It's finally going to happen!

Yep, that's right, Timmy is finally going to get into the hi-def world!

I just finished my tax return for 2007 and I'm getting back $5,510! Whoo hoo! I can't believe I'll get to pay my credit cards off AND get a new HDTV! Biggest tax return I've ever had, thanks to all that house interest I paid last year! I'm so excited that I just can't hide it! I freakin' out and I'm about to lose my mind and I think I like it!

I'm probably going to go with LCD, as I've been hunting what I like over the last year and I think the LCD is probably my best bet. I love a lot of the Plasmas I've seen over the year, but that whole glass issue might get distracting IMO. The DLPs look nice, but I seem to notice a little too much grain with them, but perhaps I just haven't seen a good set yet.? However, you guys have been the HD gurus and I'm looking for some advice. I have a pretty good size living space (20x30), so I've been leaning towards a good 42", but if you guys think I can go bigger, then please advise. I already know about the whole 1080p and at least a couple HDMI connections, but advice on brand names (at a good price) would be greatly appreciated. And also let me know what trickery things the retailers might try to get me to buy that I don't need. I just want something that will make me happy but not rip me off. Thanks in advance!

Can you guys believe it?! I'm finally jumping on the bandwagon with the reat of you! I can't wait to see "American Beauty" on my new HDTV! Whoo Hoo!!!!

Ok, I AM AWAKE NOW AND I'M GOING TO SPEND YOUR MONEY TIM.

Samsung HL-S5687W-Avoid L.E.D. light sources. They dont have as good of picture(look it up) You can probably get this set for $1,700 bucks now(maybe cheaper) and that will leave you with enough to buy a spare bulb.(aprox $200) So for $1,900,you have yourself a "faceoff" winner. I paid far more for mine.Excellent set. And I have "THE EYE"
Sony PS3-For Blu-Ray
Toshiba Hd-dvd-Why not at those prices!?
So there ya go. I even left you plentyo'cash to take the wife and kids out to a nice meal. I have this same setup. You will love it.

[Post edited by bladerunner1 on Apr 16, 2008]

"HD Timmy" said -

Quote:
"I love a lot of the Plasmas I've seen over the year, but that whole glass issue might get distracting IMO. The DLPs look nice, but I seem to notice a little too much grain with them, but perhaps I just haven't seen a good set yet.?"

Well Tim, only avoid plasma if you're viewing conditions are in well-lit rooms, as objects can reflect off of the glass. Otherwise plasma is the highest quality HDTV image you can buy. And by the way, plasma screens (like CRTube TVs) are the easiest to clean, whereas with LCD glass you have to be very careful so as to not 'scratch' the glass surface, and avoid use the usual types of cleaning sprays/rags etc (that are OK with plasma glass).

DLP technology is quite good, as it uses a unique chip developed by Texas Instruments, and you get the largest screen for the best cost-value. However, rear-projection units do NOT have the same contrast, color accuracy, and long-lasting 'life' as that of plasma, since the bulb has to get replaced every few years (depending on hours of usage). With the newer LED DLP rear-pro units, yes they last even longer, but still will need to have their light source bulb replaced after 20,000 hours. Note: both plasma and LCD don't reach half-brightness until around 60,000 (or more hours).

And rear-pro requires that you sit almost dead center for the best picture, and with the screen level with your eyes. Once you move away from center, the quality suffers (like LCD), whereas plasma can be viewed from anywhere in a room and the image quality is the same as sitting in the center.

IF you choose LCD - I recommend (depending on your budget) models from Toshiba, Sharp, Sony, JVC, Samsung. No single model is 'perfect' in every way, but these are the best.

IF you choose Plasma - the best are easily Pioneer and Panasonic, with LG and Samsung also very good too (but not of the same quality).

IF you choose DLP - Samsung is the strongest in this market (both regular DLP models and the LED DLP units), with others like Mitsubishi, RCA etc also available. Avoid any of the 'slimmer' DLP models as A/V tests reveal that there is uneven screen uniformity seen in widescreen movies. Cnet has some reviews about this.

