I will be watching HD/Blu-Ray 99% of the time.

Budget is around $2000 +/- a couple of hundred..

Room is about 14' x 8' with a viewing distance of 12'-6".

It will be on a entertainment cabinet so hanging on the wall is not a issue.

Right now I've found a few models I'm thinking about. (Open to other options)
DLPs
WD-73835 DLP Around $2k shipped
WD-65835 DLP Around $1,500 shipped

Plasmas
TC-P54V10 Around $2,200 Shipped
TC-P58S1 Around $2,000 Shipped

I have not had a TV for nearly two years. Before that I had a Mits DLP 52" that I bought in 2004. At that time everyone that came over to watch a game or a movie would not stop talking about how clear it was. They even had LCDs or other types of DLPs. So I have always had a soft spot in my heart for a DLP. But I realize that was 5 years ago and technology has changed. That is why I'm here.. :) Also all the web bells and whistles like on the Pani V models doesn't interest me at all.


Importance in my mind is-
Best Picture

I will be pushing Blu-Rays via a Denon DVD-2500btci w/ a unknown AV Receiver yet. Denon AVR-2310ci or Onkyo pr-sc886 or ?

Thanks for the help. Hope one day I will be able to return it to someone else...

Seeing as how mitsu is really the only player in the game nowdays as far as RP goes i think your selection is limited... DLP seems destined for FP these days. I would broaden your view a little and go see a few of the plasma's that are out there honestly. Moving parts always means failure at some point. While i do have 2 DLP devices (i'm with you on the soft spot thing) when they die, they die.

With a 12 foot viewing distance you should get the 73 inch or bigger if you want to see the 1080 resolution of Blu-Ray.
http://s3.carltonbale.com/resolution_chart.html

Size matters

Mike T

why buy into a dying format with an inferior picture.

go with plasma, size be damned. move your couch closer if need be but the difference in pq makes plasma a no brainer. grab a pio 151 if you can find one

why buy into a dying format with an inferior picture.

go with plasma, size be damned. move your couch closer if need be but the difference in pq makes plasma a no brainer. grab a pio 151 if you can find one

inferior, since when?

why buy into a dying format with an inferior picture.

go with plasma, size be damned. move your couch closer if need be but the difference in pq makes plasma a no brainer. grab a pio 151 if you can find one

Dying format eh? Well I've heard that Plasma has been on its way out for about 5 years now... :) besides.. It's not like a HD-DVD player. Once it's gone you are stuck with just what they have. So I guess that isn't a issue with me.

Depth and wall mounting. Not a Issue.

Big issue is..
Picture.. Is it inferior? That is what I'm trying to found out. From what I have read it looks like DLP/Plasma is a lot like the PC vs Mac debate. lol I for one loves the PC and believes they are the best.. But I'm also a MCSE so I'm sort of bias.. ;)

Mtallent, thanks for the link. I was sort of wondering if the 73 would give me a tan. So I was looking more at the 65" DLP vs the Plasma.

DM145, your sig of Screen Size x 1.5 / 12 = Ideal distance. Is that pretty spot on?

Doing the 73" would make it a little over 9'... wow that would be close lol

This is a great tool.
http://myhometheater.homestead.com/viewingdistancecalculator.html
My vote with your distance and budget would be the 65S1 from Panny, you can find it for just over your budget typically.

inferior, since when?

don't want to start an off topic debate, but imho, and many other so called
experts, you get a better hd pq from one of the current plasmas than what's available from the dlp manufacturers

don't want to start an off topic debate, but imho, and many other so called
experts, you get a better hd pq from one of the current plasmas than what's available from the dlp manufacturers

Not off topic at all. That is the reason I came here looking for help. DLP or Plasma. Best Picture... Not concerned with energy consumption or size of the box factor just good ole BEST PICTURE factor.

From 65" to 73", the difference doesn't seem like alot. From 54" to 73" it's HUGE! lol Neat little comparison on screen size (http://www.displaywars.com/54-inch-16x9-vs-73-inch-16x9)

So being I posted this on the DLP side and all I've heard is Plasma, it's looking more and more like plasma.

65S1 has taken the lead. Does anyone think they will have any sales in a few weeks for the holidays? As much as I would love to be able to have it this weekend, I'm not in a big rush and could wait even a month or so.

Thanks again for the help and feedback from everyone.

Not off topic at all. That is the reason I came here looking for help. DLP or Plasma. Best Picture... Not concerned with energy consumption or size of the box factor just good ole BEST PICTURE factor.

From 65" to 73", the difference doesn't seem like alot. From 54" to 73" it's HUGE! lol Neat little comparison on screen size (http://www.displaywars.com/54-inch-16x9-vs-73-inch-16x9)

So being I posted this on the DLP side and all I've heard is Plasma, it's looking more and more like plasma.

65S1 has taken the lead. Does anyone think they will have any sales in a few weeks for the holidays? As much as I would love to be able to have it this weekend, I'm not in a big rush and could wait even a month or so.

Thanks again for the help and feedback from everyone.

the trade off for you is size vs. pq. dlp will give you 70+" at an affordable price. biggest plasmas i have seen are 60" and will definitely cost more, but i wouldn't trade my pio 151 for any other set out there right now, except for the pio 161 which is 60" and was way beyond my budget.

Seems like the 65Ss are going for around $2500. The 65Vs are $3700?

Not off topic at all. That is the reason I came here looking for help. DLP or Plasma. Best Picture... Not concerned with energy consumption or size of the box factor just good ole BEST PICTURE factor.

