LCD/Plasma/CRT/DLP - questions

[Paulos G]

Right. I've decided that a 23" LCD TV will suit my needs best. Small enough to be portable and large enough so that I can stick Mrs G in the back room with it so I can use the 32" one we already have (although I suspect it'll end up being the other way round).

Anyway, enough waffle...

The Samsung LE23R71BX seems to have a reasonable spec. It's a little more than I was thinking of paying (was budgeting around ?400.00) but I can stretch a bit more if I have to. Any opinions as to whether or not it's good value? Any 23" alternatives?

TIA

P

[Magnakai]

Does anyone know the absolute biggest CRT (preferably widescreen) that you can get for under ?200?
It doesn't have to be a great quality one... just anything

[andrewfee]

I think I mentioned it before when I was talking about the Sharp XD1, but I am now going to be selling my Toshiba MT200 projector if anyone here is interested before it's listed elsewhere.

Now, this is not being sold due to the image quality, it's because I'm making some changes to my room layout, and a projector simply won't work anymore. As I'm disabled and stuck at home, I'm also wanting to game a lot during the day, and while it's entirely possible to do it with a projector, they're really designed to either be in a light-controlled room (mine is quite bright) or used at night.

It's 480p native (854x480) but don't let that put you off. Resolution is only one part of image quality, and things like contrast, saturation, colour accuracy are far more important.

It is perfect for viewing TV, DVDs and playing games on. The resolution means that there's very little, if any scaling / image processing going on, which means that despite the image size being around 60" at 7ft, it looks better than any of the 26-37" LCDs I've owned in the past year.

That includes the 360 in 720p. While it's not quite as crisp (I doubt you would know unless you've played in native 720p a lot) I've actually been noticing more small details in my games, due to the larger size. (and there are no problems reading the text in dead rising )


It's 2500:1 DLP, which gives by far the best image I have seen yet - you have very solid blacks, and tons of shadow detail. Colour reproduction is phenomenal, and the 4x wheel means that I rarely ever see the "rainbow" effect. (and I'm sensitive to it - I had to return a plasma as it's so bad on them)


I went to set it all up in the kitchen last night for some photos, but it seems I've given away my last DVI lead, and only have DVI>HDMI ones, so I couldn't connect up my Oppo player. I ended up connecting it to a cheap DVD player via S-Video. I was distracted by the image quality so much I forgot to take a lot of pics, and only this one turned out well, but doesn't do it any justice at all:


(if it's too dark, that's my fault - the monitor I'm stuck using right now is crap and I can't tell how things are)

This was using an 8m "Silver Serpent" S-Video lead which actually provides a better image than I get using medium quality component leads, as it's such a good cable.

Firing it up last night really makes me regret having to sell it, but having a projector just doesn't work for me anymore.

It's a nice white unit, and it's so new, I've yet to take the stickers off it:



It's got Composite, S-Video, Component, VGA and DVI (with HDCP) inputs on the back, and only 132 hours on the bulb.

It's supposed to get 3000 hours, but I've been running it on Eco mode with the fan on high speed to ensure it lasts as long as possible:



Of course, I found all this out after painting up a DIY screen for it with the paint recommended on AV Forums (I think it was Dulux Clouded Slate 3) so it's been calibrated to D65 on that if you plan on doing the same.

I've got two unused rolls of 6m, 2" flock tape for edging too, which cost ?50 from here: http://www.goosystems.co.uk/products.php



Looking for ?450 delivered for the projector (cheapest I can find now is ?540 from EmpireDirect, and they're out of stock)

?70 delivered for the S-Video lead.

And ?45 for the flock tape.



It's just a shame that DLP can only be used in projection systems, as I don't have the space for either front or rear-projection DLP, and it's provided a better image than I've seen on an LCD, Plasma or (in my opinion) CRT.

