The topics of HiDef/Home Theaters are popular here, I did not want to hijack any existing threats, so I am making a new one. I don't have any specific questions at the moment but I had some interesting experience recently which I can share.
I will start with few facts:
In 2004 Philips discontinued manufacturing and research on all LCOS (Liquid Crystal On Silicon) displays. According to Philips's press release LCOS was technologically superior to LCD or DLP regarding the picture quality but it was more expensive to manufacture. Big screen TVs - again according to Philips - are becoming a commodity item (means price is more important than quality), so LCOS would not be profitable line.
Other manufacturers are still making this type of displays but there aren't many choices.
The recent Crutchfield catalog provides a comparitive chart of different display types and typical pros and cons. Crutchfield confirms that LCOS (aka SXRD) hold their ground well against all other types but there aren't many models to choose from. Everything seems to support Philips's position.
Couple months ago my son and I found in the store probably the last LCOS TV made by Philips. Obviously it had been sitting somewhere for 2 years, it was heavily discounted but it was still with original manufacturer's warranty. Knowing all the facts we decided that the price was too tempting and we bought that TV and a 3-year extended warranty on it. The TV is of a Cineous line (top Philips line) with load of features. The TV has 720p native resolution and it does not have HDMI input, everything else would be fine even by latest standards. It accepts 1080I input (will downconvert to 720), has good sound with virtual surround processor, subwoofer out, 7 inputs including VGA, DVI, many components,... So now my entertainment center features a 55" monster display. I have a very good quality picture even when I watch regular TV shows (the TV is doing upconvert to 720 for standard input). Few days ago my son organized a gaming party with his friends. One brought an X-box and the 4 youngsters were sitting 10' away from a TV and played X-box with 4 wireless controllers looking at the screen split 4-way so each kid enjoyed a personal 27" TV screen - that was impressive.
I guess I am glad to confirm what other people had said earlier - resolution isn't everything and, in fact, isn't the most important factor in a good TV. 720p is plenty even on the screen as big as 55". Those asking what type of display to get - pay close attention to SXRD/LCOS type if you can find it.
I will start with few facts:
In 2004 Philips discontinued manufacturing and research on all LCOS (Liquid Crystal On Silicon) displays. According to Philips's press release LCOS was technologically superior to LCD or DLP regarding the picture quality but it was more expensive to manufacture. Big screen TVs - again according to Philips - are becoming a commodity item (means price is more important than quality), so LCOS would not be profitable line.
Other manufacturers are still making this type of displays but there aren't many choices.
The recent Crutchfield catalog provides a comparitive chart of different display types and typical pros and cons. Crutchfield confirms that LCOS (aka SXRD) hold their ground well against all other types but there aren't many models to choose from. Everything seems to support Philips's position.
Couple months ago my son and I found in the store probably the last LCOS TV made by Philips. Obviously it had been sitting somewhere for 2 years, it was heavily discounted but it was still with original manufacturer's warranty. Knowing all the facts we decided that the price was too tempting and we bought that TV and a 3-year extended warranty on it. The TV is of a Cineous line (top Philips line) with load of features. The TV has 720p native resolution and it does not have HDMI input, everything else would be fine even by latest standards. It accepts 1080I input (will downconvert to 720), has good sound with virtual surround processor, subwoofer out, 7 inputs including VGA, DVI, many components,... So now my entertainment center features a 55" monster display. I have a very good quality picture even when I watch regular TV shows (the TV is doing upconvert to 720 for standard input). Few days ago my son organized a gaming party with his friends. One brought an X-box and the 4 youngsters were sitting 10' away from a TV and played X-box with 4 wireless controllers looking at the screen split 4-way so each kid enjoyed a personal 27" TV screen - that was impressive.
I guess I am glad to confirm what other people had said earlier - resolution isn't everything and, in fact, isn't the most important factor in a good TV. 720p is plenty even on the screen as big as 55". Those asking what type of display to get - pay close attention to SXRD/LCOS type if you can find it.
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