I've been researching plasma's for the past couple months and even went out and got a Samsung 4253, but wasn't happy with it. I've now started considering a DLP tv. I can fit a 42 or 46" and I want the best PQ I can get. I am looking to spend anywhere from $1200-1700. CableCard would be a great feature as well as 1080p. I want a high contrast ratio and decent SD PQ. I will also be using an Xbox360 with the TV. What is considered the best DLP on this forum? Also, do most extended warranties cover the bulb?

Thanks in advance.

Unfortunately, you limit the quality you can get with a 42-46" DLP. The 1080p models with superior contrast (and in some cases, superior video processing) start at 50".

Have you checked the dimensions for the new 2007 Samsung 1080p DLPs? The 50" is comparable in width to most 42" LCDs.

2006 models
56" is 50.9" wide and 16.3" deep
61" is 55.3" wide and 17.6" deep
71" is 65.8" wide and 20.4" deep

2007 models (preliminary)
50" is 45.2" wide and 11.9" deep
56" is 50.4" wide and 11.9" deep
61" is 54.8" wide and 12.3" deep

Samsung is considered at the top of the heap but there are people who prefer Mitsubishi and Toshiba as well. Each person is different, whatever suits your needs and budget and looks best to you is the best.

Unfortunately, you limit the quality you can get with a 42-46" DLP. The 1080p models with superior contrast (and in some cases, superior video processing) start at 50".

Have you checked the dimensions for the new 2007 Samsung 1080p DLPs? The 50" is comparable in width to most 42" LCDs.

2006 models
56" is 50.9" wide and 16.3" deep
61" is 55.3" wide and 17.6" deep
71" is 65.8" wide and 20.4" deep

2007 models (preliminary)
50" is 45.2" wide and 11.9" deep
56" is 50.4" wide and 11.9" deep
61" is 54.8" wide and 12.3" deep

It's not that I wouldn't want to go with a 50"....I just think it's going to be way too big for my bedroom at my apartment...I guess I could put it in the living room for the time being and let my roommates enjoy the money I put down. What is the recommended viewing distance for a 50"? Also what are some model numbers so I can research some of these Samsungs? Thanks!

Also, will the LED-backlit DLPs be coming out soon in maybe a 46" or 50" size? I see that the 56" is already on Samsung's website...

I want this TV in time to watch March Madness HD :)

Also, will the LED-backlit DLPs be coming out soon in maybe a 46" or 50" size? I see that the 56" is already on Samsung's website...

I want this TV in time to watch March Madness HD :)None of the newer technologies are coming to the 46" size. You don't get 1080p, better black levels, better contrast, and LED until you move up to the 50" size.

Samsung does have a LED-backlit 50" on the way, but it won't be available before mid/late April.

What is the recommended viewing distance for a 50"?Between 6' and 8' is ideal. At 8' to 9', the 56" is preferable. At 10', the 61" is more appropriate.

Also what are some model numbers so I can research some of these Samsungs?For more information on the 2007 Samsungs, see this thread:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=779782

Do any 50" 1080p DLP come DCR (digital cable ready)? I'd love to be able to get rid of my STB.

Do any 50" 1080p DLP come DCR (digital cable ready)? I'd love to be able to get rid of my STB.All modern displays feature QAM tuners, which will get you the locals in high-definition on most cable systems. Other digital cable channels, as well as other high-definition channels like ESPN, ESPN-2, and your regional sports network are typically encrypted, so they would require either a display with CableCard or a set-top box. Without the STB, you give up the provider's program guide as well as VOD.

It's not clear yet which, if any, of the 2007 Samsung models will feature CableCard. In many of the models announced for the 2007, manufacturers have discontinued CableCard because it creates too many usability headaches for the consumers -- limited or no program guide, no video on demand, and no support for channels delivered with switched digital video (SDV) technology, which is now employed by Time Warner and will be used by Comcast in some markets in late 2007 and 2008.