So, if watching primarily in a well-lit environment, LCD or DLP is the way to go. If watching alot of sports, with lower levels of light, and wanting the best possible hi-def image quality, PLASMA is it! By the way, I watch my Pioneer plasma during the day, and rarely ever see any object reflecting off the screen (but I keep the curtains closed), even though I have a fully-lit room in daytime. Pioneer has one of the best anti-reflecting screens available, along with other superior image processing technology.

Finally, you might decide to buy a last year's 2007 model that is currently being 'cleared' out of inventory, and save much money. OR, if you decide to wait a few more months (until August), there's usually some good deals since many are buying for the upcoming football season (plus the Olympics this summer). Of course, the BEST time to buy an HDTV is during the end-of-year holiday sales season, when prices are at their lowest, and the current year's models are now lower in price than when first introduced back in the summer.

Oh, and don't buy a screen less than 50" - you'll regret it otherwise. The bigger the better! I love my 50" Pioneer KURO plasma, but sometimes I wish I had bought the (higher-priced) 60" model, but it was about $2000 more. As you get older, you definitely need to see the image as large as possible, and anything lower than 50" won't cut it - trust me on this, you'll definitely be happier with the largest screen you can afford.

And just for you... John McCain for President (from your home state, as we all know)

-JIMI (the Voodoo Child)

If you want to go over 50, get a projector. A good HD projector is as close as you can get to going to the movies every night.

Wow Congrats Tim!!! My Return this year was 4,130!!! After the VISA, the Car loan is the next thing to get paid off. Still have 19,000 left on that. So maybe next year...

I have to say, I was quite impressed with Hendrix's post. They only thing I would change would be I would say stay away from the Sony and Samsung LCD's. Everything else is cool. I don't not like Samsung's DNIe control on the LCD's and Sony's DRC control on their products. They do similar manipulations to the picture. Sony's DRC inhibits signals from being displayed properly. Long story short, not a fan. Panasonic however makes a really nice LCD product. Toshiba Regzas are my favorite, and the 70 series from Sharp and good as well. It's for your eye to check out! In a room your size, I say go no larger than a 46" LCD, but if you can control your lighting, Go 50" plasma or bigger!!! Plasma's are awesome, but don't do so well with natural sunlight.

DLP's are nice, but too pixely for me too.

If you can can I like the SPY's idea. GO PROJO OR GO HOME!!! I think there is a few of us here that are using Projo's as their main source of HD in the home. Skyhawk, SPY and myself are all using Projo's to display HD. Man, when you see the HD on a 100" screen, WOW! My room is 18' X 11.5 and I have a 100" displayed on the 11.5' wall. The projo rests around 12.5' to 13' back, and it's smokin!!! The cool part about a projo is that you can make the picture as big or as small as you want. If you can't install one, think about it for your next HD purchase!

DILA for the win!

Tim,

Panasonic makes fantastic plasmas with very effective anti-glare screens. For their 2008 models, the anti-glare screen is replaced with an anti-reflective screen, which is supposed to be better. I have the 2007 42" model with the anti-glare, and the picture is perfect. The 08 models include a 46" 1080p, which I am guessing is fantastic. They should be available within the next 2 months. This address will take you to a rundown of their new 2008 models. Good luck
http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9891317-1.html?tag=dvdtown-20

Get a DLP LED Samsung. No color wheel and no lamp. They get real good reviews. I have a 58" DLP HP tv and it looks great to me. I don't notice grain. Samsung is supposed to be a great improvement compared to mine. Just make sure to look into the newest models as they came out this month I believe.

Tim, if you can get one of the Sharp D92U series LCD's those are probably the best money can buy. The D82U series are good as well but STAY AWAY FROM THE D62U.

The D92U has incredible blacks levels and a great contrast ratio which all results in improved color reproduction. They are 1080P, 3 HDMI inputs I believe and just fantastic overall picture quality.

