Rear Projection vs. LCD

[thehellgate911]

So I still haven't decided if I want an LCD or a Rear Projection TV. I've noticed that Sony has stopped making Rear Projections.. which is kind of odd. But anyways.. what are the main differences between them in terms of the way the picture looks? Does the RP actually look less crisp or bright than the LCD? What does the picture look like exactly on an RPTV?

And if I do decide to go with RPTV, what's the best one I can get for around $3000? I will always sacrifice size for picture quality, so if there's a 70" that looks worse than a 65" and they're the same price, i'll go with the 65". So with that in mind, what's the absolute "best" overall RPTV I can get with $3000?

Thanks

[Alaskankaijudude]

Cant give any comparisons but can heap praise on my rear projection Mitsubishi DLP 65'' TV. Fantastic picture. Not sure what they are going for these days. I paid $3500.00 a year ago. It's the Diamond Series. I believe they also have a line that is a step down from these and are cheaper.

[thehellgate911]

Interesting.. so I can get the top of the line of the current Mitsubishi Diamond lineup (73" 1080p RPTV) for the SAME PRICE that I was gonna get a 52" Sony LCD. That is awfully tempting. Thanks for pointing those out to me! Can anyone else tell me whether the picture quality of the WD-73833 is any less clear or bright than the Sony XBR series?

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by thehellgate911

So I still haven't decided if I want an LCD or a Rear Projection TV. I've noticed that Sony has stopped making Rear Projections.. which is kind of odd. But anyways.. what are the main differences between them in terms of the way the picture looks? Does the RP actually look less crisp or bright than the LCD? What does the picture look like exactly on an RPTV?

And if I do decide to go with RPTV, what's the best one I can get for around $3000? I will always sacrifice size for picture quality, so if there's a 70" that looks worse than a 65" and they're the same price, i'll go with the 65". So with that in mind, what's the absolute "best" overall RPTV I can get with $3000?

Thanks

LCD flat screen TVs are smaller and more expensive for a given size. Rear Projection TVs are slightly bigger and cheaper. The best Rear Projection TVs currently available are DLP TVs and you can buy them in very large sizes. If you have the space, I would vote for the Mitsubishi 65" or 73" Diamond Series TVs. The diamond series are the top of the line.
http://www.mitsubishi-tv.com/j/i/183...tml?mid=136761

I bought my 73" Mitsubishi Diamond below $4,000. I also got a free stand, a free PS3, and zero percent financing until 2010. I bought it around the first week of January 2008. The picture quality is stunning.

For a comparison between the different TV technologies, read the following:

http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/art...&page_number=1

http://www.cnet.com/4520-7874_1-5108443-1.html

http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=112509

http://www.lcdtvbuyingguide.com/lcdt...lcdvsdlp.shtml

[Entertainment72]

Not to sound tooo bias but I havent seen ANYTHING that looks better than my Sony SXRD 60A3000... plasma - lcd - projector.. nothing!

[thehellgate911]

That does look nice, and the reviews on Amazon seem to back you up. 52 five stars, 2 four stars, and that's it. Haha.

But if i'm getting an RPTV, it's gonna be bigger than 60". I've noticed that basically every major company has a lineup of RPTV's that go above 70" and stay within the $3000 range. So now the question is, which company is the best? Should I go with the Mitsubishi Diamond series? Or go with something like the Samsung HL-T7288W 72"? Do any of the RPTVs have the 120hz smooth motion technology?

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by thehellgate911

That does look nice, and the reviews on Amazon seem to back you up. 52 five stars, 2 four stars, and that's it. Haha.

But if i'm getting an RPTV, it's gonna be bigger than 60". I've noticed that basically every major company has a lineup of RPTV's that go above 70" and stay within the $3000 range. So now the question is, which company is the best? Should I go with the Mitsubishi Diamond series? Or go with something like the Samsung HL-T7288W 72"?

My vote is with Mitsubishi. They have far more experience in making large Rear Projection TVs. Definitely get the Diamond series. It is worth the extra dollars.

[thehellgate911]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

My vote is with Mitsubishi. They have far more experience in making large Rear Projection TVs. Definitely get the Diamond series. It is worth the extra dollars.

There's a guy on Cnet who says that the 73" mitsubishi doesn't support HDMI upscaling. What will that mean for me? If I have a $1000 blu-ray drive, and i'm playing a DVD, even if the blu-ray drive can upscale it to 1080p, the TV won't??

