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General discussion

What is the best HDTV (regardless of technology)

Sep 21, 2005 1:54PM PDT

Wow, I thought that the editors at cnet would actually at some point actually give us an opinion as to what is the best tv out there, but all I see is "best lcd", "best plasma", "best projection", "best direct view crt" - please please please please please - what is the best tv overall - repeat overall. waffleing editors please do not respond, better yet, become economists.

Discussion is locked

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CRT
Sep 22, 2005 3:15AM PDT

CRT has the potential to be the best-looking HDTV, but I don't know which specific model has the least amount of cons vs. pros.

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Excellent Answer, But....
Sep 22, 2005 3:58AM PDT

...And one of the few times in history that the unquestioned best technology to achieve the desire goal is about as marketable as a 200 lb. jockey (i.e. dead as a doornail!) (lol)

Perhaps the question needs to have an addendum..."Which is the 'best' TV <i>absent</i> CRT."

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What is the best HDTV (regardless of technology)
Sep 22, 2005 3:59AM PDT

A 3 chip DLP projector,,,, downside, everthing has a downside,,,,,,cost $50,000.00 and up.
CRT direct view,, great picture last long time,,very heavy in large screen sizes.
Yes CRT projection are great!!! The tubes last a long time!! But they have a downside big, bulky, heavy, need convergence from time to time.
LCD TVs bright pictuer looks good. But they have a backlight that is not easly replaced.
DLP projection,,,,lamp replacement easy to do cost $200~300. Also the color wheel can go bad cost$$$$?
LCD projection,,,,lamp replacement $200~300.
What I think is the "BEST" can change rapidly in the techonolgy world, since the best is a fast moving target.
You are never going to find an "overall best" because it doesn't exist. John

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you asked but didn't like the answer
Sep 22, 2005 1:02PM PDT

technically speaking, a direct view crt tv will give you the best hd picture... the blacks are black... the whites are white, etc. Its the oldest tech and the most perfected. Don't kill the messenger just because you don't like the answer. crt FRONT and REAR projector tvs are next in line for the most accurate picture if you want a larger size but may take a great deal of set up and calibration for best performance.

Flat panel tech is next... lcd seems to be the best performer under brightly lit conditions and plasma works better under low light conditions if the reviews I have read are accurate.

rear projection or front projection lcd and dlp technology still has problems except for the "I sold the Kids for the TV" price range.lycos as well.

I want direct view oled or some of the more space age tech thin film displays but may never see it affordable in my lifetime. Wouldn't it be really cool though to be able to wall paper your room with a HiDef TV !!!

you seem to want a definite call but there is no right answer. I would say for the cool factor and performance... get a Hitachi or Pioneer plasma if you can't live with the crt.

grim

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You got it right
Sep 23, 2005 1:28PM PDT

When I replaced my direct view CRT in my TV room, I needed about a 42-46" screen. From a picture and maintenance viewpoint, from my research, it was either a RP CRT or a plasma. I got a 42" plasma. I would like to replace my old RP CRT in the family room. I am sure it will be another RP CRT and I should be able to get a great TV at a bargain price as the demand for these diminishes. The only downsize is the big ugly black box that weighs a ton. If you have the room, a CRT is your best buy.