Ok, so my 31" tv went out, after we had spent $200 to try to get it fixed it died 3 times and I've just given up on it. It was a G.E. (public service announcement: I've been told that most new tv's will last over 12 years, this one lasted just over two).

So we went to best buy thinking what the heck, why not as big as possible? Started looking at 60" projection models, and even agreed to get one at KenCranes (a large projection warehouse). Then got home and cancelled the order.

My question is, does anyone have one of these and what can you recommend. I'm not even sure what I'm asking for.

Reasons not to get it: It is freaking huge. I live in a small apt. and it would surely dominate the room (have to remove the bookcase where it would go). It costs over $2,000 (but it would be a gift). If I moved, it would be a royal pain in the donkey. Most people think we are insane for even considering it.

Reason to get it: Why not?

Perhaps you'd consider quality over absolute size?

Last I knew, you could get Toshiba TW40x81's for about $1800-1900. It's a 40" 16x9 HDTV set with very nice picture quality.

They've been discontinued in favor of a new model, though, so you might have a hard time finding one.

Yes, that is another factor. Basically, since I have to remove the current bookcase for anything over 27" I figure it might as well be nice and big, but it doesn't have to be specifically gigantic

(The 31" set fits perfectly, but I'm not getting another GE 31", the only maker of a 31" as far as I know).

The, almost like a movie theater in your house, is pretty nice though :)

I really prefer direct-view TVs over rear-projection, but it's hard to find larger sizes in direct view.

For me, a 16x9 TV is a no-brainer for my next set, as at least 75% of my viewing is letterboxed DVDs. My 36" TV isn't so big when watching a 2.35:1 movie. :) And, if I'm going to go widescreen, an HDTV-capable set is a no-brainer so I can get a new DVD player and go progressive scan.

Now, don't forget about the nice Dolby Digital / DTS system to go with this... you can't have big picture without big sound. :)

i have a toshiba 60" rear projection tv i dont recomend it. the price is good but it develops a 42" circle of slightly lighter color in the center over time. that may sound overly picky but on a movie shot in daylight hours its real annoying. ive had this problem fixed three times so far and it still exists they replace the screens when it happens.
a panasonic 42" plasma widescreen will be my next tv as soon as i can justify the cost to my wife :)

Steve

I have a 60'' mishishabishi (me speak 0% japanese) it died after 10 years of 24/7 paid 5 grand for it, and i now got to pay 100 dollars for it. it has oak casing, very nice.wish the satalite was hooked to it.

I helped a friend move his new 36" Sony WEGA TV the other day. That sucker was the heaviest TV I've ever laid a hand on...
The picture is awsome though. It has a perfectly flat screen so you don't get any distortion of the picture and it has great sound. I can recommend that one, definitely.

Also, I have 2 Sony's. Both get daily use from us and the kids. Both are over 12 years old ( the TV's, that is..not the kids LOL ). Never a repair.

My $.02



[Edited by RotoHost on 02-06-2001 at 10:08 PM]

Try the Zenith Inteq 61" awesome TV pretty affordable and it's on wheels and is rather easy to move :)

Define 'pretty affordable' just so I know :)