Unique concerns about projectors vs. HDTVs

[jbartosh]

Hello, I have tried to research this topic but it appears I have some unique concerns about the debate over front projection or HD/Plasma monitors.

My first concern is longevity. Projectors state how long bulb life is so that is obvious. But how long will a plasma last before it needs repair or replacement parts? I had heard about 5 years or 32000 hours. How about HD monitors or HDTVs?

My next concern is reliability. Other than bulbs, will a projector stand the test of time? Will dust, scratches, contaminants destroy a projector moreso than an HDTV? Is it wise to buy a used projector? How reliable are HDTV's or plasmas? Are either ones components more expensive to replace/repair? What components are notorious for going bad on projectors or HD monitors? Is it safe to buy HDTVs used?

Ease of repair. Is it easy to replace lamps in projectors? Are projectors easier to work on? Is it easy to replace components of HD monitors, plasmas or HDTV's?

Another major concern is price. In theory HD monitors should cost less than HDTV's, but by how much? In my opinion a projector should cost less than either, but they seem to not, why? What is the most cost effective system based on the concerns of longevity, reliability and ease of repair? Which ones excel in each category?

Under my conditions, a projector would be my primary choice, followed by an HD monitor. I have no use for any equipment that comes with a tuner card or audio for that matter as it will be run by a PC.

THANK YOU! I really appreciate the help this forum offers.

[fritzi93]

I'll only mention a couple of things, there are experts here who will be along shortly, I'm sure, who know far more than I.

An HDTV will typically have a greater viewable angle than a monitor. Until I got my 42" plasma a few weeks ago, I was using a 28" LCD HD monitor with my HTPC. Viewable angle was rather narrow. Actually, I only pulled the trigger because the monitor on the other computer was acting up, so the monitor is with that comp now.

The plasma HDTV I just got has an estimated life of 60,000 hours to "half brightness" or an estimated 27 years. Take it for what it's worth. [shrugs] The set I have is pretty darn bright at factory presets. If I'm not much mistaken, plasma had (has?) a reputation of, hmmm, not being bright enough for a very well -lit room. Not this one.

Good luck. :wink:

[edDV]

...
Under my conditions, a projector would be my primary choice, followed by an HD monitor. I have no use for any equipment that comes with a tuner card or audio for that matter as it will be run by a PC.

What are your environmental conditions, budget and media requirements.

Are you in a dark space? Occasional movie?
Large group presentation?

When you say no tuner, no audio and PC playback that places you in a minority.

[MOVIEGEEK]

Watching only movies in a dark room stting more than 10' away=projector
The longevity of LCD or plasma are about the same these days(60,000hrs).I still prefer the PQ of plasma's but some LCD are very good.
Most modern HDTV's include a tuner nowadays but few have a DVI port,I recommend getting a videocard that outputs HDMI.

[jbartosh]

I have a very low lit and without lights nealy pitch black or very easily pitch black entertainment room. I am willing to pay the equivalent of the price for a 42" HD monitor. It will be for weekend football games, weekend basketball games and occasional movies during weekdays. By no tuner or audio I mean that I already have those accounted for, I simply need a source to playback what comes out of my computer.

[edDV]

If I were in your shoes, I'd get a 42" current generation Panasonic plasma which IMO is the best value for a quality 42". 1080p is to be avoided for 10 ft. distance. It offers no advantage for viewing but considerably higher power and A/C loads. Stick to 1366x768 or 1024x768. If you were in a bright space, I'd consider a Samsung or Sony LCD instead. Those would cost more for similar quality.

I doubt a $1000 projector + quality screen would match the performance.

[jbartosh]

Thanks for the input, but my intent was not to analyze viewing conditions, picture quality or conveniences rather, the longevity, reliability and repairability of this equipment. Sorry for any miscommunication.