I don't want to start a war here or anything, because I know it's happened in the past. However, I'd be interested if anyone has done side by side comparisons between some of the new LCD models (Panasonic AE4000, Sony HW15, or the higher end JVCs) and the venerable CRT which has always been the king of blacks, and what their impressions were.

The reason I'm eliminating DLP is because I see rainbows and have eliminated them as a viable alternative to a next projector.

I have had all the types. Today all are good but there are important variations in PQ. Need to spend some time to develope that sense of what and which is better for you.
Compared to CRT (I have the XG1352LC) my favorite is DLP and then Lcos (JVC) and then LCD. DLP seems more fluid and dynamic.Ansi cr becomes a real advantage but not so great black level. RS2 was a real treat which is sold now with better black level for a CRT'er but not close. Not all DLP are same in RBE. Best to look at some in person.

P.s., I have not done side by side but a lot of A/B's.

in addition it all depends on what CRT you own. If you have 8"LC or 9"LC and set up correctly with good tubes you are going to have to work hard to find a unit that you would really like.

I really enjoyed my sony crts (D50 / 1292) back when they were the best option. Several years ago I replaced the 1292 with an Epson 900 on a much (much) larger dalite HP screen. We have never looked back, nor do we miss the exception black levels. The large screen won everyone over. We are currently well into the second bulb on the 900, and looking forward to upgrading someday.

I don't want to start a war here or anything, because I know it's happened in the past. However, I'd be interested if anyone has done side by side comparisons between some of the new LCD models (Panasonic AE4000, Sony HW15, or the higher end JVCs) and the venerable CRT which has always been the king of blacks, and what their impressions were.

The reason I'm eliminating DLP is because I see rainbows and have eliminated them as a viable alternative to a next projector.

I also haven't done side by side comparisons, but I went from LCD --> CRT --> DLP. I had a Barco 808 8" tubes, but finally the size and the lack of light output became an issue. Also, about three years ago, I felt that the performance offered by better model single lamp projectors equaled if not bettered the look of the CRT. Some of it has to do with priorities. The pain of convergence and black level and smoothness was just overweighed by sharpness, light output and ease of set up.

I, too, am very sensitive to rainbow effect (due to astigmatism?--I'm still looking to understand why some people are and some aren't). Some projectors were almost unwatchable while others (a Marantz) were not so bothersome. If you have the bucks (although it looks like you are trying to stay <$10K) you can also go with a 3-chip and not worry.

I haven't seen the newer LCDs, but the LCOS JVC you mention would be an acceptable choice. Unless, as the other poster mentioned you are accustomed to high end 9" tubes, then ...maybe not.

As for black level, I don't think I ever realized the big advantage due to having to crank up the light output on the CRT. With properly "adjusted" projectors showing relatively high contrast ratios it seems that it may not be so much a problem anymore.

My 2 cents

Brian

Thanks to all who replied so far!

If you have 8"LC or 9"LC and set up correctly with good tubes you are going to have to work hard to find a unit that you would really like.


I do have an NEC XG110LC. It throws a pretty good picture. And for a CRT, has relatively good light output. But it will need new tubes at some point in the near future and it is loud. The potential for 1080p intrigues me as it's twice the resolution of the 720p I currently display. I am also averse to noise but it throws such a great picture that I've kept it so far. I just don't have the opportunity to a/b a lot of projectors especially against a CRT monster. Around here, Hartford CT, I don't know of any places that have more than three digital projectors. And there's only one of those I know of. I believe the local Best Buy only has one in it's Magnolia theater.

Several years ago I replaced the 1292 with an Epson 900 on a much (much) larger dalite HP screen. We have never looked back, nor do we miss the exception black levels.

My screen is a fixed size in a fairly small room (17x13). It is 7' wide. The NEC is using all but 6" of the width, so it would increase a little. I don't know what kind of projector the 900 is, but I think I would miss the blacks in very dark scenes.

I, too, am very sensitive to rainbow effect (due to astigmatism?--I'm still looking to understand why some people are and some aren't). Some projectors were almost unwatchable while others (a Marantz) were not so bothersome. If you have the bucks (although it looks like you are trying to stay <$10K) you can also go with a 3-chip and not worry.

Interestingly, I do have astigmatism. I definitely want to stay under 10k. I'd like to stay under $5k if possible. This is only a hobby. The dollar to increased quality ratio usually diminishes as the high end approaches. My leading contenders are the JVCs around 5k, the Sony VW15, the Epson 8500 or 9500 and the Panasonic AE4000.

I ordered the AE4000. I'll be doing a comparison to my stack soon for everyone.

Cliff

I think the digital surpassed the CRTs in about 2007 in most all categories. Just my opinion. :o

I agree with Tryg: I owned a Sony D50 CRT projector for almost 10 years, and my current unit (Mitsubishi HC6800) surpasses my old Sony in virtually every way except black levels, and difference are very close even at that.

I think the turning point came in 2006-2007 when the first affordable 1080p LCD units came out (Mitsu 5000, Panasonic 1000, etc.) Now, three generation later there is simply no comparison.

My $.02 as well...

