My Next HDTV

[FTBoomerIII]

OK guys, I've had my 55" Mitsubushi rear projection for nearly 4 years now and it's really starting to show it's age. While the HD picture quality still looks good to those newbies that come over to see a football game, I can really see a difference.

I'm starting my long term (read, 1 year) quest to determine my next step. I know that's a long time and that things will most deffinatly change during that time period but I know the money wont be there anytime soon so why not do a little serious dreaming between now and then.

I want to hang it on the wall, 60", no more no less. That's it. It's in a long, narrow room with a window in the rear that has good blinds.

I saw bdrw (I think) mention the Pioneer Kuro and that got me thinking, I have no clue what it out there or on the horizon. My current set does not even have anything but component inputs so what do I need there? Is HDMI the current standard? What do I need for connection to Blu-ray or HD DVD?

Thanks In Advance (TIA)

[amheck]

The KURO's seem to be the next hot thing - supposidly a big step up in black levels for plasma. I have my eye on the 60" a well. Check some of the AVS Forum sponsors for super pricing (1000's $$ less than Best buy)

These sets will come with a few HDMI connections, as well as a host of component, s-video, etc. So you can use your existing stuff just fine, and then move over to 1 HDMI cable when you get the HD-DVD, Blu-Ray. It's nice only having 1 cable to deal with.

[pilotbob]

I gotta say, for something 60" (or bigger) that you want to hang on the wall, I would consider a projector. They have come a long way... the DLP projectors now are supposed to be very good.

Also, you can paint a 60" or bigger screen on the wall if you have empty wall space. They sell special paint to create an HD projector screen area on the wall. Much less expensive then a pull down screen.

I would say yes, get one with an HDMI 1.3 input. Also, depends on what other equipment you have. But there are recievers these days that will convert on type of input to another. So, you could do all your switching via the reciever that is connected via one wire to your screen/projector.

BOb

[bdraw]

I bought a 60-inch Pioneer Kuro PDP-6010FD, which has a MSRP of $6500. I bought it from Plasmaconcepts.com for $4500 plus shipping $400). I have to say, my delivery experience was better than the 55 RPTV I bought from Sound Advice 5 years ago. Follow up was better too, I received an email and a phone call afterwards to ensure I was completely satisfied. I would definitely recommend this TV and vendor.

As for TVs. I believe the Kuro is the best TV ever made. Yeah that's right I said it, but don't take my word for it.

Cnet gave the Kuro the highest rating ever, and their tests indicated that it had the best contrast ratio of any TV they've ever tested and they didn't even test a 1080p version!
http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-and-plasma/pioneer-kuro-pdp-5080hd/4505-6482_7-32476901.html

The HD Guru's review is due soon and I can tell you that he's already said it has the best contrast he ever tested and I'm pretty sure it'll be rated as the best TV he's ever tested.

Consumer Reports, ranked it #2 behind the Panasonic Plasma, stating that although the contrast was better, it wasn't as bright and they didn't think it was worth the extra money. I obviously don't agree, it is brighter than my old Mitsu Diamond CRT RPTV.

The bottom line is that most ISF certified tech's will tell you that contrast is the number 1 factor in producing an accurate image and the Kuro's are a major break through. Hate to link to my competition, but these pictures are a fantastic comparison.
gizmodo.com/gadgets/spec-wars/contrast-ratio-shoot+out-everyone-loses-259495.php


The only reason I could see to buy a different TV, is if you feel that brightness and tendencies to produce glare are more important to you than accurate color and overall PQ. Personally I believe the Kuro is bright enough and Pioneer's latest anti-reflective glass that's used is much better than previous models and not an issue in my room (lots of Windows etc)

You are welcome to come by my house and check it out, I live near downtown.

Here is some more information as well as a link to a bunch of pictures of mine.
http://bjdraw.com/2007/08/27/finally-bought-a-new-hdtv/

[pilotbob]

Here is some more information as well as a link to a bunch of pictures of mine.
http://bjdraw.com/2007/08/27/finally-bought-a-new-hdtv/

Nice looking setup. I'm curious, what is the CAT5 for? Does the TV have some type of connectivity options?

Why do you "hate" HDMI?

Does that mount allow you to raise/lower the TV. I am thinking of mounting a Plasma/LCD set above my fireplace mantel... however I want to be able to move it out and DOWN... since the mantel is about 5 feet high and I think that is a bit to high for the TV when we are all sitting down.

Also, are you looking into some blackout shades for those windows? Having windows behind the set would bother me.

BOb

[bdraw]

I'm using the CAT5 cable for a RS-232 cable. The Elite version of the TV (about $800 more) has networking capabilities so you can stream video, pics etc from your DLNA enabled pc. The RS-232 cable runs to my home automation controller (mainlobby).

I don't hate HDMI per say, I just prefer component. For a few reasons.
1. Component cables don't fall out
2. I can make my own component cables the perfect length
3. Component costs less
4. On my setup, the ONLY benefit to HDMI is 1080p

Don't believe that everything digital is automatically better. I've done A/B comparisons between component and HDMI via multiple sources and my discerning eye can not distinguish them.

I do have a 35-foot HDMI cable run, so I can set my Blu-ray player to output 1080p to my 1080p TV.

[FTBoomerIII]

Thanks guys, some great stuff there. Ben, WOW what a setup and what a write up. I might just have to take you up on that visit sometime. I do miss our little get togethers from the early days.

