Samsung SP-H710AE Great Deal! - Page 3

The warranty that came in the box with my just delivered 710 states:

"DLP Projector: One (1) Year Parts and Labor, excluding Lamp"

The Lamp is 90 days or 300 hours.

One can however extend the warranty by 3 months by filling out the registration and mailing it to Samsung.

TD appears to be wrong regarding the warranty period.

Excuse me while I go fill out my registration form.

Yes, TD is notorious for posting incorrect information and not honoring rebates. Luckily, that is not involved here. Most lamps are valid for 90 days standard.

I've ordered one of these because I enjoy gambling

FWIW, Samsung has this PJ listed on its web page:

Warranty Information for SPH710AEMX/XAA - Parts : 24 months, Labor : 24 months

The 1 year coverage period in the warranty text contradicts the 2 year period in the description for some reason. The warranty text doesn't seem specific for this model, though, so perhaps it is really 2 years for the H710?

You should also be able to register the PJ online, and it seems like you can make a request for repair/service thru the web interface. To register in "my samsung", its catagorized under mp3 & audiovideo -> home theater -> home theater projectors -> SP-H710AE.

Wow that stinks. I went to the effort to call Samsung directly before ordering mine and they told me two years plus two months. I didn't have any trouble getting a straight answer like KCK7 did. If you look up the 710 on Samsung's website, the warranty link states a 24 month warranty, but then if you read the actual warranty verbiage it states 1 year. Hence I called them and looks like I got the wrong answer. Glad I used a Visa that provides extended coverage...

WTH??

As loafier points out, even the official website can't agree with itself re warranty. Couple this with my experience today and it really points to a company that doesn't know what's going on with its own business.

I so would like to get this PJ for its touted PQ, its DLP and other qualities. But both QC and support are questionable, and that's giving them the benefit of the doubt.

I suppose this is the wrong forum, but anyone who paid $10K for this please write to me. I have the proverbial bridge I'd like to sell you.

did you state 3 screen widths? This should not be the case. Have you tried the focus ring trick?

Regarding the warranty, Loafier makes a great point. Samsung's website specifically references the 710 as having 24 months parts and labor. I have printed and filed that page just in case. At least then if problems do occur we would have some documentation stating a 24 month warranty.

I have seen razor sharp images and no screen door even from 1.5 screen widths. This seems to indicate this PJ just has more SDE than others. You may try to place it ever slightly out of focus.

There's alot of comparison for this unit to the Panny's smoothscreen, but what about the described razor sharp images of the Z5.
What's the better option....this, or the Z5 at 2hundy more ?

I received my projector today. Manufacture date is October 06. The literature states a 1-year warranty, 90 days on the lamp.

I guess in what situation does the Z5 excel ? or the Sony, or any other projector in the $1000 range.
If you can swallow the QC issues...is this the hands down winner in every PJ category ?

It does have DVI only....so switching would be annoying with all the sitchers I see being HDMI switchers.
Damm I was just waiting to PP the Z5, now I'm going nuts.

Can't you just get an HDMi to DVI-D adapter for $3 on monoprice ?

I would really like to see the PQ on this PJ. Judging from the pics in the link below (from avscience) which are probably not ideal, I do not see the wow factor in the PQ even though the reviewer stated it is some of the best he has done.

http://www.avscience.com/reviews/pro...g_sph710ae.htm

BTW - I wanted to view the images on projectorreview but the images don't seem to come up.

Here's some from projectorreviews. The links were mangled in the review.

