View Full Version : RPTV's
Zoetermeer
11-03-2003, 12:50 AM
I've done a lot of research on smaller RPTV's (between 40 and 50 inches), read reviews, and seen them in stores. But I can't figure out which is the best one out there. I'm looking for a conventional one (not DLP or LCD), and one that preferably has the best autoconvergence feature since that's a big factor in image quality. Anyone have any suggestions? I'm at a loss here.
I don't think that auto-convergence should be a factor in selecting an RPTV - Why? Because auto-convergence doesn't do a very good job since it only does a few points.
Check out the FAQ on "If only I'd have known". There's a list of features there that may help you choose. Hitachi have an excellent manual convergence which a user can do without going into the service menu. Hitachis also have most of the features listed in the FAQ and good reliability, that's why they typically cost a little more too. So balance price, features, etc.
Other brands to consider - this site has good feedback on Toshiba and Mits...
Zoetermeer
11-03-2003, 01:25 AM
As far as convergence, do you have to pay to get a technician to manually do it for you or is that covered under warranty? I have seen many RPTV's that seem like they are in need of such a calibration, and if these sets need these periodically I might be better off getting something that doesn't require as much maintenance.
Zoetermeer
11-03-2003, 01:27 AM
I also haven't seen any Hitachi rptv's under 50 inches.
They have at least two at 46" (46W500, 46F500 - there may be a G500, can't remember for sure, which is similar to the "F500" but with a different screen). See the "2003" sticky at the top of the Hitachi forum for model information.
You may also wish to check out UECWEB...
Zoetermeer
11-03-2003, 01:35 AM
Oh you're right, that's my bad.
As far as convergence is concerned, you can do it yourself, but it does take about an hour to do properly and it will need to be "redone" every 6-12 months. Some stores will have a technician do it as part of the setup, but whether it gets "redone" every 6-12 months, you'd have to check into something like extended service or extended warranty to see if they'll do that as part of the extra $. Some may simply use "touch focus" since a proper convergence does take about an hour to do.
LCDs & DLPs don't need convergence since they are fixed pixel displays, but LCDs don't do good blacks as discussed in various threads. DLPs are relatively new, but the feedback has been pretty good... These sets need periodic lamp replacement.
As you can see - there are no "free rides" when it comes to HDTVs. See the FAQ on "Types of HDTV".
Zoetermeer
11-03-2003, 01:49 AM
The Hitachis do look pretty good though, but after reading that FAQ I am still a little concerned with size. I was originally after a 34 inch widescreen direct view, but thought it might be too small. Now I'm wondering if it is just that the tv's look smaller in the store than they do in your living room.
bestcaster
11-03-2003, 08:34 AM
I have a 34" direct view...looked big when I bought it...but now
that I've had it for 4-5 months...it looks small.
kevinw
11-03-2003, 08:45 AM
TV's shrink once you get them home;)
Mitsubishi makes a nice 48 inch and Toshiba has 50 -51 inch depending upon the model. Look for multipoint user access convergence capability. The more point the better.
Goddahavit
11-03-2003, 09:01 AM
Kevinw is right, they do shrink when you get them home(after a wile)
I have a Mits, 48-511, and when I got it home, I thought it was too big, but after doing a convergance, and going through a setup disk, avia, and just watching it I am starting to wish I had room for a 55, but at 10 ft away, (my distance also) the 48 is just fine. not too big , especially if you are luckjy enough to get some HD channels.
Hitachi has a 46 mits a 48, panasonic a 47, and toshiba, has 50's
my mits has a 64 pt convergance, I think some of the hitachi's have over 100, not sure.
hope it helps
