I am in the market for a 65"+ TV for a room with a 15'+ viewing distance, but my budget maxes out at $4,000. I think that (1) the budget, which really needs to be closer to $3,000, (2) the fact that I'm not comfortable with any second tier manufacturers that you can generally find on the internet or Costco and (3) the fact that I need to make the purchase in the next 15-45 days, means that I am looking at RPTV, because name-brand plasma and LCD just don't fit the budget. Please tell me if I've overlooked some plasma or LCD (or other) options.

If I do go with RPTV in the 65-73" range, am I essentially buying a dead technology? I know that Sony and others have gotten out of the RP game, but it sounds like Mitsubishi and Samsung are still sticking with it. I am currently looking at the Mits WD-65/737xx or WD-65/738xx as very reasonably priced options, but I can't help but question my decision to go with a bigger RP (73") over a smaller plasma/LCD (60"). Any thoughts as to whether I'd be better with the plasma/LCD technology, albeit on a smaller screen, over RPTV on a 73" from 15+ feet?

You will not find an LCD/Plasma at 65+ for under 4 grand. If you could find one at wholesale type cost, you MAY be able to find one close to that... but that would be unlikely. 60" or so... more likely. RPTV's are not a bad option at that size. You obviously get more size for your buck and if you're watching the $$ then this is probably your best option (unless you had the proper room for a projector.) I know Sony is getting out of the RP game, but you can still get them for now, and they will support repair/warranty issues for quite some time. I'm personally partial to the Sony's and Samsungs, but the Mitsubishi's are right behind them. Mitsubishi actually has a special program right now if you sign up for their Mitsubishi credit card, you get no payments/no interest until ... I think it's March 2008 ( I can check this if you want). The RPTV market is a dieing market, but that just means better prices. The quality is still pretty good in comparison and there are a few new technologies (i.e. LED) that are making their way into the few RPTV's left. RPTV's are still awesome at showing movies. In a couple years, all this may change, but for now, Due to the almighty dollar... RPTV seems like it's your best option.

Just because RPTV's is a dying market doesnt make them a worse product. The only reason they are a dying market is because people have this belief that Flat Panels are better so the market is going that way even though currently RPTV's rape flat panel displays in every aspect.


Lets see:

1500-2000 dollars buys me a 55"+ TV that destroys anything Flat Panels have to offer even in the higher end 3-5k models. It's a no brainer as to which one to get.