Replace 35" TV with something bigger

Too much talk about budget with all due respect. He didn't say anything about pinchin' pennies, just bigger than 35". Therefore, I suggest the new fujitsu 4222 HDTV flatscreen. Kinda pricey at $10k, but meets your requirements of bigger than 35" and top of the line. (Its got like about a million DPI X a million DPI).

Ok, I'm done. I concede right now budget is everything and I'm livin in a dream world.
Thanks,
Chris

Like we've mentioned before and is repeated here, MAKE SURE that the TV has a good picture at ANY viewing angle at various distances. This alone will eliminate almost every brand of RPTV except a VERY few. I will say that there is a reason why Mitsubishi has the highest amount of sales and repeat customers when it comes to big screens. I will also say that the Pioneer Elite's are EXCELLENT but pricey. Check them out for yourself and see what YOU like.

To repeat what was already said (again), having ANY TV properly aligned ( convergence, contrast, brightness, color, etc...) CORRECTLY via calibration standards and NOT by eye makes a WORLD of difference. Most EVERY tv comes set WRONG from the factory and the "amateur tune up" doesn't do much to help. Keep in mind that RPTV's work best with a small amount of difuse light coming from behind the TV.

I would also like to add that if a GOOD quality RPTV is PROPERLY set up, you will not have a problem viewing it up close OR at quite an angle. I can view my 55" at a 90* angle from a 20' distance without ANY problems whatsoever. Our normal viewing distance is also only about 10' from the screen. Those that can't enjoy their big screen like that REALLY need to check their settings and probably invest in some rudimentary ( and quite easy ) calibration discs like Video Essentials or Avia. Both are WELL worth the money, even for a "normal" sized TV's.

One more suggestion is to look for a TV with PLENTY of inputs. Component video is most desired with S video being second and composite video being bottom of the barrel. Hope this helps. Sean
>

PS... don't forget to include a "screen guard" when shopping.

I have just read all of these responses and not trying to insult anyone here but PLASMA , hello. Prices on plasma telivisions have dropped drastically in just the last three months. My local superstore carries 3 models all WAY under 10K . If you go to ubid .com you can find the Philips plasmas with 150 watt amp and surround sound 10 speakers inc. I got mine one month ago for 4600.00 The only thing it does not have if high def. But guess what , I don't miss it because it is three times as clear and sharp as the best rear projections avail. Plus with dvd tech. its pretty hard to complain. Rear projection TVs will only last as long as plasma screens remain too expensive and that time is almost over.

I went through this agonizing purchase about two months ago. Initially, I said the same thing someone else here said--sit closer and buy a better direct view set. So I found a good deal on a Sony KW34HD-1. Excellent picture, widescreen image--had it all. But after watching this thing for about a week I kept coming back to the same thought. The picture was just too D@#! small for that kind of money! So the set went back. In its place came home a brand new Mitshubishi Diamond series 55 inch (and it was cheaper than the sony!). I love it. DVDs look great. The viewing angle is very good from left to right. Moving your seats vertically could cause a problem. I have noticed the image brightness only drops off if I stand up or sit too low. I think that one thing that anyone purchasing a RPTV should know is that they are not really designed to project low resolution cable tv or pixilated satellite. These sets are for high definition broadcasts and anamorphic DVDs. If you use the room primarily for movies or want to go HD, then buy a RPTV. As for the center channel, buy a 12"-15" speaker stand for just in front of the tv.

We went to a slightly larger format for the same reason as you, we wanted something to watch DVD's on AND we were tired of having to read the fine print (the eyesight ain't as good as it once was!) to find "standard" format, since we didn't like the black bars at the top and bottom.
We bought the Toshiba 40" theatre wide (16:9 aspect ratio). That way all movies were seen as they were meant to be without the bars! It is a nice TV and not too big. Here's a link if you are interested.
http://www.toshiba.com/tacp/tv/TW40X81.html
Good luck in your search.
Also, I ordered a different (larger screen) TV for my parents from Amazon.com. They had a great price and offer "white glove delivery" They bring it in, unbox it, put it where you want, and take all the garbage with them. My folks had the TV in two days with no additional charges.
Hope this proves helpful. Good luck! -