Most rear-projection TVs offer great bang for the buck -- providing more screen size for less money than any other technology. However the tradeoffs in picture quality along with other issues might not make them the best choice for every buyer. Here are some other things to consider when shopping for a rear-projection TV:

  • Rear-projection TVs are available in the biggest screen sizes outside of using an actual projector and screen. So if you want a TV bigger than 60 inches and don't want the hassles of setting up a projector, screen and sound system, an RPTV is the way to go.
  • You'll need to replace the lamp every two years or so. Conventional projection TVs require lamp replacement at about $150 every couple of years depending on usage. Mitsubishi's LaserVue TV, however, doesn't need lamp replacement.
  • You won't be able to hang it on a wall. Although rear-projection TVs are thinner than they used to be, they can't be wall-mounted.
  • Match TV size to the size of your room. Because HDTVs have higher resolutions than conventional TVs, you can sit closer than you normally would. This means you can get away with a bigger screen. Even so, a 73-inch screen that looks great in a showroom may overwhelm a decently sized room.
  • Shop around for prices. In our research, we often found large price differences from retailer to retailer, so it pays to look around. Note that the lowest prices sometimes come from unauthorized dealers, which, depending on the manufacturer, can cause problems if something goes wrong.
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