[Dauod]

I'm looking for some advice from all you Sammy owners and experts on this forum. Would it be true to say, that given the DLP chip used in all screen sizes of the Sammy line, produce the same amount of pixels, that the smaller the screen size is, the better the quality of the picture should be? I had a salesman at an Ultimate Electronics store tell me that this was the case, and that the picture quality was better on the 43" or 46" rather than the bigger screen sizes. I appreciate any input you all might have on this statement, as I am not sure that this "science" rings true.

 

[mhz40]

No. Choose your screen size based on the size of your room.

 

[st_nick]

that may be somewhat true with worse signals at close distance, where you'd notice the limitations of the signal (noise and such) moreso on the larger screen.


I've seen good signals on a 46 and a 56; however, and they both looked very similar when viewed from a proper distance.

 

[ConceptVBS]

Assuming that viewing distances are equal among all the sizes, yes he is correct.

 

[htwaits]

I think ConceptVBS is correct. DLP has nothing to do with it. Any technology has the same trade offs.


Smaller is sharper and shows fewer flaws from the same distance. But, if you want to be immersed into a movie the way a lot of people are when they go to a theater you need big. It depends on whether you want to feel like you are watching TV or watching a movie. That's why those with the space and resources set up real (big) movie screens in there "home theaters".


If you want to watch SD TV then get a smaller set and sit as far away as you can. Or, if you want to go to a "not so low budget" movie at home then get the biggest screen you can fit and afford. Sit as close as you can without being distracted by image problems.

 

[jb510]

Yes, the "science" rings true, if the sets have the same number of pixels then the pixels on the 56 are bigger than on the 46 and therefore the 46 could be called "sharper" - assuming the same viewing distance... however a lot more goes into PQ.


First, viewing distance. If you are (as you should be) too far from the set to discern the pixels from each other then pixel size makes no visible difference at all.


Second, luminance and/or brightness is also a key factor. The bigger the "pixel" of light coming of the mirror is magnified the less bright it will appear. This is why the 617 uses a brighter lamp than the 467 and 567 (which I think use the same lamp).


A lot of other factors go into it all as well... in short yes the salesperson is technically correct but as you hear so often around here "Judge the PQ for yourself based on the actual conditions you'll have at home - viewing distance, room lighting, etc..."


Good luck,

Jon


P.S. I love my HLN 567 which replaced the HLN 467 I had for two weeks... to quote to commercial there was still “a gap around the TV".

 

[zman3]

Is the picture quality of the 61in just as good as the 46 or 56???


-Rich

 

[vpopovic]

zman3,


As people pointed out in this and other threads, the viewing distance is the key, as well as your viewing habits. With proper viewing distance on any given source material the PQ on 61" will be stunning. I have HLN617 and love the PQ. However, the proper viewing distance is different for HD, DVD and SD.


My HD cable box does not properly work with Sammy via DVI, so the ideal viewing distance (i.e. no major flaws, noise etc. visible in the source material) for most HD material would be some 30% more than for most newer DVDs that I watch through my HTPC through DVI. For SD reference viewing distance would be more like 70% more than for most newer DVDs. So depending on your viewing habits you should pick the size. I watch mostly DVDs and HD. I watch SD on the tube set in bedroom.


Picture on 61" will never be as sharp as on 43", but it will be larger and will have deeper impact than on the smaller set. Also it will have more of "filmlike" softness. Also, a good HTPC will allow you to reduce your viewing distance for DVD and possibly HDTV.

 

[Dauod]

Seeing as my viewing area is only 8 feet from where the the set will go, I think I have decided on the 46" model. That will probably work out best, considering I do a fair amount of SD viewing. Going to go out and purchase it tomorrow. I appreciate all of your input!

 

[htwaits]

Quote:

Originally posted by Dauod Seeing as my viewing area is only 8 feet from where the the set will go, I think I have decided on the 46" model. That will probably work out best, considering I do a fair amount of SD viewing. Going to go out and purchase it tomorrow. I appreciate all of your input!

Good choice.

 

[clemsound85]

Well.....I've heard this said before in here, but I'll say it again.....rarely does someone state "gee, I wish I had gotten the smaller screen". I got the 56" Sammy and originally thought I had gotten a TV a little bigger than I should have, but, that is definitely not the case and, in fact, have caught myself thinking if the 61" would have been better.


I finally pushed my step-son outta the house this week (I did it nicely) and the theater room got painted tonight. Tomorrow the Sammy makes the move into its new home and the rest of the theater gets put together......Denon 1803 receiver, Athena Speakers, and the cpu. I've been enjoying the heck out of the Sammy and had another visitor to the house today staring at the Comcast Cable HD picture. Not sure what college games will be broadcast this weekend in HD, but, I'll be watching......