Not all CRT's are alike. I can tell you my Pioneer FJP1 (JVC rs2) did not better my XG 1352LC. Light output, and uniformity were better with it but bulb had only 100 hrs before I sold it.
I have not seen the fluid, smooth, natural look of my CRT in any fixed panel yet.
I feed the XG 1080p,i via HDMI signal, gamma corrected and set up is near 100%. It is hush boxed.
Having said that, if one has to get one I would suggest one of the JVC(no DI as with sony) would be pleased overal particulary if tubes are near shut or set up is questionable or simply it is 7", 8" AC(non LC) unit..

I just went from CRT (lower end -- Sony 1270) to a JVC RS2 and have no regrets.

In most viewing I really do not notice the lack of black. It is really only in quick cuts to black (blackout at the beginning of Serenity is a perfect example) where it becomes obvious. For me the RS2 wins easily in every other category.

The only other area that my CRT won out is on poorer quality sources. The JVC shows all the flaws while the 1270 did a much better job of masking them.

I can't speak for other models, but there is no comparison in noise levels either (I barely hear the JVC).

Not all CRT's are alike. I can tell you my Pioneer FJP1 (JVC rs2) did not better my XG 1352LC. Light output, and uniformity were better with it but bulb had only 100 hrs before I sold it.
I have not seen the fluid, smooth, natural look of my CRT in any fixed panel yet.
I feed the XG 1080p,i via HDMI signal, gamma corrected and set up is near 100%. It is hush boxed.
Having said that, if one has to get one I would suggest one of the JVC(no DI as with sony) would be pleased overal particulary if tubes are near shut or set up is questionable or simply it is 7", 8" AC(non LC) unit..

I would agree with this advice.

I moved from a combo of Barco G808 (8-inch AC) and Marque 9500LC (9-inch LC) to the RS20 and have been extremely satisfied. It's different, in some ways not quite as good, but in other ways superior. The main thing though is it's just so much easier. I have been focused on other things, I just didn't have the time and desire to have my theater be a hobby.

I also am very sensitive to rainbows, have never considered a single-chip DLP as an option for me, yet anyway. I even saw rainbows on my CRT running at 72p! The JVC is extremely smooth in that regards. The motion is a little odd though at first, I've gotten more used to it, but I do still regard it as inferior to what I had on my CRT. But again, no display is perfect.

I think you need to spend a little time with the displays you are considering if possible. I think you'll be very impressed, they have gotten exceptionally good and affordable.

At this point in time, I wouldn't put any more money into an 8-inch CRT. If you're a fanatic, a 9-incher maybe yeah, but I think there's too much improvement to be had with 720p on an 8-incher especially if you're going to incorporate bluray which is a fantastic step up.

I am thankful to all who replied!

I ordered the AE4000. I'll be doing a comparison to my stack soon for everyone.
Any update?

I think you need to spend a little time with the displays you are considering if possible. I think you'll be very impressed, they have gotten exceptionally good and affordable.

Anyone know a good place in Southern New England?


In most viewing I really do not notice the lack of black.

There isn't a lack of dimensionality without black?

I moved from a combo of Barco G808 (8-inch AC) and Marque 9500LC (9-inch LC) to the RS20 and have been extremely satisfied.

Wow! Really?

Well, it seems like some love the CRT, some love the sharpness of digital and the improvements of 1080p, and some just go for the convenience of digital. I suspected this would be the case. I may not give up my CRT until it dies. I did have to replace a focus board, But Mr. Palme fixed it pronto. I figured $300 after six years of use wasn't any worse than replacing bulbs.

Please keep the impressions coming!

I don't want to start a war here or anything, because I know it's happened in the past. However, I'd be interested if anyone has done side by side comparisons between some of the new LCD models (Panasonic AE4000, Sony HW15, or the higher end JVCs) and the venerable CRT which has always been the king of blacks, and what their impressions were.

The reason I'm eliminating DLP is because I see rainbows and have eliminated them as a viable alternative to a next projector.

Ultimately each person is going to have their own impressions. Do you currently own a CRT? If so, you will probably have a tougher time adjusting. If you are only going by what you have seen and have not lived with one, then I think most any of the digitals will please. I would recommend going out and viewing them if you can...just to get a feel.

Right, we notice first what changes for the worse. IT takes a little acclimating sometimes to notice what we've gained that we didn't even know we were missing (higher ANSI CR, more accurate color possible, higher MTF, etc).

I consider myself unreasonably anal when it comes to video, so while there are things I find fault with on the RS20, there are things I find fault with on every display I've ever seen. So when I say that I'm very very satisfied, I don't say that lightly.

I remember seeing rainbows while watching a guys Pioneer 73" CRT RPTV, but, they were sort of soft and not very intrusive. I also never got a headache. I am actually at the stage where I'm deciding whether or not to save some money and use a CRT front projector for a while instead of digital. I won't buy LCD again unless it has a sealed light path (every lcd pj I owned got dust blobs, and although I was able to clean them, I found it stressful and annoying). Even if an lcd pj came out with a sealed light path, it would also need to have good colour uniformity and convergence/sharpness. For me it's LCOS or CRT.