Any Opinions on DLP models

[Steve Hrin]

I am narrowing my search for a HDTV and doing my homework. I liked the 50" Panasonic and have been looking up reviews before making my final choice.  

Well Yesterday, I happened to go to BB and found a Samsung 50" DLP at half the price of the panasonic plasma.  The picture was excellant and in my mind as good as a plasma.  

I have been looking for reviews on them, however they are relatively new and this is only the 2nd generation, not very many around.

Specifically the model is HLN5065W   <<< Think the number is BB and not Samsung, since Samsung lists the current model as a HLM507 and the salesman did say it was a 2003 model.  A check of Samsung.Com shows the 507 as the current model and it looks the same as the brochure I have.  Last years model had a different front on it.

Has anyone here had any experience with them, or does anyone have any info that may help me in making my final choice?

I am willing to go for the plasma, however the price tag and quality of picture have me thinking on which is best bang for the buck.


:confused: :confused:

[mhz40]

Originally posted by Steve Hrin
I am narrowing my search for a HDTV and doing my homework. I liked the 50" Panasonic and have been looking up reviews before making my final choice.  

Well Yesterday, I happened to go to BB and found a Samsung 50" DLP at half the price of the panasonic plasma.  The picture was excellant and in my mind as good as a plasma.  

I have been looking for reviews on them, however they are relatively new and this is only the 2nd generation, not very many around.

Specifically the model is HLN5065W   <<< Think the number is BB and not Samsung, since Samsung lists the current model as a HLM507 and the salesman did say it was a 2003 model.  A check of Samsung.Com shows the 507 as the current model and it looks the same as the brochure I have.  Last years model had a different front on it.

Has anyone here had any experience with them, or does anyone have any info that may help me in making my final choice?

I am willing to go for the plasma, however the price tag and quality of picture have me thinking on which is best bang for the buck.


:confused: :confused:

Samsung's web site is a bit outdated.  The 5065 is one of the newest models---unrelated to BB.  I agree that in some cases, DLP seems to rival plasma.  However they actually come just a bit short of plasma quality and can rarely produce arifacts other technologies don't.  Regardless off all that, I ordered a DLP based RPTV myself.
If you have the money for a plasma, I would suggest you take a look at the Toshiba 57HLX82 (actually, you can't, as i haven't seen any in in stock anywhere in the milwaukee area).  It too incorporates a solid state projection system---called LCoS.  It's native display is 1080p vs 720p for the DLP based units.  I liked the set but personally can't justify the price differencee between the two technologies right now.  Goto the avsforum via the link on the milwaukkehdtv home page to learn more...

[JoeK]

I have been looking at various options in HD sets at around 40".  I have a DPL HD front projector that I am very happy with.  Based on that I did some research and looking at rear projection DPL sets.  I was impressed with the picture, but concluded it was too light sensitive for the spot I would be using it in.  The picture washed out in moderately bright light.  I have concluded that a plasma is probably the way to go for my situation.

[Steve Hrin]

Originally posted by JoeK
I have been looking at various options in HD sets at around 40".  I have a DPL HD front projector that I am very happy with.  Based on that I did some research and looking at rear projection DPL sets.  I was impressed with the picture, but concluded it was too light sensitive for the spot I would be using it in.  The picture washed out in moderately bright light.  I have concluded that a plasma is probably the way to go for my situation.

Ah, very good point and one that I have addressed when looking at all HD sets.  I have a major light problem called a patio door directly opposite where the set will sit.  Yup you guessed it the door faces South.....................

I have tried to look for reflections on the screens of all of them in the stores, however neon lights are not the same as a window or a door.

One Salesman suggested I tip the set to avoid the glare, DOH.  Where the hell do they get these guys?  Turn it,  Perhaps, but tip it never, well unless you hang it on a wall, which is not an option for me.

Thanks for the input.