Howfar are you going to be sitting from the TV? If 8 feet than you can go 50" but it will take a few days to get used to it. You will LOVE it though.

Otherwise I would STRONGLY suggest you look at the Pioneer plasmas 4280HD (42'), 5080HD (50")etc. You seriously cannot get a better image than these Pioneers right now.

Tim, I guess Mr. Bush is going to thank you for spending your tax return very wisely...

Speaking of that, When do we get our $600 bucks from him.

The rebate checks should start going out in may according to your social security number. see chart below. Also, for anyone considering future purchases at Sears, they are offerring a 10% bonus if you bring in the rebate check and convert it to a gift card with no expiration or fees. I believe they are offerring this from May 14 - July 19. Not a bad deal depending on the amount of the rebate. For folks recevieng the rebate via direct deposit, Sears is working on a way for that to work also.

The economic stimulus payment will be issued based on the last two digits of your Social Security number and whether you are receiving the payment by direct deposit or mail.


DIRECT DEPOSIT
Last two SSN digits: Payment will be transmitted:
00 through 20 May 2
21 through 75 May 9
76 through 99 May 16
PAPER CHECK
Last two SSN digits: Payments will be mailed by:
00 through 09 May 16
10 through 18 May 23
19 through 25
May 30
26 through 38 June 6
39 through 51 June 13
52 through 63 June 20
64 through 75 June 27
76 through 87 July 4
88 through 99 July 11

Thanks Derek

Quote:
DLP. BEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK. My 2,000 dollar Samsung destroys alot of LCD/Plasma costing alot more. 56" Baby....and sitting 10 feet away...Booooooooya.

Congrats Tim...happy to hear someone is getting back instead of owing

My 52" Toshiba DLP spanks just about all of LCD sets that I have seen, with the exception of the extremely expensive Sharp Aquos series...yes, there is a certain graininess to the pic, but I actually have gotten used to it and think that sets that don't show any grain at all are not showing you the true resolution available.

And Panasonic does do a great job on plasma...good value for their price point.

But, if you can, see if you can pick up one of those Pioneer Elite series sets...dealers may want to walk them out the door now that Pioneer is getting out of the plasma business.

Hey Tim, I think the IRS monitors this web site LOL!!!!!



Just JOKING, enjoy the WAMPOM, and have fun getting your new DIGS.

tim,

the toshiba regza line is fantastic. however, if you stick with regular dvds, then you're getting very little use out of an hdtv. you should get hd cable, hd satellite, an hd dvd player, or a blu-ray player to get the most use out of your new tv.

eddie

p.s. did you enjoy jimi's latest spew salad?

Quote:
you should get hd cable, hd satellite, an hd dvd player, or a blu-ray player to get the most use out of your new tv.

Or even just a plain old roof top antenna or bunny ears work too )

Dish Network offers the least amount of visible compression artifacts...DirecTV has more...HD Cable has even more artifacts...

Quote:
Hey Tim, I think the IRS monitors this web site LOL!!!!!

Actually, I do know one of our posters here works for the IRS, but I'm not saying who so don't try and make me spill the beans. lol

Quote:
Congrats Tim...happy to hear someone is getting back instead of owing

My 52" Toshiba DLP spanks just about all of LCD sets that I have seen, with the exception of the extremely expensive Sharp Aquos series...yes, there is a certain graininess to the pic, but I actually have gotten used to it and think that sets that don't show any grain at all are not showing you the true resolution available.

Next time, claim 0 or 1 on your W-4 with your employer and you won't have that issue. Of course, if you're self-employed, I don't know what to tell you.

Now as far as the picture goes, that's where I differ from a lot of people. I'm the kind of person that prefers the softer picture. Too sharp equates to lots of grain and pixely things dancing all over the screen! That drives me nuts! I like my picture to look smooth, and most of the newer plasmas I've seen do exactly that -- however, I'd say the opposite just a few years ago as plasmas looked the worst to me for grain. Obviously many improvements have been made on plasmas since then. I have a buddy of mine that owns a Samsung 60" DLP, and I can't stand all the grain -- plus it seems very difficult to get rid of as the settings don't have a lot of range, IMO.

