With LCD and plasma televisions coming down in price, the rear-projection television (RPTV) has become something of a dinosaur, but I don't think they're ready for extinction. That's because RPTVs are still one of the best choices for people looking for a big screen (60 inches or larger) at a budget price.
Rear-Projection TV Pros
- Big screens: Nothing immerses you in a movie or sporting event like a 65-inch or 73-inch screen. RPTVs are easy to find in these sizes, and they are relatively affordable even in the 80-inch range.
- Low cost: With RPTVs, you get a lot of screen for your money. For instance, you can buy Mitsubishi's 65-inch rear-projection WD-65737 for about $1,600. By comparison, Samsung's 63-inch PN63B550 plasma TV sells for about $2,700, Sony's 65-inch KDL-65W5100 LCD TV sells for about $4,500 and Samsung's 65-inch LN65B650 LCD goes for about $6,000. That amounts to savings of $1,000 or more, and it gets even better if you go bigger. Mitsubishi has 73-inch and 82-inch RPTVs selling for less than $4,000. As my previous examples indicate, there's no way you'll find a competitively priced flat screen in that size range.
- Smooth, film-like images: Many people dislike the way LED TVs render fast action sequences, but RPTVs using DLP technology -- the standard these days -- do great. Also, some people, myself included, think rear-projection DLPs offer an image that's more film-like than you'll get with an LCD flat screen.
Rear-Projection TV Cons
- Size: Although they're smaller than they used to be, projection TVs are still bigger than flat screens. What's more, most of them are difficult -- if not impossible -- to mount on a wall. So, your house has to have the floor space to accommodate a large TV.
- Rainbow effect: DLP technology can produce what's called the "rainbow effect." This is a phenomenon that causes some viewers to notice annoying flashes of color when watching a rear-projection set. This isn't common and many people never experience it, but I still suggest spending some time with an RPTV in a store before making a purchase.
- Limited viewing angles: RPTVs are best viewed straight on. That doesn't mean you can't sit off to the side, but plasmas are more forgiving if you plan to watch from extreme angles.
- Maintenance: Many RPTVs use a bulb that must be replaced every two to three years at a cost of about $100. Since there's no upkeep cost with plasma and LCD, this is a downer. But, when you consider the initial difference in price, this isn't such a big deal.
- A dying breed: There aren't many RPTVs to choose from because Samsung and Mitsubishi are the only major manufacturers that are still in the rear-projection market, and Samsung hasn't introduced a new model in some time. That means the RPTV you buy today could be an antique next year. That's discouraging but it shouldn't be a deal breaker because both Samsung and Mitsubishi are well-established companies. As long as they offer a decent warranty on the set you're considering, you can buy knowing that parts and repairs will be available should you need them.
Perfect Rear-Projection TV Applications
- Movies: The sheer size of a large rear-projection television goes a long way toward reproducing the movie theater experience.
- Dramatic TV series: Many of today's television dramas have outstanding cinematography and special effects, essentially making them mini-movies. See above.
- Sports: There's nothing like watching a football or basketball game on a really large screen, and RPTVs offer big screens on a budget.
