Price Paid:  $1899.00 from Circuit City

Summary:
Great picture and easy set-up, amazing HDTV, large screen, crisp color, I am very happy so far. I purchased the floor model, it didn't come with the remote. I saw another floor model at Circuit City with the remote for $2199. This is a great value.

Strengths:
Built in HDTV and DirectTv receivers. Picture, 220lbs, Screen Size.

Weaknesses:
Glare on protective shield. When the lights are off it's great.

Similar Products Used:
None

Price Paid:  $3500.00 from Best Buy

Summary:
I''ve been looking for a really good HDTV and this is the best. The glare is minimum compared to other model I looked at. We almost got a Phillips model, but glad we didn''t since some friends of ours bought one at Sam''s Club and have had to return it 3 times now. We''re happy to have such a great TV

Strengths:
Great picture, tuner for Direct TV and the price.

Weaknesses:
Heavy to move.

Similar Products Used:
N/A

Price Paid:  $3400.00 from Circuit City

Summary:
I recommend this model for those folks who subscribe to satellite tv. The built in satellite tuner is an RCA (big surprise!) and its features will be familiar with many consumers.

A home theater sound system is required to enjoy the audio portion of today's programming and movies though the local audio is OK for casual listening. The glare from the screen protector film can be difficult to manage. Careful placement and control of room lighting sources must be considered. There appears to be no consumer - level removal of the screen protector feature in the owner's literature. The screen brightness is very good in a brightly lit room as is the viewing angle and resolution. The lack of any video outputs mean that you will not be able to record program material from the set's off-the-air tuners. The auto-convergence feature works well to keep the picture sharp as components age or the set is moved.

Based on the poor reliability and customer service experience with the Hitachi model I owned, I recommend the purchase of an extended in-home service plan. Projection TVs are unwieldly and require careful shipping handling to prevent damage.

Strengths:
Great picture in terms of brightness, viewing angle and resolution.
Flexible input options.
Adequate sound system for TV-only 2 ch stereo listening.
Dolby 5.1 audio outputs to home theater sound system.

Weaknesses:
Glare from scratch protector screen.
Audible cooling fan noise (on or off).
TV formatted screen has obnoxious gray bars flanking the picture display area that can not be re-colored or disabled.
Remote control has minimal functionality.
No video outputs!

Similar Products Used:
Hitachi 60 inch SX60 rear projection TV - 1992 model.