Don,
First of all, weclome to the forum and thanks for visiting us!
When considering a screen size versus seating arrangement, I use what I've dubbed "the 3X" rule of thumb. Whatever the screen is from corner to corner, times that by 3 and divide by 12. That's how many feet you want to be back, give or take your preference.
A 52" screen x 3 = 156 inches
156 inches divided by 12 = 13 feet - pretty close to your 14 feet.
The reason I suggest this is because of the line of sight for most people. While many people want to fill the room with the television, too large of a screen can cause eye fatigue. If the screen is too big, of you're sitting too close, you'll have to constantly move your eyes back and forth to see the entire screen, much like sitting in the front few rows of a movie theater. When you sit back and can encompass the entire screen, you can relax your eyes and it really changes the overall movie/tv watching experience.
Just a suggestion for your consideration. There are people who watch a 72" screen sitting 5 feet away and love it. If you don't experience that with your 63" TV, and you like that size, more power to you. Trust me, I don't mind if you buy a bigger screen. ![]()
As far as DLP and rear projection technology, it's true, most companies have left the technology. Samsung was the first out with DLP, and have consistently led the technology, and could very well be the last player in that technology. I have no idea what the 2009 lineup will be; and at this point, at least until January, I can't speak to that. I will say that we do have parts and availability of parts should you need a replacement board. We still sell lamps and parts for the first DLP units we released, and technically, you could buy those parts and build one (though, it would be cost prohibitive to do so, of course). But we will support our products. If this is a major concern and you're just not comfortable with that, an extended warranty (no fix = replacement with new unit) might be a good consideration from your local retailer, and what you get as a replacement will be something you definitely want to discuss with the retailer.
If you or anyone in your household is really into gaming (PS2, Xbox, etc), DLP will have the fastest game response time, as well as take advantage of 3-D technology. 120Hz is awesome in our LCD units as well.
If you have any other questions, please let me know. I'll be happy to offer suggestions and answer inquiries.
Regards,
--HDTech
Hello Folks - I am new to the forum but I need some help making a decision. I currently have an aging 63" LCoS Rear Projection TV that I am looking to replace. The new TV will be used in a great room that is 24' x 24'. The seating will be approximately 14' from the screen. I had always assumed I would by the LN52A650 because of its beautiful picture and flat screen. The Blu-Ray and 120hz performance just blow me away. Recently though I read that given my room dimensions and distance from the screen the 52" may not be big enough. With this new information in hand I went looking for something bigger. Since Samsung doesn't offer anything bigger in an LCD I took a look at the HL67A750 and wow was I impressed with the reviews. I visited my local Best Buy and the DLP looked good but they could not demonstrate the Blu-Ray 120hz performance. Now I have also read that Samsung and Mitsubishi are the only two vendors still playing in the rear projection market and 2009 may be the end of the technology completly. Not sure I want to invest in a dying technology and if it is dying won't Samsung have to replace the size with something in the LCD line? I don't know what to do folks and would appreciate any suggestions you can provide.
Thanks,
Don

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