From 65" to 73", the difference doesn't seem like alot.

It is huge! I replaced our 65" Sony (had it for 7 years) with a 72" Samsung and it looked way bigger. My wife even said she wasn't sure she like the size at first.
Just make sure you have enough room if you go that route.

If you want to keep replacing light bulbs every two years, go ahead and buy a DLP. Have you looked at the price of a DLP light bulbs lately? I think it is a joke. Stick with the tried and true LED backlit LCD technology. If you are buying a plasma TV, make sure the glass has an anti-reflective coating on it, or you will be kicking yourself in the behind. Plasma uses soo much electricity to run. Plasma also produces so much heat, I swear that it falls under the category of a space heater.

If you want the absolute best picture on a large screen and space isn't an issue, find an old Pioneer Elite PRO-720HD (or 710) RPTV and have Mr. Bob or someone else who knows what they're doing calibrate it.

If you want to keep replacing light bulbs every two years, go ahead and buy a DLP. Have you looked at the price of a DLP light bulbs lately? I think it is a joke. Stick with the tried and true LED backlit LCD technology. If you are buying a plasma TV, make sure the glass has an anti-reflective coating on it, or you will be kicking yourself in the behind. Plasma uses soo much electricity to run. Plasma also produces so much heat, I swear that it falls under the category of a space heater.

DLP Bulbs run around $100. Also for the price of the 64" DLP vs the 65" Plasma is nearly $1500 or twice as much.

Power consumption is not even a issue. Thinking green for a tv that will be surround by 2000watts of AMPS and devices is like going into a McDonalds and ordering a #6 super sized w/ a apple pie and oh btw could you make that coke a diet please... :)

LED/LCD PQ is #3 from everything I have read. The prices are on par or even higher then plasmas.

I'm looking for the best PQ/Size that I can get for around the $2,000. Right now the Mits WD-7385 is the best size for $2k but it's hard to find reviews for the PQ. The Pani PD-65s seems like the one it could be. It's $2,500 but maybe if I could find it for around $2,300 I would due it. I still have a concern for the 24p flicker issue the 65S. The 65V seems like the best Plasma today but for $4k no thanks. The 54V can be had for around $2,300 but now looking at all the charts on distance it seems like a 64"+ is a must.

I might wait and see how the prices are the next 2-4 weeks.

If you want the absolute best picture on a large screen and space isn't an issue, find an old Pioneer Elite PRO-720HD (or 710) RPTV and have Mr. Bob or someone else who knows what they're doing calibrate it.

Does the 720 stand for 720p?

DLP Bulbs run around $100. Also for the price of the 64" DLP vs the 65" Plasma is nearly $1500 or twice as much.

Power consumption is not even a issue. Thinking green for a tv that will be surround by 2000watts of AMPS and devices is like going into a McDonalds and ordering a #6 super sized w/ a apple pie and oh btw could you make that coke a diet please... :)

LED/LCD PQ is #3 from everything I have read. The prices are on par or even higher then plasmas.

I'm looking for the best PQ/Size that I can get for around the $2,000. Right now the Mits WD-7385 is the best size for $2k but it's hard to find reviews for the PQ. The Pani PD-65s seems like the one it could be. It's $2,500 but maybe if I could find it for around $2,300 I would due it. I still have a concern for the 24p flicker issue the 65S. The 65V seems like the best Plasma today but for $4k no thanks. The 54V can be had for around $2,300 but now looking at all the charts on distance it seems like a 64"+ is a must.

I might wait and see how the prices are the next 2-4 weeks.


If you are talking about Panasonic 65V plasma, I bought that TV for $1,600. The TV was on back order, so I continued to shop around for a TV, so I can have a plan B. The 3rd time I went to the store and looked at the floor model, I did not like the glare from the glass. If you are going to buy this TV, make sure that the room is dark and do not have any lights on while watching the TV. I canceled that order and bought a LG 55inch LH90 for $100 more than the plasma.

If you are talking about Panasonic 65V plasma, I bought that TV for $1,600. The TV was on back order, so I continued to shop around for a TV, so I can have a plan B. The 3rd time I went to the store and looked at the floor model, I did not like the glare from the glass. If you are going to buy this TV, make sure that the room is dark and do not have any lights on while watching the TV. I canceled that order and bought a LG 55inch LH90 for $100 more than the plasma.

Sorry, it's the 65v10. Right now they are around $4k. :(

Does the 720 stand for 720p?
No, but you won't get 1080p - just 1080i. Most would say there is no discernible difference between the two though.

Sorry, it's the 65v10. Right now they are around $4k. :(


WOW!, Are you sure? I must have got lucky when I bought mine. Yes, I originaly purchased the 65V10, but it was on backlog, so I changed my order and purchased the LG LH90.

If you want the absolute best picture on a large screen and space isn't an issue, find an old Pioneer Elite PRO-720HD (or 710) RPTV and have Mr. Bob or someone else who knows what they're doing calibrate it.

That is a CRT tube type analog HDTV weighing 350 pounds and having lower resolution with "convergence" adjustments every few months, but probably has the best "black level" but a big step backward from a fixed pixel 1080P display.

