Recommend me a TV

In My Humble Opinion
1

For the past several years, I’ve used a projector to watch movies and stuff on, but I just moved to a new apartment that has huge windows in the living room and lots of light. While I could try to get black-out curtains, I think it’s time to switch to a normal television. I no longer like the projector as much as I used to, anyway.

I will use the TV for movies on DVD, video games (Wii, PS2, Nintendo), and hooking up to a computer to watch stuff online/play computer games. I don’t have any HD standalone players yet, but I’d guess that I’ll buy one before I get rid of this TV. I don’t watch cable television or any over-the-air broadcasts, so I don’t care about tuners or anything like that.

Requirements:
Cost < $2000
Flat Screen
HD inputs
Old analog inputs
16:9 aspect ratio
Reasonably wide viewing angle (is this still a problem with flat screens?)
Minimal upconverting video lag. This is really important, and may result in me not getting a new TV at all. I play Guitar Hero and DDR and old games a lot, and they’re completely unplayable on some new TVs because the video upconversion takes too long. Anyone with experience playing old video game systems on new TVs would be very helpful here.

Bonuses:
Wall-mountable
No built-in speakers (I have a surround receiver. The speakers will just get in the way)
1080p (this is the highest common resolution, right?)
Lower cost. I can go as high as $2000, but I’d be much happier spending about half that.
Big. I really like the big screen theater experience, which is why I bought the projector in the first place.
Works well with Logitech programmable remotes. I have one, and my current projector is a pain to use, since so much of the state is held in menus, and there aren’t many buttons to do simple tasks.

I don’t really know what I’m looking for, so feel free to tell me that I don’t really want a TV at all, I want a VR headset or a holographic tunnel or something.

2

[QUOTE=iamthewalrus(:3=]
I will use the TV for movies on DVD, video games (Wii, PS2, Nintendo), and hooking up to a computer to watch stuff online/play computer games. I don’t have any HD standalone players yet, but I’d guess that I’ll buy one before I get rid of this TV. I don’t watch cable television or any over-the-air broadcasts, so I don’t care about tuners or anything like that.
[/quote]

If you’re going to be playing video games, I’d suggest steering away from plasma, as they are susceptible to burn-in. This page is a good guide to avoiding burn-in.

Plus, LCD televisions are better for a brighter room.

[QUOTE=iamthewalrus(:3=]
Requirements:
Cost < $2000
Flat Screen
HD inputs
Old analog inputs
16:9 aspect ratio
Reasonably wide viewing angle (is this still a problem with flat screens?)
Minimal upconverting video lag. This is really important, and may result in me not getting a new TV at all. I play Guitar Hero and DDR and old games a lot, and they’re completely unplayable on some new TVs because the video upconversion takes too long. Anyone with experience playing old video game systems on new TVs would be very helpful here.
[/quote]

Cost: Depends on the model. Plasma is generally cheaper than LCD, in apples to apples comparisons
Flat screen, HD & analog inputs, 16:9 ratio are all standard.
Viewing angle is slightly better with plasma, but not drastically so.
Don’t know about video game upconverting, sorry.

[QUOTE=iamthewalrus(:3=]
Bonuses:
Wall-mountable
No built-in speakers (I have a surround receiver. The speakers will just get in the way)
1080p (this is the highest common resolution, right?)
Lower cost. I can go as high as $2000, but I’d be much happier spending about half that.
Big. I really like the big screen theater experience, which is why I bought the projector in the first place.
Works well with Logitech programmable remotes. I have one, and my current projector is a pain to use, since so much of the state is held in menus, and there aren’t many buttons to do simple tasks.
[/quote]

Wall mountable: Almost all flatscreens are wall mountable.
Built in speakers: Tough to get away from. It’s pretty much standard.
1080p: Be careful here. This is what really raises price points, but does it make a difference? Read this article, and decide for yourself.
Logitech Remote: I have a Logitech Harmony 550, and it works fine with my Panasonic Viera 42" plasma.

In the end, you’re going to end up having to do some research. I’d suggest a mid-range 42" to 46" 720p LCD model. CNET’s reviews are a good place to start.

3

Where are you planning on buying it? Getting a good deal can mean a few hundred dollars less for the same model. That’s tough in this town. Do you have a Costco card? Let me know if you need me to take you there once you’ve decided.

4

Try AV Forums for in depth advice.