Samsung DLP TVs - Opinions from Owners

[JJ]

Those of you out there with Samsung DLPs - what do you think of them? I'm just reading into them and have some concerns - perhaps I am mistaken in them, but that is what you guys are for.

Isn't it an older technology that might not be as future proof?

What is this 'bowing' I hear of?

How is it comparable to an LCD or Plasma as far as watching it in different lighting conditions?

Thanks.

[Thomasbeau]

I have a Samsung 50" HLN5065W DLP. I have had it for about 3 years right now. It has component and DVI inputs for HD. I use the DVI for my BD and the components for my Directv. I haven't had a single problem with it and I think that the picture looks awesome. I haven't seen any consumer level LCD TV's that compare to the PQ of this DLP. Just my personal opinion. I read a lot of reviews, looked at a ton of TV's and this looked the most realistic of all I looked at. If I needed a new TV tomorrow I would buy a DLP again.

[Magic]

I have a 61" DLP that I am absolutely in love with. I was on a budget, but wanted a larger screen. I researched tvs for a solid 6 months before I settled on the set that I have now. I have not experienced any issues such as bowing or motion blur.

It is a solid set and the only drawback I see to a rear projection DLP is it is a little tougher to see from very wide angle than an LCD or plasma would be. But since I am the king and I sit directly in front of it all the time it doesn't bother me at all. All you need to do is ask youself if you are the king/queen as well.

[buckshot]

56'' and it is awesome. only thing better imo is sxrd and those are no longer being made.

not sure what ''bowing'' is. I know wobulation is something that it does to make it 1080p.

if you like live anything, especially sports, dlp is the thing for you. I believe all of them have 120hz refresh where as most lcd/plasmas only go up to 60hz.

the only issue is with bright lighting conditions and where direct sunlight is hitting the tv. other than that its the best tv available. that's why I bought one.

[jdsanko]

I have a 52" Mitsubishi which I have had for over three years (just replaced the projection lamp). The picture is terrific. Motion artifacts are very very rare. I have two smaller LCD's (23" Samsung and a 26" Sharp). Both look good, but can be a bit cartoonish looking vs. the very natural DLP. The light weight of the LCD's is pretty cool though.

LCD's continue to get better, but there is no way you can beat the current screen size vs. price for DLP's. I don't plan on replacing the Mitsu any time soon.

[monkyman]

Originally Posted by buckshot

56'' and it is awesome. only thing better imo is sxrd and those are no longer being made.

not sure what ''bowing'' is. I know wobulation is something that it does to make it 1080p.

I have the 56" DLP as well. No "Rainbowing" effect at all. The only Bow effect you may get is when a 1.33:1 or non-widescreen movie is playing. On the black bars on the sides, you may see them bow in, in the middle. No big deal, you won't even notice them, as your eyes will be focused to the center of the screen.

I highly recommend this TV for the price/quality

[bootman]

I have one (model in my sig) and love it.
Bowing is a focusing problem that can be fixed. (I don't have an issue with it)
It happens because these sets do get shipped around.
I have the LED model so I don't have to worry about changing lamps.
My choice came down to size and features for the money and RPTs beats flat panels every time.

Have you priced a 60" 1080p flat screen?
Is it $2k?
I didn't think so and I doubt you will get the same black level performance I'm getting now.

[JJ]

See, because I just picked up a 42" Philips for Xmas, and was looking into the Samsung DLPs, in particular the 50" HLT5076S - and was looking for opinions - might return the 42, pick up the 50 and get my '30 day free trial period.'

Lighting conditions are not an issue at all, dimmers on the living room lights, and no windows that land anywhere close to where the TV is set up.

[gvortex7]

When it comes to Samsung DLP's, I've noticed that the larger the screen the darker the image. I really don't know why that is, but can only assume that it has to do with the fact that they use the same lamp for all the sizes. BTW, I am talking about different sizes within the same model line.

That being said, I think the 50" unit (m/n HLT5076S) has the best picture quality when compared side-by-side with its larger counterparts.

[supersix4]

I dont own one but i've always been a fan of what they look like in the store just my 2 cents.

[ground chuck]

i have both 720p and 1080p samsung dlp's and absolutely stand behind the product. there is a slight distortion in your viewing if you're above or below dead on center, ie lying on the floor. other than that i love my tv's. i'd buy a sammy over a sony any day of the week.

[darkblueme]

I own a 61" Samsung DLP LED HDTV. Model# HLT6189s. I ordered it online for a great price and have absolutely loved it since it arrived in April. I have experienced no problems or setbacks of any kind. The set doesn't look spectacular in the default settings, but with some tweaking to the contrast, color balance, etc., the image is breathtaking. I get positive comments on it all the time. Money well spent!

[blurayisking]

I've had a 50 " 720P Samsung for 3.5 years and had no problems at all. It looks great when displaying HD TV channels and my blu-ray collection. At the time of purchase, it was the best choice (cost versus size).

