All,

I've been researching DLPs for awhile now and I'm looking into getting a 70"+ screen since I have a huge room to put it in.

I looked into the Sony XBR2-SXRD (i know its not a DLP) but I'm not willing to spend that much money.

I'm leaning towards the Samsung HL-S7178W but all the light-engine problems are really scaring me from pulling the trigger on this unit. Did they fix this problem in the units dated past December 06?

Are there any problems with the Toshiba 72MX196 or the Mitsubishi WD-73831 WD-73732?

if you look in any sets thread your gonna find some kinda problems but overall those should make excellent choices for you.
check vanns .com they have free shipping great prices on some of those units, like the jvc 70" at $3, the sammy 71 at $3.5k and the mits 73732 at $4k all shipped to you door and they are authorized dealer for all the products they sell. you can also add an ext warranty from tape works texas.com for a reasonable price to cover you for 3 years after you regular warranty ends.

Get an extended warranty (you'd need one regardless of which brand you went with) and then no more worries.

I looked into the Sony XBR2-SXRD (i know its not a DLP) but I'm not willing to spend that much money.

I'm leaning towards the Samsung HL-S7178W but all the light-engine problems are really scaring me from pulling the trigger on this unit.

I looked at ALL the 70"+ sets and I have to say, if you watch even a bit of Standard Def programming you will NOT be happy w/ anything other than the Sony or the Toshiba. All the threads I read scared me off the Toshi however and I was able to get tight w/ a local brick and mortar specialty store and get my Sony 70" for $4299! A smokin' deal!

This TV ROCKS TOO! It is UNREAL on HD programming and still EXTREMELY good for SD stuff! I run my DVD and Sat direct into the TV on HDMI inputs, and my Laser disc and video iPod docking station and VCR all through my Rotel Pre/Pro. One of my component inputs on the TV was not producing a very good picture for some reason, but the other one is very good, but HDMI is still MUCH better...

I say suck it up and save a few extra bucks and get the BEST!

Oh, as I looked at them all the Sammy was a dang good pic both HD and SD, the Mitsu was fair on HD, and SUCKED (like unwatchably bad) on SD.

Best of luck to you!