[mortenharket]

I have decided to buy a DLP TV this Christmas.


I was initially considering the Samsung HL-P 5063 or the HL-P5663.


I was going through this forum today, and noticed the mention of the upcoming Samsung HL-P5674. After further reading, I noticed the mention of alternatives to this upcoming model: The RCA, LG and Mitsubishi 52725 TVs.


I was thinking of buying the TV from the local Circuit City along with the 4 year protection plan - after reading experiences of some members here, that is a safe thing to do. In any case, I feel it is a safe thing to do.


After reading other options just now, I am beginning to sway (a little) toward the Mitsubishi 52725.


There are 2 stores: Sears and Audio Tech that would have this TV. I was wondering, since Circuit City does not keep these TVs, does any one here know how good the protection plan is from Sears or Audio Tech? Are they as good as Circuit City? Or as bad?


After-sales service is a big concern too, since this is my first big screen purchase.


Another member also mentioned having put down a comparison of features of the Samsung HL-P5674 and a Mitsubishi (or LG or RCA DLP TVs) on a spreadsheet. If you could attach that here, it would help a lot of us.


In the end, what in your personal opinion is a better buy? (Please include after-sales service, ease of lamp replacements, parts, etc as well.)


HL-P5063/5663

HL-P5674

Mits 52725


Thanks.


Morten

 

[BillP]

The responses you get will likely be to buy the Mits from Mits owners, and to buy the Sammy from Sammy owners. All I can tell you is that I bought my Sammy 15 months ago, and absolutely love it. The bottom line is that you need to make the decision based on your own viewing of them, not on what you read. Nobody else can tell you what you will like best since it is a matter of personal preference (many love the Mits, and many hate it due to a very glary screen, depending on the model, so again, you need to check it out for your self). They are both excellent brands - you can't go wrong with either.

 

[MPython]

Hi Morten,

BillP is right... I researched displays for several months, and went with the Mits. DLP, 62525. So that's what I recommend! When I first started my search, I was leaning towards the Sammy, 6163. But I liked the sharper picture of the HD2+, so I was waiting on the 5674. I didn't like the "downgraded" compromises Samsung made on that TV, and the delayed delivery schedule, so I gave up on them. I thought the 5685 looked good, but was not practicle as far as component placement, mainly under the TV on a stand. I thought the pedestal was a bad idea. Plus, it was overpriced, knowing that 60"+ DLP's were going for about the same or less. I also considered the Toshiba and Panasonic 60" DLP's, but am not a fan of the side speakers, but for no real good reason, as I don't have a limited-size cabinet. I also felt the Mits. had some of the better SDTV compared to the others. It is quite watchable in my opinion. The Mits. is also not as bright as the others, but I don't really consider that a negative. I will cailbrate it with Avia real soon, and bring out the best the TV has to offer. Plus, the other cool features are built in... PIP, NTSC tuner, ATSC tuner, CableCARD slot, flash card reader (many formats), and it even can play mp3's from those flash cards, not just do a photo slideshow (not just any photos, must be in a camera format with the EXIF data, or whatever it's called). Plus, Mits. has a very good reputation. I don't see rainbows, but my unit does have the tilt thing going on. My dealer told me how to fix it by twisting the cabinet (they say it's safe), but I haven't had success with that yet. They also said they could get a Mits. tech out there to take care of it. I'm not worried about it yet. The glare on the 525 is pretty bad. As soon as I get my stand in, it's coming off. I'm not worried about potential damage to it. If you are, then go with the 725, as that protective screen is supposedly much better, even though it removed it even better too, and isn't that much more $. Any other questions about the Mits.? I'll be happy to answer, and not require you to do a search first, as many on this forum would suggest .

 

[Panzer948]

Mpython,


I too am trying to decide. Which units did you feel were brighter than the Mits? All or just the sammys? Are you using HDMI connections and if so, did you see the comparison between the other units with HDMI. Just a little bit worried about that digital to analog conversion thing I keep hearing about.


Thanks

 

[AllGrainBrewer]

Can somebody explain what HDMI connections are ?


I believe these connections are available on the new WEGA models are they not ?

