Shopping for 40-50" box

[The Law]

The ex has taken the Mits WS-65819 and I am looking to replace the unit.  I can see the WS65Sxxx series for just under $2k (which is my budget), however, I don't feel I need a TV that big   ).

In re-arranging my living room, I feel a 40-50" box raised about 18" off the floor would be sufficient, if not, better.  I will be viewing the TV from about 5 feet closer than the 65"  (at approx. 10-13 feet - depending) and am confident the size will be better.

My question is thus:  With a budget cap of $2000 what manuf. is providing optimum quality and support.  DVI input is not required.  I will require inputs for Progressive scan DVD.  My surround sound is external (input from DVD, TimeWarner and most likely will not use the built in speakers).  I use Time Warner SA8000DVR-HD.  I do hook up X-box now and then so another HD input would be nice (on the Mits, I would have to disconnect cable in order to plug in HD Xbox input).

I have been noticing the DLP type RPTVs (online only) and will be eyballing them this weekend.

So, any suggestions in picking out a new box are greatly appreciated.

[gparris]

The 46" Mits my friend was selling was sold, but since it seems you are looking for some non-CRT based HDTVs, what with the game system.
I checked the Best Buy site and found DLP sets - LG and Zenith and Samsung for 44" to 52" from what I can remember....around $2000.

Otherwise, that 55" (or 48" Mits HD set for $1299 I found) could be good for you! :cool:

[The Law]

Are these sets you "found" from private people.  Are they reccomended sets?  A $1300 set that isn't going to burn out in 5 years is right up my alley as long as it's quality.

As far as the DLP is it work buying a DLP for $2k vs a used from a friend for $1300?

-r

[gparris]

The sets I mentioned were found new from stores I visited, not friends.
For example, I found a LG DLP 44" new with factory warranty at Best Buy for $1799 and a Mits 48" for $1299 on sale in the store on display.

Your best bet is to get something in this range of screen size, though I found a 55"Mits there for not much more than the 48" ($1429) and it has component inputs in the back for your game box.

Do some shopping or PM me.

[The Law]

I did some shopping and am smitten with a Zenith 52" LCD unit (M52W56LCD).  I did some comparisons and feel the extra few hundred is worth it.   I compared with a Toshiba 46", Sony 51", at $1400/1500.  I also looked at a 50" Samsung DLP (very nice) for $2300 and a JVC (I can't remember the technology - like DLP but w/3 processors.

The DLP looked nice, however, it was a bit extra and it's got moving parts

Thanks for the help.

[gparris]

The JVC uses LCoS, not DLP and does need anything more than a lightbulb change like the LCD RPTVs do.
I had a Sony  & Hitachi LCD RPTV and JVC LCoS HD-ILA  lined up along with the DLP sets and all were good, just couldn't stand the rainbow effect and lower brightness of the DLP against the LCD RPTV models and especially, the JVC.
 
Your choice, but I have heard a couple complaints from folks I assisted with the Zenith/LG products, but these may be good for you price-wise and your needs.

I think the Toshiba or Sony CRT RPTVs will do you fine!

[The Law]

I just read this post after purchasing the Zenith.  What sort of complaints have you heard?  FWIW - I did purchase the 4 year maintenance (as I did with the Mits)  Typically, I shy away from such things, however, for some reason I feel secure on the big ol' tv sets.  I did have to use the Mits for some cleaning/gun realignment.  The extended warranty does include cleaning and brick removal (should my team lose)

I thought the picture was bright enough and the EZ select video mode produced some interesting, yet satisfying results as I played with it.  I must admit, the Samsung DLP had a fantastic picture, however, it was just beyond my reach price wise.  I like the fact that there is no additional speaker or side stuff, the menu was intutuitive, the picture grand....and I negotiated down to $1789.  I advised I'd buy the unit off the web and get a free TV/DVD combo (valued at $200) unless they could deduct the $200 - which they did.  I also paid $10 for the reward program which should knock off about $70.  I also purchased a TV stand and got them to give the 15% web special discount off of that.  Oh, this was Best Buy in Brown Deer.  The guy spent about 1 1/2 hrs with me answering all my questions and finding someone else who knew the answer when he did not (instead of making up some BS answer).

All in all - I've got a better setup than the soon-to-be ex got when she took my Mits.  I pick it up on Thursday.  :rock:

[gparris]

I just read a review from a disgruntled owner on Vbullein:

Quote: "I've had numerous problems, I've seen others complaints as well. Read reviews on Amazon for Zenith LCD Projection TVs. Their average rating is about 1.5 stars out of 5 - complaints about sets not turning on, bad customer service, screen problems, repeated service calls. That's pretty awful. I have unfortunately had first hand experience with Zenith service"


Glad you got the extended warranty....good luck!

[The Law]

Thanks, did my research and noted that there are 3-4 reviews that are repeated on various websites.   Glad I got the warranty, too.

We'll see how it goes, I guess.

[MoreTorque99]

FYI... If your TV ends up being a headache and is repared numerous times, Best Buy will lemon law it out for you under their performance plan that you bought...  So no worries.  :cool:

[gparris]

The Law:
I am not trying to put a "wet blanket" on your HDTV happiness, just deeply concerned over the success of your purchase now that the ex has your old set.

The quote was something I found scanning for the set you bought and have heard other comments from associates on the LG/Zenith products.

BB (and CC) are supposed to be good at replacing bad sets, receivers and anything else
under their in-house extended warranties and I am very glad that you got one...again, good luck!

[The Law]

Thanks.  No sweat!  I took your comments for what they were - some advice and some perhaps warnings based upon what you researched.   No problems - I appreciate you taking the time out to help!