Big W - Awa 42" Lcd Vs Dfo Sony Kdf-e50a10 Vs Dfo Sagem Axium Hd-d56b

[ludicrouspeed]

Hi Guys/(possibly)Girls,

I am putting up this post because although i HAVE researched these 3 TV's thoroughly and seen them all in action, i just CANT decide which one is better value, can anyone with some knowledge (or not) please step in and share opinions. heres a brief of what i have gathered so far.

Big W - Awa 42" Lcd

Link - http://www.dtvforum.info/index.php?showtopic=47132

Warranty - 1 year (i think)

Price - $1598

Pros - real LCD so nice and slim (not really an issue for me coz i wont be hanging on the wall)

Cons - i hear the picture is not so great and smaller screen than the projection LCD's below

I have been to Big W to check this out but they had it hooked up to free to air tv with crappy composite cable so image was crap!

Sony KDF-E50A10 50 inch rear projection lcd

Link - http://reviews.cnet.com/Sony_KDF_E50A10/45...html?tag=return

Warranty - 1 Year (optional 5 years for about $150)

Price - around $1500

Pros

- Sony brand name (who cares right... i have a wii )

- 50" screen

- VERY nice image

- 5 year warranty option

CONS

- Rear projection so thicker form factor than Big W lcd (not really a problem for me because i wont be wall mounting it anyway)

- Has a bulb like all rear projection TV's and is expensive to replace

- susceptible to rainbow effect because it is a rear projection tv (although i could not see it)

i went to DFO at homebush to checkout what they had and this tv + the sagem beneath were the standouts for my price range. they had it hooked up properly to component cables from a stb and i was VERY impressed with the nice crisp image.

Sagem AXIUM HD-D56B Projection TV (HDD56B) 56 inch rear projection lcd

Link - http://www.hdtvsolutions.com/Sagem-AXIUM_HD-D56B_.htm

Warranty - 1 Year (optional 5 years for about $150)

Price - $2000

Pros

- HUGE 56" screen

- VERY nice image (nicer than the sony)

- dual PC input, VGA + DVI

- 5 year warranty option

CONS

- Rear projection so thicker form factor than Big W lcd (not really a problem for me because i wont be wall mounting it anyway)

- Has a bulb like all rear projection TV's and is expensive to replace

- susceptible to rainbow effect because it is a rear projection tv (although i could not see it)

This TV is the one i liked the most out of the 3 as it was setup with a vga cable from a pc and was playing some kind of WMV demo video and the pic was truly VERY nice.

So there you have it, I REALLY want the SAGEM, due to its huge size and beautiful picture and im willing to pay the extra ~$500 for it but i am a bit worried about the BULB, thats my main concern. The salesman tried to tell me it would be YEARS before i had to change it lik as in 5-10 with average use but u know salesmen (realistically, how long do the bulbs last?) so i want an unbiased opinion from you guys on this AND any other elements or points to consider i may have misssed/overlooked.

I should make it clear that the sony shop at DFO at homebush is a factory 2nds shop.

I want to be really happy with my TV whichever one i choose and that is why i am going to the effort of putting up this long ass post reaching out for some input.

Thanks in advance for any helpful feedback.

Cheers,

Ludi

[Brazzwald]

Cue PanaSung and his plasma thoughts...

Although if your looking at 42", perhaps the Panasonic PV60A could be another option. Can be had for under 2k from HN without much effort.

Also, there are a few comments made in the AWA thread about the Acer 42" LCD, also another consideration for you at similar pricing to the AWA.

IMO the 50" Sony is great for the price, just keep in mind replacement globe costs... $499 RRP on sony website...

decisions decisions... good luck

Brazzwald

[ludicrouspeed]

Cue PanaSung and his plasma thoughts...

Although if your looking at 42", perhaps the Panasonic PV60A could be another option. Can be had for under 2k from HN without much effort.

Also, there are a few comments made in the AWA thread about the Acer 42" LCD, also another consideration for you at similar pricing to the AWA.

IMO the 50" Sony is great for the price, just keep in mind replacement globe costs... $499 RRP on sony website...

decisions decisions... good luck

Brazzwald

Wow, quick reply, thanks for your thoughts, any idea on bulb lifetimes in a realistic situation and not what the sales guy will tell you?