[Fargo]

Im planning on getting a hdtv in time for gears and cod3 and was just wondering does anyone have any sugggestions IM ON A BUDGET AND LOOKING FOR SOMETHING IN THE 26" range. Was thinking of something like this philips 23PF4321 http://http://www.didstore.com/store...5321&subid=195

[Shozuki]

well, I think the Sammy TV's are ace ive had a 26" for ages. I cant remember the exact number - but Samsung is definately something to look into, i'd have sold you mine if I hadnt just sold it - I just upgraded to a Sony Bravia KDL40X2000 40" which arrives on Tuesday!

[EvilBoris]

I've got a Samsung 26" TV that I'm in the process of Trying to sell I'm looking for ?450

[Fargo]

Went looking at different tv's today and the budget has gone out the window, all the lcds in that price range looked **** so i've narrowed it down to these three more expensive sets. Anyone got any suggestions on which one would be best.
SONY
KDL26S2010U
26' S-series BRAVIA LCD TV

SHARP
LC32GA8E
32" HD READY LCD

SAMSUNG
LE26R72B
26' HD ready TV

[Matt]

The biggest one

[Kotatsu Neko]

Went looking at different tv's today and the budget has gone out the window, all the lcds in that price range looked **** so i've narrowed it down to these three more expensive sets. Anyone got any suggestions on which one would be best.
SONY
KDL26S2010U
26' S-series BRAVIA LCD TV

SHARP
LC32GA8E
32" HD READY LCD

SAMSUNG
LE26R72B
26' HD ready TV

Samsung has no backlight control so avoid them. Sony only has 1 HDMI (as far as I can remember) so avoid that too.

[sj33]

Need your advice guys.

In September my TV (LG 26LX2R) went back to Comet (and then LG) for repair. After many many delays I got a call from Comet today saying the TV had been damaged on the way to them, and I'm entitled to a replacement.
However, I don't think they sell the 26LX2R anymore, so I assume I can take my pick of the other screens.

What would you recommend from Comet? Paid 799 for the LG, so I assume I have credit for up to that amount, don't mind adding a little bit on top for a superior screen though.

No bigger than 32", preferably w/ no speakers on the side (just no space for anything bigger, will be a push just to fit that!), will be used for PS2, Wii and 360 (all Component), as well as PC and Oppo.

Some interesting ones -

LG 32LC2D

PHILIPS 32PF7531D/10

LG is spec-wise similar to my current screen. Only has 1 HDMI, but does have DVI-D and VGA. It seems to be well recieved over at AVForums.

Phillips has no VGA or DVI, but does have 2x HDMI. If it can do PC 1:1 over HDMI, then no problem.

What do you guys think? Any other recommendations? Buying it tomorrow.

They also have the SONY KDL-32S2010 (out of stock on their page though) and SHARP LC32GA9E.

Must do 1360x768 for PC, 1:1

[Matt]

I'm just getting the 40" Samsung N73 which I think looks great.

If they're offering you any TV, go for the Sony as the latest ones are very nice indeed, using the latest Samsung panel. Despite the Samsung's reputation as a "cheap" LCD, I really enjoyed my previous one and can't wait for my new one. The N series should certainly be worth a look, it's wonderfully colourful.

[sj33]

Are Sony screens good for PC use? It will be 70% of what I'll be using it for, if it can't do 1360x768 1:1, it's a no.

Read horror stories of screens only being able to do 1024x768 etc.

[Lyris]

All the current 1366x768 BRAVIAs can take 1360x768 and show it 1:1 but only over the VGA (PC) input.

[sj33]

Thanks for the confirmation Lyris. VGA should be fine, trying not to get worked up over HDCP, since if ICT won't be enforced until 2010 or whatever, I'm sure I'll have a 1080p screen by then.

Just wanting to make sure I get the right screen!

So right now the SONY KDL-32S2010 is first choice, followed by the LG 32LC2D.

[sj33]

Sorry for the double post.

Any opinions on the SHARP LC32GA9E and PHILIPS 32PF7531D/10 ?

The Sharp is interesting cause it has 2x HDMI as well as VGA (Sony only has 1x HDMI).
Phillips has no VGA, but 2x HDMI.