I made the same post in the flat screen forum, but thought I'd add it here too for balance! I'm in the market for our first HD set. I will be watching a lot of sports, general tv shows, and movies as well. The tv will be placed into a custom built cabinet, so depth is really not a concern. My biggest concern is that right behind the couch we have a set of french doors that get a LOT of light. Our current tv is a 43" Toshiba projection, about 8 years old, and the screen is highly reflective and really does not do well with the amount of light we have in this room. I am trying to determine if I would be better off with something like the 52XBR2(or3), or if the 55 or 60A2020 projection sets would work ok for this use. I'd like to go with the 60 inch rear projection, but am very concerned about its ability to handle the light. The room the tv will be in is rectangular, with the prime viewing seats about 12-14 feet from the screen. We also view from the kitchen, which is farther a way and at an angle, but I don't think that the angle would be great enough to cause real problems with a projection set. I've been to a couple of stores, and some guys seem to say that the flat screen is better, period, while others say that the picture on the rear projection sets is about the same as the flat screen and that I may as well save some $$$ since I'm doing a built in unit and the width of the set doesn't matter.

Any input on which of these technologies would better suit my needs would be very much appreciated.

I prefer RP LCOS or DLP, but all that matters is which you prefer.

Thanks --- I've taken a look once at the store, and will do so several more times, but I was wondering if there's a clear consensus along the lines of "LCD is always a better picture than LCoS projection because ..." or vice-versa.

It's gonna be hard to get a completely impartial opinion on these boards. I own two LCD Projection models right now, but i'm also very impressed by the newest LCD Flat Panel sets.

In general I would say the new flat panels have a sharper look than projection models, and the clarity can't be beat. However, if the price of the rear projection is cheaper, it's not exactly a bad choice at all.

It's gonna be hard to get a completely impartial opinion on these boards. I own two LCD Projection models right now, but i'm also very impressed by the newest LCD Flat Panel sets.

In general I would say the new flat panels have a sharper look than projection models, and the clarity can't be beat. However, if the price of the rear projection is cheaper, it's not exactly a bad choice at all.

Thanks. Looks like the projection runs around $2100 or so for 60", while the LCD flat is around $3500 for 52". I'm really more concerned about getting a tv that will leave me with no regrets than the cost!

The LCoS sets have an advantage with fast-moving things like sports. Right now, for best picture quality, I'd go LCoS (front or rear projection) or a high end plasma. Obviously the high end plasma is a LOT more expensive.

The LCoS sets have an advantage with fast-moving things like sports. Right now, for best picture quality, I'd go LCoS (front or rear projection) or a high end plasma. Obviously the high end plasma is a LOT more expensive.


agreed