Quote:
p.s. did you enjoy jimi's latest spew salad?

OMG! Tell me about it!

I don't see why Henning just doesn't make a BLOG section on the site, then Jimi Love can Blog away in Blog paradise. I tell ya' Eddie, it's so much more helpful for me to read a short paragraph that's to the point, short, sweet and simple. Then again, you and I know that Jimi does it just to annoy the crap out of us.

I'll come to Jimi's defense here. As a KURO plasma owner also, Pioneer is the best...hands down. As far as the "spew"...I don't agree. Jimi was just giving his opinion and suggestions to help, Tim. Happy shopping Mr. Raynor. I'm glad you'll be part of the HD club.

P.S.

Get a KURO!

[Post edited by wolfen on Apr 16, 2008]

Tim, Your buddies 60 incher has the same "guts" as the 56. That is why it doesnt look as good. Also keep in mind the "burn in" issue, as DLP does not have those problems. And always remember that you can return it. Infact I would(and have done this myself)buy,return...until you find "The One" Take your time and most of all...Enjoy.

im really truly happy for you tim. join us!! however everything is very expensive now compared to during the war.

you should have charged alittle more back then, and payed it off now, would have saved you alot.
been shopping around for a set and player for my folks for quite some time now.

Tim,

The Pioneer Kuros are superb. Black levels are intense ("Kuro," as I recall, means "black" in Japanese, or something like that). But they're relatively expensive. The best LCD I've seen in a 42" is the Sony Bravia XBR.

If you like games, it's the PS3 for a BD player. If you don't care about games, a Panasonic BD30 (or BD50 if you can wait for it, and if you like the idea of connecting the player to the Internet. Also, the BD50 will decode higher audio codecs internally, so if your receiver won't decode TrueHD and DTS Master Audio, you're better off waiting for the BD50.)

Also, as somebody pointed out, in addition you can pick up a Toshiba HD DVD player really cheap these days. And why not? HD DVDs are selling really cheap, too.

John

ReaggieP said -

Quote:
"I don't not like Samsung's DNIe control on the LCD's and Sony's DRC control on their products. They do similar manipulations to the picture. Sony's DRC inhibits signals from being displayed properly. Long story short, not a fan."

You are right Reg, and I totally agree. IF anyone owns a Sony or Samung LCD, you should turn OFF the DNIe control setting (Samsung), or the DRC setting that Sony offers - FORGET ABOUT THESE 'ENHANCEMENTS'.

WHY? Several reasons. Depending on which one is used, you may see a softer, overprocessed image (too much noise reduction), or even excessive 'edge enhancement' (sharpness) which adds noise to the objects in the image.

Also, BOTH of those settings will cause your TV to fail accurate deinterlacing of 1080i film-based signals (which can be confirmed from various reviews, on websites like Cnet, Sound and Vision, Home Theater Magazine, hdguru.com etc).

In fact Sony and Samsung have a BAD HABIT of failing deinterlacing anyway (regardless of the DNIe or DRC settings), so IF you buy their model LCDs, be sure to use only PROGRESSIVE signals from your players (1080p, 720p, or 480p). They -can- handle video-based 1080i content (30fps) and deinterlace it accurately, but usually always fail the 1080i film-based (24fps) deinterlacing lab tests. So, avoid sending 1080i from your players, although you can't avoid it with cable and satellite signals. Both models handle 1080p from the players with not problem, as the player is doing the deinterlacing.

Hope this is beneficial. I'm always learning myself, and believe Tim would (and should) appreciate any opinions we can provide in helping him purchase his first HDTV.

By the way, DLP also has excellent black levels, and strong resolution on fast-moving images (thanks to the excellent TI chip), and is the cheapest way to buy a large-size screen. However, it's image is not as good as plasma, since plasma have deeper contrast, and a wide-viewing image (from anywhere in the room). Also, LCD have great brightness (sometimes too bright) which is great for daytime viewing, but poor when viewing with the lights off (dark theater room viewing), as your black levels look can look grayish, faded, etc.