All modern displays feature QAM tuners, which will get you the locals in high-definition on most cable systems. Other digital cable channels, as well as other high-definition channels like ESPN, ESPN-2, and your regional sports network are typically encrypted, so they would require either a display with CableCard or a set-top box. Without the STB, you give up the provider's program guide as well as VOD.

It's not clear yet which, if any, of the 2007 Samsung models will feature CableCard. In many of the models announced for the 2007, manufacturers have discontinued CableCard because it creates too many usability headaches for the consumers -- limited or no program guide, no video on demand, and no support for channels delivered with switched digital video (SDV) technology, which is now employed by Time Warner and will be used by Comcast in some markets in late 2007 and 2008.

I realize I would give up the program guide and VoD by switching to cablecard but the SDV issue is new to me. I have never heard it mentioned, so could you please elaborate. Sorry to ask an annoying question but I like to know before I make a move. This way I can decide if I need to care about having a DCR tv or not.

So far I want a 2007 Samsung 50" 1080p DLP for under $1800. I'll check out their site and BB and CC to see what they have to offer me. Thanks for all your help.

up for more info...

All modern displays feature QAM tuners, which will get you the locals in high-definition on most cable systems. Other digital cable channels, as well as other high-definition channels like ESPN, ESPN-2, and your regional sports network are typically encrypted, so they would require either a display with CableCard or a set-top box. Without the STB, you give up the provider's program guide as well as VOD.


That's a bit misleading. I have a 2006 Samsung HL-R4667W with cablecards slot (no cablecard in it), it has the QAM tuner and is Digital Cable Ready. I have $12/month limited basic cable and due to the digital tuner I get about 50 channels, many digital, and about 6 in HD, and I can also see other peoples VOD movies ;).

That's a bit misleading. I have a 2006 Samsung HL-R4667W with cablecards slot (no cablecard in it), it has the QAM tuner and is Digital Cable Ready. I have $12/month limited basic cable and due to the digital tuner I get about 50 channels, many digital, and about 6 in HD, and I can also see other peoples VOD moviesIt varies by cable provider. With my cable provider, I get less ~10 channels with a digital tuner, and all of those are locals.

I realize I would give up the program guide and VoD by switching to cablecard but the SDV issue is new to me. I have never heard it mentioned, so could you please elaborate. Sorry to ask an annoying question but I like to know before I make a move. This way I can decide if I need to care about having a DCR tv or not.

So far I want a 2007 Samsung 50" 1080p DLP for under $1800. I'll check out their site and BB and CC to see what they have to offer me. Thanks for all your help.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Switched_digital_video

Switched Digital Video is very similar to the technology used for VoD, except it is used to deliver cable channels rather than pre-recorded content off your cable company's storage system. SDV channels appear just like any other channel in the guide, but when you actually tune in, you are watching a form of video-on-demand. Access to SDV requires two-way communication, so it is not supported by existing one-way digital cable (QAM) tuners.

Time Warner already uses this for a growing number of channels on their system, and Comcast is exploring the technology in several test markets this year, with more widespread deployment expected next year. For the forseeable future, SDV will only be used to deliver a minority of channels, in most cases, probably new channels. Verizon FiOS is one provider that won't be using SDV.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Switched_digital_video

Switched Digital Video is very similar to the technology used for VoD, except it is used to deliver cable channels rather than pre-recorded content off your cable company's storage system. SDV channels appear just like any other channel in the guide, but when you actually tune in, you are watching a form of video-on-demand. Access to SDV requires two-way communication, so it is not supported by existing one-way digital cable (QAM) tuners.

Time Warner already uses this for a growing number of channels on their system, and Comcast is exploring the technology in several test markets this year, with more widespread deployment expected next year. For the forseeable future, SDV will only be used to deliver a minority of channels, in most cases, probably new channels. Verizon FiOS is one provider that won't be using SDV.

Thanks!

Any TV suggestions? :confused: