Dlp

[Texas]

Has anyone seen the new Samsung DLP models? From what I've read so far, the reviews have been mixed and Samsung's rep for quality HDTV sets is not as illustrious as some of the other manufacturers. Any thoughts? Also, does anyone own the Mitsubishi DLP model?

I've been thinking about upgrading to a DLP set (I currently have a Toshiba 40HD80 that I bought as a graduation present for myself a couple of years back) and I understand that at least in theory this technology is suppose to be superior to CRT's. Has anyone found this to be the case?

Thanks.

[57U]

Texas, welcome to the forum. You may wish to check out the new Sony Grand Wega (50, 60"). They use a "proprietary light engine" somewhat like an LCD projector. The TV is very compact and light, but not cheap...

See --> This site for the 50" GW (http://www.onecall.com/PID_17563.htm) They also have a 60".

Last year they did not have DVI and didn't have good "black level". These items have been addressed this year, but don't buy sight unseen...

[Texas]

Wow -- thanks. I'll definitely have to check it out. Its within the vague sort of price range I've been looking at (depending how generous the powers that be are come Christmas time).

Do you know what the story is with the Tex. Instruments based DLP sets? I've been sort of obsessed with the technology ever since I saw Star Wars Ep 2 at one of the digital theatres in NY over the summer.

[57U]

I believe a lot of those sets had quality control issues when they first came out. I heard that the next generation of sets would be due out now/shortly.

[ibm135]

I've had the Panasonic DLP for about 2 years now (with the 1st generation dlp chip). It has functioned flawlessly, although on very dark scenes, contrast could be a bit better; Still on the same lightbulb. It has none of the screen burn-in problems or worries seen on CRT's and Plasma's (or degraded phosphor).

I anticipate the Samsung (and the new Panasonic) to be a little higher contrast in the dark range than my 1st gen set.

[trdriver]

57U can you be specific about what the quality control issues are with the DLP's?

Where are you getting your information from?

[57U]

trdriver, I stated that the DLPs had (past tense) quality control issues when they first came out. There was a relatively high failure rate that I recall reading about in various forums, especially when you consider how few were sold due to the high cost.

Samsung is one of the major promoters of DLP sets and Samsung is not exactly high on the list of "Reliability" in HDTVs

The newer sets may not have these issues...but I'm a little like the Consumer Reports people when they evaluate cars - I'm influenced a bit by past history...

Since DLP has many advantages (as well as a few disadvantages), it can be a good technology for HDTV, provided it is reliable and also as it becomes a little more cost competitive.

I would not say you shouldn't buy it.


I find it interesting that many of the people who discuss DLP are from Texas, since Texas Instuments invented the DMD used in these projectors. ;)

[trdriver]

57U
Fair enough. Past history can be a good indicator of future performance in regards to a brand name.

Generalizations though are not helpful to people who are trying to make a decision on a major purchase. You are apparently biased toward one brand without pointing out that people who have bought the Sony Grand Wega II have also encountered out of the box failures. If you would take the blinders off when you are reading those other forums you would give an accurate account of the pluses and minuses of both brands and not just make off hand remarks that are misleading.

You are also assuming Texans are biased toward DLP because TI is in Texas. True, but they are probably the only ones who know that TI is in Texas. That doesn't explain why there are hundreds of other people from all over the US including myself who are really impressed with the image that these DLP's can produce.

[ibm135]

Anybody who has seen a bigscreen movie at a DLP equiped movie theater will be hooked.

Go to www.dlp.com to see where the dlp cinema's are, which digital movies are currently out playing on DLP cinama's, plus some product info on everything from RPTV's, projectors, etc.