:wave:

[Steve Hrin]

Originally posted by mhz40
Samsung's web site is a bit outdated.  The 5065 is one of the newest models---unrelated to BB.  I agree that in some cases, DLP seems to rival plasma.  However they actually come just a bit short of plasma quality and can rarely produce arifacts other technologies don't.  Regardless off all that, I ordered a DLP based RPTV myself.
If you have the money for a plasma, I would suggest you take a look at the Toshiba 57HLX82 (actually, you can't, as i haven't seen any in in stock anywhere in the milwaukee area).  It too incorporates a solid state projection system---called LCoS.  It's native display is 1080p vs 720p for the DLP based units.  I liked the set but personally can't justify the price differencee between the two technologies right now.  Goto the avsforum via the link on the milwaukkehdtv home page to learn more...

Amazing their website would be outdated.  How do they expect to sell any?  

Flanner had a Toshiba yesterday and I think it was a 57HLX82 and I thought they were rather pricey to be honest and the quality was not as good as what I saw on the Samsung.

8K versus 4 k is big bucks. Imagine what toys I can buy with the other 4k  I can afford a plasma, so when I get done with my homework perhaps that is the way I will go, meaning plasma.

:bang:  Hating all this homework on this one.

[mhz40]

Originally posted by Steve Hrin
I can afford a plasma, so when I get done with my homework perhaps that is the way I will go, meaning plasma.

I don't know what you're gonna get in a plasma for 4K..
FWIW, I've got a 'nice' 42+" plasma Pioneer in my office and I would not characterize the screen as anti-reflective at all.  No windows nearby to be able to comment on what it would look like with a patio door opposing it...

[Steve Hrin]

Originally posted by mhz40
I don't know what you're gonna get in a plasma for 4K..
FWIW, I've got a 'nice' 42+" plasma Pioneer in my office and I would not characterize the screen as anti-reflective at all.  No windows nearby to be able to comment on what it would look like with a patio door opposing it...

I just wanted to get opinions from others who may own a DLP to see what the pros and cons are on this particlular type of HDTV.
The price of the DLP is a very good one at 3999.00.

I know there are no plasmas in the 4K range, I am willing to go the extra 4 to 5k. The ones I have looked at are from 8999 to 10,999. Perhaps I have not made myself clear enough on that part.  
:wave:

[Skipjack]

The only cons I can think of with DLP are the pricey bulb replacements, the potential of seeing rainbows (during quick moving scenes... and this is only noticed by some people... come to think of it, I've only heard this complaint from FPTV 'ers with larger screens), and the price (compared to standard CRT based RPTVs).

[ugyvel]

Originally posted by Steve Hrin
I just wanted to get opinions from others who may own a DLP to see what the pros and cons are on this particlular type of HDTV.
The price of the DLP is a very good one at 3999.00.

I know there are no plasmas in the 4K range, I am willing to go the extra 4 to 5k. The ones I have looked at are from 8999 to 10,999. Perhaps I have not made myself clear enough on that part.  
:wave:

The price difference doesn't have to be that much.  For a long time, one of the best deals out there has been the Pioneer 503cmx 50" plasma (one of the three highest rated panels) at Dell online for around $6,700.  Look for times when they offer free shipping or 5-10% discounts on peripherals.  Based on posts on the AVS forum, a whole lot of HD enthusiasts have ordered from Dell. I have the consumer version of this panel and love it (I didn't know about Dell and this model when I purchased--THAT was a 4 to 5K difference!!!!)

[Matt Heebner]

Personally, I think there are better technologies just around the proverbial corner that will be competatively priced. For example, I just got done reading The Perfect Vision magazine, and the in-depth article regarding Toshiba's new 1080p LCoS (liquid crystal on silicone). The reveiwer said it was without a doubt the best looking RPTV he has ever seen. It has all the strengths of the CRT based RPTV's, and none of the weaknesses of fixed pixel displays. Although right now a little on the pricey side ($8000 for a 65") that is sure to drop dramatically in the next year. I HIGHLY suggest picking up the latest issue, and reading up on this particular TV. It really got me thinking about my next TV purchase !
DLP right now seems it has too many limitations....rainbow effects, shortage of high intensity bulbs, limited lifespan of bulbs, lack of true black, etc at-least IMHO. Plasma's too seem just a tad too pricey for the performance that you get. Although they do have a lot of strength's, they also have some glaring weaknesses.
LCoS, and LCD seem to have a lot going for them, and that technology seems to dramatically improve with every generation.


