Large screen HD lcd tv or high quality projector?

Question

I know plasmas are bad because of burn in and dlps have problems tracking fast moving scenes, but high quality projectors are supposed to be able to handle HD. I would want to use it for videogames too. Which is the better option?

Answer 1

High quality projector will use approx 80% less energy. The large screen plasmas and HD's use a tone more of electricity.

If you wait for another year, laser TV will be the latest craze and be much more energy efficient

Answer 2

None are very good options for video games.

The best video Game HDTV's are actually tube.

The newer more expensive tv's have 120hz refresh rates, they will be the best flat panels for gaming.

I have a Tube HDTV and a DLP Projector the Projector does not work well at all.

Answer 3

Lcd for now man, i have 52" sharp aquos , and playing hd movies is sick, and if u have a console like xbox 360 its even better, iplay halo 3 all day and its so sick.

Answer 4

Modern plasma HDTVs are no longer as prone to burn-in, but they do use more electricity than other options and turn out more heat. That said, they arguably provide the best picture ... but only from very high end and expensive models ($5000 up).

LCD can give a good picture, but they are expensive at large screen sizes. It's actually LCD (not DLP) that may have problems with fast images. That said, some LCD panel technology is better than others ... although fast response times tend to be associated with more expensive panels.

Rear projection HDTVs are not as bulky as they used to be, and screen size to dollar ratio is favourable relative to LCD and plasma flatscreens, but the best viewing angle is somewhat narrow. Basically, there is no advantage over a front projector (in my view) and several disadvantages.

A front projector is the best way to get a BIG picture (100"+ is easily achievable), and since the screen can be as simple as a blank white wall (although not if you want a really good picture) or can be rolled up when not in use, unlike even a flatscreen TV it doesn't have to take over the room (The projector itself is usually quite small).

Projectors are available at three resolution levels: 480p (from $500), 720p (~$1000 up), and 1080p (~$2200 up). In other words, you can have a 1080p 120" display for about the same price as a 50"-60" flatscreen.

As with any HDTV, projectors give the best picture when there is little ambient light. They are not a good choice for a bright room.

The big downside of front projectors (and rear projectors) is that the lamps need to be replaced every 2-4000 hrs, and replacements cost ~$300-500. But, put that in perspective -- lamp costs amortize out to about $0.25/hr.

So for watching movies or HDTV for 2-3 hrs/day projectors are a great choice ... big, gorgeous picture and, with a good sound system -- just like being at the movies! They can be a good choice for games too, but replacing a lamp every 8-12 months may be the price of the big picture.

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