What is the overall best 70+ inch TV on the market as of July 2008?

What is your criteria for BEST? All of us have different criteria based on our
1. Viewing distance
2. Program type HD Vs SD
3. Room light level, totally dark or with normal room lighting.
4. TV source Cable, satellite or OTA.
5. Thickness of panel if you plan to mount on wall instead of setting on a stand with your other components such as DVD drive, Cable or Satellite box etc.
6. Need to use the HDTV as a high quality PD monitor also.

Thanks. Sorry I wasn't more clear.
1. Viewing Distance of 11 - 12 ft
2. HD & SD signals, probably 50/50 split until SD goes away
3. Room light level of mostly dark but not totally
4. TV source of Satellite (Dish Network) with HD when available
5. Thickness level does not matter. No plans for wall-mount (is that even possible with RP?)
6. Not sure what PD monitor is, but the HDTV is strictly for Wiing, watching TV and movies (mostly standard DVD until BluRay becomes more mainstream)
7. Plan on keeping 5-7 years
8. Price is not really an issue (assuming under $5K), but value is always appreciated

Bottom line is best picture quality.

Thanks again.

Saying >70"a does not give you miuch choice.
I would suggest the Samsung 67" LED model or the Mitsubishi LaserTV model when it comes out in the next couple of months. Insted of one of the bulb models. If you want > 70" then the top of the line 72/73" models from either Samsung or Mitsubishi would be fine.
Sorry I meant to say PC monitor not PD monitor.

So the light source makes that much difference? It's worth losing some screen size?

You have to replace bulbs as they get dimmer over time untill they finally burn out.
Also the LED and the Laser models have higher contrast ratios making them better in dark or partially darkened rooms.
Also I suggest that you check out the models you are considering in the store at the viewing distance you are considering. However if possible do not check them out in an area with bright lighting since that is not indicative of your home environment,

Thanks. I've had a 50" Toshiba for 6+ years and have not replaced the bulb, so I'm guessing I do not have the trained eye that many of you have. I've been reading in here about those LED and Laser models, each with their own issues. I will be definitely checking out the models in the stores, but may have a hard time finding them all. And Mitsu has like 9 models that size. Can they all be that different?

If Mitsubishi you want only a Diamond model.
If Samsung you want only a series 8 model or series 7 for LED.
The laser models are not yet in the stores AFAIK.
The LED models are not as bright as the bulb models so look poorer in bright store lighting while the default brightness of the bulb units is set above what a user would use at home in order to give the impression of better PQ in the stores.

Ler me jup in guys...I like the Mits diamond 65 but not the 73 inch.

the 73 inch looks dimmer...also the samsung led are not very bright ! Im just hoping Mits will one day release the lasers !!!!!!!!!!

I have an early model 70" sony xbr950 that i would like to replace but not go down in size. Will i be happy replacing the sony with the mitsubishi 73' ? Will the mits be equal or better ?
I do a lot of gaming and have sat with HD.

If Mitsubishi you want only a Diamond model.
If Samsung you want only a series 8 model or series 7 for LED.
The laser models are not yet in the stores AFAIK.
The LED models are not as bright as the bulb models so look poorer in bright store lighting while the default brightness of the bulb units is set above what a user would use at home in order to give the impression of better PQ in the stores.
So bulb units are jacked up brighter in the stores?

All units in stores are set up to their default configuration and also set so that users can not change the settings. The TV manufacturers are fully aware of this so they set their default settings so that their units will look best in the most common store environment which is with bright flourasent lighting.
When the users are installed in homes one of the first thing the installers or users do is lower the brightness first because it is too high and secondly to lengthen the life of the bulb.
LED units are just not capable of as high brightness level so always look worse in stores,

Thanks for the info. After reading more, I'm really interested in seeing these Laser sets from Mitsubishi. I just hope they are what they claim to be and are affordable. But I'm hesitant with a Mitsu as every time I've looked at one next to a Sammy, the Sammy always looked better.