[hired goon]

G'day,

Sony KDF-E50A10 50 inch rear projection lcd

Link - http://reviews.cnet.com/Sony_KDF_E50A10/45...html?tag=return

Warranty - 1 Year (optional 5 years for about $150)

Price - around $1500

I just checked out the 42" and 50" Sony 3LCD rear-pro's. Very nice. I was thinking of going for 42" LCD but the black levels were not acceptable to me. So I am looking at getting either the 42" or the 50" Sony.

But were are you seeing prices around $1500 for the 50"? The best price on static-ice is $1622, and in the stores the best price I can see is $1899.

--Geoff

[Brazzwald]

Wow, quick reply, thanks for your thoughts, any idea on bulb lifetimes in a realistic situation and not what the sales guy will tell you?

Geez, I had to do some digging around. There is nothing on the Sony site, but then I remembered a while ago I posted here regarding the longevity of the globes: http://www.dtvforum.info/index.php?showtopic=32306&hl= . Your probably looking at around 8,000hrs before replacing. Not sure if they last longer these days... but they're cheaper.

Brazzwald

[ludicrouspeed]

G'day,

I just checked out the 42" and 50" Sony 3LCD rear-pro's. Very nice. I was thinking of going for 42" LCD but the black levels were not acceptable to me. So I am looking at getting either the 42" or the 50" Sony.

But were are you seeing prices around $1500 for the 50"? The best price on static-ice is $1622, and in the stores the best price I can see is $1899.

--Geoff

Oops, forgot to mention that sony at DFO is a factory outlet 2nds store, ie tv's usually have a minor cosmetic imperfection but come with a full factory warranty, (extendable to 5 years).

[ludicrouspeed]

Geez, I had to do some digging around. There is nothing on the Sony site, but then I remembered a while ago I posted here regarding the longevity of the globes: http://www.dtvforum.info/index.php?showtopic=32306&hl= . Your probably looking at around 8,000hrs before replacing. Not sure if they last longer these days... but they're cheaper.

Brazzwald

thanks for the feedback, im actually trying to get an idea of how long in practical terms, ie, instead of an hour rating like now long will the tv last if i use i like leave it on all day or how long if i only use a couple of hours a day, i guess i could do the math lol, but someone with the actual experience would have a better idea because the durability may be reduced with constant use etc.

FYI, i dont intend on using it 24/7, more like 1-2 hours on weekdays and more like 6-12 hours on weekends(aprox)...

[yabbal]

- susceptible to rainbow effect because it is a rear projection tv (although i could not see it)

I think (could be wrong) that only Single chip DLP rear (and front) projection TV's suffer from rainbow effect due to the "colour wheel".

[ludicrouspeed]

I think (could be wrong) that only Single chip DLP rear (and front) projection TV's suffer from rainbow effect due to the "colour wheel".

Do you mean to say that these 2 tv's are not single chip? are they dual chip? sorry for noobism, tbh i havnt looked into the rainbow effect as much as i could have, i just read in one of the one of the 2 tv's that some rear projection review suffer from the rainbow effect.

[Nevyn72]

Do you mean to say that these 2 tv's are not single chip? are they dual chip? sorry for noobism, tbh i havnt looked into the rainbow effect as much as i could have, i just read in one of the one of the 2 tv's that some rear projection review suffer from the rainbow effect.

Sagem = single chip DLP with a colour wheel = possible rainbow effect

Sony = 3 x LCD = no rainbow effect

Something else to consider is viewing angles, RPTVs (rear-projection TVs) generally have a poorer effective viewing angle than LCDs and Plasmas.....

As mentioned above, also consider the Panasonic 42" HD Plasma for <$2K

Cheers,

Peter

[ludicrouspeed]

Sagem = single chip DLP with a colour wheel = possible rainbow effect

Sony = 3 x LCD = no rainbow effect

Something else to consider is viewing angles, RPTVs (rear-projection TVs) generally have a poorer effective viewing angle than LCDs and Plasmas.....

