I could use some kind advise. I am pulling my hair out trying to decide between these two TV's. I was about ready to pull the trigger on the Sony 70" XBR2 but I have been doing some reading on the new Samsung HL-T7288W and I am attracted to the new features like HDMI 1.3a and 120Hz.

I'll be using the new TV to watch BlueRay and HD-DVD movies from a PS3 and Toshiba HD-XA2 (both HDMI 1.3 devises), gaming (XBOX360 & PS3) and HD Cable TV broadcasts.

I have spent some considerable time in front of the Sony XBR2 and I like what I see (the black levels are wonderful). I have not seen the new HL-T7288W but I did look at the HL-S7178 Samsung and was also impressed. I would assume the "new" HL-T7288W would provide slightly better results.

I would appreciate any insight anyone can provide or any feedback from folks who have also compared these two displays.

Thanks!

First, do a search because these 2 technologies are compared in many, many threads (Sammy DLP vs Sony LCOS). Second, it all comes down to personal preference. Go with whichever has the features you want that looks great to your eyes. They are both great sets, and either would look fantastic in your home.

Thank you for your reply and advise. I will do some searching and post any decision I make.

The Samsung specs look impressive on paper. Not too many places have this tv for sale yet. I can't find any reviews either. The spec sheet on their website doesn't say anything about 120hz. Where did that come from? Circuit City didn't have this model in their store today. Previous threads about the samsung dlp's may not apply with this new model because 3:2 pulldown problems would be eliminated by 120 refresh rate instead of 60. HDMI 1.3 doesn't hurt either but is mostly hype at this point. How much more is the Sony? Thanks.

The Samsung specs look impressive on paper. Not too many places have this tv for sale yet. I can't find any reviews either. The spec sheet on their website doesn't say anything about 120hz. Where did that come from? Circuit City didn't have this model in their store today. Previous threads about the samsung dlp's may not apply with this new model because 3:2 pulldown problems would be eliminated by 120 refresh rate instead of 60. HDMI 1.3 doesn't hurt either but is mostly hype at this point. How much more is the Sony? Thanks.

The last page of the .pdf spec sheet from the Samsung website mentions 120hz a couple of times. Once in the blue text on the first page and then again under "Display Performance" on the last page. I assume this means it can accept 1080p/24 without any 3:2 pull down adverse effects. Please correct me if I am wrong.

I was all set to get the Sony 70" XBR2 due to my first hand experience and all the positive press, but the specs on the HL-T7288W and some comments from people that took early delivery have made me wonder why I should pay $700 more for the Sony.

I imagine one can't go too far wrong with either display, but it is a tough decision for me. I'll have one of these two TV's in my house in the next two weeks so I'll be sure to post my decision and initial impressions.

JKuyper,

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts. Are you one week away from either the Samsung or the Sony? Where are you getting your TV from?

I am having similar thoughts.

I want to replace my 61" HLN model and have the room for a 72". But that new 63" Sammy plasma now has me thinking otherwise.

Never owned a plasma before.

Later

Well, I ordered a Sony KDS-R70XBR2 from my local home theater specalist.

I spent a lot of time looking at TV's and I kept coming back to the Sony XBR2.

The Mitsubishi 73" DLP Diamond was bright, sharp and a good value. The Samsung HLS7178 (I could not find a local shop with the new HLT7288W in stock) was also very nice with a sharp picture and some very accurate colors. I can't fault anyone for buying either of these TV's - especially the new Samsung HLT7288W considering the under $3800 pricing and "new for 2007" features like HDMI 1.3.

In the end, I just found myself sitting in front of the Sony and not wanting to leave. It's hard for me to explain, but it has a "silkiness" to the picture that made me forget I was there to evaluate/compare the picture quality. I found myself repeatedly just enjoying the movie or material it was displaying. I guess that's why I finally ordered one - despite the higher price and lack of the most current features. I think I'll be very happy.

