CRT Rear Projection TV Question

[Flametop]

Re: CRT Rear Projection TV Question

We don't sell them, and I haven't worked on many. Are you talking about LCOS projectors(I'm assuming you are)? I can get info if you are really interested. While I don't deal with them directly much, I have contacts with people who do.
To clarify, I deal mostly in direct view, Plasma, DLP, LCD, HD-ILA, and DVD/audio systems. I deal in repairs, not installs. So I see and fix what's broke and I'm not waking up each day looking for the latest "buzzword". But, Consumer Reports and the internet seem to be able to make everyone an expert. Which pisses me off when someone talks down to me when they don't know thier ass from a hole in the ground. But it's cool. Every time someone plays"tech", I tag them for an extra $75 to $100 to go behind them and clean up the mess they make. [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

(Sorry about the rant...had one today)

[zeegler]

Re: CRT Rear Projection TV Question

Well, you obviously don't have kids. Mine certainly isn't stable enough that I would trust it sitting on any old stand, and no others that I have looked at are either. It's common sense that a TV that is 13" deep and 37" high is easy to tip. Maybe in Texas you have less gravity.

[JRE]

Re: CRT Rear Projection TV Question

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Well, you obviously don't have kids. Mine certainly isn't stable enough that I would trust it sitting on any old stand, and no others that I have looked at are either. It's common sense that a TV that is 13" deep and 37" high is easy to tip. Maybe in Texas you have less gravity.

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[img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

[OnlineStageGear]

Re: CRT Rear Projection TV Question

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As for extended warranty, usually they don't cover the lamp. Check the fine print..a few do. If the extended warranty is a few hundred bucks for a 3 to 5 year..buy it. A light engine for an LG is still going for over $800. And a Mitsubishi Op engine is even more. If you watch a lot of TV, your lamp will last about a year and a half on average. Improper cool down is the worst enemy. Never remove power to the unit until the lamp cool down cycle is complete. Lamps average around $200.

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The lamps only last a year and a half ?? That sux. If that's the case I would stick with a standard projection TV.

Matt

[finnman]

Re: CRT Rear Projection TV Question



[/ QUOTE ] the Mitsubishi is at the top of my DLP list. Once again, this is something I have first hand knowledge of, not internet and consumer reports.

[/ QUOTE ]
Flametop-
Is it at the top of your list because you do less service on them or do you prefer the components inside?
What model DLP in the 50" or smaller looks good to you?
Can a hands on person like myself change the blub if needed?
(no jokes please I see it coming) [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[Flametop]

Re: CRT Rear Projection TV Question

Most lamps are meant to be changed by the consumer. Quality of the unit, as in parts used, and factory support play a large part of my putting the Mitsubishi at the top. As for the tipping issue, all of the weight is in the base & light engine. Everything above that is plastic with the exception of the mirror. I've never seen or heard of one being tipped over. And yes I have kids. Again I say, if tipping one of these over is a problem, I think that someone doesn't need to be worrying about a TV, they need to be worrying about thier kids. However, for stability and best performance, any base should support the full foot print of the unit and be as level as possible. An unlevel base can cause picture tilt and keystoning in some cases. You'll find most lamps in just about any brand labeled Osram or Philips. As manufacturers are settling in on certain lamps set ups, there have been some ballast issues, but unless you buy what would be some fairly older stock at this point, you should have no worries. Changing a lamp takes a few minutes and involves a few screws and a little common sense. Don't ever force anything, I fixed a damaged lamp socket on Friday. They also come with simple instructions, and access to support. As for what looks best, it's up to you my friend. It's all subjective really. Just remember this also. You will most likely be looking at a HD picture source at the show room. If you don't have an HD signal at your house, the picture will be totally different(worse).

