Q. I was planning on buying a 50 inch LCD, but have been hearing that the projectors are catching on. I would imagine it would be a larger image, but don't think it lasts as long. What are the advantages/disadvantages?
A. Personally I'd go with a projector if you have the room for a large screen and flanking speakers ... it will give the most immersive, cinema-like experience (particularly for more than 2 people)
The disadvantage -- as you already noted -- is that lamps typically last 3000 hrs (3-4 years at 2-3 hrs/day) and cost ~$350 to replace. In addition, most projectors need to have air filters checked and cleaned every few months (a 5 minute job).
My wife and I have a HT setup (HD satellite and HD DVD and DVD program sources) with a 110" screen (home made for <$100), 7.1 sound system, and a back-wall mounted projector ... and we wouldn't go back to a small (e.g. 40-60") screen willingly. We like to invite neighbours and friends to come for "dinner and a movie" ... and the home theatre setup enhances the experience immensely. We wouldn't do it if we had an LCD or plasma TV. That said, we have a 32" HDTV in a smaller room that we use for routine TV watching.
But to answer your question re pros and cons ...
Let's set the scene first. Assume a 50" LCD vs a 100" projection setup. Ideal viewing location will be about 7-8' from the LCD and 13-15' from the projection screen. The image will be, perceptually, equivalent (since it subtends the same visual angle). But, most people will sit further from a 50 LCD than ideal (simply to allow more than 2 p[eople to get into the "sweet spot" in front of the screen, rather than off at an angle), so in reality the picture seems bigger for the projector watcher. See viewing distance calulator (2nd link).
Prices for an HT projector: from <$1000 for 720p models and from $3000 for 1080p models (2 years ago this would have been $10K+). See Projector Central's "highly Rated" list (1st link).
A projection setup has more parts than an LCD -- projector and separate screen. Screens can cost more than $3000, but a reasonable screen can be purchased for $500 - $700, or you can make one from Blackout Cloth on a wood frame or paint your own on drywall for <$100. See AVS DIY Screen forum.
Projectors work best in dark rooms (think movie theatre), so light control is important. As with LCD panels competition from room lights or windows washes out the picture, but probably more on a projector screen than a smaller flat panel. This is not to say you can't watch a projector with the lights on, but unless you have a 2000+ lumen projector the picture will be significantly washed out.
Contrast ratio used to be inferior on projectors relative to flatpanel displays, but in the last year CR's of > 10,000 are increasingly common (but note this is compromised in anything but a dark room).
Multiple digital or component connections to projectors tend to be less common than on flatpanel displays (although a suite of composite, s-video, component and DVI or HDMI and VGA are normal), meaning you will probably do switching through an A/V receiver.
A projector throws the image from across the room (unless you have the capacity, and want to use the space to rear project from behind the screen), so sight lines must be kept clear. However, projectors are designed to be ceiling or shelf mounted so this does not have to limit seating. LCDs are easier to position and hide. On the other hand A/V equipment for a projection HT can be unobtrusively mounted at the back of the room and controlled by bouncing the remote signal off the screen.
Projectors turn out heat and have cooling fans that can be noticeable to a viewer sitting beside or under the projector, although recent HT designs have fans that are so quiet you would have to sit within a few feet to even notice them. LCDs are quieter.
So ... there are significant differences. Some can be considered advantages or disadvantages, but I'd suggest they are simply factors to consider. There are work arounds for most of the "disadvantages".
The bottom line to me -- since cost considerations are not major issues in my view -- is do you have the space and wish to view movies or HDTV in a close approximation of the movie theatre experience for 2-6+ people (minus the sticky floors, noisy strangers, and having to travel to the theatre and back), or do you prefer a big picture in a smaller, cosier setting for one or two viewers (or a small screen in a big room for more people) -- i.e. the LCD flatscreen.
I'd suggest you find a projector demo at a local high end A/V retailer and see what both types of diplays are like "live" before making a decision. Also read up on the subject at the links provided.
The disadvantage -- as you already noted -- is that lamps typically last 3000 hrs (3-4 years at 2-3 hrs/day) and cost ~$350 to replace. In addition, most projectors need to have air filters checked and cleaned every few months (a 5 minute job).
My wife and I have a HT setup (HD satellite and HD DVD and DVD program sources) with a 110" screen (home made for <$100), 7.1 sound system, and a back-wall mounted projector ... and we wouldn't go back to a small (e.g. 40-60") screen willingly. We like to invite neighbours and friends to come for "dinner and a movie" ... and the home theatre setup enhances the experience immensely. We wouldn't do it if we had an LCD or plasma TV. That said, we have a 32" HDTV in a smaller room that we use for routine TV watching.
But to answer your question re pros and cons ...
Let's set the scene first. Assume a 50" LCD vs a 100" projection setup. Ideal viewing location will be about 7-8' from the LCD and 13-15' from the projection screen. The image will be, perceptually, equivalent (since it subtends the same visual angle). But, most people will sit further from a 50 LCD than ideal (simply to allow more than 2 p[eople to get into the "sweet spot" in front of the screen, rather than off at an angle), so in reality the picture seems bigger for the projector watcher. See viewing distance calulator (2nd link).
Prices for an HT projector: from <$1000 for 720p models and from $3000 for 1080p models (2 years ago this would have been $10K+). See Projector Central's "highly Rated" list (1st link).
