OT: Gaming and HDTVs...

[Joe_Black]

There is a whole new generation of projection units that use similar imaging components as the LCD rear projection sets, but are optimized for much better contrast. Granted, you can't use them outside but their indoor performance is just short of amazing. They're nothing at all like the units you see at presentations and the screens need to be either pulled taut on a frame or mounted to the wall like wallpaper for the best effect.

Find a local high-end AV shop and check them out. Toshiba has one that just came out with an advertised contrast that rivals direct view. That's a long way from PowerPoint!

[WormGod]

I have a 48" Mitsubishi HD widescreen and have every console since Super Nintendo hooked up to it. Working in the game industry, you can imagine I play a LOT of games. I have had it for 2 years and as much as I play games, it is still flawless. It's rear projection, but looks fantastic if you use all component video.

A guy here at my work has had his 1 year old Philips plasma tv in for repair twice. He gets what is called "flashing" and "hazing" when he plays video games. Not too sure what causes it, but I have seen it and it's what a projection tv looks like when the resistors are burning out. Not pretty. Said he spoke to the repair contact at Meyer-Emco where he bought it and complained about the tv and the guy told him that plasma tvs have actually gotten a bad rep from many people who use them for video gaming. *shrug*

For video gaming, LCD is the way to go. It never appears to be as clear as a good monitor and generally looks no better than a regular tv, but that's because DVDs and 99% of video games (console) out there still don't render out higher than 480i (Matrix video game is 1080i.... too bad it sucks). With component cables from an XBox, you can at least get 480p (progressive scan) though.

Also, I wouldnt make a "major" purchase on a top of the line tv right now. In a year from now, a whole new line of insane tvs will be appearing on the market since 2006 slates the mandatory crossover to digital broadcasting.I have seen some of the prototype tvs at trade shows and WOW. They will be priced to sell too.

[Cyrk]

Ok I had to get a new TV... This set looked AMAZING offers all HD modes 480p, 720p and 1080i, has a DVI, VGA and HD inputs.
Excited to hook up my Xbox and my PC and watch some DVDs on this bad boy, all I need next is a HD box from dish.

I picked up a Samsung 61" DLPâ„¢ HDTV Monitor (HL-P6163W)



http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Samsu...oductDetail.do


with a Samsung DVD Player w/DVI connection (DVD-HD841)



http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Samsu...oductDetail.do

[Joe_Black]

Looks nice! Samsung is really working to be a major player in the US with a lot of new products and reputed excellent build quality. They recently put a new large high-speed LCD panel for the PC on the market too. Let us know how it performs! ;Dp;

[doubleadesign]

i think i'd need a living room the size of our current house!
WOW!
cool..........

[Cyrk]

OMG this thing is HUGE!!! I have been playing around with it for like 7 hours Xbox look amazing hooked up with the components and the DVI DVD player ROCKS! Too cool, tomorrow I will hook up the PC to the VGA input.

Also just ordered a Dish HD receiver.

SO VERY EXCITED!

will post some pics when I clean up the area a but... looking for a nice piece of furniture/entertainment center.

-Dave

[Mile High EDGe]

If you want a cheaper solution for screens for a projector you can do a search for "Screen Goo" it is suppose to work well and cheaper and cool to make that 100" plus size screen.

[WormGod]

Good choice Cyrk. A little big for my condo, but very nice, heh.

Samsung is becoming a major contender in the states now, yes. Their product quality has increased drastically in the past 10 years. I read an article not too long ago stating that Samsung is the leader in technology when it comes to LCD development. That is good news for them since that R&D carries over into their other products.

ENJOY!