Ok, if you guys had 5000 dollars to spend on a tv, what one would you buy if you wanted to use it as a HTPC monitor/HDTV?

Thanks,
Mark

Any DLP or LCD rear projection TV will do.

Thanks doopid, but I was hoping for a little more info, a specific brand/model of dlp or lcd with the best picture quality and input configuration. I am leaning toward a samsung dlp, but I wanted to know what the pro's thought was the best.

Mark

size? will 50" do

i kinda like the samsung dlps.

if 50" will do, go for an NEC or Pioneer plasma. Larry said BB is selling the 5040, I think for 5300 with 0% financing.

I assume we're talking retail.

I would be in for the new Hitachi 50VS810 LCD for an RP. I like what I've seen with these sets and would pick it over comparable Sony's.

I'm kind of leaning towards an InFocus SP5700 (I know, it doesn't have the resolution) and a 92" Silverstar screen. With the 5K budget you could do the projo, screen, and a scaler.

Just my thought process at the moment, I still have to break it to my wife.

My room is pretty large - 30X16. I usually sit about 12-14 feet from the set, so I was thinking more like the samsung 61" dlp. Does anyone have an opinion on the picture quality for that set? I think it is using 3 chip technology right? This should make the black levels better right? How is the bulb life on the samsung? Anyone have to replace one yet? How about bulb availability if so?

Thanks,
Mark

If you are going to use it for PC, do NOT go with any plasma because of burn-in.

I am also surprised to hear a pro recommending BB. I wouldn't wish that kind of customer support on my enemies!

As for the question, we like the Toshiba Cinema Series DLP's.

Good Luck!

Stay away from Samsung if you want to get a univeral remote. The discreet codes really don't work and it is hard to get a remote to get the macros right. I work a company that does CC installs and i hate installing the samsung. Try to find sometime with a discreet video input. This will make you life much better.

I dont think burn in is as big a problem if the set is calibrated properly. When set in torch mode, they will burn.

I would like to hear others thoughts on this though.

Me too oex. I would love to have a plasma if it weren't for the burn in issue. I use my computer constantly though, so I want to be sure about the burn in thing...

Mark

The Toshiba DLPs are great sets and have a very good discrete set of IR commands. Also the pic quality, once set up, is very good, in fact - I feel better than the Samsung DLP RPTVs. However, the Toshibas wil not sync to a computer output. There is no RGBHV HD15 pin input and the manual says that the HDMI is not compatible with a computer - although admittedly I have not tried it.

Just passing on what the manual says.

This is a beef I have with the Toshiba 32" LCD's. A great set in all ways except no RGBHV input for a computer. Pisses me off.

Personally, static images on plasmas make me nervous, even when taken out of torch mode and properly calibrated. I'm not saying that it WOULD be a problem - only that it makes me nervous.

I'm not positive on this, but don't the majority of new Tosh sets have DVI inputs? How is that not a solution for inputting a computer image?

Unless there is more than one DVI/HDMI input, that would be a problem with using computer and stb. Unless we used a matrix switch to toggle between the DVI sources right?

Mark

hdmi. reread my post and you'll find yor answer