What type of tv would you suggest for the following room. 850 SF room with 17 foot high flat ceiling. Home theater is set up at one end of this room. The area where the tv is set up is roughly 16’ x 16’. The room has a lot of windows. One window on back wall (in line with the tv) is 6 foot wide and 12 foot tall. The wall to the right of the tv has the same size window. I used RBH SI-760 in-wall speakers for sound. TV and components are in a custom cabinet hidden behind a pair of doors. With the doors closed you would not even now this room was a home theater room. The largest tv that will fit is 50” plasma or 52” DLP. This would be our main viewing tv. Prime viewing distance is 10’-6”. I keep going back and forth between DLP and Plasma. Please state your reasons. Thank you.

My room is also difficult .... lots of glass, and fairly open. I was originally going for Plasma, but ended up with DLP. I'm very happy with the choice, but I'd think you can make the Plasma work if you have the ability to shut out most of the light (we have hurricane shutters).

I'd say give the DLP sets a good look ... I was surprised with how much they've improved in the last few years.

No shutters or drapes. I was concerned if the natural light of the room would wash out a DLP. When I go into the stores the DLP's seem to be in an area where there is less light. I am also concerned about all of the moving parts in a DLP. I know that the LED DLP's will be out soon, but I think they are only rated for about 8,000 hours before replacement and I asume that the replacement cost is high not $200 like the bulb in a regular DLP.

Why won't you consider a LCD flat panel?

No shutters or drapes. I was concerned if the natural light of the room would wash out a DLP. When I go into the stores the DLP's seem to be in an area where there is less light. I am also concerned about all of the moving parts in a DLP. I know that the LED DLP's will be out soon, but I think they are only rated for about 8,000 hours before replacement and I asume that the replacement cost is high not $200 like the bulb in a regular DLP.

DLP performs very well in high light situations. It's arguably the strongest and brightest picture you will get for a room with a lot of ambient light.

The largest LCD that I can fit in my space is a 46" and I want a larger picture for my viewing distance. I can not find a 50" that will fit. I am also concerned about the speed on the LCD's (basketball). What am I gaining by going to LCD?

Plasma would be a huge mistake in your room with all the windows. DLP, RP LCD, and LCOS would all be fine. Samsung already has an LED DLP available (56"). Regular bulbs are rated for 6000-8000 hours. LEDs are rated for >20,000 hours.

I was all set to get a Samsung HL-S5087 but I got scared off due to all of the problem posts here and at Amazon. One reason that I considered this set is the good rating that it has for SD since SD is a lot of what we watch. I also considered the Mitsubishi 52631. I have an old 35" mitsu that has been trouble free for 12 years. Right now I am using a 36" CRT toshiba 4:3 aspect ratio. I like to watch a lot of movies.

The largest LCD that I can fit in my space is a 46" and I want a larger picture for my viewing distance. I can not find a 50" that will fit. I am also concerned about the speed on the LCD's (basketball). What am I gaining by going to LCD?

I don't understand. How can a 50" fit but not a 46"
I was just wondering why you only asked about DLP's and Plasma. If you are considering spending the $$ on a Plasma you should look at the LCD's especially the Sony Bravia line. Outstanding PQ, good in bright rooms, good viewing angle and no burn in.

The 56" will not fit. I guess 20,000 hours should last us 7 to 8 years. I guess by that time you junk the set and get a new one since technology will have improved so much.

I have 48" of space no more. The frames on the LCD's and Plasma's are larger than what you find on the DLP sets. A 52" Mitsubishi 52631 DLP will fit. A 50" Panasonic Plasma 60U will fit. I can not find a 50" LCD that will fit in this space. A 46" LCD will fit. Many of the LCD's have side mounted speakers. I do not need for the speakers.