[DM-MUG] HDTV shopping in DSM

[John Kisner]

I have a 42-inch projection monitor like the ones you are thinking 
about.  It took some getting used to, since it is in a room that is 
really too small for the screen.  I still don't like the glare you get 
from any open window or light that shines on the screen, but it's a lot 
of screen for the buck.

Some salesmen quoted me rules of thumb when I was TV shopping, but it 
seemed to vary from one salesman to another.  You have a bigger room 
than I have for the TV, so I'm sure you'd be fine with a 42-inch 
screen.  You would probably be fine with an even bigger screen, but I 
wouldn't go beyond 50 inches.

I would also strongly suggest thinking about the "glare" issue.  If you 
like a sunny room, and the light comes from the screen-side of the 
room, maybe you should take another look at tubes (or LCD).

I think the only sensible way to go for a new TV is 16x9 ratio.  You 
get used to "stretching" non-HD shows -- people look fat.  However. 96% 
of what you watch right now is in "full screen" shape, and I have a 
friend who bought a 40-inch Sony tube (4x3 screen ratio) because a) 
what he watches is mostly 4x3 ratio, b) he has little interest in 
network broadcasts, which are about the only source of 16x9 programs 
(assuming you have a roof antenna and a converter box), and c) he 
didn't like the glare on my projection TV (nor does he like watching TV 
in the dark).

John

On Dec 18, 2004, at 12:38 AM, Victoria L. Herring wrote:

> Just thought I'd report....spent this afternoon shopping and looking 
> and researching - very helpful folks at Stogdills, Traviss, Sears and 
> BEstBuy.  Pricing at BB same as at Stogdills and Traviss more or less, 
> depending on model.  Not sure what we will do but all of the advice 
> here has been helpful.
>
> I am having one problem that probably has a simple answer.  My 
> preference from looking at things is for a 16:9 'rectangular' rear 
> projection DLP model - they give sizes such as 42, 50, 55 or whatever 
> -- is that still the diagonal size that we're used to on older CRTs?? 
> Frankly they look pretty huge and I wondered about the effect of te 
> 16:9 ratio....if anyone has a simple answer....The other Q is how 
> big....not too big because the room isn't that large and we're only 
> about 9-10 feet from the TV, but other than the Pogue article, does 
> anyone have a suggestion???
>
> Thanks for the help...
> --
> Victoria L. Herring, Des Moines, Iowa - Owner, 
> http://www.JourneyZing.com - and Attorney at Law, 
> http://www.herringlaw.com.  iChat AV: victoriaherring [@mac.com].
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