OT: Gaming and HDTVs...

[Cyrk]

Anyone know what TV I should get for gaming? LCD, DLP, Plasma?

Mainly for my Xbox with 480p, 720p and 1080i? Also would like to have a hook up for my PC, VGA or DVI.

I hear the LCD might not be good for gaming as the tend to blur on fast moving images? and that DLP have a rainbow effect that some people see?

Anyone have a nice HDTV and can give some advice?

Thanks in advance.

-Dave

[Francesco Rizzo]

ATI is in the works to put out this 550 pro card that will turn your computer monitor into a high def tv. If you have a computer with a nice monitor, you can save big bucks with the card, I think it will go for around 100 bucks. I know you can also add a projector to the computer, around a grand, making your own entertainment system which would def kick ***.. you can sit in your VX and beam the show onto your neighbor's house and watch in confort knowing your leather ricaroo's holding your just right.

[Joe_Black]

We're planning on using projection as, with the right screen, the image is awesome. Inputs include analog, SVHS, component video, DVI and VGA 15-pin. Price is about the same as a high-quality LCD rear-projection set (like Sony XBR) not including the screen. Top-quality Da-Lite screens in the 8 - 10 foot range about $1K and can be wall mounted or on a retractable frame. Can't wait to be fraggin' on a 10 foot screen! Woot!

[Dallas4u]

I'm not sure about response times on larger LCD and plasma screens, but my NEC at home has a 16ms response time and no ghosting in games. Many LCD's coming out have 14ms response times as well.

If you have the space, projection would be sweet. It may be something I think about doing in a year or two in my basement... along with a HTPC and stuff.

[UNEVEN THOUGHTS]

Beware of running gaming systems on some projection TVs. If your play a game w/ a HUD or other static image (i.e. health bar, ammo, timer) it'll "burn" the image right onto the screen. Back in highschool a friend and I had a nice gaming spree on his dads (rented) bigscreen and completly ruined it in about 5 hours. Nothing sucks quite like watching your favorite show with a nice pale HUD outlining the screen.

[Joe_Black]

That's the beauty of LCD-based systems, burn-in isn't possible.

[Radiologue]

LCD screen is resistant to screen burn, is brighter, is lighter, and lasts longer than plasma technology. I would think that LCD technology is the way to go as far as the screen burn question. I do not speak from experience-- just relaying what I have read about the subject.

[doubleadesign]

You will burn whatever game you play the most.
My neighbor has a constant reminder of Halo now on his.
We've got a Panasonic 34" flat, HD, cinema screen.
we have a kinda small living room so we would not have benefited from anything larger and at the time the only thing that was larger and wide was Plasma at 5x the cost for a couple of inches, no thanks.

[doubleadesign]

don't drive after playing Burnout 3: Takedown.
very, very dangerous!
the world will be in slow motion and you have to fight the urge to jump into oncoming traffic to get boost!

other than that, it's a completly awesome game. and i never buy racing games. i'm hooked on this one. plus, launching a city bus into a busy expressway is like being 5 with my hotwheels again!

[Cyrk]

Man I am loving Burnout 3, amazing sense of speed and those crash sure are FUN! Great looking in 480p.

I got this adapter that plays HD resolutions on the consoles on a PC monitor. Really looks good. I just want a bigger area than my 21 inch monitor.


-Dave

[Dallas4u]

Not to get off topic here... but I just started playing Doom 3 and, well, I have scared the hell out of myself. Lastnight, upstairs, alone, in the dark... freaky. Graphics are awesome, screams over your transmitter make it even more freaky. I just freakin started the game and already I'm hearing noises around the house.

[AnalogVX]

Originally posted by Dallas4u
Not to get off topic here... but I just started playing Doom 3 and, well, I have scared the hell out of myself. Lastnight, upstairs, alone, in the dark... freaky. Graphics are awesome, screams over your transmitter make it even more freaky. I just freakin started the game and already I'm hearing noises around the house.

It was well worth the wait. I have played it like id suggested too...all lights out, but I was wearing headphones.OMG!! Scary $h!t;eekr;

Oh and PS...I use an LCD. I do not notice the blur that some people seem to see.

[Joe_Black]

LOL! Too funny. When the original Doom was out a buddy used to play it at his warehouse office which was located in a rough part of town. He got the bright idea to hook up an external speaker that was outside while he played late into the night. Needless to say the cops asked he disconnect it from all the calls of strangeness going on they were getting. So, if you want to spook your neighbors...

[UtahVXer]

Cyrk,
If you want a BIG screen, I would recommend a DLP; they have no screen aging or burn-in effects and give you overall the best picture for the money. Progressive scan (e.g. 720p) is better than interlaced (e.g. 1080i) at displaying movement. I have a Samsung which was the first TV manufacturer to use the technology (developed by TI). The picture is awesome. Nobody has been able to detect any of the "so-called" rainbow effect. The user-replaceable bulbs last about 8,000 hrs. Although I haven't used it for gaming, this reviewer has: review
You might also consider the new JVC's These (which are a kind of hybrid between LCD and DLP) have no rainbow effect, and use a cheaper bulb.

[azskyrider]

There was a post about projection units to display on a screen or wall. My experience is only to those portable ones and not the old gun types.

My last job I had to set these up for faculty use at the state university for presentations and movies that they showed in the class room. My new job requires one to be carried for presentation uses. From my experience I do not recommend them as a replacement for your ordinary TV or Gaming. Extended hours of use starts
to detiorate the image and color/contrast rapidly. The brighter the room is the more noticeable the fading looks.

In order to keep the image quality looking good replacements bulbs are need and can run over $120. More if you want longer life but even longer life still gives you the washed image.

I do think they are great for Movies and special Sports to watch but I do not recommend it in place of your regular TV or contant gaming viewing as the image and color will not last. Unless $$ is no object and you don't mind replacing the bulb constantly if you are picky on quality color and image then this is a great option and convenient option.

Just some food for thought ...