Mike T retired video design engineer BTDT

About 3 months ago I went through this same exercise to decide which type of HDTV to replace my old Samsung. I decided that the LCD type was looking better but still did not like the lower detail in dark pictures and I needed at least 60 inch screen and the price was pretty high for the few large screen LCD's that were available then. I next checked the Plasma's better picture but "burn-in" is still an issue and I watch movies in OAR and have computer connected also and then there was the change of "buzzing" and the picture quality fading with time and use because of the "phosphor" used in the display. I then ended back to DLP, large size a best price, light weight the Mits 837 series with iris had very good black level, color with a few adjustments looked excellent and for the price difference I could change the bulb and get like new performance for the life of the HDTV. So I got a WD-65837 and I am very happy with it don't worry about leaving the computer desk top display on the DLP as there are NO burn-in or image retention issues, it is quiet and no "rainbow" issues for me. I set 7 feet away and can just resolve a 1 pixel size test signal from my 1:1 pixel mapping HTPC with the auto geometry turned off and the display geometry is excellent. Next time I will evaluate all technologies and maybe LCD or Plasma or something else will be the best choice, but right now I think the very tiny mirrors flapping around is the best "all-around" display of 1080P HDTV images. YMMV

Mike T

Most professional reviewers will give the edge to plasma. More depth and better black levels and better viewing angles. I see in today's paper 58" and 60" plasmas advertised for under $2K and a 63" for a couple of hundred more. As long as you can compensate for the reflective nature of the plasma's screen I would go plasma any day every day. They are quite heavy though and can run pretty warm.

If you want the absolute best picture on a large screen and space isn't an issue, find an old Pioneer Elite PRO-720HD (or 710) RPTV and have Mr. Bob or someone else who knows what they're doing calibrate it.

Sorry, owned one and although Mr. Bob didn't tweak it there is no way it would touch my pdp.

Well, it seems like the Plasma is the best choice for me. I have duel 28" screen setup at my office for my computer so I don't imagine using it on the tv. My wife will not even allow me to have a computer at home only a Laptop for emergencies.. :(
Since, time is not critical to me and the 65V10 is really the TV I'm looking for I might just wait a month or so and see what I can get then. To get by I just found a Toshiba 1080P 40” LCD for $499 shipped. I just might go ahead and buy it and wait a little bit. Once the V10s come down I would move it to the bedroom.. hmmm need to take a nap to “sleep on it”…

About 3 months ago I went through this same exercise to decide which type of HDTV to replace my old Samsung. I decided that the LCD type was looking better but still did not like the lower detail in dark pictures and I needed at least 60 inch screen and the price was pretty high for the few large screen LCD's that were available then. I next checked the Plasma's better picture but "burn-in" is still an issue and I watch movies in OAR and have computer connected also and then there was the change of "buzzing" and the picture quality fading with time and use because of the "phosphor" used in the display. I then ended back to DLP, large size a best price, light weight the Mits 837 series with iris had very good black level, color with a few adjustments looked excellent and for the price difference I could change the bulb and get like new performance for the life of the HDTV. So I got a WD-65837 and I am very happy with it don't worry about leaving the computer desk top display on the DLP as there are NO burn-in or image retention issues, it is quiet and no "rainbow" issues for me. I set 7 feet away and can just resolve a 1 pixel size test signal from my 1:1 pixel mapping HTPC with the auto geometry turned off and the display geometry is excellent. Next time I will evaluate all technologies and maybe LCD or Plasma or something else will be the best choice, but right now I think the very tiny mirrors flapping around is the best "all-around" display of 1080P HDTV images. YMMV

Mike T

Hey Mike, If the computer on screen was not a issue and you only planned on keeping it 3 years. Would you still go with the DLP? My old DLP I never had rainbow issues. Also if this was 4 years ago and I was looking to buy a new 65" or bigger tv I wouldn't even look at the Plasmas or LCD and would just be looking at the DLPs. That is how much I loved it. But time allows the memory to fade and just that little fading is making look at all options..

As much as I love the 65V10, The 73" Mits for $2k keeps jumping back in my mind..

Sorry, owned one and although Mr. Bob didn't tweak it there is no way it would touch my pdp.
The only fixed-pixels I've seen that compete with the old Elites PQ-wise are the Kuro's and one of the Samsung lines.

Hey Mike, If the computer on screen was not a issue and you only planned on keeping it 3 years. Would you still go with the DLP? My old DLP I never had rainbow issues. Also if this was 4 years ago and I was looking to buy a new 65" or bigger tv I wouldn't even look at the Plasmas or LCD and would just be looking at the DLPs. That is how much I loved it. But time allows the memory to fade and just that little fading is making look at all options..

As much as I love the 65V10, The 73" Mits for $2k keeps jumping back in my mind..

I don't consider DLP as old stuff, I judge it by all the factors that are important to me. I think viewing distance-screen size is one of the most important factors. If you want 1080P resolution your eyes have to be able to see it, and DLP offers the best cost-screen size. If picture quality was the ONLY factor then maybe I would give Plasma a very slight edge, I would have to do a lot more looking at plasma to be sure. I DON'T like the black border around each pixel that plasma has, 1080P is much better than 720P but it is still there and if you set close enough to just resolve each pixel for best resolution then I can still see a little of the black border like a screen door.

Also Plasma is a phosphor based display and thus has burn in issues and the phosphor gets dimmer with use. The DLP has a bulb which also slowly fades with use but can be restored to new condition for $99. I am retired and watch HDTV a lot, my 65837 is 3.5 months old and I have 1189 hours of use so far.

Mike T

I don't consider DLP as old stuff, I judge it by all the factors that are important to me. I think viewing distance-screen size is one of the most important factors. If you want 1080P resolution your eyes have to be able to see it, and DLP offers the best cost-screen size. If picture quality was the ONLY factor then maybe I would give Plasma a very slight edge, I would have to do a lot more looking at plasma to be sure. I DON'T like the black border around each pixel that plasma has, 1080P is much better than 720P but it is still there and if you set close enough to just resolve each pixel for best resolution then I can still see a little of the black border like a screen door.