 

[MPython]

I felt all other units were birghter, and not just DLP's. Most, if not all, LCD RP's, the JVC D-ILA especially, and all other DLP's. I've read that even the 52" Mits. DLP is brighter, but hadn't really checked that myself. I wasn't concerned. But like I said, I don't think brighter is necessarily better, as that could lead to white crush. Until I get this thing tuned using Avia, I'm dealing with black crush. I just gotta make the time to do it.


No, I did no checking with the HDMI connection (none of the stores were using it). My cable box has DVI out, and eventually I will try using a DVI-HDMI cable. But using component cables for now is quite good. I am a bit concerned of the extra D/A and A/D steps. But I also read on one of the Mits. DLP threads that that may be happening anyway, based on the block diagram someone noticed in the service manual (wish I could remember who posted that). I hope that's wrong, as it would be a stupid design to force an extra D/A and A/D step, whatever the reason. This is a digital set. The final conversion to analog is when the mirrors convert the bits to light. It's the ultimate idea, as there is the least chance of analog-generated noise, and you just have to worry about the bit error rate (a good source and good cabling should take care of that).

 

[MPython]

I'm no expert, but my understanding is HDMI stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface. In simple terms, it's DVI video with extra lines for 5.1 digital audio. It's a way to carry the full digital video and digital audio signals in one cable, simplifying the rats nest that typically resides behind our electronics. Personally, I won't be using the complete HDMI capabilities, as my digital audio goes directly to my pre-amp processor (I have separates), which doesn't have digital video switching, and I have no intentions of downgrading to a receiver that does such. So as soon as I get a cable, the digital video will go directly to my TV, and that's it.

 

[gregpr]

Quote:

Originally posted by mortenharket I have decided to buy a DLP TV this Christmas. ... I was thinking of buying the TV from the local Circuit City along with the 4 year protection plan - after reading experiences of some members here, that is a safe thing to do. In any case, I feel it is a safe thing to do.... Morten

Based on my experience with CC, I think that's a wise move. CC was the only local big box store that had the sets I wanted to see set up with HD, and had a sales guy that was very knowledgable about their features.


I went with the Sammy HLP5085, and the Sony Grand Wega LCD was a close second.


What has impressed me with CC was their handling of a rebate snafu. Their sales guy handed me some paperwork for a $400 gift card rebate and said this is included in the sale. The rebate company rejected it and when I went back to CC, the floor manager cut me a $400 card on the spot. The whole thing took 20 minutes.


Their protection plan covers the bulb too...

 

[Panzer948]

Mpython,


I read on CNET that the little sister to the 62" Mitsi (525 series) had a bright picture. I wonder if its the case for other RPTs when comparing their smaller screen versions to the larger screen models. As long as the colors are accruate, a bright picture will be better for me since I will be doing some TV watching in a bright room (daytime).


I too will not use audio connections to the TV. So does this mean that I shouldn't be worried about the D - A - D conversion using HDMI (is this conversion for audio only?)

 

[AllGrainBrewer]

Have you decided that the Sammy is better than the new WEGAs ? I'm intersested in knowing about that.


I remember seeing somebody with a Sammy, and had their computer hooked to it, - it was awesome from the image posted.

 

[Lodey]

I was ready to pull the trigger on the Mitsubishi until I found out the 1 HDMI input is not an all-digital path, so it still converts the all-digital signal from digital to analog back to digital to display. I am now leaning toward the Toshiba 52HMX94 with 2 HDMI inputs... the side speakers I can live with.


Also - check out the new Optoma HD2+ series shipping at Christmas time, these units look sick... PC connection in the front panel and back panel, 1% overscan max, and they are ISF calibrated before being delivered into your home. SV50XF

 

[MPython]

Lodey, do you have a link or a user name I can look up to read more about the analog path on the HDMI? I thought I read that somewhere, and it's somewhat depressing. I will probably call Mitsubishi and see what's up with it. They were mostly helpful last time I called them (answered questions about segments on the color wheel, and the CableCARD, but didn't know the color wheel speed in RPM's). So knowing that, I'll stick with component connections for now until I determine that HDMI is still a better connection. No reason to spend $100 or so on that cable until then.


