DLP or LCD what do you think

I believe that 3 chip DLP's are only used for projectors and not for TV sets. Texas Instruments, owns the patent for the DLP chip. I also believe that they are the sole manufacturer, and have not licensed any other corporation to manufacture this chip. T.I. has just released their latest version of the DLP chip referred to as the "dark chip". T.I. sent me a link to the white paper [28 pages!] which describes the interesting manufacturing and operational method of the chip. I will post a link here later today...need some sleep now, though!

The LG DLP TV's blew away the other LCD and plasma TV's that I saw in a side by side comparison...although I didn't compare the LG with the other premium [and expensive, I'm sure!] models mentioned by otheres here.

Cj1capp,

There is a lot of information on these and other 1080p sets at www.avsforum.com. Based on reports at avs, you might want to consider the 1080p sets from HP when comparing choices. My interpretation of the bottom line of their comments is the Sony SXRD is great, while the Samsung and HP are very good but less expensive, with the nod going to HP over Samsung.

One of the hot buttons at avs is the ability to accept 1080p inputs. The Sony SXRD cannot accept 1080p, only 1080i. For normal use (current DVD players, HD STB, OTA), this is irrelevant.

However, if you have an interst in using an external scaler, a HTPC, or using your TV as a computer monitor (different application than a HTPC), then a 1080p input would be an asset. The HP accepts 1080p digital input over HDMI. Samsung accepts 1080p analog input over VGA. Both achieve 1:1 pixel mapping at 1080p. Samsung has stated their next models will accept 1080p input over HDMI. If this picks up momentum, then I would expect others such as Sony to follow suit at some point.

Thanks
Bruce

Bruceomega,

You are right about the Sony sets not accepting 1080p input. This is idiotic, considering that the display operates at a native 1080p rate. I own a Qualia set and I've been looking into outboard processors. It would be nice to input a fully processed and scaled signal that bypasses all of the set's processing.

Yes, 3 chip DLP's are expensive. Now that TI is getting strong competition, I suspect those prices may come down. Yes, as far as I know 3 chip DLP's are currently only available in front projectors.

Not only are they quite expensive, but unless you are willing to spend REALLY big bucks, they are still 720X1080 and not 1080X1920.

The 3-chip SXRD front projector from Sony is the the one everyone now has to chase in front projectors. It is amazingly good and even more amazingly CHEAP.