April 28, 2007
The Home Theater Has to Start Somewhere
Today, I ordered the first component of my home theater. Sometime next week, I should be receiving an Oppo DV-981HD DVD player. If all goes according to plan, I should have a brand new TV to hook up to it within a few weeks. I am still on the fence as to which model, but after doing many hours of homework (mainly on AVS Forum), I am leaning towards a plasma display. It looks like the price points will keep me to 50" on plasma, which is why there is still the outside chance I will go with a 60" or 65" DLP (50" seems so small side-by-side). If you are curious, here is my short list:
Plasma
- Pioneer PRO-1140HD - Awesome picture quality! It has an ethernet port to stream content, which intrigues me. This is currently holding the #1 spot.
- Pioneer PDP5070HD - Almost same PQ as above. Fewer bells and whistles. Cheaper. A worthy contender to the above.
- Panasonic TH50PX77U - Good PQ. I need to look at this one more. I think the 1140HD beats it hands down, but we'll see
- Panasonic TH58PX600U - 58" plasma. The size draws me towards it.
People seem to be giving the Panasonics good reviews, but in the stores, I seemed to favor the Pioneers, especially the 1140HD. Aside from picture quality differences, the Panasonics seem audibly louder (probably from a fan) than other displays. When you can stand in front of a wall of 20 screens with your eyes closed and point to the Panasonics, there might be an issue...
DLP
- Mitsubishi WD-65831 - Everyone says this is the best DLP out there. Some think the Sony's are better
- Sony KDS-R60XBR2 - Seems to be neck and neck with the above model
- Sony KDS-60A2020 - Fewer features than the XBR2. Cheaper though
The DLPs have the size per cost advantage, but that is about it. The plasmas owned DLPs when it came to picture quality. You also have to replace bulbs on DLPs every few years. Ugh.
Too bad I can't wait a year to buy, as Pioneer is supposedly coming out with some wicked plasmas this year. Oh well. There is always something new on the horizon. The trick is to buy when everybody is clearing out inventory to make room for the new models. And wouldn't you know it, that is happening right about now...
April 28, 2007 Update
I have bought the Pioneer Elite PRO-1140HD. The DLP picture quality just isn't up to snuff and the larger plasmas did not have features and quality of the Pioneer Elite. Now, to find a TV stand...Trackback
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Comments
Hi Greg. Have you sampled any Blu-ray players? Pioneer have just released a new model - Elite BDP-HD1 - which I had a chance to check out at the 2007 CES. It would go well with your Pioneer Plasma.
True, Blu-ray is still pricey but once you see it in action you'll be hooked.
Cheers
Steve
Steve,
I've seen Blu-Ray and HD-DVD in the stores and look forward to buying a player someday. Before I make that investment, I'll be buying a receiver and speakers. Once that is done, hopefully either one format has taken favor with the masses or decent hybrid drives will be available. It is a situation I am watching very closely.
Greg