speakerguy79 said:
Plasmas and DLP sets are getting there in terms of image quality, though plasma seems to be a fading technology. I should be able to see the newest LED based DLP rear projection set once a friend gets it ISF calibrated in a few weeks and that will give me an idea of where they are now. I still think LCD's are still crummy, at least the ones I've seen. But far the biggest problem with any of these technologies is the horrible scaling every single set I've seen does, even the supposedly good ones, to non-native resolution signals. The built-in scalers are just flat out bad.
I've installed LOT'S of LCD sets, mostly Sony's - and a decent quality LCD set (like a Sony) generally gives a better picture than the CRT it replaces - even top CRT's like the Sony Trinitrons.
I've always thought projection sets (of any type) give pretty poor pictures, and I certainly wouldn't entertain one - although the latest Sony LCD rear projectors do at least give a decent viewing angle, but they are discontinued in a couple of months worldwide!.
For good results with LCD there are a number of things you have to consider though (as with anything else):
1) Viewing distance - you have to view from a suitable distance, in the UK SD (Standard Definition) should be viewed at a MINIMUM distance of 2.5 times the screen size. The poorer spec 525 line TV in the USA should be further away still.
2) Source quality - don't use analogue RF or composite connections (or a VCR!) - use RGB (Europe) or Component (USA), or HDMI. Using composite or analogue RF makes them look absolutely horrible, as the higher resolution shows up the defects. Internal digital tuners are fine, as they connect internally as RGB (or similar).
3 Quality of set - get a good quality TV, the cheaper ones use really crappy cheap upscalers, and that makes a HUGE difference!.
4) HD pictures - HD is completely different, you need to view considerably closer (or you're getting no benefit), and only high quality connection types are available. Even the cheap sets look good on HD, as the internal upscaler isn't used.
5) Don't get connned by 'upscaling DVD players', they don't produce HD (or anything like it), they just upscale exactly as your TV already does - if you have a really crap TV though, it may be a better upscaler than the one in the TV?.