Samsung_SP-H710ae_StarshipExplosionLarge.jpg
Samsung_SP-H710ae_LOTRgandalf1Large.jpg
Samsung_SP-H710ae_LOTRarwen2Large.jpg
HDDVD Samsung_SP-H710ae_PhantomStarMovie1Large.jpg
SamsungSP-H710ae_SinCityNancydanceLarge.jpg

I did !
WOW....after months of building my Theater (since March), and having HD call yesterday with my Designer White laminate in....the timing is perfect for this. I can proudly say I spent more time researching this PJ, than my 4805 last year, and my 2 plasmas many years ago. It was the Sanyo Z5...but this sounds too good to be true....like going from a Toyota to a Lexus.
After doing some reading on this....it sounds like the problems were the first builds, and the issues may have stoppped some time in 2006 production...and these units from TD seem like Sept 2006. So I'm saying we're in the clear....thinkgs seem to generarlly work out for me....so I'm thinking I got a steal....thanks guys....I'll check may date and post.
Keep posting screen shots !

I had the same problem trying to show the wife what I just bought....don't sweat it....buy it, run it right away for a few movies early on in the first 30 days returnm guarantee....if it's OK then....you'll probably be in the clear.

Everyone's posting their build dates to see if we're all last Quarter '06.....and I'm yet to see one from TD have the failure.

The weight of this thing is a great indicator of the quality...every review talks about the "chinsy" plastic cheaper models....I don't deserve this PJ ! Now I need to call monoprice for HDMI switcher....and cables.

Thanks for the pics loafier. Indeed if problems are now non-apparent, this is one heck of a great deal for a movie purist and almost made strickly for movie watching. If it was an all around PJ for Sports viewing also it would have been ideal for my setup.

BTW George - Art suggests a grey screen for this PJ to help with the black bars in LB. It is worth considering the Fashion Grey instead of the Designer White. The FG should not hot spot with this PJ I would assume.

The Desigern White is already paid for...I suppose if it's needs grey, I just order grey....$75 form Home Depot.
The other consideration is I'm on the larger side of the screen range 110", and this projector isn't the brightest, so those 2 factors may really produce a dimmer image with grey.....white will help the colors pop more, and make the entire image brighter....I think it's a trade off...we'll see, that's the fun part about this whole hobby.

I had DW with my Infocus 4805 for last NFL season and winter...and it had great depth, and realism....just lacked resolution...enter the Sammy !

I'll post, but it might be a couple weeks,....goto my Theater thread for the pics.

I received the unit last night. I ordered on Tuesday and I was having buyer's remorse on Wednesday morning. Wanted to cancel the order it was already shipped! Turned it on for 3 hours for burning in and hooked up to an old 480i DVD player with componenet. Everything looks good except the black level is kind of high. The fan noise is low but the exhaust smells 'new' electronics.

I have been using a PB6200 for the last 3 years and it looks like a toy comparing to the samsung in terms of built. Everything looks solid so far but new cables and switches won't come until next Tuesday. Can't wait to mount on a rear shelf and shoot against a white wall. Thinking seriously about getting a 84" or 92" Elite grey screen. Hopefully the image won't be too dim.

Rereading the review brought to mind another question: Art's recommendation to get a masking screen, as the bars above and below were a little too bright for his taste.

What are the experiences of those on this forum who have purchased and tried this PJ?

I had eliminated this due to the QC problems but it has reappeared on my radar, as the alternatives (HD1000/Epson 400) do not have me convinced yet. If the HD1000 had a 2-yr warranty I might have already bought that one though.

I've been using a white wall for my PB6200 for three years and the PJ is so bright that it really lights up everything it the room. I was testing the Samsung last night and the 'black' bars in Matrix is really not black at all. I've ordered samples from DaLite and Elite to check their HCCV and HC Grey once I put the Samsung up. I think a grey screen is OK but a darker grey like Carada may be too dark. However, I think the eyes will adjust to almost anything. I've a CRT RPTV than does real black bars which in fact is blacker than the blacks in most movies.

If the Samsung is a $4000 toy, then I think a real masking screen is justified. Since it's a sub $1000 machine, unless I go the DIY route, a masking screen is just too much. I was hoping the Samsung will last a couple years and then I can get a decent 1080p PJ for under $1000. BTW, the Samsung does not look like a sub $1000 machine. It really looks and feels like a high $ piece of equipment.

