We’ve added three products to The List for October. Printer specialist HP put a color scientist in charge of creating the company’s first rear-projection TV, a 65-inch 1080p monster no less, and just about slam-dunked it. Escient gets a nod for making its highly evolved FireBall music-server technology available for half the cost of prior models. Pioneer’s latest Elite A/V receiver, though pricey, is a solid performer with integrated iPod control and XM-readiness. For the full review of any other product here, go to soundandvisionmag.com. All prices are manufacturers’ list, which may bear no resemblence to actual selling prices. Check with authorized dealers for current pricing.Panasonic Onyx TH-42XVS30U 42-in plasma
$6,500, May 2005
Not the cheapest 42-inch plasma HDTV, but stunning to look at in every way.
panasonic.com
Pioneer PDP-4350HD 43-in plasma
$5,000, May 2005
Style, great features, and a clear, natural picture further cement Pioneer as a plasma leader.
www.pioneerelectronics.com
Dell W4200 42-in plasma
$2,599, September 2005
With its crisp, natural picture, excellent tuner, and low price, this could be the sweetest flat-TV deal going.
dell.com
Sony Qualia 006 70-in SXRD
$13,000, May 2005
This high-end set featuring 1080p-resolution LCoS technology is simply the best RPTV we’ve tested.
sony.com/qualia
RCA Scenium Profiles HD61THW263 61-in DLP
$7,999, December 2004
Excellent performance in an unusually trim DLP projector, just 7 inches deep.
rca.com
HP Pavilion MD6580n 65-in DLP
$5,500, October 2005
A loaded feature set combined with a mammoth 1080p picture that holds its own against Sony’s $13,000 Qualia 006.
hp.com
Mitsubishi WD-52627 52-in DLP
$3,699, September 2005
1080p resolution, a super-smooth picture, deep blacks, and vibrant color create a winning combo.
mitsubishi-tv.com
Sharp XV-Z2000 DLP
$4,000, July/August 2005
Fine HDTV home theater performance with the benefits of DLP at a sensible price.
sharpusa.com
Sony Cineza VPL-HS51 LCD
$3,500, April 2005
There’s terrific value in this LCD projector that delivers great HDTV and progressive-scan DVD images.
sonystyle.com
