[javadog]

Afternoon, thank you all for checking out my thread, new to the forum...posting-wise, but have read for a while.


well, with the advent of our new baby boy (19 days old) and a refi on our house, its finally time that i get to buy my bigscreen!!


id like to keep it under 3200-3500 USD, would be even better if i can find sub 3000USD. but i need some suggestions cause im getting more and more confused every time i read:


these are the requirements im looking for:


1.) Progressive scan

2.) 50"+ in size

3.) native 720(HDTV) and 1080i

4.) DVI input

5.) and most importantly...DLP GEN 2


I dont care about audio systems built in, i have the home theater already. I dont care about a ton of inputs, a couple AV inputs are fine, but that is NOT a selling point for me. What i really want is a HUGE SCREEN that is GORGIOUS. and if i can plug my computer into it too, thats just icing on the cake. any suggestions are appreciated, as i get to purchase in the next week here. I have looked at the Samsung, some LG, and Toshiba. The samsung and toshiba seem to be the best out there, but i know that Panasonic just released thier 50" DLP the other week, and while its a little more than id like to spend, when i hear of forum readers in here buying it online sight unseen, that says something about its quality. Thanks again everyone, any and all comments or suggestions are certainly apprecitaed.


-java (im gonna get a bigscreen!) dog

 

[rogo]

I just don't believe you will get a consensus.


When you say, "GEN 2", what do you mean?

 

[javadog]

Sorry,


i mean by 'GEN 2' as DLP generation 2...


i understand we currently have three generations


1.) first gen dlp (2 years old now??)

2.) generation 2 dlp (8 color wheel? compared to gen 1 6color wheel?)

3.) generation 2+ (and i have NO idea what the '+' means)


any education is apprecitaed. sorry for the confusion


-javadog

 

[aircasper]

hey javadog, just sent you a pm.

 

[drsyme]

First of all hd2 chips use a six segment color wheel, as do most of the hd2+ and hd3 chips. Some of the newer hd2+ chips use a seven segment color wheel. None of them are 8 segments as far as I know.


The biggest difference between the hd2 and hd2+ chips is the contrast ratio. 1000:1 in hd2 and 2500:1 in hd2+. I am not sure how this is done, but I think it was by increasing the deflection of the mirrors, so when the pixel is off, it is deflecting light further away from the elements than in hd2 chips.


hd3 chips are a different design altogether. It is a smaller chip. The mirrors are on the diagonal, and they are closer together. They also have a "wobble" that nearly eliminates the appearance of pixels. However the current generation hd3 chips have a contrast ratio of 1500:1.


I feel safe to say that anyone buying a dlp set should not consider hd2 chips. Overall the hd2+ chips are better; sharper image, higher contrast ratio, but some people actually prefer the smoother hd3 picture, so it is a matter of taste.


In 2005 xHD3 chips should be available, with a native 1080 resolution. (The other three chips are native 720). But these sets will probably be twice the cost of current hd2+ sets.


Personally, I am going for the new RCA 61" scenium. The pq is high, and I prefer the sharper image of the hd2+ chip. These are also priced about the same as the sammy hd3 designs, and the RCA also has a built in tuner, and other features such as a web browser.

 

[RSawdey]

First gen of DLP was a 4:3 SDTV chip...


I hope RCA does better with the design of this second gen of DLPs... first gen's lack of 720p inputs with a 720p native device was totally unacceptable... rushed shoddy design that reused an inappropriate interlaced module...

 

[javadog]

thanks everyone!! i am sorry for the delay getting back, i ran up to our local costco and best buy to see what models were available.


For clarity:


1.) im not sure how to get to a PM you sent me aircasper, can you tell me where togo (sorry for being a noob)


2.) my understanding is that a DLP 2 chip is NOT the way to go? am i positive too that i DONT want to get a DLP 1 as well? so, what im looking for is a DLP 2+ (because its got a significantly higher contrast ratio?)


of the models i saw i obtained the following information:


from my requirements posted in the original thread, what i AM looking for is a MONITOR, since i have the rest of the equipment here (audio, sattalite tuner, ect)

HOWEVER:


i did see, like on the back of RCA61" (HD61LPW42) there was an ETHERNET jack on the back....being an IT Professional and sometimes a complete GEEK, this made me very interested...(though i dont know what its for....is like x10, where i can administer it through my pc)


as well as noting the ethernet jack on the back of that model, i did notice that most seem to come with an rs-232 input. my guess is this is for firmware upgrades??


other models i saw:

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Samsung 50" DLP $2784 USD, Model HLN5065W


Toshiba 52" DLP $2999 USD, Model 52fHM84


LG 52" DLP $3299 USD, Model RU-52SZ51D


Samsung 50" DLP $3799 USD, Model HL-p5085w


RCA 61" DLP $2999 USD, Model HD61LPW42 (built in HD tuner)


Samsung 50" DLP $2797 USD, Model HLN5065WX


and finally:


JVC D-ILA(tm) $4499 USD, Model HD61Z575

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


Now, i am not familiar with JVC's propriatory technology, but am now reading on it, the picture was outstanding, though i look at picture in a shop with a grain of salt, conisdering its mostly kids that are plugging in and customers that play with the buttons all day every day.


again, i certainly appreciate all your inputs. stoked that after a couple years of being in our new home, we get to pull equity and i got to finally get to get my bigscreen.....

just so you all know, im replacing a sanyo 27" round front teevee, that she had years ago when i belive she was still in college (8 yrs)


*smile*


thanks all again,


-javadog

 

[javadog]

