LCD Screen Size

An 8' wide 16:9 screen (110" diagonal) is a nice comrpomise for a 12' viewing distance. Scope movies are a little small, sub-par transfers of lower aspect ratios are a little big. A 113" x 48" scope screen would work better if you can accomdate the width.

At 8', I'd want to run something on the order of 75" x 32" but would settle for a 64" wide 16:9 screen (73" diagonal).

The 16:9 screen dimensions give you the same subtended field of vision you get sitting in the farthest seat from the screen in a theater meeting the THX recomendations. Most of us like to sit a bit closer to the screen.

You need to think in terms of small movie screens not large TVs. In doing so, you'll find that two-piece projection setups are required for all but the smallest living rooms.

Personally, I was running an 87x49" screen (100" diagonal) with an 11' viewing distance. A bit small for scope movies, about right for everything else.

We moved and have been using a 52" diagonal 4:3 RPTV at about 9' until we can install a new front projection setup. Moves don't have any theatrical impact on it.

Shopped like crazy and was about to buy Panasonic online.
Saw the 50" Vizio at Sam's for $1998 but blew it off having never seen the brand before - and I snobbily thought that it can't be good being THAT inexpensive. Finally did a bit of NET research and saw great reviews on the Vizio. Bought one two weeks ago and I am nothing but pleased. Building my new HT around it.

Doak

Doak,

Is it HDTV with HDMI interface? Please keep us informed about your state of contentment. Under $2K for a 50" plasma seems too good to be true, but I hope it is. Our local dealer has a beautiful 50" Panasonic that I'd love to use as an intermim until Sony's 70" SXRD comes down a bit in price then move the Pana to our bedroom. Unfortunately it's priced at over $3.2K. I'm leery about buying a plasma from other than a brick and morter store with a good reputation so I can return it in case it has dead pixels.

db

Don,

It is HDTV w/HDMI. The Vizio has gotten a lot of buzz over at AVSforum. Check out the plasma/LCD forum under Display devices.

The 37" Vizio is a different story (and a different format-LCD). It does not have good color at all. It's possibly the worst I've seen in a couple of years. Way too yellow and the controls can't correct for it.

Enjoy,

TIC