Hi, I am fed up with my old Sony 4:3 TV and am going to get a widescreen beauty ... but wait ... shall I stick with CRT or go for a rear projection one? I am sure all of you out there had this delimma before so any advice and suggestions would be appreciated. It would be even better if you can recommend certain models.

Thanks in advance.

[gan*]

This question has been asked a lot. The best thing is to go and look at them yourself. The only problem is that shop setups of RPTVs are very poor.
The best thing would be to ask them to play a dvd through it or to go to a mates house and see one.

Toshiba and Sony RPTV's are rated at the best. I've just ordered a 42WH36.

Thanks Gan. I guess you're right. I need to test them out in the shops ... so why did you decide on the 42WH36? How much did you pay for it? Thanks.

[symanski]

Although RP has it's flaws, so does CRT - if you could get it at a comparible size! A friend has a 46" Toshiba, yes it's different looking to a CRT, but no CRT would have given such a large image! Essentially, if you've already decided you want a screen over 32/36", then you've already decided not to go for CRT.

If you're viewing direct or slightly to the side, RP should be fine. The brightness of the picture does reduce off the centre line - modern sets are better than older ones for this! Plasma is an alternative which gives the same consistent brightness from any viewing angle, but there's a price to pay. That is, the price of plasma screens.

Alternatives to this would be front projection, but that really does need a cinema style lighting conditions!

Therefore, for size and cost, RP is the right choice if your viewing room allows you to view mostly direct and at seating level. My RP owning friend is totally convinced with his choice, but for me and my veiwing conditions, it had to be plasma.

All the best,

Dr John Sim.

[gan*]

Well I couldnt afford a plasma, and wanted bigger than a 36".

Saw a demo of the 42pw23 with a freeview feed and it was very good. Then saw the 42WH36 with a normal comet feed, and it was still pretty good.

I decided on the WH36 because of the 100Hz and Progressive Scan.

Oh and I saw it next to the Sony and thought the Toshiba was slightly better.

Hi Gan, so if I am going for a screen smaller then 36" then what would be your recommendation? I am also considering the Toshiba PictureFrame 36" CRT screen ..... what's your opinion on this?

Thanks.