Remember that LIFI RPTV that Panasonic introduced way back in January? Welp, it's finally shipping to anxious consumers. Reportedly, Panny has just loosed the LCZ and LCX line of rear-projection HDTVs into the world, both of which include the nearly-everlasting LIFI bulb. The LCZ series brings a trio of 1080p-capable displays that check in at 50-, 56-, and 61-inches, while the LCX delivers a 56- and 61-incher that offer up 720p. In case you weren't aware, the LIFI bulb is said to "virtually never need to be replaced," which means that you could potentially be watching these very sets long after SED units actually go mainstream (ahem). Nevertheless, both lineups are heading out the door as we speak, and prices will range from $1,699.95 for the 720p PT-56LCX70 to $2,199.95 for the 1080p PT-61LCZ70.

Sony's feeling good enough about its new 3LCD rear-projection line to lose the WEGA moniker and brand these things BRAVIA. Improvements include new cabinets that are about 22 percent slimmer than the last generation, support for the BRAVIA Internet Video Link for peeping AOL, Yahoo! and other internet video content, and the BRAVIA Engine EX for prettier pictures. Leading the pack is the 50-inch, 1080p KDF-50E3000, which along with its 46-inch KDF-46E3000 1080p sibling manages dual HDMI inputs that support 1080/60p and 24p directly to cut out flicker and artifacts, along with a trio of component ins and a PC HDMI plug. The 50-incher measures 12.6-inches deep, while the 45-incher a mere 11.9-inches, so the lines are really starting to blur between these rear projection units and actual flat-panels. The 37-inch KDF-37H1000 steps the resolution down to 1280 x 720, but still supports the same respectable number of inputs as the E3000 displays, and manages to be 10-inches slimmer than its Sony CRT equivalent. The KDF-50E3000 and KDF-46E3000 won't be shipping until July, and we're in the dark as to pricing, but the KDF-37H1000 will arrive in May for about $1,300. The Internet Video Link module will be appearing in July for about $300.

Considering how well RPTVs (well, HDTVs in general, actually) have been selling lately, it's no surprise to see two more low-end manufacturers looking to grab their own piece of the pie. MicroDisplay Corporation announced at CES that bottom-end stalwarts AKAI and Memorex will both start shipping 1080p-capable rear-projection sets this summer. The TVs will be based on MicroDisplay's "proprietary single-chip 1080p LCoS digital projection imaging technology," dubbed Liquid Fidelity, which supposedly maintains a crisp, "home theater-like" picture while eliminating two of the three chips "required by other LCoS technologies." No hard details were shared about any of the units, but it was noted that we'll see sizes ranging from 52- to 62-inches, and each set will be "customized with a variety of options." So if you'll still be hunting for a 1080p set this summer, and don't mind the low-end quality for the rock bottom price, these AKAI / Memorex units should fit the bill quite nicely.

I have good news folks. I have officially started my home theater loft but still need to make one important pre-construction decision: install a front projector or use a large rear-projection. That is were you come in as I would like to know what you would put in my given room.

Here is the issue. The room is only 6.5 feet high at the peak so a projector just does not make sense hanging therefore it would have to be installed on a coffee table. This would push the couch back to at least 10.5 feet. The rear-projection TV would make it a lot easier to install and run wires but would not give us as big as screen. We plan on using it just for movies and high-def so the picture quality is not a problem sitting that close, we want that big screen movie theater experience.

Take a look at the pictures and let me know what I should do. I have a construction page up at AVSForum if you want to follow along with the construction. Thanks for the advice guys!