Quote:
Originally posted by luebster
tjk, I don't want this to stray too far OT, but you've been backing the RCAs over the Sammies. Could you list out say 3 to 5 areas where the RCA outperforms the Samsung HLP line? I've been drinking the Samsung kool-aid, but maybe I need to look at the RCAs before I make my purchase in mid-November. |
Luebster -
I'd be happy to. First, however, let me say that my opinions are only my own, are in no way expert (if there really are "experts" who tell you what you should like), and the best TV is the one that looks best to you, so you should definitely look at whatever you buy and decide for yourself. But there are some emperical facts.
The HLP line (excluding the Kirk, which has outstanding PQ but a quirky, impractical design, IMO) uses the HD3 chip. The HD3 is smaller and cheaper to produce than the HD2 or HD2+. And to my eyes, that shows in PQ. The picture is not as crisp or sharp, blacks are not as black as the HD2+ (contrast ratio is lower). To make matters worse, despite being a budget chip, the prices are not budget level yet. A 46" Toshiba or 50" RCA is cheaper than a comparable Samsung unit. Samsung is still trying to squeeze a premium out of their HLP's, but prices are dropping.
Many folks, including myself, were waiting for the 74's because of the form of the case. It has a center channel shelf (although it is small). However, the furniture market is catching up, and there are now add-ons from companines like Sanus and Omnimount that make center channel shelves that attach to TV's. Also, the 74's have two digital inputs (DVI and HDMI). There are several work-arounds to this - an HDMI or DVI switcher for $250 (cables included), or a set with other digital inputs like fireware (1394). This is available on the Mits, RCA (163/165 series), and I believe the Toshiba HMX, among others.
So, ask yourself two questions:
1) If the HD3 is so great, why is no one else using it? Probably because they don't want their customers to look at it next to an HD2+ and move to another brand.
2) If there was such an outcry for DVI and HDMI on a set, why is it not more prevalent? Samsung themselves say they are going to drop the DVI input when their integrated X7 sets come out. Toshiba is putting two HDMI inputs on their HMX sets, but HDMI switching will soon trickle down to mid-end A/V receivers, so for future proofing your set, it's not really a critical need, although I do acknowledge it is a nice to have.
As far as the RCA's, I like them because they are an HD2+ that don't have the limitations of many of the other HD2+'s:
1) No ridiculous pedestal design (Samsung)
2) No side speakers (Toshiba, Panasonic)
3) No mirror-like glare screen (Mitsubishi). Supposedly the 725 series is better, but it's pretty expensive as well.
The picture is stunning. They also add a cable card and ATSC tuner, if that floats your boat (neither of which I want, but most TV's are going that way due to the FCC). Don't get me wrong, I love the picure on the Tosh and Mits as well, but the form doesn't fit my needs or tastes.
I'm excited to see what the 50" and 44" version of the 165 series will look like (I would actually prefer the 44" for my room). I would expect PQ to be identical to the 162's, but the cosmetic design of the floating screen, as well as the fireware inputs, will keep me waiting for a few more weeks at best. Otherwise, I would be happy with a 50" 162. I recommend you go to a Best Buy and see it. At a minimum, they have a no questions asked 30 day return policy.
If the 74's came out in the next couple of weeks and the PQ was good, I'd be happy to say so and purchase that. But no way will they be available.
Hope this helps.