50" plasma TV considerations

[John Kelly]

Forgot to add I haven't really considered projectors, since at first glance projectors in my price range either don't offer high enough contrast or aren't bright enough (it's a quite bright room).  Not to mention I don't seem to have a sufficient budget for projector + screen + ceiling mount + (maybe) new window treatments.

My next home theater purchase will be a projector.  100" screen?  Awesome.

[neumannkid]

I have the 50" Panasonic and couldnt be more satisfied. A lot of the past problems with plasmas have been fixed or improved with the newer versions.

[Gutbucket]

Heh.
A friend of mine and I DIY'd an old LCD monitor screen and ex-highschool AV department overhead projector to project onto the exterior garage wall.  The contrast sucks and the thing is covered in bits of cardboard boxes to block the light leaks but it makes for a fun yard party.  I've considered building a 'good' one with a quality lens and high wattage halide light.. but that's a good ways down the project list.

[sparkey]

I got my Sony HW15 for $1050 shipped to my door and made the screen by stretching blackout material from Joann Fabric over a frame to 100" (87"x49.5").  My buddy who has a 50" Mitsubishi flipped when he saw it, told me it looked better than his TV.  You just gotta be able to control your light...looks fuckin sick at 720P...I'm tellin ya....

Josh

Forgot to add I haven't really considered projectors, since at first glance projectors in my price range either don't offer high enough contrast or aren't bright enough (it's a quite bright room).  Not to mention I don't seem to have a sufficient budget for projector + screen + ceiling mount + (maybe) new window treatments.

My next home theater purchase will be a projector.  100" screen?  Awesome.

[pjdavep]

Brian,

I'd urge you to call Invision Displays before you purchase.  Last year I ordered my Pioneer plasma from them and they had the lowest price by far, coupled with no tax and very fair shipping/freight prices.  The price was so good that I sprung for an additional 4 year extended warranty.
http://www.invisiondisplays.com/index.php

They carry Pioneer, Panasonic, and Samsung.  You may be able to afford a Pioneer and if so, that would be my vote.  Next best is Panasonic IMO.  Although Pioneer will start buying panels from Panasonic, their electronics behind the panel are superior.   

Later,
  pjdavep

[Brian Emerick]

What'd you end up with?  I bought a 50" Pioneer in spring 08. It's just tops. Literally, best you could buy, probably still is. But you'll have trouble finding them now. Pio has dropped out of the plasma business.

[Brian Skalinder]

What'd you end up with?

I had a major kitchen plumbing crisis, added a few extras while we were at it, and ended up with:  all new kitchen plumbing, faucet, sink, disposal, and granite countertops.  Not all for $1k, of course...but that's where the $ went.  Thrilled with the new kitchen space, but still wish I had a 50"-er, especially now that my 37" LCD just died.  Hmph.