 
|
Audio Asylum Thread Printer Get a view of an entire thread on one page |
For Sale Ads |
|
|
Audio Asylum Thread Printer Get a view of an entire thread on one page |
For Sale Ads |
24.20.160.4
I am looking to upgrade my video experience and am trying to decide between two options. My viewing/listening room is about 10 feet by 10 feet and 7-1/2 feet high. Viewing distance is about 6-7 feet max. Because of furniture (WAF) constraints and budget constraints I am limited to buying older technology, second hand equipment and fitting them into my present conditions. I have about $500 to spend. One option I was thinking of is a widescreen 34" Sony XBR tube TV which is the maximum I can fit. The other option is a projector system. I have seen many on Craigslist because people are upgrading to newer models. The screen would need to be in front of my main and center channel speakers so I would need a special screen. I like the idea of a larger image but given my viewing conditions would this work out okay? I am looking for pros/cons of the two approaches. (the room is dark)
Any suggestions on specific models of TVs or Projectors?
Thanks
running 720P and life is good.
Can you tell me the any real difference between the XBR 800/960/970/980's in terms of video quality? Reading the specs does not help me much. The only video source I will be using is an up-converting DVD player (currently only have a Toshiba 3960 but will be getting something new) and Comcast Cable.
I will only be using the TV as a monitor (no sound)
Thanks,
Dave
Dave, The higher number has slightly better picture quality. Frankly with that small screen size it is not a big deal IMO.
Do a search “Jack G, XBR”. We got our Sony four years ago from what I read here. I also learned about the Momitsu and Oppo DVD players here. I think you would be very pleased with the Sony-Oppo combo, a great value.
We have HD Comcast and enjoy the picture on the Sony. You know Comcast is not true HD, right?
For $500, you could get a 32" LDC, if you watch for sales. Maybe even a 37 (I got a LG 37" LCD for the kids last December for $800, new). Tube types are quite bulky, and very heavy.
I have bee watching the prices go down. When I go into Costco and watch the lower end screens I always walk away a bit disappointed at the picture quality, primarily on action sequences. They do not seem to be smooth and clear like I would expect. A Tube TV seems to do a better job unless you get into the higher end screens. If I am wrong, please point me to a model/technology that you would recommend and I will see if I can find one to check out more closely.
Thanks.
The 37" LG LCD we got for the kids looks very good. I dont notice any problems on action sequences. Its rated at 5ms response time. Also, I bought my mom a 32" Panasonic LCD, which also looks very good (although I no longer see it offered). To get them at good prices, you do need to watch the sales. The 37" LG I got mid December for $826, but now its $1100. I got the 32" Panasonic on sale from CC for $600. End of the model run closeouts are a good time, with sets going for about 1/2 normal price. This is usually in the summer time, so its coming up. During that time, you may find a good 42" plasma for well under 1k. Once you get to the 40" or so size. plasmas get cheaper than LCDs, and in my opinion, still look better, although the current crop of LCDs look great. Either one will make you happy. Its worth a little more cost to have the flat panel. CRTs are so bulky (and heavy).
The positive with a PJ is it doesn't take any room if you let the picture be on the wall (a 35" TV is deep). But a 10 x 10 room is small for anything larger than around 35" anyway, and with the noise, etc from a PJ I don't think I'd bother (unless you'll be moving in the near future). Try and place the TV in the corner, the speakers flanking; this'll potentially be better sounding as well.
I was worried about the projector noise. I was thinking I could build a ventilated cover with sound absorbing material and ceiling mount it. My viewing area is really a part of a larger, much wider to one side, room. My current speaker set-up is two very large Altec Malibu speakers (similar to VOTT) for the fronts and Dynaco A-25s for the rears. (I am making some some Altec Boleros for the rears) My center channel is currently running in Phantom mode until I build a matching Altec CC. I also have a Dayton 12" active Sub. My Receiver/Processor is a H/K AVR525. I need to upgrade my DVD player; currently a Toshiba 3960. My current TV is an old 27" tube.
I have been trying to convince LOML to let me in-set all of the components into the front wall since there is only storage on the backside. If I can do this than the large, heavy tube TV would be on a shelf with full access to the backside as well as access to all of the A/V and Speaker connections. It would also gain about 24 inches in the room. We have an entertainment center that she likes and does not want to lose and it will not hold the 34" TV. Therefore, my second idea was to have a screen drop down in front of it and use a PJ.
I recommend loosing the entertainment center, too. When we got our 50" Panasonic plasma, the entertainment center we had lost its purpose, so we gave it away. The room looks much better now, with the plasma on the wall. It really opens up a lot of room the bulky entertainment center took up. Entertainment centers were designed around the bulky old CRTs, and have no use with the new flat panels. Bulky entertainment centers for bulky CRTs, both dinosaurs in the new home theater.
I intended but have not yet built something to surround my PJ as well. Had it for a few years now, and the sound does bother me. Just too many other things going on, so mine's still open. I think you'll be OK either way, don't forget about heat from the PJ as well (there's lots of it).... particualrly in a small room.
This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:
Top of Page ]
[ Contact Us ]
[ Support/Wish List ]
[ Copyright © 2025, Audio Asylum, all rights reserved ]
