I need to decide between the 50 inch Sony Grand Wega SXRD 1080p TV (KDS-50A2000 (http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start?CategoryName=tv_ProjectionTVs_RearProjection_42to51TVs&ProductSKU=KDS50A2000&TabName=specs&var2=)) and the Samsung 56 inch DLP 1080p TV (HL-S5687W) (http://samsung.com/Products/TV/DLPTV/HLS5687WXXAA.asp).

Price is irrelevant, I can get both for exactly the same.

The larger screen on the Samsung appeals to me. I did see both TV's side by side recently and thought that the Sony had a higher quality picture. But the Samsung was still great and how do I know that with proper calibration that the Samsung won't look just as good or better?

I am reading a lot about the green blob issue with the Sony TV's and I am worried a lot about this happening as it seems to be more people than I would expect. But the Samsung is similar in that the bulb needs to be replaced and the rainbow effect may effect people who are watching it. And I have read about Samsung's issues with servicing and some quality issues. As far as I can tell with Sony, I won't have those issues.

If things were exactly the same, I would go with the Samsung stricly for the bigger size. But they clearly are not and I would like feedback on whether I should take the risks associated with the Sony or take the risks associated with the Samsung? Like I said the extra screen size tempts me, but higher quality, more reliable and longer lasting is important enough that I would take the Sony if I can trust it more.

Edit - I should mention that this TV will be used for video gaming, High Definition Television shows like 24 and such, and some blu ray movie playback in the future when I eventually get a PS3.

No opinions?

Your probably not getting a lot of responses since there are already several threads with the same question (Sony vs Samsung), so the search function will give you some help. These are the 2 most popular displays, and you can't go wrong with either. Yes, bigger is better, so that is a plus for the Samsung. Another plus is that the Samsung accepts 1080p inputs over HDMI, component, and VGA (the Sony does not do so over component). And yes, with proper calibration (you can do it professionally, or get it pretty close yourself with a calibration DVD such as AVIA or DVE), the Samsung is tough to beat. In the end, it just comes down to personal preference, so go to the stores, see which features you want, and see which looks best to your eyes. Go to >1 store since set-up can dramatically affect which looks better.

What products out there other than Xbox360 output 1080p only via component? Does the VGA plug of the sony accept 1080p?

What products out there other than Xbox360 output 1080p only via component? Does the VGA plug of the sony accept 1080p?
Don't know about VGA with Sony. 1080p input over component is mostly relevant with the XBox, but may also add convenience for you down the road, especially if your HDMI inputs are used for other equipment.

Are people seeing the rainbow effect on the Samsung DLP?

Are people seeing the rainbow effect on the Samsung DLP?Some people do, some don't.

(I do.)

Also, does one unit have better black levels than the other?

Don't know where you priced the Samsung, but I just bought it at Amazon last week for $1669.99. That price included tax (no tax actually) and free Super Saver shipping. I'm expecting it this week in time for the Big Game on Sunday.

Hope this saves you some dineros if you decide to go with the Samsung 56"

Regards,

Walter

The Samsung 5687 doesn't have a QAM tuner if that's important to you. The 5688 does, but it's more expensive.

Are people seeing the rainbow effect on the Samsung DLP?
Estimates are that only about 10% of people see rainbows with DLPs. I bought my Samsung DLP 3 1/2 years ago, and nobody has ever seen a rainbow on it.

Also, does one unit have better black levels than the other?
The 1080p DLPs have better black levels and contrast their their 720p counterparts. Differences between brands are minor.

I have been doing a TON of reading through these forums over the last couple of weeks, and have also come down to the Sony 55A2000 and Samsung HL-S5687. The question I have is this. I know that many people on these boards are of the opinion that the Sony is better out of the box and the Samsung is better if you get ISF calibration. I would plan on doing some calibration in the user menu with one of the calibration DVD's but not pay to get the ISF done. Would I still be better off with the Sony, or does the Samsung improve to the point that it is superior when only using one of the DVD calibrations?