another TV thread, need help.

[1971Coupe]

I'm lucky if I watch one hour of TV a night, but the wife wants a new TV. This TV will go over the gas fireplace, and viewing will be about 10 - 12 feet away. I have limited knowledge about all the new technology, but I am leaning towards LCD. Any advise on what to look for is appreciated. Chime in Bruce, you sound like a TV guru. I was thinking 42 inch panel. Thanks

[4GTABODT]

Romeo, I can't help you as the new TV technology is all greek to me but I am interested in what the teckies have to say also...so I'm posting a reply so I can follow on "My Recent Topics"

[Maymyvetteliveforevr]

In my opinion Romeo, your on the right track. LCD will be thin enough to mount on the wall just over the fireplace, although the mounting bracket will most likely have to be purchased separately. For the distance your referring to, you could probably go as large as 50 inch. I would stay with a known brand and keep the following in mind:

1. Is there a electrical cord and tv coaxial cable close by?
2. HDTV technology is becoming more popular so maybe you may want the tv to be HDTV ready, or at least compatible (which most tv's are now).
3. If you watch alot of movies you may want to concider a widescreen tv if you enjoy the theater type picture which is 16:1.
4. If your not thinking about installing external speakers, than make sure your happy with the sound of the tv audio.

I'm sure others will add to this.

On Boxing day we bought our daughter a 20 inch LCD and it was almost 1/2 price off. You can still find deals if you act soon.

[7t2vette]

Originally Posted by 1971Coupe

I'm lucky if I watch one hour of TV a night, but the wife wants a new TV.
This TV will go over the gas fireplace, and viewing will be about 10 - 12 feet away.
I have limited knowledge about all the new technology, but I am leaning towards LCD.
Any advise on what to look for is appreciated.
Chime in Bruce, you sound like a TV guru.
I was thinking 42 inch panel.


Thanks

Not a guru, but a definite audio/video enthusiast. I change my gear on a regular basis because I like to keep up with technology. That being said, the guys at the stereo stores know me on a first name basis!

Anyways, I would rate tvs as follows:

1 Plasma (flat panel)
2 LCOS (projection)
3 DLP (projection)
4 LCD (flat panel or projection)

There is only one flat panel(non-projection) LCD over 40" that I know of, and that is the Sharp Aquos 45" which goes for about $6000. You could buy a 42" Plasma for less than that. Here is the suggested size tv for viewing distances:

HDTV-capable TVs with 4:3 or 16:9 aspect ratio screen

Screen size & Suggested viewing distance:

30" 6.25 feet
35" 7.3 feet
40" 8.3 feet
45" 9.4 feet
50" 10.4 feet
55" 11.5 feet
60" 12.5 feet
65" 13.5 feet


Here is a link to a website I frequent for information:
Plasma vs LCD vs DLP vs LCOS

[1971Coupe]

looks like the turn around time for a custom built wall unit around the gas fireplace we are getting this week is about 2 months.
The TV will have to wait until the wall unit is in.

max. I want to spend is 3K, even that has me for the amount of TV I watch.
I saw a 40" Sony LCD for 3k, prices may drop further in 2 months.