Also Plasma is a phosphor based display and thus has burn in issues and the phosphor gets dimmer with use. The DLP has a bulb which also slowly fades with use but can be restored to new condition for $99. I am retired and watch HDTV a lot, my 65837 is 3.5 months old and I have 1189 hours of use so far.

Mike T

Did you look at the 835s when you bought the 837s?

I just found a 73837 for under $2k shipped.. If the PQ is even close to a plasma, I think the size with the viewing distance would make the DLP a better option... *pulling hair out*...

Did you get a warranty with it?

Did you look at the 835s when you bought the 837s?

I just found a 73837 for under $2k shipped.. If the PQ is even close to a plasma, I think the size with the viewing distance would make the DLP a better option... *pulling hair out*...

Did you get a warranty with it?

I had a 2 year old Samsung 61 inch LED DLP and a 4 year extended warranty from Best Buy. The set died and they said they could not get parts so they gave me my money back except for the warranty. I did look around at all choices in July and concluded I could not go to 55 inch and pay more for a LED LCD display and the 65 inch Plasma choices were few and expensive and I have some issues with the plasma display. So my only choice was the Misu DLP. I decided on the 65837 for the latest set with very good blacks. The price for the 65837 with 4 year warranty was more than the refund, but I talked to the BB manager and got him to make the deal with a new 4 year warranty for the exact money that they gave me back for the Samsung. I am very happy with the old technology DLP, 65 inches from 7 feet looks great with Blu-Ray, HD-DVD, HTPC and Comcast cable with over 3500 movies and program files in HDTV archived to hard drives and DVD data disks.

Mike T

The only fixed-pixels I've seen that compete with the old Elites PQ-wise are the Kuro's and one of the Samsung lines.

:) I would agree but say they outperform the Elite .
-imo

whatever you do, do not buy a sony sxrd set if you stumble across one.
they are all defective!!!

The SXRD's are defective? Hmmm, My 60A3000 is just about 2 1/2 years old and I replaced the bulb 2 months ago with 8300 hours on it. Best Tv I've ever owned with 0 problems. Thousands and thousands of hits on the A3000 thread with a very low percentage of complaints. Too bad they quit making it. Any problems they had, and they had a few, would have been long rectified by now.

whatever you do, do not buy a sony sxrd set if you stumble across one.
they are all defective!!!

All defective?
My 60A2000 is almost 3 yrs old and I have had zero problems!

I have the Mits 73735 DLP model from last year and me and the family absolutely love it. Sitting about 13' from the screen, the clarity and 3 dimensional quality of the image is fantastic especially when I put my glasses on. I don't know that black level is on par with the 835 model but blacks are pretty inky black to my eyes.

Watching the latest Ice Age on blu-ray with the family last night I was stunned how nice the picture can be on this TV. I definitely wouldn't give up on DLP at this point as it seems to be the best choice in a large display over 60" that won't leave you broke at the end of the day. Maybe there will be more affordable options in a 60" plus screen in coming years that will offer the same quality and value as DLP.

Went to a local store that had the 73735 and a 83735... First of all WOW.. that 83 makes the 73 looks fairly small.. lol

Second, when I was looking at the 73735 the sales kid asked my wife what would the viewing distance be and when she told him 12 and half feet he said the 65" are the recommend size for the distance. Also that for 10' and less up to a 54". Let's just say talking with him a little more he told me that he knows a little more because "I sell tvs for a living"...

Anyway..

One thing I noticed is a 65" Plasma is wider then a 65" DLP but the DLP is a little taller? Does one or the other screens scale to size?

My experience with big screen TVs over the years has taught me that the best size for my living room/family room is always the biggest set my wife will allow.:D I do think if you want something that approximates a "cinema experience" go with the bigger screen as long as the pq and price is what you want. Of course a lot depends on your room and personal preference. When I bought mine about a year ago 73" was the biggest you could find.

hello all :) newbie here and am very interested in this conversation *bump* :D

we're getting my dad a tv for Christmas and i'm stuck on which technology to buy. our current TV is a rear projection CRT mitsu 65" (the convergence might be dead by Christmas, hopefully not any sooner otherwise he might go out and buy one himself :(). our tv before that was a massive rear projection CRT mitsu 73" (biggest at the time) which was taller than me when i was a kid; it was very much larger than life and that's how i'll always remember my dad's preferences...
my dad likes his big tv's ;) size matters and i don't think he'll be happy w/ anything smaller than 65." i can't measure the room right now because he's down there, but i wanna say the viewing distance is around 14' respectively.
he's a sports guy and movie guy 100%. this is why i've pretty much chosen the panny 65v10. making thee decision has put a lot of pressure on me, it's a decision that the other 5 siblings aren't really keen on getting involved in, lol. so it's up to me and i need your help! :p

even though i'm almost set on the 65v10, i'm open to suggestions. the bigger the better when it comes to my dad. when at BB though, the 83" mitsu DLP that they had on display is very dim in comparison to all the other flat paneled goodies. that's a problem. our living room is BRIGHT. 3 windows and a 2 door backdoor, all on the same wall which faces the tv. makes for crappy day time viewing.