BTW, off-topic, have you been out to Jaymers BBQ place in Bloomingdale. Best BBQ I've ever had.

[bdraw]

You're not kidding about meet-ups.

Personally I blame Bryan, Jaymer was always really good about getting everyone together.

I haven't tried his BBQ, we should plan to meet there one day, do they have a bar or is it just a restaurant?

[CANDY76MAN]

You're not kidding about meet-ups.

Personally I blame Bryan, Jaymer was always really good about getting everyone together.

I haven't tried his BBQ, we should plan to meet there one day, do they have a bar or is it just a restaurant?

Its a small restaurant, it was a quiznos before he moved in if that helps, but he has got a nice outdoor patio area on the side that can accomodate quite a few people. Excellent BBQ too!

[Bschneider]

Sounds good to me.. Let's plan a meet-up over at his place.. What day is good for everyone?

[bdraw]

Well next week is Thanksgiving.
So lets say the Thursday after next.

[FTBoomerIII]

Sounds like a plan. Someone should get in touch with Jaymer and see if he'll be there. Anyone talk to him recently? Once it's confirmed, you should place it on the front page.

[Bschneider]

I haven't spoken with Jaymer in quite a long time. Perhaps a year. And unfortunately, I don't think I will be able to make it that day. I am assisting with a WingHouse photoshoot that day and then I am off to New York the day after.

[Floyd]

Well, then let's do it another time. I'll be in NYC myself Dec 3-9, so those dates are out for me.
I emailed Jaymer a heads up.

[jaymer]

howdy guys
prolly lets wait until after Christmas and lets do something into January.

I'd like to schedule some extra labor that night so I can hang out with yall.
Personally, Wed. is the best night for me, with Thursday then Tuesday after that.

Jan 8,9,10 or Jan 15,16,17 are fine.

Hope to see lots of you guys.

Jaymer...

[FTBoomerIII]

howdy guys
prolly lets wait until after Christmas and lets do something into January.

I'd like to schedule some extra labor that night so I can hang out with yall.
Personally, Wed. is the best night for me, with Thursday then Tuesday after that.

Jan 8,9,10 or Jan 15,16,17 are fine.

Hope to see lots of you guys.

Jaymer...


HOLY BATCRAP!! He Lives! Good to see you post jaymer. I think after the holidays would be much better at this point. We need to start a separate thread and post it to the front page.

Merry Christmas everyone!!

[bdraw]

Yeah no kidding.

I'll be in Vegas for CES on the week of Jan 8th, 9th and 10th, but the next week is cool.

Good to hear from you again Jaymer.

[LeapFroggie]

I'm starting my long term (read, 1 year) quest to determine my next step. I know that's a long time and that things will most deffinatly change during that time period but I know the money wont be there anytime soon so why not do a little serious dreaming between now and then.

I want to hang it on the wall, 60", no more no less. That's it. It's in a long, narrow room with a window in the rear that has good blinds.I think by the end of 2008 - early 2009 Sony (and perhaps others) will have an OLED HDTV in that size. That will likely be the technology of my next TV.

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&productId=8198552921665327724&langId=-1

[Bschneider]

I am bringing up this thread again because I think we all forgot about it. What was it about? Meeting up at Jaymer's BBQ!!!

So what's a good date for everyone!?

[bdraw]

I agree, I'm thinking a Thursday after work.

[Floyd]

Funny that you should bring this up now. I was just out at Jamer-Q BBQ last evening for Jamer De Mayo, and the food is great. The bluegrass band was awesome.
I took home a slab of salmon that he had smoked and had some it for dinner tonight and it was yummy. I didn't have room for any of the fresh coho he has, but maybe next time.
It was good to see Jamer, or what's left of him, as it has been a while since I've seen him. My work schedule is crammed lately, but I'm up for a meeting of the minds.
There's a lot of new names on this forum, and there's bound to be some new members joining with the digital transition coming up, so if nothing else, we need to practice for future get-togethers.

[rossinfl]

making me hungry

[Bschneider]

I am going to propose a date, Thursday, June 5th..

Any takers?

[FTBoomerIII]

I am going to propose a date, Thursday, June 5th..

Any takers?

Should be good for me

[bdraw]

That works for me.

What time? 6PM?

[Floyd]

Thursday, June 5, works for me.

[FTBoomerIII]

You should prolly put something on the front page and start a new dedicated thread

[rossinfl]

is everyone invited or just the in crowd? message me here or rossinfl@hotmail.com if I can come also. let me know details of this thing etc.

thanks alot

[FTBoomerIII]

is everyone invited or just the in crowd? message me here or rossinfl@hotmail.com if I can come also. let me know details of this thing etc.

thanks alot


Anyone and everyone is invited. Several years ago Jaymer started this website and many of us are original users from those early days. We used to meet up quite regularly back then (every couple of months). Jaymer turned the reins of the website over to ???? bdraw or Bschneider or someone, sorry guys i forget.

Anyway, Jaymer nows runs a VERY GOOD BBQ restraunt in Valrico, nice outside sitting and great food.

Come one, come all.

[rossinfl]

can someone private message me on here all the details about this event i.e. time, place, directions or what major intersection is it close to, can we bring someone with us?

thanks alot to all of you great people on this site

ross

[Bschneider]

I'm going to be posting all that information on the front page and I'll create a new thread later on today.

[Bschneider]

http://www.tampahdtv.com/tpahd-vb/showthread.php?t=27083