[supersix4]

Originally Posted by thehellgate911

So I still haven't decided if I want an LCD or a Rear Projection TV. I've noticed that Sony has stopped making Rear Projections.. which is kind of odd. But anyways.. what are the main differences between them in terms of the way the picture looks? Does the RP actually look less crisp or bright than the LCD? What does the picture look like exactly on an RPTV?

And if I do decide to go with RPTV, what's the best one I can get for around $3000? I will always sacrifice size for picture quality, so if there's a 70" that looks worse than a 65" and they're the same price, i'll go with the 65". So with that in mind, what's the absolute "best" overall RPTV I can get with $3000?

Thanks

you should try searching this has been covered to no end

[thehellgate911]

Originally Posted by supersix4

you should try searching this has been covered to no end

I've already pretty much decided i'm going with an RPTV. But i'm not so sure about the Mitsubishi 73". The Samsung 72" got much better reviews on cnet.

[MovieFan242]

I looked into LCD's when i was debating between that and a Slim DLP. Reviews on the LCD, are that the sides, or left and right edges are brighter for better viewing from side views, so if you are an avid movie watcher or game player this could be bothersome when you sit directly infront of it. For the price and size, and now that they have slim DLP, its a good bang for your buck. They say Samsung is the best for Gaming and Videos. I've seen Best Buy has sales on them or bundles say a 56" Slim DLP 1080p HDTV with a xbox 360 for like $1600 when thats what the TV goes for itself. Granted all retailers mark there TV's way up by at least $300 to $500, so if you know anyone that works at a store maybe they can get you a deal with a discount, check the sunday flyers, or check online stores as someone posted about a Samsung 56" 1080p slim DLP that was marked down from like $2400 to $1400 with free shipping. A newer verson was probably coming out, but since the bulbs last for 4-5 years, theres no harm with buying it on sale. Put that money saved towards more blu-rays.

_____________________________________
Samsung 50'' Slim DLP 1080p HDTV HL-T5076S
Philips - 1000W 5.1-Ch. Home Theater System/Upconvert DVD/CD
PS3 80 Gig
Xbox 360 Elite (120 Gig)
Blu-Rays - 57
Blu-Rays on Order - 6
DVD's - 725
DVD Boxed Tv Series Sets- 79

[thehellgate911]

What's the difference between Rear Projection and DLP?

[lexm]

Originally Posted by thehellgate911

What's the difference between Rear Projection and DLP?

A lot of people are confused about what a rear projection tv really is. Think of them as a big empty box with an "engine" that projects the image into the screen. The difference is what type of engine you use. Some projection TVs use and LCD engine (i.e.: Sony) while others use a DLP engine (i.e.: Mitsubishi and Samsung).

So what you really want to know is whats the difference between an LCD Rear Projection and a DLP Rear Projection. So here it goes:

An LCD rear projection can use (if I remember well) 3 translucent LCD displays or 3 reflective LCD displays (as in LCOS) to form the image on the screen. Pretty much you have a bright light source putting light through the LCD (in the translucent method) or reflecting the light off the LCD (LCOS) and displaying it on the screen.

A DLP is exclusively a reflective technology. It uses a small microchip with millions of microscopic mirrors to form the image on the screen. The way it works is you have a bright light source reflection on a color wheel that has 3 to 7 color segments (depending on manufacturer). The light reflects from the color wheel to the DLP chip. In the DLP chip, each of the micorscopic mirrors vibrate really fast to catch the color they need to reflect. Each microscopic mirror will create a pixel on the screen. There are new forms of DLP already availabe and on the way that work essencially the same way, but replace the light source. Samsung has been using LEDs on some of their tvs to replace the lamp. Mitsubishi is working on tvs that use lasers instead of the lamp, these are supposed to be quite fantastic according to the reports from CES.

Both systems have their pros and cons. The LCD based rear projection tvs have the same short commings as LCD flat pannel tvs. That is, they have burn in, go dimm with time, pixels have very slow refresh rates, and might turn slightly yellow over time. On the othe hand, they run cooler, quiter, and some people think the image is smoother (I call it blurry). With DLP rear projection tvs some people see a slight rainbow effect, also they have to have a fan to cool them down. On the other hand, DLP creates much better colors than LCD, its brighter (than the translucent LCD), and the pixels have the fastest refresh rate of any HD tv (including plasma) so that means you dont see any ghost or image trailing on fast action.

