BEST REAR PROJECTION HDTV??

Bazmataz:

Although, I am not in the market for a rear projection HDTV as of yet, I have recently begun exploring the market as I do intend to get one within the next two years. As I already have a progressive scan DVD Player (a Pioneer Elite DV-37..... a SWEET machine.... no matter how you put it.... I can put it up against some of the newer low priced Toshibas, Sonys and Panasonics out there and it still comes out on top each time), the eventual purchase of a rear projection HDTV is inevitable. Now the question is, which is the best HDTV RPTV for the money?? I think that would depend on the size of the set in question and the amount of money you intend to spend. As I am in a small room and such, right now, I am putting my attention toward the smaller HDTV RPTVs (42-Inches to about 47-Inches), and I am going to spend in the neighborhood of about $2,500.00. For the money I am going to spend, I am going to be paying attention to the Mitsubishis, Panasonics and the Toshibas. But now, if I am buying a larger set and spending more money like you are going to be doing, then there is ONLY one brand I would even consider. And that is Pioneer Elite. For a set in THAT price class in which you are talking about, I think that Pioneer Elite is the UNDISPUTED leader in that regard. So, if I am spending my money then, then my money says go with Pioneer Elite.

It's just too bad Pioneer does not market an "Elite" model in the 42-Inch to 47-Inch size class. Because if they did, then that would be the one I'll be looking at as well.

--Charles--

I did a side by side comparison with the mits diamond and the pioneer elite 520 today. i must say, the mits picture looked brighter with better color, but the pioneer seemed to handle NTSC better, and the stretched look seemed better (more real) with the pioneer. the mits looked squished. although the pioneer didn't seem as bright, it was much smoother, and a more film like appearance. nevertheless, the color detail and brightness disappointed me. these were both new out of the box and same exact signal at same time (courtesy of the store i was in). any ideas why this big difference? couldn't really decide which one to like. also, the mits fits a 55" screen into a smaller chassis than the pioneer's 53" screen. also, the store agreed to match my internet quote of $4400 shipped. they want 349 for two additional years of service (over pioneers basic 2) and will calibrate twice per year included in the charge (as well as clean and convergence adjustments). all comments appreciated!!

I think thats wonderful that the store will match your internet quote!! Now you're getting somewhere.... I would be surprised if the Elite isn't as bright or detailed. Got to wonder if it needed a little adjustment. I actually have my "sharpness" and "brightness" turned down (set to -3) to make the picture more natural. Buy the one you like the best, thats really the point. Its interesting that you mentioned that the Mit is in a smaller package. Is it shorter or more shallow? Because the Elite screen goes to within 1" of the edge of the cabinet, except on the bottom where they put some speakers (you wont' use) and the crts.

Bazmataz,

In store head to head comparing is worthless. These sets have so many things to adjust, and hence so many things to be wrong, that you just can't rely on in store. Different dvd players interreact differently with different sets so each set has to be adjusted with your dvd player for optimal performance. The lighting, cables, etc, can be different. Were both sets displayed with the same signal form the same dvd player? Was one progressive and one interlaced? My 510 looks vastly superior at home than it did at the store. Of course, it should after you tweak it the way you like it.

It is common for stores to have their sets set up in "torch mode" i.e. the brightness and contrast turned way up. This may sell sets to the masses but it has nothing to do with accuracy and long term viewing pleasure. It's like turning the treble way up on your stereo, it may sound good for a short time (ie an in store demo) but it's fatiguing long term and ultimately not enjoyable.

You'll love the 520.

hi-
actually, both tvs were directly side by side, with the same ntsc signal from satellite and the same hd channel when set that way. each was placed to factory default settings as well.

as far as the issue of size, the mits was not as wide as the pioneer, but had a 55" screen. the pioneer is only 53". the difference is in the side of the tv, where the mits only has about 1cm of space on each side (left and right) while the pioneer has more like one inch...

guess i'll stick with the 520...