December 2007
Rear-projection HDTVs: First Looks
It's worth considering a rear-projection TV if you want the cheapest route to a jumbo screen measuring 56 inches or more.
Now that microdisplay TVs (which use DLP, LCoS, or LCD technology) have replaced older CRT-based sets, these once-bulky TVs continue to shrink in size and weight. Even the biggest screens can fit on a tabletop. Many sets, including those below, have shaved about 5 inches from the width by putting speakers below the screen. Their profiles are also trimmer.
"Full HD" 1080p resolution has become commonplace, and LED and laser backlights promise improved performance and less frequent bulb replacement. In some DLP sets, colored LEDs replace the spinning wheel used to display colors. That can reduce or eliminate the rainbow effect, potentially annoying flashes of color visible to some viewers.
The main drawback is reliability. Our most recent survey shows rear-projection sets have been much more repair-prone than flat panels.
Mitsubishi WD-65734
65-inch DLP-based model, $2,400
HIGHS
Fine picture quality. This 1080p TV produced fine HD picture quality. Images had very good clarity, and gray scale was excellent.
Impressive viewing angle. Wider than typical on such sets.Fine-tuning controls. It has more fine-tuning adjustments than usual.
Slim cabinet. Trim style saves space.
LOWS
Doesn't maximize detail. Overall HD detail was satisfying, though the finest details were somewhat lacking.
Subtle distortion. Geometric glitch could make the top edge of a letterboxed movie appear a bit bowed. Rainbow effect. As with other DLP sets, viewers might see a potentially annoying flash of color at times.
BOTTOM LINE
Panasonic PT-56LCZ70
56-inch LCD-based model, $1,900
HIGHS
Fine performance. This is the first 1080p LCD-based set we've tested, and it displayed the finest details, with bright, crisp Images.
New, improved lamp. New LIFI (light fidelity) backlight technology started up more quickly than a conventional lamp. It promises longer life, and backs that up with a five-year warranty on the bulb.
LOWS
Less-than-ideal contrast. As with other LCD sets, black levels could be deeper, so it lacked the punch that deep blacks provide.
Viewing angle limitations. While the horizontal viewing angle was very good, the vertical viewing angle was more limited.
No menu button on console. With no menu button on the console, you can't adjust the TV without the remote.
Remote. Lack of a backlight makes the controls hard to see in dark rooms.
BOTTOM LINE
Sony Bravia KDS-60A3000
60-inch LCoS-based model, $2,700
HIGHS
Fine picture quality. Other Sony SXRD sets have done well in our tests, and it looks like this 1080p TV is no exception. In initial tests, it displayed appealing HD pictures with good black levels.
Extras. It can accept Sony's optional ($300) Internet Video Link module for streaming Internet video content, including HD, to the TV without a computer. It uses a graphical menu system, the Xross Media Bar, first used on the PlayStation.
Slim cabinet. Trim styling saves space.
LOWS
Finest details lacking. Despite its 1080p resolution, the finest detail was lacking.
Minor quibble. There was some red fringing on the edges of objects, more so than we've seen on other projection TVs.
Remote. Lack of a backlight makes the controls hard to see in dark rooms.
BOTTOM LINE
Based on initial tests, this TV has pleasing HD picture quality likely to satisfy many home-theater fans. Its slimmed-down design makes it space-efficient.
Now that microdisplay TVs (which use DLP, LCoS, or LCD technology) have replaced older CRT-based sets, these once-bulky TVs continue to shrink in size and weight. Even the biggest screens can fit on a tabletop. Many sets, including those below, have shaved about 5 inches from the width by putting speakers below the screen. Their profiles are also trimmer.
"Full HD" 1080p resolution has become commonplace, and LED and laser backlights promise improved performance and less frequent bulb replacement. In some DLP sets, colored LEDs replace the spinning wheel used to display colors. That can reduce or eliminate the rainbow effect, potentially annoying flashes of color visible to some viewers.
The main drawback is reliability. Our most recent survey shows rear-projection sets have been much more repair-prone than flat panels.
Here's our preliminary take on three new rear-projection sets.
Mitsubishi WD-65734
65-inch DLP-based model, $2,400
Fine picture quality. This 1080p TV produced fine HD picture quality. Images had very good clarity, and gray scale was excellent.
Impressive viewing angle. Wider than typical on such sets.Fine-tuning controls. It has more fine-tuning adjustments than usual.
Slim cabinet. Trim style saves space.
LOWS
Doesn't maximize detail. Overall HD detail was satisfying, though the finest details were somewhat lacking.
Subtle distortion. Geometric glitch could make the top edge of a letterboxed movie appear a bit bowed. Rainbow effect. As with other DLP sets, viewers might see a potentially annoying flash of color at times.
BOTTOM LINE
This TV did very well, much better than previously tested Mitsubishi sets. Minor quibbles aside, its generally fine picture
quality is likely to please most users. It's very svelte for a 65-inch TV.
Panasonic PT-56LCZ70
56-inch LCD-based model, $1,900
Fine performance. This is the first 1080p LCD-based set we've tested, and it displayed the finest details, with bright, crisp Images.
New, improved lamp. New LIFI (light fidelity) backlight technology started up more quickly than a conventional lamp. It promises longer life, and backs that up with a five-year warranty on the bulb.
LOWS
Less-than-ideal contrast. As with other LCD sets, black levels could be deeper, so it lacked the punch that deep blacks provide.
Viewing angle limitations. While the horizontal viewing angle was very good, the vertical viewing angle was more limited.
No menu button on console. With no menu button on the console, you can't adjust the TV without the remote.
Remote. Lack of a backlight makes the controls hard to see in dark rooms.
BOTTOM LINE
This 56-inch LCD-based set appears to be a solid performer with detailed resolution and pleasing image quality. But if you
want inky black levels, it wouldn't be a top choice. If the bulb ($300 to replace) lives up to the claims, its long life would
be a plus.
Sony Bravia KDS-60A3000
60-inch LCoS-based model, $2,700
Fine picture quality. Other Sony SXRD sets have done well in our tests, and it looks like this 1080p TV is no exception. In initial tests, it displayed appealing HD pictures with good black levels.
Extras. It can accept Sony's optional ($300) Internet Video Link module for streaming Internet video content, including HD, to the TV without a computer. It uses a graphical menu system, the Xross Media Bar, first used on the PlayStation.
Slim cabinet. Trim styling saves space.
LOWS
Finest details lacking. Despite its 1080p resolution, the finest detail was lacking.
Minor quibble. There was some red fringing on the edges of objects, more so than we've seen on other projection TVs.
Remote. Lack of a backlight makes the controls hard to see in dark rooms.
BOTTOM LINE
Based on initial tests, this TV has pleasing HD picture quality likely to satisfy many home-theater fans. Its slimmed-down design makes it space-efficient.