YMMV.

We can throw specs aside, but if you are bothered by not having inky blacks (like some of us are), then it would seem one will have to use a grey, maybe darker grey screen or masking since it does not have the numbers.

I am ignoring any reliably problems for now, but I am a bit concern how the images will look with even a slight amount of ambient light and when the bulbs dims a bit. (has anyone racked up a few hundred hours on this PJ in the past?) I am thinking of suggesting this to a family member.

Question for those familiar with the projector:

As I am in Canada, I would have to order this from the US and pay the extra shipping fees and taxes associated with importing. Should I be concerned with the warranty (or lack thereof) and potential for failure with this unit? I can pick up the Sony VPL-AW15 for the same price locally (with some Sony bucks that I've acquired), and would then have full warranty and local support if something goes wrong.

However, I get the impression that this projector will stomp all over the Sony in terms of picture quality. Should I take the risk?

One other question:

Would a grey higher gain screen (1.8ish) produce a brighter picture with this unit? Or would the gain tend to cause some other undesirable results?

Please, can someone describe, in a nutshell, what makes this PJ's PQ so great?

From reading, I gather that it has a 'natural' look, like being at the movies. But surely it is not the only one in this new price range which does that? The Mitsu HD1000 garners high scores in that regard IIRC.

Balancing this one strength so far are a number of negatives:
QC
Grey, not black masking bars
Not so bright, may be too dim over time
heavy, requiring sturdier/pricier than average mount(?)


I am not trying to be argumentative. I appreciate that many users here have a huge experience edge over me, and need to learn what I am missing, perhaps playing devil's advocate for a bit.

These are all good points.I have myself have look at this FP for the last year.All the review's have been good about this unit,But the horror stories about is not working after a while and not being all that bright kept me away.Plus at this time I can't see buting a FP without HDMI.Even though one can use a dvi adapter'This sometimes cause's problems with handshake with the new HD AND Blueray dvd units.Plus with new FP coming out soon this fall I am not going backwards in a FP.But if one is a gambler this unit is suppose to be nice for movies.Plus I would be more concern with buying a FP from TD.They will offer no support if these units start failing like the others did.Just my thoughts BOB

I took a chance with this PJ because:

1. Price is relative low and is the only dlp PJ with lens shift in this price range.
2. I've shopping for a PJ to replace the PB6200.
3. It's been around for a couple of years and most of the QC problems, except those generic ones, should have been fixed, hopefully.
4. All PJ have problems. In general, you'll find more complaint posts than praise ones.
5. I use a Toshiba A2 with DVI to HDMI adapter to a 4 year old Mits RPTV with no problem.
6. All professional reviews praised the great coloraccuracy and 'film like' quality.
7. I have a imperfect room - light controlled but with light color wall and white ceiling (basement), and I don't think I would get good black levels with a bright PJ. The PB6200 is very bright but the black level, not great to begin with, suffers more with reflected lights.
8. By the time the bulb is dim enough, I would be shopping for a new PJ anyway, probably a 1080p < $1000. I have > 1000 hr in the PB6200 and I don't think it has lost lumens.
9. I believe this is the best under $1000 PJ in the market.
10. I have seen a Z5 and a H70 and not impressed.
11. I don't see rainbows even with my PB6200.
12. I don't have perfect vision and color perception and don't need a perfect PJ.
13. I am limited by ceiling height and throw distance, and this PJ fits like a glove.
14. I'd rather gamble with a established good $1000 PJ with know weakesses than a new good $4000 PJ with unknowns. I can throw away a $1000 PJ after 2 years, but not a $4000 one.
15. I've two Samsung HDTV tuners, 46" LCD and they actually stand behind their products, in my experience. I'm sure others may disagree.
16. I just love to gamble when I believe the odds are on my side.

YMMV.