How important is a DVI connection on a CRT based RPTV? Isn't CRT technology analog based? If you sent your CRT RPTV a digital signal via DVI doesn't it just have to then convert it back to analog? Is there any benefit to this?

I'm assuming a really good DVD player with component outputs would work just as well or better with an analog CRT set, no?

I'm getting an itchy trigger finger for a new set. I'm now leaning toward CRT RPTV, as the prices are still just too high for the newer technologies, and in my opinion, the PQ just isn't quite there yet. (DLP is getting close though)

I agree CRT is still the best picture wise.

No clue on the DVI, but good question.

My understanding is that today's so-called "digital" TVs (whether it uses CRTs or fixed-pixel imaging devices) always convert the component and other analog inputs to the digital domain once, do all the processing there, and convert them back to analog in the case of CRTs. So, feeding them via DVI can still improve the picture quality. But I guess the improvement is less dramatic than that seen in fixed-pixel displays (where you can do 1:1 exact pixel mapping).

And... don't quit leaning toward the front projection.

Sorry Sushi, but I don't think FP is going to fly. SAF just isn't happening.

SAF, or SOAF?

boo hoo...

Semantics. Spouse...signifcant other - whatever. Being in a same sex relationship can be a pain.

1) "Wife" isn't right.
2) "Husband" isn't legal.
3) "Spouse" implies marriage - see #2
4) "Boyfriend" doesn't imply enough of a commitment.
5) "Partner" - really? What's your business?
6) "Lover" - eeewww
7) "Significant Other" - Could we get a little more politically correct?
8) "Friend" - only closeted guys with no balls use this one.
9) "Better Half" - Another sneaky way of referring to "him" without being gender specific. A great "closet" tactic.
10) "Soul Mate" - puke

OK...that was a little off topic. Back to DVI inputs on CRT RPTV's.

did you pick a DVI enabled DVD player?

I saw on ecost that they have a refurbed 2900 for $509...

I have been studying this question for a while now. I am limited by space to place either front or rear projection screens. I started with the idea of the ultimate TV in terms of technology. I am now tending to think that the price/performance ratio just isn't there on most digital TV's. Whatever I consider buying I know next year(3 months?6 moonths?) I wish I had the new model. I think the DLP rear projections sets have the most promise but are improving rapidly. Samsung is supposed to have updated models around February. The question on DVI seems to rest on when you'll really go digital. All the sets seem to offer just one DVI input. With the first DVI DVD players out it seems to me that this could be indadequate in the long run. At the same time I could see buying a set and never using DVI. I end up being inclined toward a relatively inexpensive analog large flat CRT direct view. And then I think of the weight and depth. Then I go back to waiting to see what happen to DLP.

In reply to:

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did you pick a DVI enabled DVD player?

I saw on ecost that they have a refurbed 2900 for $509...

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I'm either getting the 2900 with no DVI or the 5900 with DVI.

Anyone here had both the 2900 and 5900? Is the 5900 really double the player? I find it hard to believe it's twice as good. (Especially if DVI to a CRT isn't all that big of a deal)