Hey all. I am trying to decide on my tv for my main media room and I need help. I was wondering what would be a better use of my money. Getting the new 60 inch pioneer elite model or getting the new 65 inch mitsubishi diamond dlp and pairing it with an external processor/scaler. Both can be had for around the same price. Let me know what you guys think and what processor/scaler I should get if I go that route. Thanks in advance.

What is your viewing distance? Ignoring the wife's aesthetic requirements, viewing distance is the most important factor in determining what to buy.

around 12 feet. i am just wondering if either option produces a noticably better picture or if they are too similar to discern a difference.

I am a plasma guy first and foremost but....

If you don't mind the continuing bulb replacement cost, sweet spot viewing only and don't see rainbows with DLP (is the Mits in question an LED?), the larger screen Mits with external processor would be my choice. You are better off in the long run with the processor IMO. Check the forum sponsors at the top of the page for selection.

Hey all. I am trying to decide on my tv for my main media room and I need help. I was wondering what would be a better use of my money. Getting the new 60 inch pioneer elite model or getting the new 65 inch mitsubishi diamond dlp and pairing it with an external processor/scaler. Both can be had for around the same price. Let me know what you guys think and what processor/scaler I should get if I go that route. Thanks in advance.
Clarkbar has made some good points.

I am one that is aware that processing is the weak link in most systems and so appreciate the difference a quality processer can make. That said, there are inherent advantages to the PQ delivered by quality plasma displays that RPTVs IMO cannot match. Each may have to judge for their own, for instance, their sensitivity to SSE and its effect on the illusion of reality as well as viewing angle limitations.

If one is considering an external processor, at this time in their evolution it should be an advanced processor based on the SO Realta or Gennum VSX chips. These processors cost 4-6k. They can process signals from SD up to 1080p and output everything at 1080p. If used, it makes sense to leverage this power by driving a 1080p display as a pure monitor with a 1080p digital HDCP signal and 1:1 mapping. IMO anything less should just use the processing in a quality display like NEC or Pioneer.

While 65", even 70", would be nice from 12', I would go with the Pioneer 60" plasma for its overall PQ. The Mits is an excellent RPTV but I don't believe an external processor can make up for some of the PQ issues attendant to projected images.

Cheers, :)

Gary