Guys,

I am having a house built and will be buying a flat panel display for the family room (18' deep and 15' wide room).

My question is what sort of display should I get and what size? I am planning to use it for video games and watching sports/movies, etc. This room has 1 window on the left wall and to the left of this room is a sunroom with many windows.

Also, is placing the flat panel over the mantel a bad idea? is it too high? I am envisioning 7.1 speaker system in this room and think the fireplace offers the most centered location in the room. My main "sweet spot" seating will be a recliner that will be 12' back from the TV. Other seating will be on the left and right side of the tv (2 sofas).

Thanks

vthok,

As the owner of both technologies, it would be my recommendation to look strongly[U] at the Plasma. Placed side by side, with the same source input, the difference in picture quality is readily visible. With your room size, the larger the screen, the better. At your viewing distance (11'), a 65" plasma would be recommended. As for mounting over the mantle, as long as you have structural integrety at that area, the height should not be a problem, utilizing a quality bracket with pan/tilt capability. Also, with whatever you decide on, make sure you have it calibrated by a Certified ISF Calibrator. The minimal cost of doing this will be the most important decision in your viewing experience.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=767932