[rkunces]

Sony 55" HDTV (KDF-55WF655) or Samsung 50" DLPâ„¢ HDTV Monitor (HL-P5063W)


I've narrowed down my search to these two tvs. While at CircuitCity yesterday the department head said that Rear LCD was better than DLP because the DLP's color bulb lasts only a year at best and is 300 a pop to replace. The picture that they had on the Sammy was pretty bad whether that was the settings on the floor model or the tuner being used it did not look pretty but neither did my Sammy lcd that I have now. Nevertheless I was leaning towards the Sammy but am now thinking of the Sony. The only reason I don't want to go up to the next gen DLP of sammy is basically because I don't have another grand to spend. But if I were to get the Sammy would that serve just as well? Also is the issue about bulb's life true? Thanks for any and all input.

 

[caltvdude]

The issue about the bulb life is not true as far as I know. The idea of the Sony being a better picture is all a matter of opinion. If you want mine there are better DLPs than this Samsung and better LCDs than Sony's for the same or less money. This is just my opinion as is the CC managers.

 

[abward]

One other point to consider: the DLP unit has a spinning color wheel and thousands (millions?) of mirrors, and the LCD unit does not. I am wondering if this is a reliability problem years down the road.


If you plan on keeping the set 4 years or less, than this is no biggie if you get a warranty. If you are like me and will keep the set for maybe 10 years, this may be an issue.


Someone who knows what they are talking about, please chime in. Are these moving parts a reliability issue?


How much is a light engine anyways, and can a user replace it themselves?

 

[BillP]

Stores like CC tell you that the "best" is whatever they have more of in stock, so take it with a grain of salt. Both Sony and Samsung are excellent sets, and you can't go wrong with either. Your best bet is to go with whichever YOU think has the best picture and features. Nobody else can tell you which you will like better. I bought my Samsung DLP 15 months ago, and have not had a single problem (still on the original bulb, which is supposed to last 8000 hours).

 

[rkunces]

From what I saw the Sony one did look better and the only feature difference is that there is a dvi input for the sammy as well as hdmi but only hdmi for the sony. If you guys have any suggestions for tvs like you did caltvdude please tell me. I'm knew to the buying a tv in this caliber and am looking for something that will last longer than just 5 years.

 

[TomCat]

I got the Sony 60XS955 and I could not be happier.


There are a couple of issues with DLP and LCD. Since the DLP timeshares the projected light by virtue of a spinning disk, there are more motion artifacts, in fact it adds artifacts that were not in the original signal. That is what tipped the balance for me. The LCD uses a prism, so doesn't have these problems.


Also, some people are sensitive to a rainbow effect on DLP (probably from the same mechanism). I don't see it, but I think its like when you look at a table fan and can't see the spinning blades, but when you move your head a certain way you can distinguish the individual blades for a split second out of the corner of your eye. If you are sensitive to this, you will not be happy with DLP.


On the other hand, LCD is supposed to suffer from the 'screen door" effect. I know folks who will not have an LCD because this drives them nuts. I sort of see it, very briefly and faintly every once in a while, but it doesn't bother me at all, and certainly not as much as the motion artifacts on DLP. Every once in a while bright areas of the screen seem to have a fogged glass effect in front of them on my set, which may be the same thing, but its hardly noticeable.


FWIW, the method BB used to get me to buy the extended warranty was that the lamp lasts 1000 to 3000 hours and costs $359 to replace. Scary, but I didn't bite.

 

[Uther]

I find it interesting that places like BB and CC are quoting 1000 - 3000 hour bulb life on these TVs. Yes, those are typical of LCD and DLP projectors, but most of the TV specs I have seen are in the 8000 - 10,000 hour range.

 

[TNHD]

It's going to come down to what you like. I just went through this with some friends when I was looking to update the TV in our Great Room. It worked out that the best set for me to get with the viewing angles and the lighting we have (with all the windows) was a Plasma.