As mentioned above, also consider the Panasonic 42" HD Plasma for <$2K

Cheers,

Peter

Ah i see, thanks for the pointer, I wouldnt mind taking a look at teh panasonic for <$2k looks to be a pretty good deal, ill probably head down to Harvey Norman on the weekend and take a look see.

Good to know about the viewing angles too, ill have to take a good look at them before i choose to buy the sagem, it DID seem like a nice picture to my eyes (even better than the sony [altough it did have a vga cable vs teh sonys compnent]) but ill have to see again with this new information.

Can i ask you if there are certain conditions in which the rainbow effect will be more apparent? i have been told if you look around the screen rather than directly at it you can see the rainbow (if its there)

Cheers,

Ludi

[wilsact]

Ah i see, thanks for the pointer, I wouldnt mind taking a look at teh panasonic for <$2k looks to be a pretty good deal, ill probably head down to Harvey Norman on the weekend and take a look see.

Good to know about the viewing angles too, ill have to take a good look at them before i choose to buy the sagem, it DID seem like a nice picture to my eyes but ill have to see again with this new information.

Can i ask you if there are certain conditions in which the rainbow effect will be more apparent? i have been told if you look around the screen rather than directly at it you can see the rainbow (if its there)

Cheers,

Ludi

Certain people are more prone to seeing 'rainbow effect' on dlp tv's and projectors then others. Some people will not see it at all, whilst others can be annoyed by it everytime they view.

So have to consider that it may not be a problem to you or family members, but may be visible to visitor's etc. In saying that it doesn't really seem to be worth worrying about too much with newer units.

It was mainly a problem with older Dlp display devices. Newer units with higher speed colour wheel's have mostly eliminated the problem. I can't help with what the Sagem has, but shouldn't be too hard to find out.

At your price bracket, agree with others. I would view the Panasonic plasma before commiting to buy anything.

Goodluck

[Jaybee88]

FYI, i dont intend on using it 24/7, more like 1-2 hours on weekdays and more like 6-12 hours on weekends(aprox)...

I have a friend who works for Samsung support. He said the frequent switching on/off does more damage to the bulb than leaving it on.

[ludicrouspeed]

I have a friend who works for Samsung support. He said the frequent switching on/off does more damage to the bulb than leaving it on.

Ah i see, interesting to note that. at the moment id have to switch it off at night coz i live in a studio but ill be movin into a bigger place soon so leaving it on might be an option as long as it doesnt chew too much power.

[Jaybee88]

Ah i see, interesting to note that. at the moment id have to switch it off at night coz i live in a studio but ill be movin into a bigger place soon so leaving it on might be an option as long as it doesnt chew too much power.

I guess the money you save on a RPTV means you can buy a few spare bulbs

[Owen]

Personally, I would not touch the AWA LCD with a 20 foot pole.

El cheapo LCD’s are really not nice displays.

If you are interested in a DLP forget Sagem and go with a Samsung as they have much more experience with DLP then any other manufacturer and are considered by most to make the best ones.

The Sony 3LCD’s are nice units and easily comparable in picture quality to a Plasma and should be well in front of the AWA.

The extra size you get with a RPTV is also very worthwhile.

Lamps are available from the US for almost half the cost locally, so don’t let lamp replacement cost put you off.

The Panasonic Plasma is also a nice unit, although rather small unless you are going to be sitting very close.

Be very careful about buying from the DFO outlet, they normally charge full price for seconds stock.

Whatever you decide to buy, get it quoted elsewhere, as you may find new stock can be had cheaper.

You can then use that info to force a much better deal from DFO it you want.

[Cooksta59]

Hi Guys/(possibly)Girls,

Sony KDF-E50A10 50 inch rear projection lcd

Pros

- Sony brand name (who cares right... i have a wii )

- 50" screen

- VERY nice image

- 5 year warranty option

CONS

- Rear projection so thicker form factor than Big W lcd (not really a problem for me because i wont be wall mounting it anyway)

- Has a bulb like all rear projection TV's and is expensive to replace

- susceptible to rainbow effect because it is a rear projection tv (although i could not see it)

i Cheers,

Ludi

Hi Ludi, as earlier respondents have said the LCD rear pro sets do not suffer from rainbow effect.However they do get screen door effect which is if you sit to close to the screen its like looking through fine fly mesh.