are DLPs really that dim? the price/size ratio is VERY appealing and making room is not a factor. the house we live in has a "cut out" that appears to be meant for a smaller rear projection CRT (attached is a very poor cell phone pic that i took while he was taking a break from watching the USC game :rolleyes: you can see how deep the recess is). that recessed wall is throwing me for a loop as well when considering mounting the plasma. wall mounting a plasma seems impossible, and letting it sit w/in a reach of my 1 and 4 yo niece and nephew on the usual height tv stand could be deadly so i can't just leave it on a stand. not to mention we live in earthquake country so... wobble wobble! a DLP might be sturdier but still, we'd have to get it out of child's reach somehow. our current TV is absolutely RIDDLED w/ smudges and fingerprints and i cannot let this happen to the new set!

my other concern w/ DLPs is the whole light bulb changing thing. everywhere i've read said they require replacement every 2 years. yikes. $99 a bulb isn't too bad but how much will it cost to get someone out here to fix it?

i haven't mentioned PQ but it is VERY important! we don't need the latest and greatest, just the biggest and the best.

one last concern is longevity. our current mitsu 65" has lasted quite a while considering how long the tv is on during the day. sometimes it can be continuously on for over 48 hours. the kids watch tv during the day, dad watches tv when he gets home, and me and my other night owl sister watch tv during the odd hours of the night, catching up on our DVRed shows. by the time we go to bed, dad has already gotten up to get ready for work and is tuned into the morning news, then the kids wake up and the cycle begins all over again. poor tv! how do plasmas and DLPs hold up to this kind of abuse?

oh boy this is a hard decision. any and all help is SO VERY MUCH appreciated! :) ugh, sorry for the long post :o just trying to be as thorough as possible.

You replace the bulb yourself, it is easy. Unless you use the TV for many hours each day the bulb should last longer than 2 years. Plasma is a phosphor based display and as such it does fade with usage and it cannot be renewed with a $99 bulb.

My 65837 set is not dim, and I have it set on low settings and usually watch it with a light overhead turned on. At 14 feet the 65 inch is too small to see the HDTV resolution, you need to look at the 73 and 82 inch sets and there are settings to make them brighter, deciding on picture quality in the showroom at the store is very difficult as they are rarely setup correctly and the stores are usually to bright. The optimum distance to see all the 1080P resolution for a 65 inch is 7-9 feet. A quick guide on correct screen size-distance is the distance is 1.5 times the screen size for 1080P.

More info in this chart http://s3.carltonbale.com/resolution_chart.html

Mike T

thank you so much for your response, mike :)

excellent and persuading point: "Plasma is a phosphor based display and as such it does fade with usage and it cannot be renewed with a $99 bulb."
this is a biggie. wow.

the 82" that i saw at BB was in their Magnolia section so it was dark-ish, but they have those silly spotlights here and there. the tv itself had its back to the brightly lit store so i would have expected it to be brighter. i'll go back and ask them to pump up the brightness.

as far as screen reflectivity, how do current DLPs fair? our current one is a mirror. my big bro has an LG LCD 42" in a brightly lit room and i was quite impressed... glare was nonexistent! that would be nice.

is the "rainbow effect" still an issue?

is convergence still an issue w/ these types of sets?

can these types of sets be professionally calibrated like i see all the flat panel guys enjoying?

i'll have to convince the siblings of the size. they wanted to go smaller! and when i think of my dad (who wears glasses) trying to watch tv, he's usually on the edge of the chair, i'm assuming, trying to see. i'm swaying towards a bigger set now. hmmmm... i need to get to a proper show room..

edit: i'm reading a cnet article and they claim that the LED lit samsung DLP displays are superior to the mitsubishis. dilemma, dilemma...

ps: i measured the viewing distance and the closest seated viewer is 10ft away, and the farthest viewer is 14ft away. hopefully the viewing angles of these DLPs are sufficient enough to please.

If you have the room.. the WD-82835 would be sweet!
Check out the size difference from the 65" to the 83".. 65" vs 83" (http://www.displaywars.com/65-inch-16x9-vs-82-inch-16x9)

Also you might check to see what model they had at BB. The 837 is the top of the line.

What I have found out with the S vs V Plasmas is that unless you want the web functions that the V has the only difference in the two besides the $1500 price difference is the 24p. This is a huge deal for me being I would use it to watch Blu-Rays about 50% of the time.

So basically if bigger is better and the 82" would fit.. you could grab it and save $500... or if you don't think the 24p would be a big deal and you could live without the web stuff then go with the S and save about $1k off the Mits and $1500 off the V.

I'm 98% sure that I'm going to go with the WD-73835. For the money I just cannot see how I could go wrong. I'm glad the WD-82835 would not fit (to wide with my speakers) or I would REALLY be pulling my hair out.

If you need some ammo for the screen size, check out the two links that mtallent (http://s3.carltonbale.com/resolution_chart.html) and eagles (http://myhometheater.homestead.com/viewingdistancecalculator.html) posted on page one.. It helped with the "Is it 2 big?" issue I had.

All in all... you basically narrowed the list down to the two types of TVs that I did.. both seems to be great... for me, honestly if the 65V was the same price as the S.. I would pay the $500 extra and grab it over the 73837. But in the end... best bang dollar for dollar for my situation HAS to be the 73837.
Good Luck! Dad is will be smiling on Christmas morning no matter what! Now New Years day!? Not so sure when he is watching the Rose Bowl and USC isn't playing..

Oh one more thought, how is the glare in your room? I've heard that plasmas are pretty bad with that. Glare isn't a issue with me but if it is for you just take that into consideration..