Panzer, if you are using the full capability of HDMI, then you are using a digital-in connection for audio and video (unless you use an HDMI->DVI cable, in which case it's just video), which then is converted to analog. When the sound goes to your speakers it is converted to analog somewhere between the HDMI connector and the amplifier. For the video, we are now learning that the HDMI connection does an extra conversion of the digital video back to analog, then must get back to digital to be displayed with a DMD (a digital device).


It seems to me there are lots of conversions going on, depending on the equipment you've got (all this is relative to DLP). If you have a cable or sat set top box, the signal is coming in digitally on a carrier, and it uses a modem (seemless to the user) to demodulate/tune the baseband digital video and audio. If you are using the component out (or other worse connections), then the video gets converted back to analog. Then TV then processes the analog video, and converts it back to digital, and I think does even more processing, then gets displayed. If you use the HDMI or DVI connection, then the digital video stays digital at least into the connector of the TV. And it now seems that it gets converted back to analog (Mits. only), do whatever they need to do to it, then back to digital, then maybe more processing, then to the light engine. At least, this is my understanding based on all the reading on this forum. I am an engineer, but not in the home consumer electronics field. So I understand what's going on (the terms, the processes), but don't necessarily know all the details.

 

[Panzer948]

Thanks for the input. Good description. I now also understand why some people have said that hooking the Mits internal HDTV tuner directly to a HDTV antenna should theorectically give a better picture (for HD), since their is no conversion step there.


Keep us posted if you call Mits.

 

[mortenharket]

Thanks for the replies guys.


Yes, I understand that in the end I will be the judge.


Now, regarding the Sammy HL-P5063 protection plan. I was looking at the protection plans offered by both CircuitCity and BestBuy on their web sites. Since neither BB or CC keep the Mits, I will have to go to AudioTech or Sears here and see how the Mits is and what protection plan they offer in comparison to CC and BB.


The 4 year plan offered by BestBuy is $200 cheaper than the protection plan offered by CircuitCity. On the other hand, CircuitCity offers the Sammy HL-P5063 for $100 less than BB. I am not sure if BB offers any gift cards like CC currently is - at least no mention of it on their web site.


I have read the CC plan in detail and skimmed through the BB plan. So far, I did not see any difference. I will look up to see if the lamp replacement is covered in the BB plan as well.


That said, I will go to both BB and CC to look at their offers on the Sammy this weekend. And also Sears and AudioTech to look at the Mits.


I have read in several threads here that the glare on the Mits 52725 is reduced.

Just my brief thoughts on the two TVs for now by reading this forum(correct me if I am wrong):

-- Mits 52725: 7 segment wheel, built in tuner for HDTV, good PQ, new in the dlp arena, good aftersales support.

-- Sam hlp5063: 6 segment wheel, no tuner for hdtv, good PQ, old to the dlp arena, good aftersales support.

This is what I will be using my TV for:

- Subscribe for and hook up Dishnet satellite for TV channels

- Watch movies on DVD. I am a WW2 freak - most movies are from 1960 - 1985 (Where Eagles Dare, Dirty Dozen, etc).

- Plan to purchase the new PS2 next year, or if I can wait, the PS3.

These are my other components:

- Yamaha HTR-5590 6.1 receiver

- Denon DVD900 DVD player

- Polk Audio R50 floorstanding speakers

Some further information:

My DVD player, receiver do not have DVI I/O. They have component I/O. I have the component and optical fiber cables (from Monster). Right now, my current "home theater" is being used as a music system only. No TV hooked to it. I guess the box I get from Dishnet will have a DVI input. No clue about hooking all that stuff - never done it.


For anyone curious, I am attaching a photo of my "home theater".

FYI: I have lived without a TV for 2 years now.

 

[Panzer948]

Good news. Doing a little research on the Mits and found that the company is now offering a $300 rebate after purchasing from a reputable dealer!


I printed mine.


Here is the link http://www.mitsubishi-tv.com/fall04/coupon.asp

 

[mortenharket]

Thanks Panzer.


I printed mine as well...just in case


Now, Panasonic 50 inch DLP added to my list as well. Except that the nearest CompUSA store that has it for in store pick up is 68 miles from here.


Any other stores carrying this TV? Sears has only the LCD models listed on their site so far.


I have always had faith in National/Panasonic products - anything from a Japanese company is great (except, of course, these seem to be made in Mexico).