Contrast ratio on the new 1080P LCD models is an obvious improvement over what my DLP can produce; however, I suspect that a new DLP model would be an improvement over my existing DLP.

From what I see in the stores today, my next HD TV will be a 1080P LCD given the dramatic drop in prices over the past couple of years.

In the meantime, I'm quite happy with my DLP.

[PhillyFan]

I own two Samsung DLPs and couldn't be more pleased. In my family room is an HL-S5687 that we've had since May 06. This TV gets A LOT of use and the original bulb still seems to be going strong, though I'm sure will need replacement somewhere in the near future. Funny thing is, I had intended to buy the 50" XBR rear projection that was on sale for Memorial Day. As we're standing there talking to the salesmen, my 85-year-old Mother who happened to be with us that day kept looking over at the Samsung and finally said "you know, that one looks better." Sometimes you just need an unbiased opinion.
Just last month we finished assembling our basement home theater, and after considering all options including flat-screens and projectors, went with the Samsung HL-T7288. Conveniently, the store display model was in close proximity to the 70" XBR and 73" Mitsu Diamond rear projections. I'm not saying it's better than the other two, but I don't think I sacrificed anything by going with the Samsung, and this was clearly the most bang for the buck. We got a great price on it, and the four-year extended warranty (about $450) includes one bulb replacement (I think the XBR actually came with a spare bulb).
As for the OP's specific concerns, I'm not aware of any technical limitations with regard to DLP vice LCD/plasma. DLP gives you the highest current resolutions and input flexibility as the competition. As for bowing, Samsung seems to do better than most in this regard (recommend checking CNET.com and Sound and Vision Magazine reviews if you haven't already). I've not noticed any bowing issues on either TV. As for different light conditions, this may be an area where DLP is at a slight disadvantage. To my eyes though, the glare/glossiness on plasma displays (not so much LCD) is nearly as bothersome. If you're able to control direct sunlight with blinds or shades, this should not be an issue. Indoor lighting is never really a problem in my opinion.

[jurassic_pork]

I own a 61 inch Samsung DLP and I love it. I think it looks great and would certainly buy another one (especially the newer slimline DLP models). I might get one before they are all replaced by the LCD's and Plasma's but I'm worried my kids would destroy it as a second one would be in the family room.

[dakota81]

I have a 56" led dlp, HL-T5687SAX

There are advantages and disadvantages to each of the tv types, crt / dlp / lcd / plasma. My dlp set is a bit soft, and a heavier silk-screen effect - but it has tremendous colors, viewing angles, and geometry.

Isn't it an older technology that might not be as future proof?
A tv set is a tv set, there is no "future proof" tv. Samsung dlps can be 1080p and have hdcp hdmi ports. It's as "future proof" as you're going to get. Plus the HL-T led sets can even do 3D, for when the Mitsubishi 3D Blu-ray player comes out I'm guessing it'll be compatible.

What is this 'bowing' I hear of?
Geometry. If a straight line is shown along an edge, would it really be straight, or would it have a bow to it? My Samsung set has almost no bowing.

How is it comparable to an LCD or Plasma as far as watching it in different lighting conditions?
Can't complain, I enjoy the set in the bright of day with skylights, and at night with all lights turned off, without adjusting any settings.

[JJ]

I appreciate the overwhelming positive response and all the input - but now the toughy to think about returning the Philly...any more opinions are still appreciated as I brood over this.

[hagar852]

I had one for 3.5 years and it worked great. It was a 720P DLP and wasn't as good as the ones now but the picture was still very good...

Unfortunately started having a problem with it.. a strange brown discoloration in the middle of the screen.. I baught the best buy service plan for it and they couldn't fix it because the parts are on back order.. waited over 30 days.. so it was replaced..

I moved onto a plasma set now since I had up to original value to get a replacement.. Since I wasn't getting the difference in the tv sets back I opted to max out the amount and went with a plasma...

I was going to get another DLP but changed my mind once researching and looking at the LCD and Plasmas

[PS34EVER]

Originally Posted by JJxiv1215

See, because I just picked up a 42" Philips for Xmas, and was looking into the Samsung DLPs, in particular the 50" HLT5076S - and was looking for opinions - might return the 42, pick up the 50 and get my '30 day free trial period.'

Lighting conditions are not an issue at all, dimmers on the living room lights, and no windows that land anywhere close to where the TV is set up.

I own the Samsung HL-T5687s LED DLP.

WONDERFUL TV!

I cannot brag about this thing more than I already do. I have not one complaint, and it comes right out of the box with excellent factory calibration settings.

Best of all, because of it being a LED, no rainbow effect because of no color wheel and no changing bulbs forever.

[jag2007]

my 3 year old hlp 5085 lamp just exploded inside the set on saturday other than that I've been happy with it.