Published November 9, 2002<\/p>\n
Q: \u00a0I am thinking about purchasing a home theater system and have checked Home Theater magazine for their recommendations. \u00a0It seems that there is a dispute over whether the new plasma tube big screens are preferable over the front-projection systems like Runco. \u00a0It seems that both systems are in the same price range but which would have the best quality or value in the long-run?
\n-Larry Lorenzi \u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n
A: \u00a0This is an easy question to answer. \u00a0 Front projection systems using a projector and a separate screen are still considered to be the king of the home theater world, and for good reason. \u00a0 \u00a0 Not only does a video projection system best resemble the film projection of an actual theater, the combination of large image size and picture quality can be absolutely stunning. \u00a0 I have seen front projection systems projecting HDTV on a 100 inch diagonal screen and it is truly a sight to behold. It looks so real, you feel like you can walk into the screen! \u00a0 You will find most home theater magazines have a strong preference for front projection systems. \u00a0 If you haven’t seen HDTV on a quality front projection system, do yourself a favor and find a retailer who has one set up and see for yourself. \u00a0 When you compare it to the plasma set, I don’t think you will have a problem making a decision.<\/p>\n
Front projectors make special demands on their users. \u00a0 Besides the considerable room size required, they also perform best in a room that can be totally darkened. \u00a0 \u00a0 This limits their appeal for many users. \u00a0 \u00a0 Though the popular LCD and DLP (Digital Light Projection) projectors don’t absolutely require professional installation the way the large red\/green\/blue tube CRT models do, they certainly benefit from it, and this may be an additional expense depending on who you buy your projector from. \u00a0 If you have the money and the room for it, though, front projection provides the best viewing experience available.<\/p>\n
Plasma television is an interesting technology, but it is not quite mature yet. \u00a0 They certainly look neat hanging on the wall like a picture, but I have yet to see a plasma display that can match the picture quality of any of the other television types- direct view (tube), rear projection, or front projection. \u00a0 There is also the issue of lifespan. \u00a0 Currently, most manufacturers rate their plasma sets as having an expected lifespan of 20,000 hours. \u00a0 If you watch a lot of TV, you could be looking at a very expensive set dying in ten years or less. \u00a0 With an LCD or DLP front projector, you will need to replace the lamp occasionally, but the projector should be an investment that will pay off for a long, long time.<\/p>\n
Q: \u00a0We are in the market for a new TV. \u00a0We can buy a 36″ TV for the same cost of a 32″ flat screen. \u00a0Which would you recommend? \u00a0I myself think the flat screen has a much better picture. \u00a0Should I definitely go with HDTV above all? \u00a0 We are about 15 feet from the television and we watch DVDs and cable television.
\nMaria Fox<\/p>\n
A: \u00a0 For non-HDTV televisions, a \u00a0 good viewing distance is at least three times the diagonal of the viewing screen. \u00a0 \u00a0 This is the minimum distance where the TV’s scanning lines will not be visible. \u00a0 For your viewing situation with the TV 15 feet away, this would be a 60 inch screen. \u00a0 That suggests to me a 36 inch set would be a better choice for you. \u00a0 I’d recommend a compromise- a good non-HDTV flat tube televsion.<\/p>\n