-JIMI (the Voodoo Child)

Quote:
The rebate checks should start going out in may according to your social security number. see chart below.

I have an American social security number. Will they mail my bonus to me here in Canada?

Quote:
Hope this is beneficial. I'm always learning myself, and believe Tim would (and should) appreciate any opinions we can provide in helping him purchase his first HDTV.

I do Love . . . your's are just long winded. Short, brief and to the point works just as well as 5 to 8 paragraph blogs on a message board. So, which one do you think I'll prefer to read being I'm usually at work and don't have time to sift through a novel size post? No offesne Love, but take it down a knotch.

Thanks

Hmmm...where do you live Tim?? I am going through a divorce right now and will be selling my 58" 1080P Panasonic Viera..I'm buying a small (600 sq ft) apartment in Vancouver and the TV is too big for the small living room

Naa 58" would be perfect in a smaller living room!!!

My posts are similar to most others - sometimes a quick note, other times a thorough amount of info, which I truly hope is beneficial (not meant to be 'showing off', trust me). Sure, some of us just skim thru long posts, but on subjects we are -really- interested in, I'm certain every word of a long post is read. Just like reading the movie reviews here at DVDTOWN, as none of them are 'short' (except some of the theatrical reviews).

With that in mind, here's a brief message for Tim (and others) to check out. I just noticed a link from engadgetHD to a 4/14/08 Cnet review of Samsung's latest plasma HDTV, in 1080p. This time Samsung has produced an excellent set at a good price, and the TV does 'pass' the crucial 1080i deinterlacing tests of film-based signals (like Pioneer does). So I'm thinking this would be a nice set for Tim to check out. And every 'box' (last part of the review) is marked GOOD - that's rare from any manufacturer.

Cnet said the color accuracy is excellent, great connectivity, design, although the black levels and anti-reflective screen aren't the equal of either Pioneer or Panasonic. Still, I recommend Tim that you put this set on your 'check it out' short list when visiting your local dealers.

One person commented on engadgetHD - "I own the Samsung PN50A550 and it is a fantastic set. The colors are vibrant and beautiful and it is also pretty bright for a plasma. The dynamic contrast ratio is very very bright, and I don't use it that often. It is also a very sexy looking set overall, the black bezel is quite sleek."

-JIMI (the Voodoo Child)

HD Projector! plain and simple! You said your room is 20 x 30 that is plenty of room for a projector. Were talking and image 6' to 10' wide or more!
http://www.projectorpeople.com/projectors/projdtls.asp?itemid=22991&itmname=HD80

Why say I have 42" diagonal when you can say I have 10' wide?

[Post edited by Ironbull on Apr 16, 2008]

Opps double post!

[Post edited by Ironbull on Apr 16, 2008]

I agree with Ironbull, should you decide on a front-projection system. The large image (as Skyhawk can attest) is truly remarkable from a comfortable distance (so as not to harm your eyes). Most front projection units these days offer excellent processing and image quality (whether it's a DLP unit, LCOS, etc), both in 1080p and 720p.

The only 'downside' to f-p units, is again, the need for regular bulb replacement after a certain number of hours (usually between 2000 to 6000 hours depending on the unit). And the bulbs are NOT cheap, usually $250 and higher. So, it's an option should you not decide on a conventional HDTV 'set' (flat panel).















-JIMI (the Voodoo Child)

[Post edited by Love Hendrix! on Apr 16, 2008]

Not a Sony Bravia Infocus, Panasonic, or Mits!!!

I have a Panasonic 1000! It rocks!