Hmm here is the list then:

Sammy HLP 5063

Mits 52725 (Sears has the 525 model on their site)

Panny PT 50DL54


Going to try and check them out this weekend.


Laters.


Morten

 

[MPython]

Man, I wish I had a printer available when I saw that link. It no longer works. Wonder what happened?

 

[mortenharket]

hmm.


yeah link no longer works. looks like too many people printed out that coupon or something

 

[petelang]

Here's a link for the coupon. Thanks to Capt Mike(IronHorse) for sending the file.


Print and send it in!

http://petel-spam.home.comcast.net/i...coupon-01a.png

 

[mortenharket]

Hello,


An update from my end:


I went to Best Buy today to take a look at the DLPs. These were the 3 TVs I looked at mainly:


Samsung HL P5063 DLP TV

LG RU-52SZ51D DLP TV

Mitsubishi DLP 52525 DLP TV


They did not have the Mitsubishi DLP 52725. The arrangement was thus:


The LG and the Samsung were next to each other, and the Mitsubishi was at the other end. All TVs were getting their feed from component inputs (direct satellite).


These are my observations:-
Samsung HL P5063: I was initially leaning toward this TV, because they have been making them for so long. Surfed different channels on it. Honestly speaking and with all due respect, I was aghast by the PQ. I believe it was rainbows all over that I noticed. The LG was showing the same channel and I attempted looking at both screens. The instant I would see a rainbow on the Sammy, I would look at the LG and would not notice them on the LG at all.


Now, if I am right, rainbows that one sees are horizontal lines that show up across the length of the screen for an instant every now and then especially in scenes with particular colors (green, blue, snow white being some of them). From what I have read, this phenomenon can be due to the color wheel spinning, and depends on the number of segments in the color wheel.


I tried and tried for about 30 minutes, but I did not see those on the LG at all. I have not done any research on the LG and do not know how many segment color wheel it has (6 or 7 or 8).

Verdict: I do not think I will go for the Samsung HL-P5063. If I plunk 4000$ net on a TV and see that kind of a PQ with rainbows, I must be crazy.

LG RU-52SZ51D: I liked this TV. I did not notice any rainbow effects on this one how much ever I looked at it. The price was comparable to the Samsung 5063 and this is a bigger screen as well. Next to the Samsung, it was definitely better than the Samsung. The sales guy at Best Buy even looked up the LG web site, to find out the color wheel specs. However, LG does not state how many segment color wheel this TV has.

Verdict: I liked this TV, but I personally do not have much faith in this company, compared to Mitsu, Panasonic, Toshiba and Sony. Don't think I will go for it.

Mitsubishi 52525: I liked this TV, but certainly not the glare on the screen. I personally hate screens that reflect so much. The PQ was excellent, better than the LG, hence the best I saw (according to my eyes). I am sure the 52725 is better than this one, and hence a really nice TV. No rainbow effects in this one either.


What I am waiting for:

I asked them about the Panasonic 50" DLP. The sales guys had not heard about that DLP TV yet. I told them it should be out in the stores November some time. I want to take a look at it. With an 8 segment color wheel, I am sure it will blow away these boxes. Samsung let me down totally today. I doubt I will buy that one. Most likely, it will be the Mitsubishi 52725 or the Panasonic. I hope I like the Panasonic - specswise, it beats the others. Featurewise, its pretty close to the Mitsubishi.


Looked at some LCD rear projection screens as well. The Panasonic 50" and Sony Grand Wega 60" LCD RPTVs. Both were good. Did not like the smudgy picture when viewed closely. Flowing water was blocky, but from far looked excellent. Anything from close looked terrible. From about 8-10 feet, it was much better, except for scenes that had tall green grass blades or green trees on a green grassy hill. The greens were messed up from far and close. Not bad TVs, but I'll not go in that direction.


Best Buy sales guy said they will match anything from Circuit City or Sears or wherever. Apparently, the sales guy knows my close friend, so it was cool. I'll be calling them next week to ask about the Panasonic DLP.


This visit has been quite fruitful. I hope this helps some folks here somehow or the other. I shall keep you guys updated.


Any idea when the Panasonic DLP comes to the stores?


- Morten.