My 10 yr old 63" Toshiba finally died on me and I'm in quick need of a new set. So I've been on AVS and the web 24/7 doing research. I'd hoped there would be an obvious choice, but alas know. Here's my notes, which might help some and maybe the rest of you can fill in the blanks.

+ I have a ton of windows so Plasma won't work. The Pioneer Elite plasma was the most stunning pic I came across, but would work for me. The Panasonic 50PZ700U has an anti-glare screen, but it only does so much.

+ The Sharp LCD's aren't bad, but he picture just doesn't grab me. And then I read all about the banding.

+ DLP pictures look sterile and "fake" to me. Also don't like movement on them. The new LED DLP's sounded promising, but it just doesn't suit me (however if you like the DLP pic, I think you'll love the LED version)

+ Of all LCD's, the Samsungs are always my favorite, but then the go and add a reflective screen to the LN-T5265F!!!! And the word I got was that they aren't making a non-glare 5261F and that the new 81 series is reflective! Why oh why...

+ The other LCD I really liked off the bat was the new Toshiba 52LX177. Wonderfull picture, but I noticed the green push right away (before I read about it). If I have to head in that direction, I may see if it's true that I can get rid of most of it through adjustment. I'm afraid it would bother me though, seeing even a bit of it.

+ I've always loved big sets, and the only rear projection I'm considering is the 60 and 70" xbr2 (not sure if it's actually DLP or what?). Haven't read about any "clouding" with it as with the flat xbr's. We were hoping to hang something on the wall, but I'm starting to think a big xbr might be the way to go. The pic of the 52" Toshiba LCD always seems to grab me more in the stores, but at one store (Magnolia with dim lighting), the 60/70" looked good. Then I wonder about a 60xbr5 (but no word on when it's out, and I heard it's glass which would cause reflections I'm guessing).

Ahhhhhhh!!!!!

Any help, comments, suggestions appreciated. Or just please tell me that this will all be over eventually.

Thanks and take care.
Lands

+ I've always loved big sets, and the only rear projection I'm considering is the 60 and 70" xbr2 (not sure if it's actually DLP or what?). Haven't read about any "clouding" with it as with the flat xbr's. We were hoping
When looking at RPTVs, my eyes are always drawn to the Sony sets. They are not DLP but rather LCoS (somewhat related to rear projection LCD).

LCOS stands for liquid crystal on silicon. Many professional reviewers consider the SXRD (Sony) XBR2 to have the very best PQ available. The actual picture structure differs in perception between LCOS, DLP, Plasma, flat screen LCD and RPLCD. Many love DLP but not you. The newest LCD flat panels like the 81 series Samsung, are limited to 52" max at this time. If you want bigger and have room for it the XBR2 is a terrific choice. Also consider the slight step down Sony SXRD's, the 2020 and the new 3000. JVC also offers a couple of very highly regarded LCOS displays.

Ahhhhhhh!!!!!

Any help, comments, suggestions appreciated. Or just please tell me that this will all be over eventually.

Thanks and take care.
LandsThe great poet Maynard James Keenan once wrote "Over thinking, over analyzing, seperates the body from the mind"

So before you lose your mind remember that everyone likes different things, has a different set of priorities and especially remember currently there is no perfect solution for you.

As a suggestion I would maybe wait a bit and take a look at the LED-LCDs coming out as well as the 60" Kuro panels coming in september. Just a suggestion though :)

Lands, enjoy the process of finding your next television. It can be fun looking at how much better technology has improved in 10 years.

I picked plasma. You can do something about the glare. Buy curtains, place the plasma where it is not directly across from a window or light source. Switch to softer light bulbs and move your lights. A little planning can overcome glare.

If you want RPTV there must be better pictures than your 10 year old Toshiba. If you liked your last Toshiba, then why not look at the new Toshiba?

I think when you look at everything available, you will come to the conlusion that plasma has the best picture quality. Try to give some thought about the room and how to minimize glare and your effort will reward you with a great picture.

I think I read that Toshiba and Hitachi are dropping out of the RPTV game. I love the PQ of plasma but if you want bigger than 60" at an affordable price plasma is not the way to go, at least not yet. At 60+ I still favor LCOS but DLP is pretty nice too. It looks like the remaining major players in the RPTV market will be Sony, JVC, Mitsubishi, and Samsung.

Get plasma for your movies, windows/lights can be fixed up.

Get plasma for your movies, windows/lights can be fixed up.

Agreed for plasma for PQ. As for glare, well, Panasonic does have a new line of plasmas that sport a brand new anti-glare coating that makes them as much reflection-free as LCDs. Don't know, however, what their largest model is (with the new coating).

Thanks for all the feedback everyone. I've taken your info, and done more research and here's where I'm at:

I'm afraid plasma just won't work. One entire wall and 1/4 of another is literally all windows, and they get sunlight dusk till dawn. I've looked at the Pannasonics but the anti-glare wouldn't do enough.

I had been looking at only the XBR Sonys, but I checked out the 2020 and it is quite nice. I also read about the 3000, which I understand is coming out end of next month. Although the pic of the 2020 didn't have the depth of some of the plasmas, it just might be a comprimise I have to make. What I don't understand is why the 2020 looked better (in every store) than the 60xbr2? (I adjusted both - I'm going to start another thread with that question!)

I still really like the new Toshiba 52" 52LX177. Although I do see green push in it, I didn't see any in the 42" version. Not sure if the 52" will be large enough for me. Hmmm...

So... I'm thinking about trying the Toshiba via Ken Cranes and switching it out for the Sony if it doesn't work in my house (or vice versa). I have to work out the Sony questions, one being whether to wait to see the 60A3000 (anyone know when it will be in stores?).

Thanks again - any other input welcome.

Just remember.....you are still losing PQ with those windows, no matter the tech used. ;)

Just remember.....you are still losing PQ with those windows, no matter the tech used. ;)

Yeah, but I'm gaining a hell of a view of Los Angeles. ;)

Yeah, but I'm gaining a hell of a view of Los Angeles. ;)

Hey, an LCD will even mimick the smog level with that lighting. ;)

Hey, an LCD will even mimick the smog level with that lighting. ;)

smog and wildfires make for incredible sunsets :D

smog and wildfires make for incredible sunsets :D

Sounds crazy, but you should have seen how cool the last fire in the LA hills looked from my view. Quite amazing. And most days in the winter, you can see (almost) forever. Breathing is a different story... :o

Last night we wheeled my old 60" set out of the room and put the 27" from the office as a temp replacement. Funny thing is my wife actually suggested a different corner for the new TV to avoid some of the "window reflection". Guess all my research/hysteria is rubbing off. :D