Chadnliz, your might want to read this:
http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-33199_7-20118503-221/sharp-elite-wins-value-electronics-hdtv-shootout/?tag=contentMain;contentBody;1n |
The new Sharp Elite might be a game changer, an LED that outperforms plasmas, albeit at a pretty hefty price. Plasma still offers the best value, IMHO. |
Lloydc, I believe many would suggest that the very(!) expensive Qualia 2005 LEDs performance was surpassed by the Pioneer Elite Kuro plasma. Of course it's a moot issue, neither are readily available today. |
Paulsax, I don't think we're "happy" about TV's lasting only 8 years, but I doubt many of us have the wherewithal to build our own longer lasting TV's.:-) |
Marakantetz, that was true not that long ago, but not anymore. CRT's might have been more durable, but they can't perform as well as today's better sets. |
Obviously I fall into the same camp as Elizabeth. Though flat panels are still challenged to meet SMPTE, never mind THX standards for size to distance, other than as front projectors, in most real situations CRTs are woefully incapable.
Not that long ago, the various alternate technologies poor black levels were so distracting that I couldn't help but long for a CRT. With the emergence of the Sony Qualia front projector and Pioneer Elite Pro Kuro, that all changed. Now one could and can enjoy true or close to cinema like immersion without that nagging feeling that something is amiss. |
Chadnliz, unless your watching the Sony 30" from 4', I can't help but wonder if you'd feel the same way if the picture on the Sony 30" was blown up to the same size as your 100" projector screen.
http://myhometheater.homestead.com/viewingdistancecalculator.html
Hey, if that's your impression, who am I to say your wrong. |
Chadnliz, that one article did seem to contradict most of your assertions with the very same criterion you used to support your assertions.
Lloydc, the one area where the Sharp Elite fell behind all the other competitors was in color rendition. Plasmas as a group did better than LCD/LED's in color rendition.
IMHO, the answer to the OP question is; Yes, LED has caught up to Plasma (at least to plasmas generally still currently available)....but, there are still some differences. Plasma is a better value. Plasma offers better viewing from wider viewing angles. LED is more energy efficient. LED's work better in brighter rooms. LED's come in thinner packages.
For me the value of plasma coupled with the typically more durable screens (Sony gorilla glass LCD's excepted) would be preferable. Other's circumstances might differ, and the alternate choices might be preferable for them. |
The Sony Qualia front projector was the first video source that gave me an idea of what video was capable of, but that was SXRD. Though not 3D, it provided a sense of depth that I had never seen before. There are ultra projectors that cost nearly as much as ultra speakers. I suppose one could argue that one could justify the cost of those projectors easier than those speakers? |
http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/sharp-elite-pro-60x5fd/4505-6482_7-35004013.html?autoplay=true&tag=cnetRiver |
I agree with Fplanner, though there are even bigger plasmas. |
Snideness aside (considering what many on Audiogon spend on audio, his wasting remark is misplaced, and uncalled for here) Rayray's point is not without merit. If one could find a Kuro (not easy, but possible), if the 60" maxiumum screen size would work for the situational viewing distance, if the room in which it will be used will not have an excess of ambient light, then the Kuro might or might not be preferable. If one could provide the neccessary dark room, and there's enough space for throw distance, then a front projector might be a preferable choice. The Sharp Elite ceratinly does provide a top quality option for many circustances, for those who can and are willing to pay a premium price for it's performance prowess. |
Chadnliz, that might be your personal preference, but it doesn't conform to any established guidelines I'm familiar with:
http://myhometheater.homestead.com/viewingdistancecalculator.html |
I agree the "THX" settings do seem pretty extreme. The SMPTE guideline seem to be more appropriate, at least to me. |