I'll be sure to post my first impressions in the Sony XBR2 60" & 70" forum.

another dumb question: the HL-T-7288W seems to go for around $4k. the HL-T-6156W goes for around $2k, just about half. $2k for 12 inches, or is the 7288 better in other respects, too? anyone seen 'em?

/iaw

another dumb question: the HL-T-7288W seems to go for around $4k. the HL-T-6156W goes for around $2k, just about half. $2k for 12 inches, or is the 7288 better in other respects, too? anyone seen 'em?

/iaw

I have the HLT7288W, did not directly compare against the HLT6156W, but I would say that if size is not your concern then go w/ the smaller set. In my case the extra 11" was well worth the extra money. Actually I find that the 72" is a little small (could really do w/ an 80" or so). Picture quality is good on the set, When I was looking at them in the stores the samsung appeared to have a brighter display which was one of the reasons I went with it over the sony (that and the sony seemed 'too smooth' to my tastes).

other then on line has anyone seen them in stores in Socal? I'm looking to get one but would to see it live first..

other then on line has anyone seen them in stores in Socal? I'm looking to get one but would to see it live first..
Not sure if your interested in the Sammy or the Sony. If you wanted to see the Sony, they have one on display at the Sony store in the Westfield shopping Mall in Canoga Park.

other then on line has anyone seen them in stores in Socal? I'm looking to get one but would to see it live first..Today I purchased the Sammy from my local BB/Magnolia. They will not be getting their shipment until July 19 and mine will be delivered 4 weeks from today barring any unforeseen developments. I was told that I had placed the first order for one from their store. Yes, I bought sight unseen. That is how much faith I have in Samsung. I am upgrading from a HLP series 46-incher (late 2004-early 2005 vintage). I have been wanting to go bigger since I switched from D* (HD Lite) to FiOS TV 18 months ago. My appetite had been further whetted last summer when Samsung introduced their 71-incher. It just so happened that I was watching the beginning of the NY-SF baseball game yesterday and caught the DLP commercial where they mentioned the 36-month interest-free financing on the Samsungs and Mitsubishis at Best Buy. I checked the offer out on the net and saw that it only applied to certain models, up to the 61-incher. When Magnolia told me they would extend it to the bigger sets, I decided to pull the trigger. They had the Mits WD73732 (not the Diamond series) on display with the accompanying stand and I initially decided on that model. But after deliberating further, I had to stay with Samsung. For one thing, it weighs about 60 pounds less than the Mits and, of course, it is brand new. The three HDMI inputs and two components versus the reverse on the Mits was another factor. Interestingly I couldn't get the matching stand (TR72B) at Magnolia but One Call has it with free shipping, so I went with them for the stand. Needless to say, I am anxiously awaiting delivery.

Today I purchased the Sammy from my local BB/Magnolia. They will not be getting their shipment until July 19 and mine will be delivered 4 weeks from today barring any unforeseen developments. I was told that I had placed the first order for one from their store. Yes, I bought sight unseen. That is how much faith I have in Samsung. I am upgrading from a HLP series 46-incher (late 2004-early 2005 vintage). I have been wanting to go bigger since I switched from D* (HD Lite) to FiOS TV 18 months ago. My appetite had been further whetted last summer when Samsung introduced their 71-incher. It just so happened that I was watching the beginning of the NY-SF baseball game yesterday and caught the DLP commercial where they mentioned the 36-month interest-free financing on the Samsungs and Mitsubishis at Best Buy. I checked the offer out on the net and saw that it only applied to certain models, up to the 61-incher. When Magnolia told me they would extend it to the bigger sets, I decided to pull the trigger. They had the Mits WD73732 (not the Diamond series) on display with the accompanying stand and I initially decided on that model. But after deliberating further, I had to stay with Samsung. For one thing, it weighs about 60 pounds less than the Mits and, of course, it is brand new. The three HDMI inputs and two components versus the reverse on the Mits was another factor. Interestingly I couldn't get the matching stand (TR72B) at Magnolia but One Call has it with free shipping, so I went with them for the stand. Needless to say, I am anxiously awaiting delivery.

