I'm in bit of a quandary as I will need to buy a new TV for my HT. I am starting from scratch and have had a custom HTcabinet built in anticipation of this TV.

Up until recently, I was sure of getting either the Samsung HLS6187W or HLS6188W models - both bulb based. Now that the new LED models (HLT6187S and HLT6189S) are starting to hit the B&M and internet stores, and because there have been many positive feedback about the picture quality of these new sets, I'm thinking perhaps this is the better way to go.

Fully realizing "only I can make the right decision for me," ;) what are the opinions of some of the experts out there? Buy the HLS6187W for under $2k (heavily discounted due to season end and because I can't seem to find HLS6188W anywhere) or spend another $1200 and go for the HLT6189W? I know there is the one additional HDMI input (all v. 1.3 I'm told for the 6189) and it's LED technology which means fewer moving parts and less noise, longer lasting light source, reduced probability of RBE, lower power usage, etc.

If you were in the same situation, what would you do?

Depends. If money is not an issue I'd go with the new LED models. If it was an issue I'd go with the lamp based and save some serious money because of how cheap they are right now.

Hi,

It's been a week since I've gotten my hls6187 and right after delivery I started thinking about the new led sets (i have 30 days to decide what I want to do). So far it looks like the s-series will be a keeper for me. More than anything, besides the amazing picture that I get, the value of this set is terrific at this point. With a price match, the set can range anywhere from as you mentioned $1200 to $1500+ less than the new sets. That to me, is just too much to pass up for a picture that is just as wonderful (even though I haven't seen the new ones in person). I'm hoping the pirces drop even more and hopefully I can get that price match as well.

I think many will say that the picture quality on both sets are wonderful, and the main draw of the new ones is the led, or lack of lamps and color wheels. Either way, most would agree to protect the sets with a extended warranty so at least for 4-5 years you can feel assured about the tv. For the lamps which may need replacing after (hopefully) 4000+ hours to get a brand new picture (hopefully again) then think of how many bulbs you can get with the difference in price. And with all else working well, the picture quality can be just as good as new while the led may not last as long by then.

Either way, I don't think you can go wrong. But I know in 5-6 years technology may be quite improved, and I would love to get a 60" flat panel that obviously will be more affordable and better quality by then. Until then, I think I'll stay with an amazing picture at a wonderful value.

Good Luck!

... the picture quality on both sets are wonderful, and the main draw of the new ones is the led, or lack of lamps and color wheels. Either way, most would agree to protect the sets with a extended warranty so at least for 4-5 years you can feel assured about the tv. For the lamps which may need replacing after (hopefully) 4000+ hours to get a brand new picture (hopefully again) then think of how many bulbs you can get with the difference in price. And with all else working well, the picture quality can be just as good as new while the led may not last as long by then.

Either way, I don't think you can go wrong. But I know in 5-6 years technology may be quite improved, and I would love to get a 60" flat panel that obviously will be more affordable and better quality by then. Until then, I think I'll stay with an amazing picture at a wonderful value.

Good Luck!

You bring up a good point as you and many on this forum have indicated that getting an extended warranty is not a bad idea for these tv's. These warranties typically cover at least one bulb replacement so it makes getting the EW more attractive w/ the "older" bulb-based sets. Obviously, the bulb replacement wouldn't apply with the LED models.

I think an extended warranty with either set would be a good idea. With the lamp set - 1 bulb and protection of the color wheel, etc, and with the newer technology of led - which if that was to go, who knows how much it would cost to fix it.

i went with a local store (best buy) since my experiences haven't been to bad. I get my 30 days return policy, price matching, and a warranty that has been good to me in the past - in home service, lemon policy, bulb replacement, etc. The negative was the tax. Maybe you can do even better online.

But I think in terms of value right now, in my opinion, the difference in price is a little too much for comparable picture quality. The amount of the new sets would be more than the other model that I was looking into - sony xbr2. If I wanted to spend that much, I would probably get the xbr2.

With the sammy hls, you can get a great set now, and use the money you would save on other accessories, or save that money for a future set.

Good Luck!!

Does the HL-T6189w support 1080p/24fps?

Does the HL-T6189w support 1080p/24fps?

The HLT's can hardly support their own weight. At that point, it's rather useless to question their features.:p