Thoughts on Plasma, LCD, DLP and which way to go

My $0.02 worth.

There are pros and cons to each technology- no universal best choice.

Front projection is best, but its not for everyone; e.g., need to control ambient lighting.

For flat screen, you should weigh screen size, viewing distance, and cost to decide between flat panel and rear projection.

For rear projection, which is what I own, microdisplay sets are much better than CRT based sets IMHO, YMMV. For microdisplay, I would consider DLP or LCOS/SXRD over LCD RP. I would opt for the new generation of 1080p native resolution sets- picture quality is better independent of the resolution of the source material.

One observation from my own personal experience: I sit about 10' from the TV in my HT and I have a 61" screen. I do not consider this too large. I would not want a smaller screen size. I would like to upgrade to a 65" - 70" 1080p set!

Hope this helps,
Bruce

I really don't have the setup although I suppose I could do it for LCD screen projection. I am just looking for the best picture size dollar value that won't be a maintenance nightmare. Some TV's have more problems than others. So, I was looking into the 42-50 inch range which I think would probably for me be the best fit.

Bruceomega said it well. Movies were first made to be projected and a really nice front projector is my slam-dunk favorite. There are many analog units out there on the used market that can handle HD quite well for pennies-on-the dollar.

Sony 50 inch KDS-R50XBR1 (SXRD)

Bob Wood
http://www.GreatHomeTheater.com

Yes a FP provides the most cinematic experience. JohnMcfarland poster- just go to visualapex.com and consider a Panasonic plasma. Best prices for what you get in the Flat screen world from the best online reseller and no state income tax. I would Strongly urge the 42 ED or the 50 HD. The 42 HD has a noticable black levels changing issue beyond the scope of this discussion.

AS far as better plasmas, Fujitsu really was the best lo those years ago ( 2003 and onward) but the gap has closed and Fujitsu is expensive and no longer makes their own glass. $$$/value ratio isn't so good. Pio 6th generation is a big step up for them no doubt. Black levels still a bit better on a Panny, but in a room with ambient light a Pio 6th Genration is a good choice. My only comment is that the company is highly restrictive on dead pixel return policies relative to Panasonic, so you would want to get a Pio set from a brick and mortar store with a safe return policy just in case.

visualapex.com is worth a look.