By the way, all rear projections regardless of it being LCD based or DLP based will need to have their lamps replaced every once in a while. I've done it on my Mitsubishi and it was excedingly simple.

As far as to what I preferr. Well, I love my DLP displays. I have a Mitsubishi rear projection DLP tv and a SIM2 front projector. I will only replace my Mitsubishi DLP tv with another Mitsubishi DLP tv, but this time, I'm waiting for the laser DLPs to show up. I personally dont like LCD regardless of them being LCD rear projection tvs or LCD flat pannels. They look blurry to me, and the colors look pasty. But what really kills it for me with LCD is the slow pixel refresh. I hate seeing image ghosting on the screen.

[thehellgate911]

Originally Posted by lexm

A lot of people are confused about what a rear projection tv really is. Think of them as a big empty box with an "engine" that projects the image into the screen. The difference is what type of engine you use. Some projection TVs use and LCD engine (i.e.: Sony) while others use a DLP engine (i.e.: Mitsubishi and Samsung).

So what you really want to know is whats the difference between an LCD Rear Projection and a DLP Rear Projection. So here it goes:

An LCD rear projection can use (if I remember well) 3 translucent LCD displays or 3 reflective LCD displays (as in LCOS) to form the image on the screen. Pretty much you have a bright light source putting light through the LCD (in the translucent method) or reflecting the light off the LCD (LCOS) and displaying it on the screen.

A DLP is exclusively a reflective technology. It uses a small microchip with millions of microscopic mirrors to form the image on the screen. The way it works is you have a bright light source reflection on a color wheel that has 3 to 7 color segments (depending on manufacturer). The light reflects from the color wheel to the DLP chip. In the DLP chip, each of the micorscopic mirrors vibrate really fast to catch the color they need to reflect. Each microscopic mirror will create a pixel on the screen. There are new forms of DLP already availabe and on the way that work essencially the same way, but replace the light source. Samsung has been using LEDs on some of their tvs to replace the lamp. Mitsubishi is working on tvs that use lasers instead of the lamp, these are supposed to be quite fantastic according to the reports from CES.

Both systems have their pros and cons. The LCD based rear projection tvs have the same short commings as LCD flat pannel tvs. That is, they have burn in, go dimm with time, pixels have very slow refresh rates, and might turn slightly yellow over time. On the othe hand, they run cooler, quiter, and some people think the image is smoother (I call it blurry). With DLP rear projection tvs some people see a slight rainbow effect, also they have to have a fan to cool them down. On the other hand, DLP creates much better colors than LCD, its brighter (than the translucent LCD), and the pixels have the fastest refresh rate of any HD tv (including plasma) so that means you dont see any ghost or image trailing on fast action.

By the way, all rear projections regardless of it being LCD based or DLP based will need to have their lamps replaced every once in a while. I've done it on my Mitsubishi and it was excedingly simple.

As far as to what I preferr. Well, I love my DLP displays. I have a Mitsubishi rear projection DLP tv and a SIM2 front projector. I will only replace my Mitsubishi DLP tv with another Mitsubishi DLP tv, but this time, I'm waiting for the laser DLPs to show up. I personally dont like LCD regardless of them being LCD rear projection tvs or LCD flat pannels. They look blurry to me, and the colors look pasty. But what really kills it for me with LCD is the slow pixel refresh. I hate seeing image ghosting on the screen.

Thank you very much for the clear and informative post. It sounds like I will be very happy with a Diamond series Mitsubishi DLP RPTV. My only concern is the lack of HDMI upscaling capability. Do you know anything about that?

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by thehellgate911

Thank you very much for the clear and informative post. It sounds like I will be very happy with a Diamond series Mitsubishi DLP RPTV. My only concern is the lack of HDMI upscaling capability. Do you know anything about that?

If you plan to buy the Mitsubishi Diamond Series, make sure the last three digits of the model numbers are 833 (the most recent models). For example, 65" TV is numbered 65833 and 73" model is numbered 73833. Some dealers may try to sell you last year's models.