Front projectors+Ambient lite=disaster. These are great for basements however, I also agree with the boys/girls in that 42 inches will not treat you right Tim. Way too small. That's what pisses me off about all these so called AV mags, They are always pushing dinky little sets! You throw a 235.1 image on a 42 inch set,you miles well be at grandmas. These are great for bedrooms though. In the high definition age,you can sit much closer to the set. I sit aprox. 10-12 feet from the 56incher and it is pure bliss. I am not trying to brag here Tim,I didnt invent the damn set,but I can say that it was invented with high def. in mind. And as I sit in front of it now, I just want to grab you by the ear and say "Dude...1,700 dollars". And then we are off to C.C. to get yours....And any other goodies you might want to pick up with the "change" you have left over.

bladerunner,

If you have a 56" screen and sit ten to twelve feet from it, that might be a bit too distant. Ideally, you might try sitting about nine feet away. At least for HD content. (See below)

Tim,

If you have the room to sit far enough away from a 72" screen, say ten - twelve feet, do it. Be aware, however, that you probably won't be watching only high-definition content, and unless the standard-def content is very, very good, sitting too close to a really big screen, even an HD one, can make SD material painful to watch.

Despite people's admonitions always to buy big, it depends on your room and your viewing distance. I sit about 5 1/2 feet from my screen in a very small room. My 34" screen is perfect for the occasion. If I get a 42" screen eventually (about the biggest the room will accommodate), I'll need to move the set back against the wall and try to get about 6 to 7 feet away to view it. That's the maximum distance I have to play with in my little room.

And about the Sony Bravias. The company makes a standard Bravia and an XBR line of Bravias. At 42", I've not seen a better picture than on the Bravia XBR. These sets are a little pricey, but to my eyes they look as close to a good CRT as I've seen in that size range.

John

I still say DLP LED for the money/size(the new models). Someone said the contrast is better on a plasma but Samsung are saying their new sets have 10,000:1 contrast ratio. Pretty much what everything else has now. I know there are expensive lcds that can have 15000 but will you really notice that difference or is it worth the money?

Hey John,
I sit were the couch is. On the back wall. I have leaned in closer to the set and yeah,everything still looks great,and a little larger. But I have to make compromises with the wife.lol I had a 61 inch rear projection in my room before this one and it was too large(in every sense of the word). The bravia you are speaking of is a fantastic set. It was one I clearly had my eye on when I purchased the DLP roughly a year ago. It was too small for my needs and I just couldnt pull the trigger to pay that much for a 42 inch screen.(although it was beautiful,yummy) I dont know were Tim is planning on putting his set,or how far away he plans to sit from it. I was just throwing in my 2 cents. I'm a "best bang for your buck" person.( I wanted Lexicon.I got Sunfire.)

Quote:
..I'm buying a small (600 sq ft) apartment in Vancouver and the TV is too big for the small living room

You mean Vancouver B.C., right? I ask because I'm from Vancouver Washington, which always gets confused with Vancouver BC. Nevertheless, I've been living in Phoenix for the past 13-years -- I'm sure that would be a costly delivery. lol

I saw a 72" Samsung DLP in a store a few months back and the TV itself was impressive but I didn't like the black levels. The blacks looked too gray and the contrast ratio was ok but not GREAT. It said something about being 3-D ready and all that, looked great otherwise just not happy with the image.

Great bang for the buck in my opinion and if they can get the picture quality up I would definitely consider it.

"I have to make compromises with the wife." --bladerunner

I hear that.

In my room I've moved the couch out from the wall about a foot or so, and the Wife-O-Meter has been very understanding. And because the television is a big CRT, it sits out from the facing wall by a few feet. When I eventually get a thin-walled TV, it will sit farther back against the wall, and I can move the couch back against the facing wall, meaning I can enjoy a bigger screen.

John

John,

I'm kind of in the same situation as you in space. Eventhough I have what is called a "Great Room" it also gets utilized for an excersize machine I hardly ever use, and it is setup to accomodate a dining area. Therefore, I also sit about 5 1/2 to six-feet away from my current set, but the way I have the room aranged, if you sit in the "Jaba" chair you're a good 10 to 11-feet away.

From what everyone is suggesting, it appears I'll probably go with a 56" for minimum size. I still have enough space in the room to arange it right, if needed. And I'll make a note to check out the Sony Bravia sets.