A projection setup has more parts than an LCD -- projector and separate screen. Screens can cost more than $3000, but a reasonable screen can be purchased for $500 - $700, or you can make one from Blackout Cloth on a wood frame or paint your own on drywall for <$100. See AVS DIY Screen forum.
Projectors work best in dark rooms (think movie theatre), so light control is important. As with LCD panels competition from room lights or windows washes out the picture, but probably more on a projector screen than a smaller flat panel. This is not to say you can't watch a projector with the lights on, but unless you have a 2000+ lumen projector the picture will be significantly washed out.
Contrast ratio used to be inferior on projectors relative to flatpanel displays, but in the last year CR's of > 10,000 are increasingly common (but note this is compromised in anything but a dark room).
Multiple digital or component connections to projectors tend to be less common than on flatpanel displays (although a suite of composite, s-video, component and DVI or HDMI and VGA are normal), meaning you will probably do switching through an A/V receiver.
A projector throws the image from across the room (unless you have the capacity, and want to use the space to rear project from behind the screen), so sight lines must be kept clear. However, projectors are designed to be ceiling or shelf mounted so this does not have to limit seating. LCDs are easier to position and hide. On the other hand A/V equipment for a projection HT can be unobtrusively mounted at the back of the room and controlled by bouncing the remote signal off the screen.
Projectors turn out heat and have cooling fans that can be noticeable to a viewer sitting beside or under the projector, although recent HT designs have fans that are so quiet you would have to sit within a few feet to even notice them. LCDs are quieter.
So ... there are significant differences. Some can be considered advantages or disadvantages, but I'd suggest they are simply factors to consider. There are work arounds for most of the "disadvantages".
The bottom line to me -- since cost considerations are not major issues in my view -- is do you have the space and wish to view movies or HDTV in a close approximation of the movie theatre experience for 2-6+ people (minus the sticky floors, noisy strangers, and having to travel to the theatre and back), or do you prefer a big picture in a smaller, cosier setting for one or two viewers (or a small screen in a big room for more people) -- i.e. the LCD flatscreen.
I'd suggest you find a projector demo at a local high end A/V retailer and see what both types of diplays are like "live" before making a decision. Also read up on the subject at the links provided.
What is the difference between a Plasma and a LCD flat panel TV?
Q. I am looking at buying between a 40 to 50 inch wide screen flat panel television and would like to know the following differences between plasma and LCD:
-cost
-performance (longevity, clarity, gaming hook ups)
-track records (proven to last)
-weight (will it be able to hang on the wall with out major damage)
-best brands for plasma and LCD
-stores with the best deals
-do you recommend getting the extended warranty
-do you recommend getting the set up (I think it is a rip but want to know how easy each of them are to set up and hang on the wall)
-best for gaming.
I will be using this TV for gaming and watching sports and am looking for something that will show the details. I also would like something that would last longer since I will be spending a lot of money on it. Thanks in advance for all the help.
-cost
-performance (longevity, clarity, gaming hook ups)
-track records (proven to last)
-weight (will it be able to hang on the wall with out major damage)
-best brands for plasma and LCD
-stores with the best deals
-do you recommend getting the extended warranty
-do you recommend getting the set up (I think it is a rip but want to know how easy each of them are to set up and hang on the wall)
-best for gaming.
I will be using this TV for gaming and watching sports and am looking for something that will show the details. I also would like something that would last longer since I will be spending a lot of money on it. Thanks in advance for all the help.
A. LCD TVs use an LCD panel to create the picture. It's the same LCD screen technology you find on laptop computers and digital cameras. Plasma TVs use gas suspended within glass panels and stimulated by an electrical field to create the picture.
Each technology has its advantages. Plasmas tend to have a better picture than LCD TVs, while LCD TVs promise better long-term reliability and freedom from screen burn-in worries.
LCD is available in small sizes such as 15 inches and go up from there, while plasma sets start over 30 inches in size. LCD tends to be more expensive than plasma TVs of the same size.
If I was buying one for myself, I would lean plasma because of the better picture quality -- the new Panasonics are especially good. In LCD sets Sony, Sharp and Toshiba are all very good, as is Samsung.
Bargain shoppers should check out the LCD sets from Westinghouse -- they have excellent pictures and are a great value at the asking price.
An HDTV standard has been in place in the United States for years. The new digital television specifications have many different available resolutions, not all of them HDTV.
To be considered HDTV broadcasts must be either 720p (720 progressively scanned lines) or 1080i (1080 interlaced lines).
Each technology has its advantages. Plasmas tend to have a better picture than LCD TVs, while LCD TVs promise better long-term reliability and freedom from screen burn-in worries.
LCD is available in small sizes such as 15 inches and go up from there, while plasma sets start over 30 inches in size. LCD tends to be more expensive than plasma TVs of the same size.
If I was buying one for myself, I would lean plasma because of the better picture quality -- the new Panasonics are especially good. In LCD sets Sony, Sharp and Toshiba are all very good, as is Samsung.
Bargain shoppers should check out the LCD sets from Westinghouse -- they have excellent pictures and are a great value at the asking price.
An HDTV standard has been in place in the United States for years. The new digital television specifications have many different available resolutions, not all of them HDTV.
To be considered HDTV broadcasts must be either 720p (720 progressively scanned lines) or 1080i (1080 interlaced lines).
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