I have a vexing situation. I was settled on one of 4 tv's. Either the Samsung HT 5076S line (the 50 or 56 inch model) or the Mitsubishi wd 57831 (either the 57 or 65 inch model). At my nearest retailer i can get the 50" sammy for $1800 or the 56" for $2000 (these are the non-LED models just so we are clear). Or i can get the 57" mitsu for $1800 or the 65" for $2300.

I was pretty much decided on the 57" mitsu (best price for real estate) but 2 things happened: 1. the sammy is visible from side angles much better it seems. maybe the put the contrast and brightness in the store real high on the sammy and low on the mitsu, but that's how it appeared. 2. i saw a demo model of the 65831 on clearance for $1840! I thought it was Mitsu's newest but i guess they just came out with the 733 and 734 models. They have the 65" 733 on sale for $2300 (ends today and will go back up to $2700 tomorrow).

The demo has been there since Dec. '06. It looks fine and i would get the 5 year extended in house warranty for $300 i think. Opinions? $1840 for that 65" seems like a great deal to me. It's not the best set out there but i think it's a very good one. Your thoughts are very much appreciated.

This will be my only bump only b/c i'm going to make this purchase in the next 24 to 48 hours. I got 2 votes somewhere else that says go with the demo model. That's where i'm leaning now. Thanks all.

Samsung vs Mits does not have a clear answer. Both brands have supporters. All I can tell you is that my 4-year-old Samsung DLP has worked flawlessly all this time, and the professional calibrators all love Samsung. That being said, Mits owners are also very happy. If you are looking at a 65" Mits, why not also look at a 61" or 71" Samusng? How far will you be sitting from the DLP? That would determine the best size for you. IMO, I would not go with a demo due to potential abuse and the need for a new bulb. Note that the bulb hours can be seen in the Service Menu, and I would demand they show you that info or provide a free spare replacement bulb if you go that route.

thanks for the reply. I won't be looking at the Samsung 61" or 71" b/c of the price. The 61" is $2700 (the LED model is even higher) and so i assume the 71" is like $4k+. I am on sorta a budget so the wd 65831 for $1840 even though it's a demo model seemed like a good deal (with the 5 year bulb warranty of course).