Also the LED and the Laser models have higher contrast ratios making them better in dark or partially darkened rooms.



The LED models are not as bright as the bulb models so look poorer in bright store lighting while the default brightness of the bulb units is set above what a user would use at home in order to give the impression of better PQ in the stores.


These posts seem contradictory, from what I have seen lamp based RPTV outperform LED based models as they have significantly lower black levels and are also brighter, which means they have a higher contrast ratio. Lamp based models perform better in both dark and bright environments.

If people don’t see rainbows on lamp based DLP’s and don’t have a strange aversion to replacing a lamp every couple of years I can’t see any reason to consider a LED based RPTV.

Thanks for the info. After reading more, I'm really interested in seeing these Laser sets from Mitsubishi. I just hope they are what they claim to be and are affordable. But I'm hesitant with a Mitsu as every time I've looked at one next to a Sammy, the Sammy always looked better.

I have a Sammy 6188 DLP that i purchased 2 years ago. Changed the bilb last Aug and am still loving the set...but i want bigger. The 2008 Sammy's IMHO do nt look as good as the Mits diamonds this year. As i have stted here befroe,,,just wanna see the laser view sets before i make a final decision.

I have been unablle to find any reviews that compare this years Smsung LED vs Bulb models.
Here is a review comparing last years models.

http://www.practical-home-theater-guide.com/samsung-dlp-television.html

I was surprised that Samsung dropped their plans for a Laser DLP model and I look forward to the Mitsusbishi models going on sale soon and to the reviews of them.

It is a shame the DLP models which use a lot less poser cost less then same size Plasma or LCD flat panels because if they were closer in price the salesmen who mostly are comissioned might stop discouraging customers from buying them.

If the Laser 73-inch becomes a reality compare it to a 73-inch Mitsubishi Diamond model.

The winner will be the best rear projection set.

Samsung gave up on quality rear projection DLP when they chose not to include Dark chip 4--they still produce rear projection for people who don't want to spend much money.

If Laser is a sales bust I predict that next year's models--the 2009s--will be the last rear projection sets offered by either company.

I'm praying that Laser will be great--that people will buy it--if that happens Mitsubishi will stay in the rear projection buisness longer.

Newbie question, but what does a Dark chip 4 do for you?

I have a Mitsubishi Diamond Series WD-73833. It is a great TV, very good contrast and great colors.

I have a Mitsubishi Diamond Series WD-73833. It is a great TV, very good contrast and great colors.
Curious, why did you choose the 73833 over the 73835?

Curious, why did you choose the 73833 over the 73835?

73835 wasnt out.

Anyone know the differences between the 73833 & 73835?

Anyone know the differences between the 73833 & 73835?


I observed a side by side comparison today of a 833 & 835. The 835 blew the 833 away.

I observed a side by side comparison today of a 833 & 835. The 835 blew the 833 away.
Thanks. Can you be more specific on why you feel that way? What are the spec differences that make it better?

Thanks. Can you be more specific on why you feel that way? What are the spec differences that make it better?


Several points that really stuck out. The 835 was a much brighter picture with deeper blacks. Also the color seemed more vibrant on the 835. The 833(as well as the 67A750) picture seemed dull compared to the 835.

Anyone know the differences between the 73833 & 73835?


I currently own the wd-73835 which replaced My ws-73 711 (CRT). When selecting this television I looked at all of the Samsung models and previous Mitsubishi. Honestly, I wanted an ass sex RD (I thought I would leave this to show how bad voice technology really is compared to being able to type yourself... if only I could move my arms) sxrd is what should have been typed. thank God the starship enterprise voice-activated computer had better recognition otherwise the crew could have had some very embarrassing, and painful, moments. =)

Anyway, going down in screen size is extremely difficult and there would need to be a significant improvement in quality to offset moving down. Quite frankly, there isn't a set fitting that Bill when compared to the new diamond Mitsubishi 73 inch television. The thing is absolutely amazing. I was feeding the old television, approximately model 2003, and the new television simultaneous high-definition signals and the new had such a higher range of colors, shadows and detail that I was blown away. Many of the artifacts I had become blind to with CRT technology -- ghosting and striping if there is a dark object on one side of the screen to the other side of the screen -- became apparent and disconcerting.

