New TV time?

[hurnik]

My 10 year old Mitsubishi RPTV (55" widescreen) decided to have the infamous convergence problem the other night. From what I can tell it could be as "simple" as soldering (well REsoldering) the ICs connectors (let's just say that's beyond my abilities), plus another $350 or so for another ISF calibration.

Or it could be the ICS themselves, plus possibly a coolant leak(?) on one the ECB.

So I'm guessing probably about $500+ for repair.

Or do I get a new unit? Yes, more expensive than $500, but it would also have HDMI (my unit is so old it only has component). Plus I could get a 60"

but then I also need someone to move the old one out of the house (it's heavy and I had 3 guys move it from Hippos where I bought it)

thoughts/ideas?

[UsualNoise]

I'd vote for a new TV, but it's not my money. I've been very pleased with my 10-month-old Panasonic Viera plasma FWIW.

[hurnik]

Yeah, I'm kinda leaning towards the new TV. I was planning on getting a new one anyway next year due to the HDMI and other things. So perhaps it doesn't make sense to spend $500 and get a new one in the next year.

I thought about the Panasonic, but can't remember now why I thought I'd ruled it out (they usually have superior plasmas).

Perhaps I shall double-check.

[ebo]

I wouldn't put a lot of money into a 10-year-old TV, especially if it's going to be replaced in a year. Plasma has a reputation for the best picture of any kind of panel but recent LCD/LED sets come close. They also draw much less power, especially LEDs. If I were getting a plasma I'd get a Panasonic and I'd consider the brand for any type of set. If getting an LCD type I'd pay extra for LED backlight instead of CFL, which ages more rapidly.

Since a big screen is important to you, you might consider a front screen projector. You'd need room for the projector and the screen, and it needs a darkened room for best viewing.

[hurnik]

So I decided to go with the Panasonic. I was going to go through best buy due to the 36 months no interest financing, but wasn't sure about them REMOVING my 150 lb behemoth (their website CLAIMS they'll remove "like" old stuff).

So I decided to go with Hippo's instead, although it was about $100 more, and they only have 6-month no-interest financing (so I'll put it on my 0% credit card for 12 months and then do a balance transfer later).

But Hippo's most certainly WILL remove the old behemoth, so that's worth the extra cost, IMO. (I made VERY clear that they have to remove the 55" widescreen and it has to go up a flight of stairs from the basement).

I got the 60" ST30 Panasonic. I decided to splurge on the 3D part and get the "nice" glasses kit vs. the more clunky glasses for $200.

Thanks for the opinions everyone, I think I made the right choice given my timeframe.

[UsualNoise]

Nice. That will put my 50" non-3D Panny to shame. Enjoy!

[hurnik]

I'll try to take some pictures and upload them of my home theater.