Can you pm what you paid at the Best Buy/Magnolia for the Samsung? I plan on making a trip to see them Wednesday to do the same thing.

go with JVC 70FH97 LCOS for $2,395

I currently own the Mitsubishi WD73732 and I have had negative issues. The 1st Mitsu-TV my Audio-Video dealer delivered had a high-pitch squeal, and then all colors disappeared except red. This was totaly unacceptable. I asked for a NEW replacement and received one. The 2nd Mitsu-TV that I received, and is currently in my house... automatically (spontaneously) turns off. Sometimes a warning appears on the screen indicating that the air vents are blocked (when they aren't), and that the TV will turn off. Again, totaly unacceptable.

I purchased the Mitsu because Mitsu-TVs had an excellent reputation. As you can see, the operative word here is HAD... past tense... poor support... no accountability... two straight BAD TVs!

Now... I want a different manufacturer. My dealer wants me to get the Samsung HL-T7288S. I have a few Questions....

1. Is there a difference between the "W" and the "S"?
2. Does anyone know where I can see one in the Denver, CO area?

Thanx

I've been trying to decide between the Sony 70" XBR2, Toshiba 65", and the Sammy 72", and I just bought the Sammy from One Call on their weekend sale. Thanks to everyone in AVSforum for posts regarding these sets!

My dealer wants me to get the Samsung HL-T7288S. I have a few Questions....

1. Is there a difference between the "W" and the "S"?I think you are referring to this sentence found in the promotional material: The HL-T7288S HDTV turns your home into a movie theater....I believe that is a Samsung typographical error. There is no such thing as a 7288S. To the best of my knowledge at least. I am sure someone will correct me if I am inaccurate....I just bought the Sammy from One Call on their weekend sale...Good work. That's a great price.

another dumb question: the HL-T-7288W seems to go for around $4k. the HL-T-6156W goes for around $2k, just about half. $2k for 12 inches, or is the 7288 better in other respects, too? anyone seen 'em?

/iaw

I think you will find that that 11 inches results in like 40% more screen size...

Back to the main thread topic, we considered waiting for the 70XBR5 but ultimately decided to purchase the HL-T7288. Of course, I keep looking at the pictures of the XBR5's and I wonder if we jumped too soon.

So, today we're in a BB/Magnolia for a laptop computer and, of course, I have to go look at the TV's. The 70XBR2 is their showcase set as soon as you walk in. But I have to say that, after sitting in front of it for a good 15 minutes watching a blu-ray movie, there is no way that image is as good as our Sammy. Blacks may be a touch better, but the image is much softer and does not appear as bright. I played with the settings a bit and, while the set is clearly fantastic, it still does not have the drool factor that our 7288 has. I mean, it's crazy what our images look like. I'll take some pics later of Casino Royale and post them up.

Now, the XBR5 is likely to be better than the XBR2 in PQ. But, it would have to be a fairly substantial improvement for me to consider swapping at this point.

However, if the starting poster of this thread is wondering XBR2 v. 7288, I have to say that the 7288 wins easily.

the Samsung HL-7288 is a disappointment depth wise @ 19.2" deep. All 3 73" inch mitu's are less @ 17.5" deep.

Though i'm more of a Samsung fan and somewhat anti Sony actually, i hae to admit the Sony KDS-Z70XBR5 will be the slimmest of anything in the 67-73" size range @ only 14.7" deep

Of course if the if the JVC HD-65S898 65" lcos ever gets fully released by more then one merchant, it has the thinnest screen size to depth ratio @ 10.8" deep.

as far as this thread goes, i'd prob still go with teh Samsung 72" as its as thin as last years hls 67" i believe and is thinner then the xbr2 its competing with here.

But whle Samsung had done a great job and slimming down there dlps (even the led ones though those arent' quite as thin as non leds) in sizes up to 61", there larger 67-72" sets didn't get thin enough and are beat out depth wise by Mitsu even let alone the coming jvc and sony.

anyway by the time sony releases xbr5, Samsung will probably have something better, thinner and cheaper to compete with it and blow it out of the water as usual. at leat i hope they do.