BIG-SCREEN TELEVISIONS

Samsung 50'' DLP Rear Projection TV

The most popular rear-projection technology today is digital light projection (DLP), and the most popular DLP sets are those from Samsung. I chose this particular Sammy model as my Leo's pick not because it has a better picture than competing models (it's just as good as the rest, but not noticeably superior), but because of the way it looks when it's turned off. And the way it looks is… well, really high-tech cool.

The HL-R5087 comes on a 1960s-hip chrome pedestal that makes it look much different from most rear projection sets today. In fact, the blogosphere has nick-named this set the Captain Kirk, for its Star Trek-like design. I won't argue with that; it's a cool TV to have in your high-tech living room. (And that's recognizing how terribly impractical the pedestal design is for arranging and connecting all your other audio/video equipment in spite of Samsung's attempts to alleviate the problem with a component rack that rolls into place around the base of the unit.)

Design aside, this Sammy does DLP right which is why they sell so many of them. This model uses Samsung's third-generation DLP technology, and the switching speed for the digital micromirror device (DMD) is twice as fast as previous models. Native resolution is 720p (1280 x 720); lower-resolution signals are upconverted to match, and 1080i signals are downconverted accordingly.

The DLP light engine uses a seven-segment 2.6'' color wheel that spins at 10,800 RPM, faster than previous generations for a film-like picture without pixel breakup. Like all DLP models, you can expect a very bright, very colorful picture. Contrast is very good, and black levels are the best you'll find short of a traditional CRT.

You get all manner of inputs and outputs, as you might expect 2 composite video inputs, 2 S-Video inputs, 2 component video inputs, 1 DVI input, and 1 HDMI input, plus line audio and digital audio outputs. There's also a built-In NTSC/ATSC analog/digital tuner, and the set is digital cable ready with an active CableCARD slot.

To sum up, you get a state-of-the-art DLP rear projection set, complete with HDTV capability, in a cabinet that makes any living room look like the control room of the U.S.S. Enterprise. It's a set that will garner the admiration and (more important) the envy of all your friends and neighbors.

Model: HL-R5087 Manufacturer: Samsung (www.samsung.com) Screen size: 50'' diagonal Native resolution: 1280 x 720 Display technology: DLP Dimensions: 59.6'' (w) x 21.8'' (h) x 20.2'' (d) Weight: 82 lbs. Price: $3,499.99

Sony 60'' LCD Rear Projection TV

If you're one of those who sees rainbows on DLP sets, consider this Sony rear projector that uses LCD technology. This is a big puppy, with a 60'' screen; native resolution is a little better than 780p, at 1386 x 788 pixels. You also get an NTSC/ATSC tuner for over-the-air HDTV signals, a CableCARD slot for digital cable without the box, two component video inputs, and two HDMI inputs.

Model: KDF-60XS955 Manufacturer: Sony (www.sonystyle.com) Screen size: 60'' diagonal Native resolution: 1386 x 788 Display technology: LCD Dimensions: 66 3/8'' (w) x 39 5/8'' (h) x 20 1/4'' (d) Weight: 113.5 lbs. Price: $4,099.99

Pioneer 50'' Plasma Flat Panel TV

While I'm not a fan of plasma sets (I don't like the burn-in), others are, and many of them really like this Pioneer PureVision plasma set. This set does a good job of minimizing reflected light, and uses 10-bit processing to deliver a palette of more than one billion colors. All the electronics are in a separate media receiver box, which includes NTSC and ATSC tuners, a CableCARD slot, three component video inputs, and two HDMI inputs.

Model: PRO-1120HD Manufacturer: Pioneer (www.pioneerelectronics.com) Screen size: 50'' diagonal Native resolution: 1280 x 768 Display technology: Plasma Dimensions: 50'' (w) x 29'' (h) x 3 7/8'' (d) Weight: 83.8 lbs. Price: $13,500

Sharp 45'' Aquos Flat Panel LCD TV

If you want a flat panel display but don't want to worry about burn-in, turn to LCD technology as found in this high-end Sharp Aquos model. This 45'' LCD screen is as big as they come (so far) and is one of the few sets today to offer full 1080i (1920 x 1080) resolution. You also get 800:1 contrast ratio, 170° viewing angle, and a built-in NTSC/ATSC tuner and CableCARD capability. The speakers are detachable, so if you're running the sound through a separate audio/video system, you can leave them off to save a little space on the wall.

Model: LC-45GX6U Manufacturer: Sharp (www.sharpusa.com) Screen size: 45'' diagonal Native resolution: 1920 x 1080 Display technology: LCD Dimensions: 42.67'' x 25.39'' x 3.72'' Weight: 48.5 lbs. Price: $8,999

InFocus DLP Front Projector

True videophiles go for front projection systems, and this InFocus projector is a truly top-of-the-line machine. It uses three-chip DLP projection technology to deliver truly eye-boggling high-definition pictures at 1280 x 720 (720p) native resolution. Contrast ratio is an impressive 3000:1 and brightness is 2000 lumens, which means you get true blacks and an extremely bright picture. You can use the ScreenPlay 777 to project pictures up to 15 feet wide something you just can't get with other technologies!

Model: ScreenPlay 777 Manufacturer: InFocus (www.infocushome.com) Screen size: Up to 15 feet Native resolution: 1280 x 720 Display technology: DLP Dimensions: 28.4'' x 8.5'' x 23.7'' Weight: 44.4 lbs. Price: $24,000