TV Recommendations


Posted this at AVS forum, but seems to be below them. Then posted it here without changed the default subject. OOPS.

Looking to set up a movie system....progressive scan dvd and Rear projection wide screen TV. Been into audio for quite awhile, but I don't know jack about video.

Total Budget is $2500 (or less)

For DVD I'm fairly set on the Denon - DVM-2815, seems to have what I want. (coax digital out at least so I can send it to my DAC)

That leaves around $2000 for the TV.

Not interested in HD cable or over air HDTV, so I think that means I don't need certain resolutions and features.

Size: At least 40"

Only other issue is thinner is better, don't need a wall hanger but under 20" deep would be nice.

What should I be looking at?

What would you buy???

Even a link to a site that reviews TVs would be useful. Compared to Audio the video world is nuts (and that says something). Seems to me there are whole new model lines every two months.

Thanks.
nikturner920
Thanks Guys....Always helpful people here.

I guess I was thinking of a Higher Def tv, just that I don't need the highest resolutions (1080I) to save money.

Isn't Progressive DVD just 480P??

Anyone else favor the digital projector idea?

Hadn't thought of that, $1500 projector $500 screen and cables??

Cheers
I've got both, My 55" HD-TV is in one room and my projector is in another. I didn't mention a projector in my above post because it did not sound like something you were thinking about.

My RPTV has a dvd player hooked to it but is used for general use (mostly TV viewing) and is in 12X18 living room. I would not use a projector in this non-dedicated general purpose room.

My projector is dedicated to dvd movies and a few Hi-Def sports so is not the problem it would be in the other much smaller room. It is a bang for buck projector (Infocus X-1) and does not get anyway near the use that the RPTV gets..I like it that way and planed it that way as I use my large room for music.

As far as a comparison between the two for movies, it's no contest..the projector blows the RPTV out of the water at less than half the cost but is not as easy to use and setup for all family members. Once you've watched a block-buster movie on a 80-120 inch screen in the privacy of your own home..their's no going back to a little RPTV, and they will seem little from that point on.

If you click on my system you can see some pictures of my yet to be finished room. The screen on the wall is not my real screen..I made this one for $40 as a test screen. I also do not yet have my projector hung from the ceiling yet but do have all electrical run for the ceiling mount. I should clear and finish the room soon.

Dave
Nice set up Dave!

General TV viewing is just bad for me, in fact I haven't owned a TV for 4 years. I do really like watching movies at home and am tired of using the computer.

Actually I just thought that projectors were too expensive, didn't know you could get them for $1k. The Infocus X-1 is really interesting.

How does it connect to the DVD? Some sort of componet to VGA converter box?

To use it for TV I assume you need a tuner?

Thanks again.

Nik
"Nik":

Can I suggest a Panasonic PT-47WX453??? It is a 47" 16:9 High Definition Ready RPTV. Has DVI as well as component video inputs. And it should be about 18" deep (not real thin, but not terribly bulky either.......... considering the screen size).

Price: $1,400.00 plus shipping at your local Best Buy (be sure to inquire about extended warranties and return (and exchange) privliges just in case things don't go as smoothly as planned).

After your new set arrives, get it calibrated for about $250.00 (could be less than that........ I'm just "guestimating"), and then invest in the newly "Joe Kane" produced "Digital Video Essentials" for about $25.00 and you should be set.

Good Luck shopping for your new set..........

--Charles--
FWIW, Consumer Reports March 2004 issue (my dad received it in the mail today) has all the different types of TVs (plasma, lcd, rear projection, crt; HD and std.), and their pro and cons, also rated some model numbers in their respected catagories.
Can't hurt to look.
Good luck also.
Rich