As to brightness, all of my settings adjust brightness and color saturation downward because this baby could give you a sunburn out-of-the-box. This is in a room with a 12 x 6 window on the east wall and a 4 x 6 window directly behind the television with less than serviceable blinds. The viewing angle stomps the Samsung, the clarity is far better, the colors are superior, they television itself is far more stable and construction than the rather flimsy Samsung, darks are better and the list goes on. To top it all off you can get one for under $4000 (hope that number is permissible).

The dark Chip 4 gives something like a 30% boost to contrast and from my experience, comparing the 833 and 835, far better black levels. I don't believe the laser televisions are going to be priced similarly so with a budget less than $5,000 this is definitely the way to go and I'm guessing you will not have any regrets.

Gimpygod

PS just in case no one knows I have a rare form of muscular dystrophy and that's why I used the voice activation software. I left in the recognition error because it's funny but will remove it if necessary.:D

PS just in case no one knows I have a rare form of muscular dystrophy and that's why I used the voice activation software. I left in the recognition error because it's funny but will remove it if necessary.:D
what voice activation SW are you using? It sure made pretty paragraphs.

I currently own the wd-73835 which replaced My ws-73 711 (CRT). When selecting this television I looked at all of the Samsung models and previous Mitsubishi. Honestly, I wanted an ass sex RD (I thought I would leave this to show how bad voice technology really is compared to being able to type yourself... if only I could move my arms) sxrd is what should have been typed. thank God the starship enterprise voice-activated computer had better recognition otherwise the crew could have had some very embarrassing, and painful, moments. =)

Anyway, going down in screen size is extremely difficult and there would need to be a significant improvement in quality to offset moving down. Quite frankly, there isn't a set fitting that Bill when compared to the new diamond Mitsubishi 73 inch television. The thing is absolutely amazing. I was feeding the old television, approximately model 2003, and the new television simultaneous high-definition signals and the new had such a higher range of colors, shadows and detail that I was blown away. Many of the artifacts I had become blind to with CRT technology -- ghosting and striping if there is a dark object on one side of the screen to the other side of the screen -- became apparent and disconcerting.

As to brightness, all of my settings adjust brightness and color saturation downward because this baby could give you a sunburn out-of-the-box. This is in a room with a 12 x 6 window on the east wall and a 4 x 6 window directly behind the television with less than serviceable blinds. The viewing angle stomps the Samsung, the clarity is far better, the colors are superior, they television itself is far more stable and construction than the rather flimsy Samsung, darks are better and the list goes on. To top it all off you can get one for under $4000 (hope that number is permissible).

The dark Chip 4 gives something like a 30% boost to contrast and from my experience, comparing the 833 and 835, far better black levels. I don't believe the laser televisions are going to be priced similarly so with a budget less than $5,000 this is definitely the way to go and I'm guessing you will not have any regrets.

Gimpygod

PS just in case no one knows I have a rare form of muscular dystrophy and that's why I used the voice activation software. I left in the recognition error because it's funny but will remove it if necessary.:D
Thanks for all the info. I appreciate it.

Any issues at all? Bowing, fan noise, etc.? So the 835 has the dark chip?

