Hi all first time poster here....Just gonna buy my first big tv in the next week and having a hard time deciding which model to go with. Got it narrowed down to 2 new Samsung models, the HLT 5676s, and the HLT 5687s. The lamp based model will save me about $250, but I just want to make the best purchase I can because i'm not made of money. The set will be used primarily for gaming (xbox 360 elite), dvd playback (360 elite upscales to 1080p), and some satilite tv broadcasts (including hd). This will be the start of my new home theater which for now will be used with a Panasonic 1000w htib, but will be replaced by a real surround system.

Any advice is greatly appreciated and have a nice weekend.

Got it narrowed down to 2 new Samsung models, the HLT 5676s, and the HLT 5687s. The lamp based model will save me about $250 ...There is no owner's thread for the HL-Txx76 models because they are on the verge of arriving.

Very soon Eliab, who is a well known professional calibrator, should be posting what he has learned about the LED HL-T sets from calibrating one of them. If you aren't forced to buy in the next two weeks, I would suggest that you read the LED owner's thread. Watch out for Eliab's post, and also watch out for someone who will start an owner's thread for the HL-Txx76 models.

2007 Samsung LED Owner's Thread (HLT XX87/89S) (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=827799)

thx for your advice......lol I don't know if I can wait any longer. I've been waiting to do this for like 2 years, finally just got the money to do it. I had some advice from Chuck Williams on another forum to prolly go with the lamp based unit as the led's are still a little unproven. Would just like to get a few more opinions to help push me over the fence ;).

As long as you don't see rainbows with DLP color wheels, IMO it's a more proven technology (with better PQ so far) than the LED models.

thx that's the impression i'm getting so far, but it's tough when the tv's are so fresh on the market and no real-world feedback yet. What I might do is see if I can talk the guy into giving me a deal on the 6176 to future proof myself for when I have more space ;). I also want to find out if the rumor is true that the "76" series is a pro model with hdmi 1.3, and blue tooth.