Projection vs. Plasma/LCD

[DealsR4theDevil]

All right so I know how Plasmas and LCDs work (I at least have a theoretical understanding). However, I know nothing about how Projection TVs work. It's obvious from looking at them that LCDs/Plasmas are better than Projection TVs but I'm looking for the why.

Anyone care to explain how these monsters work (Projection)?

[BIGMERF]

nice question, im interested in hearing some answers too

[dobyblue]

Originally Posted by DealsR4theDevil

It's obvious from looking at them that LCDs/Plasmas are better than Projection TVs but I'm looking for the why.

I would disagree - I think the Sony SXRD projection sets were better than all but the most expensive LED-LCD's.

[SDBlu]

What do you mean when you say better? Picture Quality? Size? Cost?

I used to own a Mitsubishi DLP 1080P rear projection and the picture quality was phenomenal. The only drawback for me was the thought of having to replace bulbs every year and a half at $250/each. Also the sheer size of the cabinet was about 14" deep (which is not too bad) but not as good as my 4" Sony XBR.

Now the newer technology,uses Led bulbs which last much longer, i believe. So as far as which is better, it is still subjective and dependent on the consumer's needs. I know rear projections cost less for a much bigger screen size as opposed to LCD or Plasma.

[DealsR4theDevil]

Originally Posted by MarcosG

What do you mean when you say better? Picture Quality? Size? Cost?

I used to own a Mitsubishi DLP 1080P rear projection and the picture quality was phenomenal. The only drawback for me was the thought of having to replace bulbs every year and a half at $250/each. Also the sheer size of the cabinet was about 14" deep (which is not too bad) but not as good as my 4" Sony XBR.

Now the newer technology,uses Led bulbs which last much longer, i believe. So as far as which is better, it is still subjective and dependent on the consumer's needs. I know rear projections cost less for a much bigger screen size as opposed to LCD or Plasma.

Every Projection set I have seen looks gawdawful (its sort of a word), worse even than tube TVs. My friend and his brother got one like 5 years ago and another friend owns one and I have seen them in stores.

It wasnt until I saw an LCD/Plasma (specifically my Pioneer Elite) that I was sold on this HD stuff. I can't really describe it but Projections looked awful.

[drago3451]

Originally Posted by dobyblue

I would disagree - I think the Sony SXRD projection sets were better than all but the most expensive LED-LCD's.

+1. I think my SXRD projection looks alot better than most LCD's and some plasma displays. Size/thickness is its only downfall.

[master_8ball]

My Hitachi 52inch 51F500 Rear Projection looks great for a tv over 5 years old. Not once had a bulb go, not once had a problem... And it does look great even though its 720p/1080i.

But if I was to buy a new one in the near future it would be a plasma...

[dobyblue]

Originally Posted by drago3451

+1. I think my SXRD projection looks alot better than most LCD's and some plasma displays. Size/thickness is its only downfall.

Agreed - in fact when Home Theater Mag tested 8 of the top TV's, including plasma, LCD, LCoS, DLP, SXRD, etc., the first TV to come in behind the plasma's was not an LCD, but an SXRD, the 60A3000.

http://hometheatermag.com/lcds/208hdface/

• Samsung HL-T6187S LED DLP RPTV
• Sharp LC-52D64U LCD HDTV
• JVC LT-47X898 LCD HDTV
• Mitsubishi WD-57833 DLP RPTV
• Sony KDS-60A3000 SXRD HDTV
• Panasonic TH-50PZ750 Plasma HDTV
• Pioneer PDP-5080HD Plasma HDTV

This is the least expensive TV in the Face Off, and it came in third.

Originally Posted by DealsR4theDevil

It wasnt until I saw an LCD/Plasma (specifically my Pioneer Elite)

Well, the Pioneer is a plasma, not an LCD/Plasma. I'm sure you know that, but there's a big difference. There is no LCD that performs outright as well as the Pioneer plasma.

[Layd Dly]

I love my 61" Samsung 61A750 LED DLP, and i have no bulbs to change. Kicks the ish out of my 2 other LCD's Bar None. And at a fraction of the price that a comparable Plasma/LCD of its size and quality would cost.

