Samsung DLP - best choice for the Money

Check out http://www.avsforum.com--videophiles that make audiophiles look sane. Samsung *always* seems to have either a new model in the works or some update/version change "in the next 3 months." Honestly, I don't know how their retailers stay in business. In terms of DLP, Sammy seems to be the way to go. Since I'm one of those that sees the rainbow effect of DLP, it wasn't an option for me. If you don't know what that is, don't ask. One of those things like the little cueing mark in the upper RH corner of films that, once you hear about, you look for and thereafter can't avoid seeing.

You'll be pleased with that model. I steered my girlfriend toward the 61" model of the same, and it is VERY nice.
Good Luck!

My father has a Samsung 65" DLP set that he bought last year. It has started acting funny - losing picture after 2-3 hours of continuous use. The problem corrects itself after the unit is off for a period of time (apparently to cool down). My guess is that it is a bad circuit board, but Samsung has not been terribly helpful with this. Of course this problem occured just after the warranty ran out. I has been 2 months and the set is still not fixed. A circuit board is on order, but my father has to pay for the board and installation even if this is not the part at fault. I'm not sure anyone knows exactly why this problem is happening.

When the set is working it produces a very nice picture. The only thing that bothers me is a wierd effect with the white lines during football games. (Luckily I am not a football fan.) Maybe this is the "rainbow effect" that people talk about.

After this experience, I would consider an extended warranty as part of the price of a new set DLP set. Buy from a retailer that has the option for at least a 3 year warranty. A 5 year one would be even better. From my experience it would be worth the extra cost.

3 chip DLP sets may start to appear in the near future, but they will be VERY expensive at first. There are already some 3 chip DLP projectors available for consumers, and this is the standard for movie theater DLP projectors ($$$$$$$$). Apparently this totally eliminates the "rainbow effect."

Depending on your budget Toshiba & Cannon have developed SED sets. Google "toshiba sed."

Larry,

I am a very satisfied customer of two Samsung DLP RPTVs, and think you will be very pleased with your choice. I personally prefer DLP over LCD in a rear projection TV. I have not video-auditioned LCOS RPTVs, nor have I compared Samsung to other brands of DLP RPTVs.

Regarding new technologies, Samsung (and others) are coming out with 1080p native resolution sets, and I have heard their picture quality (PQ) is very impressive. However, they are not going to offer 1080p in a 46" size as its questionable if 1080p has any PQ advantages over 720p in a 46" size.

One advantage of Samsung for sure, maybe others, is they will accept a 720p digital input over HDMI/DVI and display the image directly without any additional D/A & A/D or rescaling. This means a synergy with upconverting DVD players for improved PQ.

I recommend getting an extended warranty that includes bulb replacement.

I bought my sets from a local B&M chain that I have done business with off and on over many years. I wanted the peace of mind of a local store, they offered a better price than Circuit City or Best Buy, and I know they provide excellent service.

If instead you want to try an internet purchase, I recommend going to www.avsforum.com and using the TVA Power Buy.

Good luck,
Bruce