My Unofficial Guide to Samsung HLN Series DLP Sets - Page 13

Arun, is there any chance of getting the file in the ZIP in a different format? The current .doc does not display well with OpenOffice.org 1.1 -- multiple sections are misformatted. A PDF (shudder) would be better, or HTML, or some kind of open standard.

Also, I didn't see the discrete codes listed in there anywhere... you might want to add them.

HLN467 being delivered tomorrow morning! Woohoo.

Zathrus, let us know how do you like it (or not). I'm still on the fence between getting HLN567 now or GWIII 60" later this year

I am on the verge of purchasing an HLN617W and was wondering if anyone has tried using 2 xbox's on it. My roommate and I would like to be able to play games at the same time using the split screen mode.

^^^^^
I just answered this question in the HT Gaming Forum, but here's the link to the intitial discussion about this:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...hreadid=273722

Everything I read says that the HLN507W is the latest DLP from Samsung but when I go to their web site it shows the HLM507W as the 2nd generation set.......please advise...!! thank you.

i figured it out....samsung.com is not correct site....samsungusa.com is correct and shows HLN507W as new set...whew!

From the guide

The guide suggests using a non-progressive DVD player if DVI not available, since the TV has superior de-interlacing/scaling circuitry. I think my several year-old Pioneer 525 qualifies.

Question: Is this circuitry always enabled, ie there is no menu selection to turn it off and on?

Thanks for your help,

Jeff

I figured my DVD player didn't have it...

Just wondered how the Samsung DLP worked. Is the circuitry always enabled, or is there a menu option somewhere?

Thanks for your fast response...



Jeff

Enabled. Just plug her into the components and let 'er rip.

What about using the good panny progressive DVD player's (RP82 & 72's)? Should I plan on using my 72 in progressive mode on a Sammy DLP or do I leave it in interlaced?

Try both to see which you like best. DVD through DVI is supposed to be better than either one.

If you've spent $3,000 plus for the Sammy DLP, I don't know why you wouldn't spend another $200 to $300 for the Bravo or Sammy DVD player with DVI.

DVI is such a vast improvement over component that failure to take advantage of the Sammy DVI is a case of being penny wise and pound foolish.

Well, because they all have rather serious deficiencies right now (the Samsung is useless for 4:3 material, the Bravo locks up on numerous disks, the Momitsu locks up and has nearly zero support in the US), none are changers (have a kid on the way... a changer is useful), none have discrete codes, and because there's only one DVI port which may be put to better use with a HDTV decoder or HTPC.

Zathrus,

I want to understand the comment about using the Samsung DVD player with 4:3 material. What exactly are you saying - that if you put in a older DVD with 4:3 material it just doesn't play?

I'm new at this and am trying to understand. Thanks.

brick,

Nope, the 931 has a nasty "always stretches the sucker to wide mode" bug with regards to 4:3 content DVDs. It is not defeatable and is a highly agitating bug to most users who's DVD collections contain more than the latest anamorphic 16:9 a/r movies and such.

Let us know if you need more info.

Later,
Jeff

Note this 4:3 bug is only on the DVI Port. If you use component or even svideo you will be fine. Of course, the whole point of a DLP and a 931 combo is to use DVI, which is why it's so infuriating... If I had the combo, I'd personally have both DVI and component hooked up and switch to component for 4:3 discs. I am opting for a Bravo and hoping I don't get one that locks up incessantly.

Those are all valid points, but you could certainly make the same argument as to why one should not buy the Sammy DLP in the first place -- it is far from a perfect TV (lack of discrete codes, one DVI input, poor QC on the lamps, etc.), but we all must have been willing to overlook its problems in exchange for the amazing picture. I'm just saying if you want the best DVD PQ today, why not spring for a DVI DVD player?

I have the Sammy 931 DVD player, and while it is certainly flawed in the areas you mention (it also has one of the longest response times of any player I've ever seen); nonetheless, I'm willing to overlook these deficiencies to be able to enjoy the amazing PQ today.

Besides, for $60, Ultimate Electronics offers a service whereby I can exchange the Sammy 931 for a better player in 2 years with full credit for the $299 purchase price. By then, Ultimate Electronics will hopefully still be in business and someone will have perfected a DVI DVD player.

Glad to know that. Are there any other DVD players on the market with DVI that don't have the problems of the Bravo or Sammy - either out now or suppposed to be coming out soon? I've got time because I'm not ordering my new HD set until HD Tivo comes out (probably January).

The problem is that the Samsung 931 defaults to some form of "wide" for any DVI output. What ever it's doing causes the "normal" setting on the Samsung DLP sets to be deactivated. With wide a 1.33:1 movie like Singin' In The Rain will be stretched to fill the 16x9 screen instead of displaying in 4X3 (1.33:1) which is it's "normal" aspect ratio. In the case of this particular movie it causes Debbie Reynolds to put about 40lbs extra on her tiny frame.

It's what some would call a "dudder head" default.

The same people at Samsung were probably responsible for the original HLM sets defaulting to "wide" whenever input sources were changes.

Samsung seems to revert to catering to the group that gets upset anytime the full screen is not flashing images regardless of the distortion involved. Some how black bars cheat this group out of some portion of what they feel they have paid good money for.

There "should" be several by then.

Can anyone tell me what is the difference between HNL437 and 4365, or HNL507 and 5065?

The DVI output from the Samsung DVD HD931 is only 16x9. If you wish to watch a 4x3 DVD simply switch to the component output. Why anyone would want to watch 4x3 component after seeing the 16x9 DVI is beyond me.

Pete

Umm.. because it stretches the picture and makes people short and fat?

That would be a deal breaker for me, to not be able to control my own aspect ratios when watching X-Files, Stargate SG-1, or old movies that are 4x3.

Some people might like it or be able to live with it, but having *less* choice instead of *more* choice limits their market for those of us that want to see things as they were intended. If they gave the option of stretching to 16x9 *or* keeping it 4x3, then it would satisfy *both* types of people. Perhaps it was an oversight on their part. I would expect it not to be the case for long.

Just a lillte more info, nothing important it looks like they updated the remote on the new 46 and 56 models also.

Not that many still use the one it comes with

pics here, and there in stock?

http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S...=0&cc=01&avf=N

Stargate SG-1 DVD's are 16x9 enhanced for widescreen fyi.

Yeah you're right. My mistake!

The HLN4365/5065 have a silver bezel. The HLN437/507 have a charcoal bezel. That it. No other differences.

FWIW Got the new 214 board installed last night. HLN617W. The tech obviously knew what he was doing.

Arun,

For possible inclusion in your fab guide, the tech asked how long we keep it on at a time, I said 3 hours. He said that should be OK, but if we keep it on 4-5 hours or more at a time, we should place a small fan blowing toward the lower rear vent to help airflow. The heat that builds up is incredible and could cause lamp failure.

I also asked about reliability of RPTV in general. He said they are experiencing most problems with Sony, Toshiba, and RCA, none with Samsung.

As for extended warranties he said they have the least claim denials with a company called NEW(?). Anyone heard of that one?

I'm just glad I've got discretes now!