However, I have a friend that has a 60" Sony LCD my other friend just got a Sammy DLP, I looked at both. If I had been in the market for a Large HD set It would have been the SONY hands down. With the way broadcast are now you can't always watch HD all the time. Also when it comes down to watching DVDs, Analog Tv stations, and Satellite TV the Sony does a better job of handling the signals and giving you the best picture. Keep in mind when buying your set to have the store switch between HD and SD broadcast. Also look to see how things display on Component and DVI, sometimes this will help you in making that choice. Again it going to come down to what you think looks best, just don't buy it off of looking at a HD store signal feed. You might not like what you see when you get it home. Best of luck

 

[marcelval]

Ultimately both techs have their pros and cons which I think have been discussed on these boards ad-nauseum. I first purchased a DLP, but after I started seeing rainbows on it (never saw them in stores or times that I visited a friend that has one) I had to return the set. I went with the Sony 55WF655 that you are considering. After some calibration the picture is quite good, blacks could be better, but I usually watch in a fairly bright room, so it is not a big issue for me. SD looks much better than it did on the DLP, and right now SD and DVDs are all I watch (waiting for HD-Tivo to come down in price).

 

[DanP]

I bought my CRT almost five years ago with the expectation that I might keep it eight or so years. I knew then that CRT development had more than likely hit a wall. The picture was good and probably the tech behind it wouldn't continue to evolve to improve the picture much further. I compare my Elite now to the current CRT TVs and I think I was right.....picture improvements have hit a plateau.


If you want to keep the TV more than five years I'd say don't buy the DLPs because they are expensive and they will very likely improve with time. Five years from now you step into a Tweeter or whatever and you see their brand-spanking new DLP and then think to yourself, 'well, my DLP sucks PQ-wise.'


I say get a cheaper LCD......something like a Panny 50" which can be had for $2K and has a good picture. Not chump change but much cheaper than DLPs and something you could switch out 5 years from now.

 

[BillP]

Quote:

Originally posted by DanP If you want to keep the TV more than five years I'd say don't buy the DLPs because they are expensive and they will very likely improve with time. Five years from now you step into a Tweeter or whatever and you see their brand-spanking new DLP and then think to yourself, 'well, my DLP sucks PQ-wise.'

By that logic, you'd never buy a computer since next year's will be better. I do not expect any major upgrade in PQ from now on, but rather only minor improvements that you can only see if the sets are right next to each other. Some believe that last year's Samsung DLPs (HLN models) actually look better than the current HLPs. I'm glad I bought my HLN 15 months ago since I think it has an incredible PQ, and can't imagine it getting much better (and watching the Patriots and now the Red Sox win, in HD - it just doesn't get any better).

 

[MeddlingKids]

Quote:

Originally posted by BillP By that logic, you'd never buy a computer since next year's will be better. I do not expect any major upgrade in PQ from now on, but rather only minor improvements that you can only see if the sets are right next to each other. Some believe that last year's Samsung DLPs (HLN models) actually look better than the current HLPs. I'm glad I bought my HLN 15 months ago since I think it has an incredible PQ, and can't imagine it getting much better (and watching the Patriots and now the Red Sox win, in HD - it just doesn't get any better).

By the time I get to watch the Niners win their next SuperBowl, who knows what technologies we'll have (flying cars?).

 

[rkunces]

I do like the fact that it has the built in cable card. Does it matter though that the Sony only has HDMI and are the converteres able to give you a great picture after the conversion from hdmi to dvi or vice versa? I wasn't able to check at the store but the saleman man said that it shouldn't be a problem. He also said that there is a dvd out now that helps with callibrating tvs and is like $20?? I didn't notice the rainbows but the salesman said that you may not notice them now but might when its hooked up to all of your gear at home.

 

[AcuraCL]

Quote:

Originally posted by Uther I find it interesting that places like BB and CC are quoting 1000 - 3000 hour bulb life on these TVs. Yes, those are typical of LCD and DLP projectors, but most of the TV specs I have seen are in the 8000 - 10,000 hour range.

The specs are 8000 - 10000. Do we know anyone who has gotten that?


We hear from LOTS of people who have not ....

 

[raidbuck]

The bulbs on the Sammy DLPs are user-replaceable. Mine has lasted 19 months, although I don't watch TV as much as others. 6000-8000 is the average, not the maximum life span of the bulbs (I hope!), and mine is still going strong. Other people's blew in the first weeks or months.


