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June 7, 2007
TVs - Part 2
Thanks for all the comments. Instead of adding a comment on the end, I decided to address some of the issues that have been raised.
1) CRT TVs, good ol' tube televisions are the best bang for the buck, no doubt about it.
2) On rear projection television set spec sheets, they usually state the number of hours the bulb should last, this is approximation. I have had bulbs that failed at less than half the rated hours and have also had bulbs that lasted much longer than the manufacturer specified.
3) If you decide to buy a rear projection LCD, DLP or D-ILA set, check out the price of the replacement lamp, how many hours it should last and if it is user replaceable. I only know of a handful of front projectors where the owner cannot replace the bulb.
3) The picture on rear projection sets does get darker when viewed from an angle. Think about where you are going to place the set in your home before purchasing and look at the set in the store at approximately the same angle. If it is too dark, look at another set.
4) Energy consumption - an interesting question. I will look into this and do an article or blog entry.
5) Service issues - most projection televisions are quite reliable. If I had a problem with the local servicer, I would directly contact the manufacturer. If the set has had repeated problems, manufacturers will sometimes pay for service after the warranty has expired. It's worth a try.
Comments?
Posted by Bob Gatton at June 7, 2007 8:33 AM