I thought it would be also important to note, that the room that im putting this in, is in a loft area in the upstairs of our home. the room is roughly 12 x 12 feet


and the viewing distance from where this will go (i also love woodworking, so im building an entertainment center with bookshelves ect, and the screen will go into the middle of it) is roughly 9 feet from where it will be built in. am i INSANE thinking of putting in a 55"?


i was thinking that 55 would be the LARGEST i could comfortably go, since even as a kid i never liked sitting in the FIRST ROW of a movie theater.....


thoughts??


tks all again,


-javadog

 

[javadog]

i keep thinking of stuff, so again thank you for all your input...



looking at panasonics website, boy those LCD projectors are damn nice. any pros and cons from any of you who may be now, torn between the two technologies??


the DLP model they have is a DLP 2+ 2500:1 contrast and the LCD is the one i see so many of you forum users buying....


do both technologies allow 'tweeking'...is there a real pro or con for one technology over the other??


-java

 

[aircasper]

hey javadog, you can check your pm by clicking on the "User CP" link near the top of the page, or by going to the very top of the page, under "Members Area" by clicking on "Private Messages."

 

[drsyme]

Yes HD2+ is preferable because of the high contrast ratio.


But you need to look at an HD2+ set along side an HD3 sets to see which you prefer.


As far as LCD, both HD3 and HD2+ have higher contrast ratios. AND LCD has screen door and pixelation artifacts, while DLP's are plauged by rainbow artifacts. IMO if you dont see rainbows, DLP is the way to go.


Quote:

RCA 61" DLP $2999 USD, Model HD61LPW42 (built in HD tuner)

Where did you find that TV at that price? I am about to pay $4000 more at BB.


BTW, the BB service plan which is $400 for 4 years as I recall, does include the bulb!

 

[javadog]

its looking like ive found the model that makes the most sense for my needs. and its DED SEXXKY

http://www.samsungusa.com/cgi-bin/na...LP5085WX%2fXAA


i would certainly like to hear from anyone else who has this model, and what they think of it.


thanks again for your help


-javadog

 

[jwv651]

Quote:

Originally posted by javadog its looking like ive found the model that makes the most sense for my needs. and its DED SEXXKY http://www.samsungusa.com/cgi-bin/na...LP5085WX%2fXAA i would certainly like to hear from anyone else who has this model, and what they think of it. thanks again for your help -javadog

Nice choice! If they made that TV as a table top unit and 60 inches or better...I would own one in a second...I feel it has the best PQ of all the DLP's that I have personally seen.

 

[Panzer948]

If your into building your own entertainment center, keep in mind that the sammy unit on your link comes with its own pedestal that is not removable. They are getting ready to come out with table top versions of that same model in a couple of weeks.

 

[pshughes]

Panzer is not 100% correct in his statement. The Sammy model that is due (overdue) to come out in Nov. has the same hd2+ chip, but not the same color wheel and (i believe) not the same light engine.

 

[aircasper]

Quote:

Originally posted by pshughes Panzer is not 100% correct in his statement. The Sammy model that is due (overdue) to come out in Nov. has the same hd2+ chip, but not the same color wheel and (i believe) not the same light engine.

the information that we have so far indicates that Samsung will be using (unfortunately) a modified version of the light engine from the older HLNXX74 line in the new tabletop HLPXX74 line, which means a lower contrast ratio than the HLPXX85 line and a 6-segment color wheel (rather than the 7-segment color wheel like the HLPXX85).

 

[meps1968]

I thought the new Panasonic was 8-segment colour wheel?

 

[Panzer948]

Oh, thanks guys.


I stand corrected between the "kirk" model and the new 74 series.

 

[pshughes]

The Panasonic does come with an 8 segment color wheel. The version I saw had a great picture (very close to Kirk (they were sitting next to each other)). The colors had more POP - but the flesh tones had noticeable green tint (I assume that can be fixed with settings).


Can someone explain what happened to the 60inch Panasonic DLP? Is it going to be released?

 

[htwaits]

javadog;


My head is spinning. Up until this message from Panzer948 and the all the messages after his, there was some misleading information being provided to you. Rogo was right when he said that you were going to get some confusing suggestions.


The DLP Chips:


HD1: 2001 and before. Stay away.


HD2: 2002. The Samsung HLM sets. For a very very low price they would work in a pinch. Stay away from any others.


HD2: 2003. The Samsung HLN sets and the Optoma DLP are OK. The RCA has some design problems that may or may not be a problem. Again the price would need to be low.


HD3: 2004. Samsung HLPxx63 models. A new chip design where one mirror controls two pixels on the screen. Some like it a lot and some don't. Your call. The HD2 & HD2+ chips have one mirror controlling one pixel on the screen.


HD2+: 2004. Everyone has a new model that uses one of these. Some like LG(?), Samsung, and RCA have plugged the new chip into the 2003 light engines with the six element color wheel. Another group, which includes Samsung, Mitsubishi, and Toshiba have used new light engines with seven element color wheels. Panasonic has a new engine with an eight element color wheel. Optoma will do one of the above too.


The color wheels with more than six elements are supposed to reduce dithering and provide better detail and color in dark scenes.


When anyone buys a DLP based TV it's important that you or your loved ones are NOT part of the small group that is bothered by rainbows and/or headaches. The best protection is a dealer that offers a 30 day, no questions asked, no cost, return period. I think an extended warranty is a good idea too.


You might want to think about giving your self a little more time to absorb all this confusing information.


The LCD and D-ILA are two other alternatives that a lot of folks like because they don't use a color wheel and rainbows are impossible.


Enjoy the hunt.