[John151]

I am looking to replace my DOA and antiquated ceiling mounted projector and 4:3 screen with an 80-90" flat panel.  I have not kept up to date on this stuff and am a bit lost.  Any recommendations or advice?

[John151]

At first glance, it appeared that there were many choices and lots of research and decision making would be needed. However, when looking at 80" and above, and $6K and below, the options are few.  Pretty much down to 2 models from Sharp: 857 and 757.  Local dealer has a fantastic price on the 757, but no deals to be had on the 857.  At a price difference of $1,600 between the two, I am all over the 757.   Bam.   

[Bob in St. Louis]

Any reason you're not going back to a PJ?

[John151]

Any reason you're not going back to a PJ?

I use this room mostly for watching TV vs.watching  movies and major events.  The PJ does not really work well for this.   Also, I am tired of purchasing bulbs, and having the picture shake when people walk upstairs.

[Bob in St. Louis]

Understood. I'm thinking that if the bulb was isolated from the floor shaking, they might last longer.
But I totally get what you're saying about it not being suitable for this location.

Bob

[John151]

At first glance, it appeared that there were many choices and lots of research and decision making would be needed. However, when looking at 80" and above, and $6K and below, the options are few.  Pretty much down to 2 models from Sharp: 857 and 757.  Local dealer has a fantastic price on the 757, but no deals to be had on the 857.  At a price difference of $1,600 between the two, I am all over the 757.   Bam.   

Hmmn, I made the mistake of noticing that a 70" model is significantly less money, and then I started over thinking this.  I am back to re-evaluating everything, including the concept of getting away from a PJ.   Throw in OLED and 4K on the horizon, and I am like a deer in the headlights.   

Indecisively yours!

[electricbear]

Sharp just announced their new offerings at CES this morning. There are 4 different levels of large screen. There is the Aquos HD which is their regular 1080P non Aquos panel and will be available in 60" & 90" sizes. Available very soon. Then they have the Aquos Quattron series that features their Quattron technology and 240hz processing. Available in 60" & 70" sizes. Then it gets interesting. They have the Aquos Quattron + series. These sets are 4K compatible but are only 1080P displays. There are two different models available in this series. The SQ models available in 60" & 70" sizes from Feb and the UQ models in 60", 70" & 80" from March. The top level is their 4K sets. Available in 60" & 70" sizes shipping in the summer.
You could either wait for one of the new sets or scoop up on a heavily discounted model that is about to be replace.

I haven't seen any announcements from Sony or Samsung yet.

[John151]

That explains the discounts I am seeing on the 70" and 80" 757 Quattron models. 

Thanks for the info. 

[John151]

Well, I did an about face and ordered an Epson PowerLite Pro Cinema 6030UB projector.   Much longer bulb life (hopefully) and cheaper bulb prices as well.  Also, the conversion to a flat panel will require a major project.  Ain't nobody got time for that.   

Perhaps in a few years I will reconsider and get an OLED 90" panel.  For now, I really just need to get my system up and running again.   

[Bob in St. Louis]

Yea, me too....My projector bulb blew last night. 
$249 from the Epson store. Damn thing is a year and one half old.   

Glad to hear you're getting back on track though.

Bob

[ss397]

I think the projector now is the right idea. That is the route I am contemplating. I don't think the larger panels in the lower price ranges will make me happy with the picture quality. I have a 60 inch Panasonic plasma now. It has a great picture, but I want a larger image. In a few more years we should have better choices with the larger panels.

[John151]

I think the projector now is the right idea. That is the route I am contemplating. I don't think the larger panels in the lower price ranges will make me happy with the picture quality. I have a 60 inch Panasonic plasma now. It has a great picture, but I want a larger image. In a few more years we should have better choices with the larger panels.

During all of this, I put a lot of thought towards picking up a 65" Panasonic ZT60 (now out of production).   As a plasma fan, I am very sad to see that Panny has stopped production. 

[NIGHTFALL1970]

I am a Panasonic plasma fan as well and was disappointed that they discontinued them.  I wanted a bigger picture than my 50" Panasonic and ended up getting a 60" LG plasma.  I think the Panasonic had slightly better colors, but I can see more detail with the LG.  I wanted a 60" Panasonic but could not locate one in my area.

[ss397]

I have a lower level 60" plasma, the s60. It has a very nice picture, but I really want a larger image for watching movies.

[mhconley]

Quite the quandary...

I have a 5 or 6 year old 50" Pioneer Kuro KRP-500M that I've been wanting to replace.  (It's for sale here and elsewhere.)  I was looking at the 65" VT60 series Panasonic for PQ reasons but am leery of buying yet another plasma from a company exiting the business.  We use the set daily and I am beginning to think I should just go with LCD.  (My Kuro has a Cartoon Network logo burned in the lower right corner visible on light color backgrounds.)

I recently purchased a 40" Vizio M series for our bedroom with which we are very happy.  Following Vizio's recent CES announcements the 70" M series has dropped to $1,999, half the 80"'s $3,999 price tag.  It's passive 3D (another dead technology) with 8 pairs of glasses.  Pretty tempting.

So I am trying to decide if I should buy the 70" 3D set now or wait a year or two and buy a 70" non-3D 4K set.

Martin

[hesster]

I purchased a 80" Aquos 240hz 857 over X-Mass, hung it on a tilt mount sandwiched between my LS-9's and LSC.  Frigging awesome, and love they way you can configure it in different ways.  With my 9.1 HT set up and seperate amps driven off a Yamaha receiver there is no need to go to the movies.  Playing a Dolby HD movie with HD audio it is quite an experience.

[Bob2]

Much of the CES coverage that I have seen has shown TV's with curved screens. Would be nice if you are sitting in the right spot.
Some of the really big, 80" and bigger would be nice if you have the room.

hesster, you have it wall mounted? Wow!!


Still partial to using my projector... 120 inch screen is kinda nice! Just sayin....

[Bob in St. Louis]

Still partial to using my projector... 120 inch screen is kinda nice! Just sayin....

Amen Brother.