Thomson 52" Scenium

Well, first of all you need to know that Thomson put their name on an RCA Scenium.

It's impossible to know the vintage of the unit without a model number, but I would hazard to guess that it was made in 2002-2004, rather than 5 or 6 years ago. You should look to see if there's a date of manufacture on the back. Caveat emptor.

It appears to have some interesting features, including 720P in addition to 1080i , as well as a variety of stretch modes. Some models apparently have a built in (non-progressive) DVD player, coupled with the TV's line doubling feature.

I would guess that reliability is average, and I have no idea about parts availability, or ease of service.

The picture, from what I've read, can be pretty good. Here are some Amazon reviews:
http://www.amazon.com/RCA-Widescreen-SCENIUM-Monitor-D52W135D/product-reviews/B00008OAIQ/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt/179-9392549-4377622?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

There are also some reviews on Epinions and Retrevo.

Given that some people give rptvs away (it's an expense to move them), and this is 52" rather than 65" or 73", and that it is likely older than 5 or 6 years old, if you like the set I'd offer him less.

If you look on Craigslist, or on this forum, you can find some larger Mitsubishis, Hitachis, Pioneers and Panasonics (including some CRT RPTVs) that have more "track record."

I do realize that Thomson is a European (UK) brand, but from what I read they put their name on the RCA Sceniums, so I don't believe there is any difference at all.

You should try and get a specific model number, so that you can get more definite details. There was, apparently, a wide range of options on different sets, and not all had the built-in DVD.

Also take a look at the manufacturing date. You should factor it in if the seller has been a bit fast and loose with the age. If it's his set, he must know that it's not 5-6 years old.

Did you edit your original post to change Euros to Dollars, or do I need another cup of tea?

I'm curious about the manufacturing date as an indicator of the seller's credibility.

UPDATE:

I did find this review of an RCA Scenium DLP from 2008, although it is a 61 inch model:

http://voices.yahoo.com/rca-scenium-61-dlp-hdtv-review-901601.html

So perhaps your seller is giving you an accurate "picture," and I will need to retract my insinuating remarks.
It will be interesting to see what you find out by looking at the back of the TV for model number and manufacturing date.

It isn't easy finding information on these Sceniums!
Edited by taichi4 - 3/10/13 at 5:42pm

Personally, based on my experience, I would not lay it on its side, but rather transport it upright and secured with straps on a small truck.

So it seems you're eight hours ahead, right on (near) the Greenwich Meridian!

Cheers

If I were you I would pass on both televisions.

The Thomson Model number you gave me indicates it is a CRT Rear Projection, probably from 2004. Now CRT rear projection can be excellent to those who appreciate its video qualities (does not produce eye fatigue, excellent blacks, color depth, and potential color accuracy), but RCA (or Thomson) was not, from my understanding, noted for their CRT RPTVs. Their DLPs rated somewhat better. In CRT RPTVs, Mitsubishi, Pioneer, Hitachi, Panasonic and Sony rank higher. It all depends on model number.

The Pioneer model you mentioned (also CRT RPTV) is even older, probably manufactured in 1997.

I can't imagine that the Thomson CRT RPTV is all that reliable, or easy to repair, and there's a lot that can go wrong, even if the CRTs themselves may be long-lived.

Once again, your friend (who you might consider demoting to acquaintance) was being less than candid with you about the television's age, based on the model number you gave me.

I would take your time to look for something newer and more reliable. RPTVs are not that popular right now, and you should be able to find an excellent one at a good price if you are patient.

At least you have a great car!

taichi4

Then I would demote him from stranger to miscreant, or excommunicate him altogether.

You know, here in the States people often give these CRT RPTVs away because of the difficulty and expense of moving them.

Have you seen the picture? If not, I would really pass on this for something better. Are their not better sets on your list? Is it that you live far from larger cities such as Stockholm or Göteborg, and your choices are limited?

Good luck with it all, and keep me apprised.

taichi4

So, does that mean you purchased it?

I'm not an expert on ports, cabling, etc...

It seems to me if you go to VGA you are giving up your HD signal. Doesn't the the Scenium have HDMI, or more likely in 2004, DVI? If not there is a device called HDFury which converts HDMI to component, but then you're spending more Kronor. (Yes, I know it's all Euro now!)

If you have purchased it there's a thread which I post on called "Don't Dump Your CRT RPTV. The OP is Mr. Bob who's a real expert on CRT RPTVs among other things.

Given what's happened with the European economy, it was smart of Scandinavia to keep the Kronor.

I plunged into the older postings on the internet, and it appears the Scenium does not have HDMI or DVI, and but has component. If you want to play BluRay you'll probably need to get an HDFury, although some older DVD and BlUray players have component out. I believe the current Oppos, which are state of the art, have them.

The back looks dusty, and I'll wager the optical path (mirror, lenses) are dusty which will have an impact on the picture. The dust that's likely in there can halve the picture quality, turning blacks gray, and dulling the image. PLEASE do not just open it up and clean without knowing the procedure. If you scratch the mirror or lenses, you might need to consume a large quantity of your own product! You will ruin the picture.

Start posting on the "Don't Dump Your CRT RPTV" thread. I believe somewhere on there are some instructions on how to do it, and that thread will provide a wealth of information.

Well, I guess you can't beat the price. I'll bet he's drinking glogg right now.

Just looking on ebay I found a compatible remote for just under $18, and a genuine one for under $42.

When you look you must find one that lists your model number specifically.

I was skeptical of your getting that set in your Volvo. CRT RPTVs are quite a bit bulkier than DLPs.

Glad to help.

I think you were wise to buy a more recent vintage.