The Mits WD73C9 can be had right now 1699.00 shipped! Helluva deal on a helluva great TV. Save the money and just get this nice big TV :)

The Mits WD73C9 can be had right now 1699.00 shipped! Helluva deal on a helluva great TV. Save the money and just get this nice big TV :)

I would have to say the WD-73837 top of the line model for $180 more shipped is even a helluva lot more better deal.. :)

I would have to say the WD-73837 top of the line model for $180 more shipped is even a helluva lot more better deal.. :)


Not really. That TV has 2 settings that most people will leave off anyways so all you're really paying for is the somewhat glossier looking finish and S-Video inputs if memory serves me correct.

Either way it's a great price on either set.

Where are you ordering from for that price?

thank you so much for your response, mike :)

excellent and persuading point: "Plasma is a phosphor based display and as such it does fade with usage and it cannot be renewed with a $99 bulb."
this is a biggie. wow.

as far as screen reflectivity, how do current DLPs fair? our current one is a mirror. my big bro has an LG LCD 42" in a brightly lit room and i was quite impressed... glare was nonexistent! that would be nice.

<The screen has a matte finish and not much glare.>

is the "rainbow effect" still an issue?

<Some people see it more than others, I can notice it just barely on black and white pictures only so it is not an issue for me. It is much less noticable than it was on my old RCA DLP and my Samsung LED DLP set.>

is convergence still an issue w/ these types of sets?

<There has never been a convergence issue with DLP, there is only ONE light source so it cannot be mis-converged.>

can these types of sets be professionally calibrated like i see all the flat panel guys enjoying?

<Yes, my 65837 has 2 special settings for calibration for day and night settings.>

i'll have to convince the siblings of the size. they wanted to go smaller! and when i think of my dad (who wears glasses) trying to watch tv, he's usually on the edge of the chair, i'm assuming, trying to see. i'm swaying towards a bigger set now. hmmmm... i need to get to a proper show room..

<Ask them if they had to read a book from across the room what book size would they want, larger or smaller? If you want to be able to see all the 1080P resolution that you paid for then the screen has to be big enough for your viewing distance, see the chart that I have sent a link to before.>

edit: i'm reading a cnet article and they claim that the LED lit samsung DLP displays are superior to the mitsubishis. dilemma, dilemma...

<I looked at the 55 inch Samsung LED LCD and it looked pretty good, but I could still see some motion blur on fast scenes and it was to small screen size and cost a lot more than the 65837. DLP sets have NO motion blur.>

ps: i measured the viewing distance and the closest seated viewer is 10ft away, and the farthest viewer is 14ft away. hopefully the viewing angles of these DLPs are sufficient enough to please.


Mike T

Well, after hours and hours and hours of going over everything I could find and getting gray hairs on WHAT TV TO BUY... I finally placed the order...

Friday I tried to place the order for the WD-73837 via EastCoast TVs.. but they closed early on Friday. That left me 2 more days of thinking.

I was torn.. So I txt my wife this morning.. "DLP or Plasma? Just txt me back what you think"... she sends a txt back "D comes before P so DLP it is" :rolleyes:

Today I bought the TC-P65S1. It was $2,315 shipped. Everything I have read about the S and V models have been nearly perfect. DLP owners seem to love the tv and the size but never read where they are "Wowed" if that makes sense. This with the fact the Plasma will make the room look "Cleaner" on the table and the $200 reduction in price over the weekend... tilted in the favor of the Plasma.

Thanks to everyone for the help. :)

finally saw a properly set up 82837 showing Transformers2 on Bluray and OH YEAHHHHH!!! mom saw it and she is super excited :D i know as soon as we get it hooked up, the siblings will love it too :cool:

now i just gotta figure out where to buy the monster. ebay wholesaler, amazon retailer, or a local (expensive) store. hmmmm...
what's the general consensus on having this size of a TV shipped? is the risk/hassle worth the savings?

thank you so much for all the input and swaying me into taking a 2nd look at the mits! we're all so excited!!

finally saw a properly set up 82837 showing Transformers2 on Bluray and OH YEAHHHHH!!! mom saw it and she is super excited :D i know as soon as we get it hooked up, the siblings will love it too :cool:

now i just gotta figure out where to buy the monster. ebay wholesaler, amazon retailer, or a local (expensive) store. hmmmm...
what's the general consensus on having this size of a TV shipped? is the risk/hassle worth the savings?

thank you so much for all the input and swaying me into taking a 2nd look at the mits! we're all so excited!!

Where are you located?

Where are you located?

i'm in southern cali. currently going through the phone book to see what my options are as far as buying locally. how can i be sure that what these sellers have in stock is a 2009 build? i worry that online sellers who are able to offer this TV for hundreds less are trying to get rid of last years stock :confused:

i'm in southern cali. currently going through the phone book to see what my options are as far as buying locally. how can i be sure that what these sellers have in stock is a 2009 build? i worry that online sellers who are able to offer this TV for hundreds less are trying to get rid of last years stock :confused:

Last years stock? The 82837 is the newest model. When they come out with a newer one I'm thinking it would be named 82839.

The 65S1 I got from East Coast last week had a manufacture date of Sept 2009 on it. It was the cheapest around and the price on the web site is the TOTAL price I paid shipped and hooked up.

Check around. Check out Cleveland Plasma and see what prices they have. Bet you they beat anything you would find local plus add in the sales tax. Also if they are priced higher it never hurts to give them a call and see what they can do. Just my 2 cents.

Last years stock? The 82837 is the newest model. When they come out with a newer one I'm thinking it would be named 82839.

