Wade4308
08-27-07, 03:17 PM
For about a month, I have been evaluating various HDTVs to determine whether or not I wanted to take the plunge and if so, which set would be best for me. I quickly eliminated plasma due to the high reflection on the screen. I have that problem with my current analog tv and I don't want it again.
I really like the rear projection tvs and have found some great bargains such as a Toshiba 57 inch set for $1099 plus shipping and a Sony LCoS 55 inch set for about half price. I really prefer the rear projection, especially the cost, and in fact the only thing I prefer about the LCD over the rear projection is the viewing angle. Much better, of course, on the LCD.
So, here is my remaining problem and I am hoping that some of you with plenty of experience with these technologies will give me some feedback. I was within minutes of pulling the trigger on a Sony KDS-55A2020 yesterday when I suddenly realized that in all my evaluation I had not factored in the long term cost of replacement bulbs. Yes, I knew these sets would need replacement bulbs but I have not done the math to look at the true value over time. So, I started thinking about it and it seems that the HDTV set would probably run roughly 3000 hours per year in my house. Assuming that figure, it seems that I would need to replace the bulb every 2 years on average and since I am a person who keeps his toys a long time, I figure I would have the set at least 10 years. That being the case, it would seem that I would need to endure the aggravation and the cost of replacing the bult at least 5 times during the life of the set. Assuming an average of $200 per bulb, that is an extra cost over the life of the set of $1000 plus 5 episodes of aggravation until the bulb got replaced. When I add that to the original cost, I have as much or more money invested than I would have with getting a 52" LCD and I don't have to be limited in my viewing angle.
Having stated all that, what I would like to hear from you HDTV experienced folks is whether or not my logic is flawed and/or are there any similar costs with LCD that I need to factor into the lifetime costs?
I sure would appreciate any information because at the prices of these sets, I cannot afford to make a mistake since I am retired and living on a limited fixed income.
I really like the rear projection tvs and have found some great bargains such as a Toshiba 57 inch set for $1099 plus shipping and a Sony LCoS 55 inch set for about half price. I really prefer the rear projection, especially the cost, and in fact the only thing I prefer about the LCD over the rear projection is the viewing angle. Much better, of course, on the LCD.
So, here is my remaining problem and I am hoping that some of you with plenty of experience with these technologies will give me some feedback. I was within minutes of pulling the trigger on a Sony KDS-55A2020 yesterday when I suddenly realized that in all my evaluation I had not factored in the long term cost of replacement bulbs. Yes, I knew these sets would need replacement bulbs but I have not done the math to look at the true value over time. So, I started thinking about it and it seems that the HDTV set would probably run roughly 3000 hours per year in my house. Assuming that figure, it seems that I would need to replace the bulb every 2 years on average and since I am a person who keeps his toys a long time, I figure I would have the set at least 10 years. That being the case, it would seem that I would need to endure the aggravation and the cost of replacing the bult at least 5 times during the life of the set. Assuming an average of $200 per bulb, that is an extra cost over the life of the set of $1000 plus 5 episodes of aggravation until the bulb got replaced. When I add that to the original cost, I have as much or more money invested than I would have with getting a 52" LCD and I don't have to be limited in my viewing angle.
Having stated all that, what I would like to hear from you HDTV experienced folks is whether or not my logic is flawed and/or are there any similar costs with LCD that I need to factor into the lifetime costs?
I sure would appreciate any information because at the prices of these sets, I cannot afford to make a mistake since I am retired and living on a limited fixed income.