Matt

[Steve Hrin]

Originally posted by Matt Heebner
DLP right now seems it has too many limitations....rainbow effects, shortage of high intensity bulbs, limited lifespan of bulbs, lack of true black, etc at-least IMHO. Plasma's too seem just a tad too pricey for the performance that you get. Although they do have a lot of strength's, they also have some glaring weaknesses.
LCoS, and LCD seem to have a lot going for them, and that technology seems to dramatically improve with every generation.


Matt

Matt are you saying bulbs are hard to get?  

I am waiting for an answer to an email I sent to Jim on the bulbs and BB gave me a price comparable to what Jim could sell me on out on the west coast.  I have looked at the set three times in four days and almost popped for one today, but now I am getting this is better then that opinons on RP HDTVs and to be honest I am more confused now then when I started.

We compared several so called better than LPD rear projections today meaning LCD RPs and done held a candle to the picture of the LDP model, that is why I am asking.  I only want to buy once and be happy if you get my drift.



:bang:

[mhz40]

Originally posted by Matt Heebner
...Toshiba's new 1080p LCoS (liquid crystal on silicone). The reveiwer said it was without a doubt the best looking RPTV he has ever seen. It has all the strengths of the CRT based RPTV's, and none of the weaknesses of fixed pixel displays. Although right now a little on the pricey side ($8000 for a 65") that is sure to drop dramatically in the next year. I HIGHLY suggest picking up the latest issue...

That's what I was trying to steer Steve towards in one of my previous posts.  For less than the cost of a plasma, the 57" 57HLX82 may beat plasma performance.  I can't tell for sure, because no one carries them locally.  Tweeter in/near Gurnee may have one on the floor...  I got an online quote two weeks ago for a brand new in-the-box unit for $6200 w/shipping, considerably less than the plasma's Steve is pricing out... including a spare bulb!
Don't get me wrong... IMO, the DLP based sets are sweet also... especially for the price.  While the LCD based sets (i.e.: Sony GWII's) have weaker black level performace vs CRT's & DLP's.

[Steve Hrin]

Originally posted by mhz40
That's what I was trying to steer Steve towards in one of my previous posts.  For less than the cost of a plasma, the 57" 57HLX82 may beat plasma performance.  I can't tell for sure, because no one carries them locally.  Tweeter in/near Gurnee may have one on the floor...  I got an online quote two weeks ago for a brand new in-the-box unit for $6200 w/shipping, considerably less than the plasma's Steve is pricing out... including a spare bulb!
Don't get me wrong... IMO, the DLP based sets are sweet also... especially for the price.  While the LCD based sets (i.e.: Sony GWII's) have weaker black level performace vs CRT's & DLP's.

Met a guy at best buy and he saw one at tweeters in Chicago today, not sure if he meant Gurnee and they had them on the floor 600 more then best buy is offering them for.  Their price was 4599 where bb is only 3999.  He said they are just as hi (meaning Tweeters) as Flanner is here in MKE.  He looked at the lcd's and his opinion was they are not as good as the ldp that is why he came back to look at it again at BB because their price was better.  Do not know if he bought one or not because we left before he did. :wave:

[JoeK]

Steve,

Here's a link that looks relevant  to your dilemma.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=252203

[Matt Heebner]

Steve Hrin,
I might not be qualified to actually know if there are any shortage of bulbs, but over on AVS forum I have read some horror stories. Having to wait up to 6 mo. for some, and paying outrages prices for the ones in stock. I have also read about people stocking up on them because they have been known to be in short supply. (I believe this was the case with the Samsung DLP's)

This might have changed in the last few months as I haven't really kept up with it.

Matt