The 65S1 I got from East Coast last week had a manufacture date of Sept 2009 on it. It was the cheapest around and the price on the web site is the TOTAL price I paid shipped and hooked up.

Check around. Check out Cleveland Plasma and see what prices they have. Bet you they beat anything you would find local plus add in the sales tax. Also if they are priced higher it never hurts to give them a call and see what they can do. Just my 2 cents.

mwahaha!! shows you how much i know! :o

so then you recommend that shipping a large item w/ delicate parts is ok? if the item gets damaged during shipping, i would have to reject the package and wait for a replacement, right?
as you can see, i don't deal w/ buying large, fragile items off the internet much :rolleyes: so i thank you kindly for your insight.

hey guys. I"m glad I found this post as I've been rackin my brain for a while about this. While DLP seems dead and I've been scared of the moving parts breaking, I am almost 13 feet away from the tv in my living room. I really need a big tv but the sky rocket in cost with lcd/plasma above 50inches is insane.

Here is another question though. Used DLP's are hella cheap on craigslist. Is there a big difference between DLP's being made now and a couple years ago?

I don't WANT to spend more than $1000 but I may if I want a larger tv and a new one. I don't care about used but if an older DLP (still HD by the way) is going to be a lot worse, I would rather pay the extra money for the new one.

The TV will also be on for a decent amount of time, probably 50 hours a week. Will that be a problem? I know bulbs will have to be replaced every couple of years. Plasma does get dimmer over time but they have a 100,000 hour life so think about that. Even though you can't fix a plasma like you can a DLP, a plasma won't go dim for 15-30 years probably. I'm sure you'll be getting a new tv easily within that time frame. So that's something to think about. Plasma would be more cost effective I would think then right?

Man this is such a tough decision...

hey guys. I"m glad I found this post as I've been rackin my brain for a while about this. While DLP seems dead and I've been scared of the moving parts breaking, I am almost 13 feet away from the tv in my living room. I really need a big tv but the sky rocket in cost with lcd/plasma above 50inches is insane.

Here is another question though. Used DLP's are hella cheap on craigslist. Is there a big difference between DLP's being made now and a couple years ago?

I don't WANT to spend more than $1000 but I may if I want a larger tv and a new one. I don't care about used but if an older DLP (still HD by the way) is going to be a lot worse, I would rather pay the extra money for the new one.

The TV will also be on for a decent amount of time, probably 50 hours a week. Will that be a problem? I know bulbs will have to be replaced every couple of years. Plasma does get dimmer over time but they have a 100,000 hour life so think about that. Even though you can't fix a plasma like you can a DLP, a plasma won't go dim for 15-30 years probably. I'm sure you'll be getting a new tv easily within that time frame. So that's something to think about. Plasma would be more cost effective I would think then right?

Man this is such a tough decision...

Buy a new WD-73837 for around $2k.. I was torn between that and the 65S1.. If you plan on using the tv as much as it sounds spend a little more and buy it new. JMO

Buy a new WD-73837 for around $2k.. I was torn between that and the 65S1.. If you plan on using the tv as much as it sounds spend a little more and buy it new. JMO

thanks for the info. i'm not a huge videophile. hell, i'm still on a 32" CRT 1080i tv. I'm perfectly happy with the picture quality. I'm not too picky on that stuff. I just want way bigger. i don't have cable though and don't plan on watching dvds or blu-rays very often. I pretty much only watch videos online or ripped videos. So I will be hooking up my PC to it. Is the 837 series worth the extra price? What is the difference between the 837, 737, and C9 series?

thanks for the info. i'm not a huge videophile. hell, i'm still on a 32" CRT 1080i tv. I'm perfectly happy with the picture quality. I'm not too picky on that stuff. I just want way bigger. i don't have cable though and don't plan on watching dvds or blu-rays very often. I pretty much only watch videos online or ripped videos. So I will be hooking up my PC to it. Is the 837 series worth the extra price? What is the difference between the 837, 737, and C9 series?

I think it would be very hard to be a Videophile setting 13 feet from a 32 inch screen. Here is a chart to give you an idea of the correct screen size for your viewing distance. http://s3.carltonbale.com/resolution_chart.html

As you can see it will take a very big screen to give you full 1080 resolution at 13 feet. I set 7-8 feet from a WD-65837 and I can just see full resolution of 1080P test signal.

Who knows, with a much larger screen size like the 73 inch suggested you may get more interested in HDTV. There is a big thread covering the 837, 737 and C9 series you can find what the differences are in the models by reading that thread.

Mike T

I think it would be very hard to be a Videophile setting 13 feet from a 32 inch screen. Here is a chart to give you an idea of the correct screen size for your viewing distance.

As you can see it will take a very big screen to give you full 1080 resolution at 13 feet. I set 7-8 feet from a WD-65837 and I can just see full resolution of 1080P test signal.

Who knows, with a much larger screen size like the 73 inch suggested you may get more interested in HDTV. There is a big thread covering the 837, 737 and C9 series you can find what the differences are in the models by reading that thread.

Mike T

thanks, I'll check out that thread. I used to have HDTV through comcast but i dumped it to save money. I actually prefer to just download/rip/view online the TV shows I want. Shows are usually 720p anyways so i don't really care about 1080p technically (part of the reason I was looking at older models).

Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy the high resolution but I prefer to save $100 a month on paying for 100s of channels I could mostly care less about. So ya, it's more important to me to save money and get a big tv, than to get the highest resolution screen.

and like i said, anything is going to be better than the 32" i'm using now i would think.

hey guys. I"m glad I found this post as I've been rackin my brain for a while about this. While DLP seems dead and I've been scared of the moving parts breaking, I am almost 13 feet away from the tv in my living room. I really need a big tv but the sky rocket in cost with lcd/plasma above 50inches is insane.

Here is another question though. Used DLP's are hella cheap on craigslist. Is there a big difference between DLP's being made now and a couple years ago?

I don't WANT to spend more than $1000 but I may if I want a larger tv and a new one. I don't care about used but if an older DLP (still HD by the way) is going to be a lot worse, I would rather pay the extra money for the new one.

The TV will also be on for a decent amount of time, probably 50 hours a week. Will that be a problem? I know bulbs will have to be replaced every couple of years. Plasma does get dimmer over time but they have a 100,000 hour life so think about that. Even though you can't fix a plasma like you can a DLP, a plasma won't go dim for 15-30 years probably. I'm sure you'll be getting a new tv easily within that time frame. So that's something to think about. Plasma would be more cost effective I would think then right?

Man this is such a tough decision...

Have you looked at the Mitsu 60" dlps? That's much bigger than your crt and you can find the c9 series of those for under $1000 new. As someone mentioned, check out the official 2009 thread for mitsu dlps. Some posters have found deals on this model tv as low as $799! IMHO i think you'd be much better off with a new dlp $1000-$1500 (amazon has the 65" c9 series for $1199) than a used one a couple years old.

Have you looked at the Mitsu 60" dlps? That's much bigger than your crt and you can find the c9 series of those for under $1000 new. As someone mentioned, check out the official 2009 thread for mitsu dlps. Some posters have found deals on this model tv as low as $799! IMHO i think you'd be much better off with a new dlp $1000-$1500 (amazon has the 65" c9 series for $1199) than a used one a couple years old.

ya I've even seen the C9 65" for a tad under $1000. I think you are probably right that getting a new one is probably worth it, at least it should future proof me for a long time (as long as I want to keep buying bulbs).

Next, I just have to research the difference between C9, 737, and 837.

I know this is a dumb question but why doesn't Mitsubishi just double the wattage of the bulbs in their rear projection sets so even the LCD fried white hot lovers would be satisfied?

Is increasing the brightness on rear projection sets as easy as increasing the wattage and brightness of the bulb?

I know this is a dumb question but why doesn't Mitsubishi just double the wattage of the bulbs in their rear projection sets so even the LCD fried white hot lovers would be satisfied?

Is increasing the brightness on rear projection sets as easy as increasing the wattage and brightness of the bulb?

it seems like it would be as simple as that. Obviously it would use more electricity and burn out your bulb a lot faster. I, personally, don't see a brightness issue at all with DLPs so I don't see the reason to even do that.

thanks for the info. i'm not a huge videophile. hell, i'm still on a 32" CRT 1080i tv. I'm perfectly happy with the picture quality. I'm not too picky on that stuff. I just want way bigger. i don't have cable though and don't plan on watching dvds or blu-rays very often. I pretty much only watch videos online or ripped videos. So I will be hooking up my PC to it. Is the 837 series worth the extra price? What is the difference between the 837, 737, and C9 series?

Hmm I know the bigger you get the worst the PQ will be unless you have HD. If you get a big 55"+ tv and only run SD through it I'm afraid you will be cussing up a storm!

HD can be had by buying a $20 antenna at Wal-Mart.

Just hate for you to buy something that is "Big" but only to be disappointed in the PQ..

I know this is a dumb question but why doesn't Mitsubishi just double the wattage of the bulbs in their rear projection sets so even the LCD fried white hot lovers would be satisfied?

Is increasing the brightness on rear projection sets as easy as increasing the wattage and brightness of the bulb?

Double wattage= double heat. With that extra heat, you could have the DLP block go out.

Hmm I know the bigger you get the worst the PQ will be unless you have HD. If you get a big 55"+ tv and only run SD through it I'm afraid you will be cussing up a storm!

HD can be had by buying a $20 antenna at Wal-Mart.

Just hate for you to buy something that is "Big" but only to be disappointed in the PQ..

ya i understand i could get an antenna to get hd but i still wouldn't use it. why i canceled my cable in the first place is that i found i was downloading or watching my tv shows online since it was easier. i can watch what i want and when i want. having over the air hd wouldn't help me. i mean, i might get it just to have it but i doubt i'd ever use it. i can download 720p videos so those shouldn't look too bad on the tv would they? would i be better of buying an older tv that isn't 1080p?

Haven't been on the forum in a few days, so catching this thread a bit late, but for any others on the fence... I had a Pioneer 58" RPTV calibrated by Gregg Loewen, about a 9 year old tv.

Went through the same process trying to decide on a replacement (started to get the power board problems), first looking at LCD's, then Plasma's--trying to justify the prices to get something bigger than my old 58". Then I saw the Mitsubishi DLP's...

End of story, I now have the 73837... :D I have no iris problems (check out the owner's thread).

58" to 65" just wasn't enough size increase for me to justify the cost of a plasma, so I went up to 73" for about $2100...

From the Home Theater Mag review: http://www.hometheatermag.com/rearprojectiontvs/mitsubishi_wd-73837_dlp_rear-projection_hdtv/

"One of the first things that impressed me about the Mitsubishi was its solid black level. While it’s not KURO-like by a long shot (see HT Labs Measures), only a handful of HDTVs we’ve tested can surpass it. And none of those can simultaneously match the WD-73837’s peak white level."