Question about LCD Projection

[schmoo78]

I own a 43" WS Hitachi HDTV, but I'm doing a bit of research for my brother who's really close to buying a Sony 50" LCD Projection. Not sure of the model number, sorry, but I'm under the impression that this is the only LCD projection set they offer besides a 60"? I was wondering if anyone's had experience with one of these or can give me any pros and cons. He says it was gonna be about $4000 and has component, composite, and DVI inputs... don't know much else though. One thing I've heard is that the LCD lenses or whatever need to be replaced every three years?!? Is this fact or fiction? I figure he could save some money just buying a normal rear projection and wouldn't have to replace anything for a long time. Sony's projections from what I've seen (friend of mine has a KPH?570 rival Mitsubishi and Hitachi.

Thanks in advance for any feedback or insights you might have.

[57U]

Here's a link to a thread on the -->Sony LCD RPTV (http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1398)

I did a mini-review - the last post (dated 2002.11.24)

There are only two disadvantages to this set

1. Price - it's almost twice as much as a comparable RPTV.
2. Black Level. The blacks are still more like very dark greys.

There are lots of advantages, some of which I listed in my mini review. You also don't really need to worry about burn in with this set much either, unless you use it for the same static image for a very long time.

The lamp needs to be replaced periodically and it costs $200 I think. (not the LCDs)