[finnman]

Re: CRT Rear Projection TV Question

[img]/images/graemlins/toast.gif[/img] thanks again flametop

[Flametop]

Re: CRT Rear Projection TV Question

One last note on the lamps. I can't stress enough about proper cool down. And it's actually better to run the lamp for six or eight hours straight as opposed to turning it on and off for an hour or so a couple times during the same time period. This goes for any unit using a lamp. DLP, HD-ILA, LCD projection.
Remember, there is an LCD that you actually view the LCD panel direct, and one that uses a lens projection system with a lamp.

[wulfe13]

Re: CRT Rear Projection TV Question

I agree 100% with Flametop on this subject! Everything he's said is true. I've worked in the sales portion of the electronics world and I've seen it all too. Mits DLP's are very nice but they are a little pricey. I really like the Toshiba DLP's especially the 44" they came out with that was a joint venture between them and LG. It had THE best picture I've ever seen on a DLP. I'm not sure of the build quality but it looked fantastic! I don't really care for the Samsung DLP's. They make some nice stuff but I never liked their picture quality.

Those Magnavox Big Screens are complete TERDS!!!

NEVER buy electronics from a store like Wal-mart or Sam's!!!
I used to have so many customers come in and ask how to setup their TV they just bought from Sam's or Costco. I'd just tell them they need to talk to the person that sold it too them! They'd say they didn't have one coz they bought it at Sam's. I'd say "exactly"... ha ha ha.... I hate when people don't like to ask a salesperson for help to buy something so they buy it at one THOSE places and then when they have a problem they think it's ok to take up MY time to ask for advice! If I aint making any money coz you think its better to shop THERE, then I'm not going to waist my time helping you... fuck em!

[Cleveland Metal]

Re: CRT Rear Projection TV Question

So what is really the best technology to buy right now?

Plasma? LCD? DLP? LCD Projection?

Aaagghhh...

[wulfe13]

Re: CRT Rear Projection TV Question

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Flametop, do you deal with Projectors also? Any suggestions on what to look for in one? Thanks

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Overhead Projectors can be nice if you have a large enough and dark enough room. Check out some of them from Sony and Hitachi... and make sure you get an HDTV and NOT an EDTV.

Things to look for in an overhead are Lumens (brightness) and Contrast Ratio. Remember the higher the number the better.

p.s.
I wouldn't go by Consumer Reports EVER! They are usually outdated and very often WRONG...

[wulfe13]

Re: CRT Rear Projection TV Question

It depends on your application. If you're putting it in a basement and you have plenty of room and you're NOT going to use it for video games then a traditional HD CRT rear projection will be fine.

If you want something fairly thin that is a bit brighter and you wanna play games on it, then I'd say DLP.

If you want to hang it on the wall and want a large picture, get a Plasma, or LCD if you don't mind the price (LCD is more durable than a plasma but more expensive per inch).

LCD projections are similar to DLP but usually don't have as good a contrast.

[Cleveland Metal]

Re: CRT Rear Projection TV Question

Ahh, thanks... What really has the best picture?

[wulfe13]

Re: CRT Rear Projection TV Question

Well today it could be a Plasma and tomorrow it could be an LCD... Their constantly coming out with better and better picture quality on all the technologies. The best thing you can do is check them out side by side with the same picture on both, if you can. Some store displays are kinda hard to do that with but, sometimes you can talk the salesperson into moving a tv next to another. If they want the sale they'll do whatever it takes.

[Flametop]

Re: CRT Rear Projection TV Question

If it's best picture you want, the Plasma is going to give you your truest whites, blacks and so forth. But they are expensive, fragile, and if they break...very expensive to fix. LCD is probably next in line in most peoples books, but I can't get past the way they can't get true whites....although they are getting better. I really think the best bang for the buck right here , right now is DLP or JVCs HD-ILA. And wulfe13, I get just as pissed as you wasting an hour a day helping or turning away cheap ass people who bargain hunt, then use your time like it isn't worth shit. You get what you pay for..which includes service and support. You're gonna miss us when we're gone you WalMart bargain hunting bitches. Grease your asses, cause all you will be able to do with your bargain basement crap is shove it in there. And then go back to China...I mean WalMart, and buy some more.