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ELECTRONICS FORUMS  Get real-world advice from others about choosing a new TV, digital camera, computer or cell phone. |
Buying advice Rear-projection TVs
These big-screen sets are losing the bulk they were known for
Most new rear-projection TVs are microdisplay sets that use miniature technology-liquid-crystal display (LCD), digital-light processing (DLP), or liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS)-to create large images on screens measuring up to six feet or more diagonally. These TVs are slimmer and lighter than bulky projection sets using cathode-ray tube (CRT) technology, which used to be the norm. CRT-based projection sets are now few and far between. Overall, sales of rear-projection sets have been shrinking as flat panels have become larger and lower-priced.
WHAT'S AVAILABLE
Major brands include JVC, Mitsubishi, Panasonic, and Samsung. Sony has been a big player in this category, but it recently stopped making rear-projection sets. Hitachi, Philips, and Toshiba have also left the category. JVC and Panasonic haven't shown new models for 2008, so it's possible they're also considering an exit from the category.
The smallest sets measure about 37 inches diagonally, but most are 50 inches and larger; models with 50- to 59-inch screens are the best sellers. The largest TVs have screens measuring 73 inches or more.
Virtually all rear-projection TVs now on the market are digital HD sets. Most are 1080p models with 1920x1080 resolution, giving them the potential to display all 1,080 lines in the most common high-definition format, called 1080i. The improvement is most noticeable on screens 50 inches and up, which includes most rear-projection TVs.
CRT-based sets, which are almost gone from the market, are floor-standing models with deep cabinets mounted on casters. Some take up as much space as a love seat or sofa. Most microdisplays are less obtrusive. Most are 15 to 20 inches deep, and some "slim-line" models are now just 10 to 12 inches deep.
A stand for a microdisplay television is recommended; a matching stand, sold separately, is usually available.
HOW TO CHOOSE
Consider space before settling on screen size. You might be tempted by the biggest screens, which can span as much as 73 inches or more, but take a breath-and some measurements-first. Figure out how much floor space you can actually spare, and plan to view the TV from about 7 to 9 feet away for optimal picture quality.
Consider reliability. Our surveys have shown that rear-projection TVs using CRT technology have been much more repair-prone than conventional picture-tube TVs. Microdisplays have been even more repair-prone. The overall repair rate for seven major brands of DLP and LCD sets covered in our survey was 18 percent (for sets purchased between 2004 and 2007). Toshiba and RCA DLP sets were most repair-prone. Hitachi LCD-based sets were more repair-prone than Sony and Panasonic. We don't have enough historical data on LCoS sets for a repair chart by brand, but we have enough data to see that Sony sets of this type have been more reliable than JVC sets. Despite the comparatively high repair rate, most rear-projection sets have been trouble-free in their first few years, and many of the reported repairs were covered by a standard warranty. So an extended warranty still seems like a poor investment for most consumers.
Focus on picture quality. The best rear-projection sets can deliver excellent picture quality with HD content, DVDs, and regular TV programs. Within the microdisplay category, we haven't found that any one projection technology was consistently better than another. There are a growing number of sets that offer 1080p resolution, and some of those have been among our top-rated performers.
Check the viewing angle. Some new models do a better job than older sets at maintaining their image quality when viewed from off-center-a must if the TV will be watched by several people at once. Before buying one, see how the picture looks if you step off to the side or move up and down. With some, you'll see a dimmer, somewhat washed-out image as your viewing position angles away, particularly in a vertical direction.
Consider logistics. Rear-projection sets stand on the floor or rest on a stand, so installation is easier than for front-projection systems or wall-mounted plasma TVs. Still, rear-projection sets are large and can be difficult to transport and set up so consider having the set delivered.
Consider bulb life. Most rear-projection microdisplays use a backlight with a claimed life expectancy of about 5,000 hours. You'll hit that point in about four years if the TV is turned on for four hours a day. When a bulb burns out, you won't see any picture; most sets have an alert of some type to indicate you're nearing the end of the rated life, so you won't be caught by surprise. Replacement bulbs cost from $200 to $400.
Replacement isn't that difficult-no harder than replacing a car's headlight-so you can do it yourself as long as you're comfortable wielding a screwdriver. You can also pay for professional installation, which can add another $200 or so to the cost of replacement.
A few new models have longer-life bulbs; one we've seen was rated at five years. Others, such as Samsung, are using LED illumination instead, and one company, Mitsubishi, is expected to introduce later this year a model lit by lasers. These types of backlights can expand the range of colors the set can display and eliminate the need to replace the bulb during the life of the set.