I was looking at the 3lcd at Jb recently and SDE was very noticeable.

[ludicrouspeed]

Personally, I would not touch the AWA LCD with a 20 foot pole.

El cheapo LCD’s are really not nice displays.

If you are interested in a DLP forget Sagem and go with a Samsung as they have much more experience with DLP then any other manufacturer and are considered by most to make the best ones.

The Sony 3LCD’s are nice units and easily comparable in picture quality to a Plasma and should be well in front of the AWA.

The extra size you get with a RPTV is also very worthwhile.

Lamps are available from the US for almost half the cost locally, so don’t let lamp replacement cost put you off.

The Panasonic Plasma is also a nice unit, although rather small unless you are going to be sitting very close.

Be very careful about buying from the DFO outlet, they normally charge full price for seconds stock.

Whatever you decide to buy, get it quoted elsewhere, as you may find new stock can be had cheaper.

You can then use that info to force a much better deal from DFO it you want.

I would be happy to go with samsung but i havnt seen any in my price range

Interesting to note the cheaper lamps from US, do you perchance have a link for a supplier site?

Thanks for the Tip about DFO, ill have a look around and see what i can muster although i think the 3LCD is an older model so i dont know how much luck i would have finding it elsewhere.

Something that just occured to me is changing the bulb... is it user servicable?

like for example, i buy a couple of spare bulbs so im ready when it blows and it blows just before a big movie marathon night and all my mates are invited, can i just whack in the new bulb, or i do i need to get a repair guy in/send it away.

(please bear in mind that i am an IT sys admin type guy so im reasonably technically minded)

Hi Ludi, as earlier respondents have said the LCD rear pro sets do not suffer from rainbow effect.However they do get screen door effect which is if you sit to close to the screen its like looking through fine fly mesh.

I was looking at the 3lcd at Jb recently and SDE was very noticeable.

Thanks for the heads up, ill keep that in mind also when checking out the set again, my unit is quite small so i would be sitting pretty close

[Cooksta59]

I would be happy to go with samsung but i havnt seen any in my price range

Thanks for the heads up, ill keep that in mind also when checking out the set again, my unit is quite small so i would be sitting pretty close

Cheers Ludi, I do like the Sony 3 lcd especially for the price so check out the 3lcd at your viewing distance in store to see if its noticeable.

[Owen]

Lamps are user replaceable on the Sony. ( 2 minute job)

I don’t have a link to a site, but if you find out the lamp model number and Google you should find plenty.

From memory lamps cost about $250 (could be US$)

Plasmas have screen door as well if you sit close. The larger the screen the more you notice it.

Comparing a range of 50” Plasma’s with the 50” 3LCD side by side, I cant see much difference at 2.5 meters. To my surprise, most of the time I found the 3LCD image more pleasing.

[PanaSung]

LG have a 56in DLP for $2000 with in built HD tuner....brand new.

If it was me, I'd buy the Sony 3LCD and then dump it when the bulb blows{should be approx 2.5-4yrs}.....then buy either a 1080 plasma or 1080 LCD{46-50in range}....of course, you could pony up for the bulb and get another x amount of yrs out of it.....either way, that's a lot of TV for $1500.

Another thing, buying a HDTV is not something you should rush into.........but whatever you do, don't buy the AWA.

[ludicrouspeed]

LG have a 56in DLP for $2000 with in built HD tuner....brand new.

If it was me, I'd buy the Sony 3LCD and then dump it when the bulb blows{should be approx 2.5-4yrs}.....then buy either a 1080 plasma or 1080 LCD{46-50in range}....of course, you could pony up for the bulb and get another x amount of yrs out of it.....either way, that's a lot of TV for $1500.

Another thing, buying a HDTV is not something you should rush into.........but whatever you do, don't buy the AWA.

good advice methinks, yeah the majority of peeps seem to be leaning towards the 3lcd.

yeah im not rushing into it, ive been looking at tvs for a few weeks now and researching pretty thoroughly

thanks for the pointers