BEST REAR PROJECTION HDTV??

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...

Bazmataz, I've owned an Elite 510 for almost two years now, and It's worth every penny I spent! Don't get too hung up on which television looks better in the store! They all can be tweaked once you have it at home! Also if you do decide on the Pioneer wait for at least a month before having it ISF calibrated, the reason being if their is a problem with the set, it will have shown up by then.

I had a bad red gun that had a small pin hole on it and had to be replaced. It has been flawless since then! Also you can Duvetyne the set yourself, and save a few dollars that the ISF tech will charge you. By doing this the contrast will be much improved, giving you even better depth in your video. Good luck!

Who sells Pioneer Elites for the best possible price? Wouldn't you worry about getting beat up in shipping? I'm in the market for a HDTV and have been looking at the higher end Hitatachi's Mitsubishi and Pioneer Elites. I'm not sure I can afford an Elite but could swing one if I could get a really good price. What are the model #'s on the Diamond Series Mitsubishi's? Thanks for a response for a newbie.!!!

hi newbie... hehe...
there's a guy on audiogon who sells the elite pro 20 series for really good prices. the 53" one was about $4400 delivered. i think his handle is 'micshin' or something like that. check the home theater - video for sale ads or do a search for pioneer elite from the home page. i know it sounds strange, but sound advice (a local high end dealer) actually OFFERED to match that price, which I couldn't believe.

There are advantages to ordering from a local dealer. First, you can trust them a bit more and have someone to go to in case of problems (which in my case there usually are!). Also, I have never gotten a service plan before, but for this kind of TV, I'm getting it. It's about $400 for 5 years, and it includes three cleanings/adjustments annually. Also, any issues, the local dealer comes to my house and fixes it themselves (no 3rd party warranty company). Those cleanings/adjustments are necessary at least annually on these TVs and can cost $80-$120 per visit otherwise. Yes, you can do it yourself, but I'd rather not fuss with something like that on my own, plus you void the pioneer warranty (2 yrs) if you go in on your own.

Next, I was a bit nervous to have a TV like that shipped to me. All that bouncing around and stuff. Plus, what do you do if something goes wrong and it needs to be fixed? Are you going to pack up a 400-500 pound TV and have it shipped for repair? That would prove troublesome at best I think.

With the economy the way it is an high-end audio/video retailers possibly feeling a pinch, I'd see what you could get the TV locally for. Even if it's a couple hundred bucks more than shipping, I think it's clearly worth it to get it locally. Anyway, good luck, sorry for babbling for so long!

Baz