These big-screen sets are losing the bulk they were known for
Most new rear-projection TVs are microdisplay sets that use miniature technology-liquid-crystal display (LCD), digital-light processing (DLP), or liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS)-to create large images on screens measuring up to six feet or more diagonally. These TVs are slimmer and lighter than bulky projection sets using cathode-ray tube (CRT) technology, which used to be the norm. CRT-based projection sets are now few and far between. Overall, sales of rear-projection sets have been shrinking as flat panels have become larger and lower-priced.
WHAT'S AVAILABLE
Major brands include JVC, Mitsubishi, Panasonic, and Samsung. Sony has been a big player in this category, but it recently stopped making rear-projection sets. Hitachi, Philips, and Toshiba have also left the category. JVC and Panasonic haven't shown new models for 2008, so it's possible they're also considering an exit from the category.
The smallest sets measure about 37 inches diagonally, but most are 50 inches and larger; models with 50- to 59-inch screens are the best sellers. The largest TVs have screens measuring 73 inches or more.
Virtually all rear-projection TVs now on the market are digital HD sets. Most are 1080p models with 1920x1080 resolution, giving them the potential to display all 1,080 lines in the most common high-definition format, called 1080i. The improvement is most noticeable on screens 50 inches and up, which includes most rear-projection TVs.
CRT-based sets, which are almost gone from the market, are floor-standing models with deep cabinets mounted on casters. Some take up as much space as a love seat or sofa. Most microdisplays are less obtrusive. Most are 15 to 20 inches deep, and some "slim-line" models are now just 10 to 12 inches deep.
A stand for a microdisplay television is recommended; a matching stand, sold separately, is usually available.
HOW TO CHOOSE
Consider space before settling on screen size. You might be tempted by the biggest screens, which can span as much as 73 inches or more, but take a breath-and some measurements-first. Figure out how much floor space you can actually spare, and plan to view the TV from about 7 to 9 feet away for optimal picture quality.
Consider reliability. Our surveys have shown that rear-projection TVs using CRT technology have been much more repair-prone than conventional picture-tube TVs. Microdisplays have been even more repair-prone. The overall repair rate for seven major brands of DLP and LCD sets covered in our survey was 18 percent (for sets purchased between 2004 and 2007). Toshiba and RCA DLP sets were most repair-prone. Hitachi LCD-based sets were more repair-prone than Sony and Panasonic. We don't have enough historical data on LCoS sets for a repair chart by brand, but we have enough data to see that Sony sets of this type have been more reliable than JVC sets. Despite the comparatively high repair rate, most rear-projection sets have been trouble-free in their first few years, and many of the reported repairs were covered by a standard warranty. So an extended warranty still seems like a poor investment for most consumers.
Focus on picture quality. The best rear-projection sets can deliver excellent picture quality with HD content, DVDs, and regular TV programs. Within the microdisplay category, we haven't found that any one projection technology was consistently better than another. There are a growing number of sets that offer 1080p resolution, and some of those have been among our top-rated performers.
Check the viewing angle. Some new models do a better job than older sets at maintaining their image quality when viewed from off-center-a must if the TV will be watched by several people at once. Before buying one, see how the picture looks if you step off to the side or move up and down. With some, you'll see a dimmer, somewhat washed-out image as your viewing position angles away, particularly in a vertical direction.
Consider logistics. Rear-projection sets stand on the floor or rest on a stand, so installation is easier than for front-projection systems or wall-mounted plasma TVs. Still, rear-projection sets are large and can be difficult to transport and set up so consider having the set delivered.
Consider bulb life. Most rear-projection microdisplays use a backlight with a claimed life expectancy of about 5,000 hours. You'll hit that point in about four years if the TV is turned on for four hours a day. When a bulb burns out, you won't see any picture; most sets have an alert of some type to indicate you're nearing the end of the rated life, so you won't be caught by surprise. Replacement bulbs cost from $200 to $400.
Replacement isn't that difficult-no harder than replacing a car's headlight-so you can do it yourself as long as you're comfortable wielding a screwdriver. You can also pay for professional installation, which can add another $200 or so to the cost of replacement.
A few new models have longer-life bulbs; one we've seen was rated at five years. Others, such as Samsung, are using LED illumination instead, and one company, Mitsubishi, is expected to introduce later this year a model lit by lasers. These types of backlights can expand the range of colors the set can display and eliminate the need to replace the bulb during the life of the set.