The next technology may or may not be 1080P. If so, I'm sure it will be 5 years away at best, since it will take that long to saturate the market with HDTVs.


As far as LCD vs. DLP? When I bought mine the LCD's were not really available so I couldn't really make a choice. But no regrets, I've really enjoyed my TV, no service calls, and that's what it is all about.


Rich N.

 

[DanP]

Quote:

Originally posted by BillP By that logic, you'd never buy a computer since next year's will be better. I do not expect any major upgrade in PQ from now on, but rather only minor improvements that you can only see if the sets are right next to each other. Some believe that last year's Samsung DLPs (HLN models) actually look better than the current HLPs. I'm glad I bought my HLN 15 months ago since I think it has an incredible PQ, and can't imagine it getting much better (and watching the Patriots and now the Red Sox win, in HD - it just doesn't get any better).

DLPs to computers is apples to oranges, IMO. Computers are not flawed, the DLP is and so are LCDs for that matter. Computers get faster with time, gain more storage capacity, have more applications, etc. With DLPs, black level reproduction is flawed, many people suffer from rainbows/headaches, there is too much spurious noise, etc. I'm not going to go through the litany that's been discussed here many times. Go back to the original question of the thread....this is a long term purchase. The PQ is too flawed and too expensive in my opinion to purchase for the long term. Maybe five years from now, black level will approach that of CRTs, spurious noise will be reduced, rainbows will be eliminated, etc. DLP technology is not in the fine-tuning stage of development. It is in the flaw-fixing stage.

 

[hdiesel1977]

Hey guy, be easy on the Niners, there are going through a rebuilding phase.

 

[rkunces]

Quote:

Originally posted by DanP DLPs to computers is apples to oranges, IMO. Computers are not flawed, the DLP is and so are LCDs for that matter. Computers get faster with time, gain more storage capacity, have more applications, etc. With DLPs, black level reproduction is flawed, many people suffer from rainbows/headaches, there is too much spurious noise, etc. I'm not going to go through the litany that's been discussed here many times. Go back to the original question of the thread....this is a long term purchase. The PQ is too flawed and too expensive in my opinion to purchase for the long term. Maybe five years from now, black level will approach that of CRTs, spurious noise will be reduced, rainbows will be eliminated, etc. DLP technology is not in the fine-tuning stage of development. It is in the flaw-fixing stage.

Dan do you think that that particular sony lcd will do the job or is there anything around that price range that is good enough to do the same thing for me?

 

[mchuckp]

Again, referring to the original post, what ever you choose don't choose it because of a salesman at BB or CC. Most of them really don't know what they are talking about and just regurgitate what is on the spec card in front of it then they throw out some reason why one is better. Could be because of a certain deal with a manufacturer or could be because someone told them that.


Do your research like you are doing now and go to as many places as you can to see the sets. In my local BB, the Sammy sets wins hands down to all the other sets in the store. At CC down the street, the Sammys look a little crappy compared to the others. At Sears, nearly every set in there looked really nice. Next I'm off to some smaller high end stores to see what they have. All the stores are using signals splint an insane amount of time and not all sets got the same due diligance in color settings and inputs.


Research all that you can and pick what is right for you.


I will be in the market for one around xmas, and my choices are very limited based on my needs. I have 43" width to work with. Nearly all 40-something inch models are out because of side speakers on the sets. I want a table top so CRT's are out. I want to be able to watch SD in 4:3 and play video games so I don't want screen burn, so plasma is out. No LCDs are on the market that I know of without side speakers so they are out. I am basically left with a handful of DLP models to choose from unless I want to resort all the way back to a 34" tube. I will likely choose the new Sammy 4674 that is hitting the market in mid November unless the price point is out of control.

 

[rkunces]

Thats why im trying to refer to the forums to see what you guys think. Ive checked out CC and BB and some are knowledgeable but I agree I'm not gonna cave into a salesman. He did open up my eyes and the picture was better on SD and HD. Video games I'd like to see what its like on this one but they won't allow me to hook it up to the tv.