Hi - I went through a similiar analysis between the sammy and the mits. i would've bought the 70" sony SXRD2 if I could, but they are out of the RPTV business. IMO, that TV had the best picture.
I ended up with the 73835, even though I never saw the picture before hand. As I posted in the Mits Diamond forum, the Sammy LED's had a poor viewing angle and poor contrast. I saw the Mits 73833 and it looked much better. Viewing angle fine as well as better contrast, especially the black level. I di not see them side by side though, just playing a dvd that i know what the colors should look like.
The dark chip sounds like it makes a big difference, and when i engage the dark detailer, etc... on the 835 (there is a demo mode where 1/2 the screen has it engaged and the other does not), you see there is a significant difference. My only complant is that the colors out of the box are not as vibrant as I was hoping, but after reading these forums its clear you need to color calibrate. Which I am in the process of doing. I am confident it will be spectacular afterward.
It is a very nice set, as the flagship of Mitsu should be. And it is really amazing that you can get such a large and detailed image for such an inexpensive price (relatively). The size changed the viewing experience for me. It is now movie-like. i.e. i have to look around the scene to get it all in. -yurij

Anyone know the differences between the 73833 & 73835?
833 has:
1394
TVGuide
DC3
Different processor with an external demodulator (x226)
Dual window picture mode
Frame Rate Correction (120Hz)

835 has:
DC4
Processor with internal demodulator (x240)
Smooth 120 (whatever that is)
Wired IR

gimpygod,

Your comments about the black level of the 835 got my attention. One of the things I really like about the Pioneer Elite 151 is it's black level, it is really black. With the Elite you cannot distinguish the black bars on a widescreen movie, from the bezel of the set, when watching in a completely dark room. A set has to have a true black to pull that off.

I was wondering how close the 835 might come to that level of performance? Up until now DLP's didn't do very well with very dark scenes in a viewing room with little to no light. How does the 835 do?

833 has:
1394
TVGuide
DC3
Different processor with an external demodulator (x226)
Dual window picture mode
Frame Rate Correction (120Hz)

835 has:
DC4
Processor with internal demodulator (x240)
Smooth 120 (whatever that is)
Wired IR
Thanks, I'll have to look up those features as they are all greek to me.

So the 835 dropped the Dual window picture mode? Is that teh same as PIP?

In my opinion the only two companies that are left in the RPTV market is Samsung and Mitsubishi. Unfortunately Sony is no longer in the market.

I bought my TV in October of 2007, then only the 73833 was available. I also looked at the 72" Samsung version (dont remember part number). The thing that worred me about the Samsung is the small cabinet it had that caused a lot of bowing. That pretty much scared me away.

I opted for the Mits as I said earlier based on reviews and looking at them in stores. If you end up getting a Mits ONLY get the Diamond Series as its their best line. The difference in price of the 7xx and the 8xx is worth it. My 833 does have some fan noise but its no where close to the XBox fan noise to give you an idea.

Not much info for you but a mere opinion.

I appreciate everyone's opinion so keep them coming.

I just saw my friend's 73 Mits that he bought around January. It was a seven series that he said was second to top-of-the-line at the time (so I'm thinking 733 maybe 735) and it had some bowing issues. Can calibration fix those?

I believe the bowing can be fixed through keystone corrections in the service menu.

My TV did not have any bowing and I thought the colors were great right out of the box. Only thing I didnt like was the fan noise, I've only owned CRTs so I wasnt used to a fan having to cool a bulb.

Yeah, I've read about the fan noise, so I asked him to turn off the sound so we could listen. You could hear it for sure, but with sound on for whatever you're watching, you couldn't hear it.

Thanks, I'll have to look up those features as they are all greek to me.

So the 835 dropped the Dual window picture mode? Is that teh same as PIP?

I was just going to buy the 835, but no way now since they dropped the dual display mode. That works awesome when you are watching two football games. What were they thinking??? Guess I'll be buying a 833. Should still be pretty sweet.

I was just going to buy the 835, but no way now since they dropped the dual display mode. That works awesome when you are watching two football games. What were they thinking??? Guess I'll be buying a 833. Should still be pretty sweet.
What does that feature do? What's the diffs between the 833 & 835?

I had been focusing on the 736, as the price is right, but don't want to ignore the 835. Is the smooth 120 an important upgrade? Has anyone found it to be so? Any other significant differences, regarding viewing quality or longevity?