To all,

Thanks for all your help, so far, you've all given me plenty of info to take on the hunt. That includes YOU Mr. Jimi Love!

Tim,
Your wecome. Let us know what you get,and have a GREAT time feeding our starving economy.

Tim,

It appears that Universal caught wind of your decision! Thanks for that. I'm wondering if you could shoot Paramount an e-mail and let them know what you are up to as well.

Thanks,

Uni

I was in a store a month ago. They had a plasma next to a DLP. They were showing a pond with colored lights underwater. The plasma showed the lights in natural detail, while the DLP looked washed-out and [mono-colored??] by comparison. But different kinds of sets are better at different kinds of images.
I saw LCOS a few times and was surprised I didn't like them too much even thought he technology looks like they should be great.
I think the LCD's have made the biggest improvements over the past five years. They are so bright with good viewing angles, and faster refresh rates. But definitely test to see if it can produce lots of subtle shades.
For a big set, I would get 1080p. I would also get a set with a black frame/border. They blend in nicely with the (evil) black bars.

"The plasma showed the lights in natural detail, while the DLP looked washed-out and [mono-colored??] by comparison." --mra

The problem comparing TVs in a store is not knowing how each TV is adjusted. With so many settings for color, tint, contrast, brightness, sharpness, etc., unless both televisions are adjusted for optimal picture quality, comparisons can be unfair. Being naturally suspicious, I even fear that some stores intentionally adjust some sets to look better or worse than others, depending on what they're trying to sell at any given time.

John

Quote:
You mean Vancouver B.C., right? I ask because I'm from Vancouver Washington, which always gets confused with Vancouver BC. Nevertheless, I've been living in Phoenix for the past 13-years -- I'm sure that would be a costly delivery. lol

Yeah I meant Vancouver, BC...home of the most expensive real estate in Canada. I want to live downtown and to buy anything in my price range (350-400k), I'm looking at only 500sq ft....totally brutal.

Screw it, I'll just sit two feet from the screen.

Hey Tim... here's another HDTV (and special price) for you to consider - this time an LCD. I received a Costco Specials email and they have a great deal on this Toshiba LCD...



> Toshiba 47" 1080p LCD HDTV - just $1299 until May 2 (a $300 discount)

-ColorBurst™ Wide Color Gamut LCD
-PixelPure 3G™ 14-Bit Digital Video Processing
-DynaLight™ Dynamic Back Light Control
-15 Pin D-Sub PC Input
-3 HDMI Inputs
1-year warranty DOUBLED to 2 years (when buying from Costco)



Toshiba has some great quality LCD TVs, and Eddie recommends them too. I prefer plasma (as you know), but you have to consider several factors in your choice of which TV to buy. Happy shopping!

-JIMI (the Voodoo Child)

And speaking of plasma... Sam's Club has a 50" 1080p Panasonic model on sale for just $1788 - VIEW INFO



-JIMI LOVE (the Voodoo Child)

Wow that 47" Toshiba LCD for $1299 is a steal. I would jump all over that if I didn't have my Pioneer.

Tim you should check that out...thats a GREAT price.

Yeah, well I was in a BB a few nights ago, and after looking at size, I'm thinking about 60" is going to be my choice, as all the 40-whatever inch sets look a bit too small.

Tim
Go with your gut man. 60" is perfecto. If you buy anything under 50" you will hate yourself. But like I said before, these sets are great for bedrooms. But for home theater uhhhhhh no. My 56 just barely gets the job done. And I sit 10-12 feet off it. I had a 61' inch in the same space before this one and I liked the size of the picture better, but it was just an old (old sounds funny)16.9 projection. It didnt have the mirrors.(DLP)

I agree. I went with my gutt when I bought my Sony 51" (projection) TV, and it's just about perfect! For a while I was considering a Pioneer 60", but, prices at the time stopped me. My home theater is 21' x 25' and I've NEVER wished I had gone smaller than 51". I have always wondered how the 60" would look in my theater, though.



- Josh