This is from Mitsubishi website on upscaling:

Plush1080p
"HDTVs can display any video signal. For a 1080p HDTV, even the high quality 720p and 1080i HDTV signals being broadcast need to be reformatted in order to fill the TV screen with a sharp, clear picture. Mitsubishi developed Plush1080p™ technology to do just this—with the highest quality possible. It scales the picture precisely, with minimal side effects. And 1080i, currently the most common form of HDTV signal, is spectacular at 1080p. The conversion is precise, resulting in previously unachievable detail and clarity. In short, Plush1080p™ technology makes everything else look better on a 1080p HDTV".

http://www.mitsubishi-tv.com/j/i/183...s/WD65833.html

[thehellgate911]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

If you plan to buy the Mitsubishi Diamond Series, make sure the last three digits of the model numbers are 833 (the most recent models). For example, 65" TV is numbered 65833 and 73" model is numbered 73833. Some dealers may try to sell you last year's models.

This is from Mitsubishi website on upscaling:

Plush1080p
"HDTVs can display any video signal. For a 1080p HDTV, even the high quality 720p and 1080i HDTV signals being broadcast need to be reformatted in order to fill the TV screen with a sharp, clear picture. Mitsubishi developed Plush1080p™ technology to do just this—with the highest quality possible. It scales the picture precisely, with minimal side effects. And 1080i, currently the most common form of HDTV signal, is spectacular at 1080p. The conversion is precise, resulting in previously unachievable detail and clarity. In short, Plush1080p™ technology makes everything else look better on a 1080p HDTV".

http://www.mitsubishi-tv.com/j/i/183...s/WD65833.html

What about upscaling DVD's to 1080p? Does it support that? What exactly is HDMI upscaling?

[Blu_Ray_Fan]

If you can still get a SONY SXRD A3000 60" I would go for that. I got mine last fall when they were released, and have never regreted it. They around $2000.00 now and an exceptional value. By far best picture out right now, including diamond series. And don't think I'm biased for any reason, I sold my Mitsubishi to get my SONY...

[thehellgate911]

Originally Posted by Blu_Ray_Fan

If you can still get a SONY SXRD A3000 60" I would go for that. I got mine last fall when they were released, and have never regreted it. They around $2000.00 now and an exceptional value. By far best picture out right now, including diamond series. And don't think I'm biased for any reason, I sold my Mitsubishi to get my SONY...

I'd rather have a 73" screen. Not only that but i'm not purchasing until this fall anyway.. so the A3000 will definitely be at least a little obsolete by then. But looking at these mitsubishi diamond screens.. I still don't know if they will upscale DVD's to 1080p. Other than that it's a no brainer decision for me at this point.

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by thehellgate911

What about upscaling DVD's to 1080p? Does it support that? What exactly is HDMI upscaling?

It is probably better for your DVD player or receiver to upscale your video to 1080p. There are some DVD players under $100 that do a decent job of upscaling. If you use a Blu-Ray player like PS3, it does a fantastic job of upscaling. Many new receivers also upscale your video signal to 1080p. However, if a signal is transmitted from the DVD player via the HDMI cable in 480i or 480p, or 720p, or 1080i fromat, the receiver will not upscale the signal to 1080p. One of the receivers that can upscale to 1080p from an HDMI cable is the super expensive (top of the line) Denon receiver. Even my Denon 4308CI cannot upscale a signal to 1080p via the HDMI cable. Most new receivers, however, will upscale a signal if it is sent to the receiver by RCA or S Video cable. In my experience, most TVs do not do a good job of upscaling. I prefer my DVD player or receiver to do the job. Some of the stand-alone upscaler can cost several thousand dollars.

[thehellgate911]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

It is probably better for your DVD player or receiver to upscale your video to 1080p. There are some DVD players under $100 that do a decent job of upscaling. If you use a Blu-Ray player like PS3, it does a fantastic job of upscaling. Many new receivers also upscale your video signal to 1080p. However, if a signal is transmitted from the DVD player via the HDMI cable in 480i or 480p, or 720p, or 1080i fromat, the receiver will not upscale the signal to 1080p. One of the receivers that can upscale to 1080p from an HDMI cable is the super expensive (top of the line) Denon receiver. Even my Denon 4308CI cannot upscale a signal to 1080p via the HDMI cable. Most new receivers, however, will upscale a signal if it is sent to the receiver by RCA or S Video cable. In my experience, most TVs do not do a good job of upscaling. I prefer my DVD player or receiver to do the job. Some of the stand-alone upscaler can cost several thousand dollars.

Alright so.. if my Blu-Ray drive has the capability to upscale DVD's, then the Mitsubishi TV won't get in the way of that? I was under the impression that the TV could actually hinder the upscaling process if it wasn't supported on that TV. I'll just get an expensive Sony Blu-Ray drive. They upscale DVD's.