BEST REAR PROJECTION HDTV??

If you are running a progressive scan DVD player (with true 3-2 pulldown recommended) then you should not worry about the TVs internal line doubler as it will be disabled. Cable or satellite is another matter, but honestly the picture from those signals is questionable anyway (for regular TV viewing get a direct view set). The Pioneer uses slightly larger CRTs, which is a plus for HDTV signals. The Pioneer allows a 72 point convergence setting, while the Mitsubishi allows "only" 64 point convergence setting (honestly, this is more than enough to garranty an extremely sharp picture). But if you want THE best, and can get a good deal, then get the Pioneer. As soon as you get the TV home, call an ISF certified technician and have him/her come out to professionally calibrate your TV for color temperature and convergence ( this is not the menu system color selection, they will use special codes on the remote and sensors on the screen). This will cost you $150-250, and will be the best money you ever spent. I have not kept up with Pioneer's latest numbering system, so check out their website for info. As a side note, an ISF calibrated Mitsubishi and Pioneer should perform nearly identically for all DVD related material and about 90% of all HDTV signals. Others may disagree, but then again, your eyes will make the final choice. Good luck.

I agree with Argent, his comments are identical to mine. I have an Elite 510 but agree that digital cable is better on my 36XBR400. A 520 for $4000 is an incredible deal. Jump on it. The Elites are the best rptv's period. Bazmataz, you may be able to get another set nearly as good for less, but your deal is so good the Elite is cost effective for you.

To clarify, I meant that the Mitsubishi should perform almost as good as the Pioneer for most HDTV applications after a proper calibration.

I own a Pioneer Elite, they are the best, a little more expensive but worth it, had it professionally calibrated (this is a must and its worth it)

Bazmataz:

Although, I am not in the market for a rear projection HDTV as of yet, I have recently begun exploring the market as I do intend to get one within the next two years. As I already have a progressive scan DVD Player (a Pioneer Elite DV-37..... a SWEET machine.... no matter how you put it.... I can put it up against some of the newer low priced Toshibas, Sonys and Panasonics out there and it still comes out on top each time), the eventual purchase of a rear projection HDTV is inevitable. Now the question is, which is the best HDTV RPTV for the money?? I think that would depend on the size of the set in question and the amount of money you intend to spend. As I am in a small room and such, right now, I am putting my attention toward the smaller HDTV RPTVs (42-Inches to about 47-Inches), and I am going to spend in the neighborhood of about $2,500.00. For the money I am going to spend, I am going to be paying attention to the Mitsubishis, Panasonics and the Toshibas. But now, if I am buying a larger set and spending more money like you are going to be doing, then there is ONLY one brand I would even consider. And that is Pioneer Elite. For a set in THAT price class in which you are talking about, I think that Pioneer Elite is the UNDISPUTED leader in that regard. So, if I am spending my money then, then my money says go with Pioneer Elite.

It's just too bad Pioneer does not market an "Elite" model in the 42-Inch to 47-Inch size class. Because if they did, then that would be the one I'll be looking at as well.

--Charles--