[DealsR4theDevil]

Originally Posted by dobyblue

Agreed - in fact when Home Theater Mag tested 8 of the top TV's, including plasma, LCD, LCoS, DLP, SXRD, etc., the first TV to come in behind the plasma's was not an LCD, but an SXRD, the 60A3000.

http://hometheatermag.com/lcds/208hdface/

• Samsung HL-T6187S LED DLP RPTV
• Sharp LC-52D64U LCD HDTV
• JVC LT-47X898 LCD HDTV
• Mitsubishi WD-57833 DLP RPTV
• Sony KDS-60A3000 SXRD HDTV
• Panasonic TH-50PZ750 Plasma HDTV
• Pioneer PDP-5080HD Plasma HDTV

From the article:

Numbers Aren't Everything
Many consumers want it to be easy to buy a TV, which is why they fall into the numbers trap. An 8-megapixel camera is better than a 6-megapixel, right? Or, in our world, "I need 1080p." In these sizes, you don't, and never was that more clear than with the PDP-5080HD. I have found, both in general discussions and in the results from many Face Offs, that the number-one thing most people want in a display is contrast ratio: legitimate contrast ratio, not this number-pumping crap that we see constantly nowadays.


Interesting article. I remember when the ISF released an article saying contrast ratio was the most important/noticeable thing about HDTVs, they also ranked the resolution as 4th most important.

I have a Pioneer Elite 42" thats is 720p/1080i (more accurately 768p). Some of my friends have 1080p LCDs and mine easily produces the better picture.

I try explaining this to people and they dont listen. The only ones I can convince of this are the ones who I can actually physically show the difference.

I have a friend that is looking into buying an HDTV and even though he agrees that the 720p Pioneer Elite looks better than most 1080p LCDs, he still insists on getting the 1080p LCD cuz he says he needs the newest/best technology (he cant afford a 1080p Pioneer Elite)

This reminds me of people who stretch 4:3 content to fit their widescreen TV because they feel like they arent getting the full experience if they arent using every inch of the screen.

Also reminds me of the Bose business strategy.

[BIGMERF]

Thanks deals, that encouraging news. I feel better about my SXRD KDS50A2000

[mikewills]

Originally Posted by Layd Dly

I love my 61" Samsung 61A750 LED DLP, and i have no bulbs to change. Kicks the ish out of my 2 other LCD's Bar None. And at a fraction of the price that a comparable Plasma/LCD of its size and quality would cost.

I agree. I have the 67A750 and pound for pound, you can't beat it.

Mike

[upswiseass]

I shopped and researched for well over seven months before purchasing my TV, and outside of the Pioneer Kuro(which would have cost me almost five times what my Sony did), I didn't look at any displays that I thought had an advantage over mine. There were several I liked, and I wouldn't have minded a wall-mounted plasma display, but having said that I saw nothing that had a markedly better picture than the SXRD. I think saying that all LCD/Plasma are obviously better than projection is a stretch. Yet, if you like your display, more power to you.

[primaz]

Originally Posted by DealsR4theDevil

Every Projection set I have seen looks gawdawful (its sort of a word), worse even than tube TVs. My friend and his brother got one like 5 years ago and another friend owns one and I have seen them in stores.

It wasnt until I saw an LCD/Plasma (specifically my Pioneer Elite) that I was sold on this HD stuff. I can't really describe it but Projections looked awful.

Big box stores and most retail stores do not tune their projection set ups at all. A projection TV will look just as clear but most of the time the system must be tuned. That is why most retail stores with no technicians like circuit city, etc. will incorrectly say negative things about front projection as they do not want to sell them due to no ability to tune them for the client and then they worry about returns.

I have a Panasonic front projection TV and would never go back to any flat panel TV again. Remember what most women say? Size matters and as long as you tune a front projection system what you will have is a much larger screen that is just as clear that will make your tiny flat panel screen look like a joke.

[ixlegitballinxl]

i've had 2 RP's, biggest down fall is the small viewing angle...

i never got all the hype that dlp's got... standing slight to the left looks like a dimmed window

it's all about the 178 degree viewing area!