??
If you are a little bit of a gambler you should check out refurbelectronics.com. I got my Toshiba 50" RPTV there 2 years ago and have been nothing but thrilled. Saved a bundle, it arrived looking brand new, and the picture is beautiful. Their customer service is on par with Axiom, and you know how good that is. You'll save money even if you go for an extended warranty, which I didn't do. Don't know about shipping to Canada though.
You may also want to look into the new Panasonics, they have been getting good reviews and feedback.
Futile Shop has the PT53X54 53" on for $2,399.99 CDN. They have an excellent return policy but retarded sales people who can only mutter "extended warranty" and "Monster products" with every breath.
As you no doubt know Futile Shop is now owned by Best Buy, no real differences between them and obviously no price wars.
My brother-in-law's girlfriend works for Panasonic Canada, I asked her to talk to the tech staff to see how they feel about the new units.
If you are living in the western GTA area I'll recommend East Hamilton Radio. Good prices and Axiom like service.
good luck.
Just noticed you live at the "other end" of the lake so I don't think you'll be coming here to buy a RPTV
Take a look at Mitsubishi's. IMO, one of the (if not THE best) best in the industry. I think what sets them apart is their longevity...they don't wear out as quickly (fade) as others...due to the quality of guns and lenses they use.
I just looked at 65" Mitsubishi's last weekend. They had 3 models (entry, mid, and top of the line). MSRP was $1,900 for the entry level and the top of the line was right at $3,000, if memory serves.
I am considering the entery level myself. Mitsubhishi is currently offering no interest, no payments until 2006. I am debating it if I can find a buyer for my old 50" Mits first.
Thanks to everyone for the suggestions so far.
I'm pretty sure CRT is the only way to go, DLP and LCD both seems a little too new and too expensive right now.
I agree 100%.
Only thing I'd add about CRT vs new tech... My dad recently bought a Mit 55inch RPTV. He did because they are 'better' than DLP etc, but I must say the thing is HUGE (its deeeeeep). If space is a concern, the DLP's and others even in RPTV form are miles smaller. Just putting that out there.
I'd think twice about CRT. It has a number of problems: size, convergance issues, glare (they have to use very thick glass), image noise.
Big old TV is just fine for most folks. With your speakers next to the TV, who cares how deep it is?
Picture on a CRT RPTV looks just as good to me as anything else I've ever seen.
Bottom line is price. Why pay a premium for some newfangled technology?
Craig:
Yes, they're huge and heavy, but properly aligned and converged the CRT rear-pro can look very very good. I've found the Sony and Hitachi CRT rear-pro sets in the 46- to 48-inch range to have an edge over other brands. And if you could put up with a smaller screen size then a direct-view CRT from Sony or Hitachi can look wonderful. But I understand the appeal of the big image. I'm about to make the switch to DLP myself. . .
Regards,
There are things that digital sets can do way better than CRT, hooking a PC up for instance, that alone has me interested in LCoS hopefully next year.
There is something like a $2000 difference between the DLP sets and CRT sets! They're $2000 better?
Big Will,
It's not that cut and dried. In my case, it's what will fit and not look ridiculously massive in a smallish living room. The DLP I have on loan--a 3rd-generation 50-inch widescreen Samsung--is just 14 inches deep and fits very nicely in a corner of my room. Moreover, I lifted it onto the stand myself. It weighs about 70 pounds, compaared to several hundred for CRT rear projection. My current CRT direct view is much heavier. For me, cost is a secondary factor. I also admit to being dazzled by the Texas Instruments Digital Micro-Mirror chip. I love the image contrast and the fact that no convergence is ever required. And so far, not even aligned and tweaked, the HD image quality on the Samsung is spectacular (assuming a good source, of course). I'd happily pay $3,200 (I think that is the retail) to keep this thing.
But if budget intrudes, and you have the space, I think a good CRT rear-projection is a no-brainer. They are way less expensive--about half the price of the best DLP and CRT rear-pro's--and can look very good.
Regards,