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In Reply to: Home Theater System (HTS) Help posted by CRF on April 12, 2001 at 12:34:52:
Before spending $8k on a TV I seriously advise you to consider front
projection. The newest LCD's have a great contrast ration, and high outputsthat make them look as good as or better than (IMO) any proejction TV.
Plus, a projector weighs 10 lbs, takes up less space than a dictionary, and can cast images MUCH larger than 73".I have a $6k Sanyo XP21n projector with a $1k video scaler and could not be happier. I would seriously doubt the Mitsu could match the experience from my 100" screen
dg
Follow Ups:
LCDs don't reproduce blacks well and their picture always looks a bit washed out, soft and 2-dimensional compared to the best CRT projectors (rear included). For someone who doesn't care about those differences, however, LCDs make an excellent choice.
Rich,
Have you see nthe Sanyo's I am talking about?
They sport a 700:1 contrast (amazingly high for a LCD). They look really really good.One person compares itfavorably or comparably with the JVD D-ILA machines:
http://www.avsforum.com/ubb/Forum10/HTML/005532.htmlAnother comments:
"The brightness is fantastic. With some ambient light in the room the image takes on a beautiful balance, as stated in the projectorcentral review. When there is no light in the room, I still wouldn't consider the image "too bright", but it's definitely brighter than film on my 90" DIY gray screen - the image "glows", almost like a tube-based CRT device - good if you like that kind of look, but some might not consider it "film like." What I did was pick up a neutral density filter (.6) for viewing with the lights off. With the filter, the image is noticeably darker, but is much more film-like in my opinion. The blacks become at least as good as the JVC D-ILA, and the whites still pack more than enough punch."
I am sure, despite its features that the black are inferior to your CRT, however I can see my image perfectly with all my room lights on- try that with your CRT and let me know how it goes - the Sanyo kills it if room lighting comes into consideration I bet.Plus- a big benefit I am extroling ofthe projector is size & weight.
A 150 lb CRT isnot as maneuverable.dg
Given your budget I would personally get the following
Sanyo XP21n projector $6200Quadscan video scaler $1000. This will de-interlace and upscale ALL of your video sources, not just your DVD. It is more versatile than buying a progressive DVD player.
Screens can vary from $150-up. My 100" was bout $150 and works great. See how much you have left in your budget at the end and ponder a Stewart Greyhawk (about $2k)
DVD player- since you have an upsampler, any $200 player would be fine (an look better than a progressive machine). Though, I sugget you hunt for a Panasonic RV80- which is about $300 and have really nice video DAC's.
For more info on projection TV;s, post at www.hometheaterforum.com
for info on projectors goto www.avsforum.com. Both get more HT traffic than here. We have now spent about $7500-$9500 depending on your screen option.Receiver- I dunno if you need to spend $1k, but maybe with your multi-zone requirements. Prices are always dropping with new technology, so try to get the "next to top of the line" or three month old model to avoid paying silly premiums. Also, DPL II format is being released soon- sothis may cause current non-DPLII receivers to drop. Certainly if you are paying $1k you would want all the newest goodies. I will reserve $1k to be safe, but I personally liketh Outlaw 1050 receiver for only $600.
Now spent- $8500 - 10,500 depensing on screen.
For speakers you should talk to your wife and make sure she likes how they look. Also- with projection screen (read: big) you want to keep an eye out for low profile speakers that can fit besinde your screen without complaining about being too close to your walls.
I own nOrh speakers and really like them.
For info cehck out www.norh.com
Their 4.0 HT set is only $850 and would work great (need a sub though)
If you do not like the non-tradition drum chape, check out the wood ifnished prism speakers.Another option are DefTech BP2006TL's. Really well reviewed, would be great for HT, and are very slim in profile for easier placement. $1k per pair street. You could get two pairs if you have room in the back, but I bet you might not and could choose the BPX surrounds for $500.
Personally I do not like center channels and would not use one.Whether you get the $850 norh 4.0 set, or the DefTechs for $1500-$2k, or ANYTHING else make sure you also get a deidcated HSU VTF-2 sub for your LFE out. This is critical for HT, even if you have main speakers with good bass response. Leave some money for decent speaker wire & cabling ($500).
I just wish I had your money to spend....
dg
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