Difference between HLM and HLN models?

[macgybor]

I know HLN models are new and everything, but the only difference I can see from the specs is that HLN models have the following that HLM models don't;

Samsung DNIe¢â (Digital Natural Image Engine)
-Detail Enhancer
-Contrast Enhancer
-White Balance and Color Optimizer
-Noise Reduction with 3D Motion Optimizer

Am I missing something else more important? If not, is the Digital Natural Image Engine worth extra $$?

[FatDog]

Much of this is discussed here:

What features are in the new HLN models (http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4180)

[Lowpro]

DNIE is worth every penny. The DNIE feature is the most important addition that comes with the HLN series of DLP's. With the remote you can bring up a split screen demo mode showing both DNIE "on" (left side of screen) and "off" (right side of screen). It speaks for itself. Once you see what DNIE brings to the game purchasing a HLM series DLP will be out of the question. Check it out!

Low Profile
www.lowpro.net

[57U]

DNIe explained below: (I was wondering for my own edification and thought I should post it here).

http://www.samsung.com/PressCenter/PressRelease/DigitalMediaNews/DigitalMediaNews_20030429_0000005162.htm

I hope this does a better job than most of the "automatic features" on CRT-based HDTVs like "sharpness cranked to 100", "SVM", "Auto Colour", etc. because all of those make the picture worse.

[macgybor]

I did check out the DNIe feature demo option at the bestbuy today, and I have to say I didn't see much of a difference. I guess I don't have the discriminative eyes/brain combo or at least not good enough to see much of a difference.

The half of the screen that had DNIe feature off seems a bit "darker", it had look of a maybe 1/3~2/3 stop under-exposed picture? - I dunno if that was a good analogy or not, but the name lowepro brought that one out... but I didn't the kind of difference I was hoping/expecting compared to the half of the screen that had DNIe feature on......

Good advice though, when in doubt, check it out with your own eyes. It's good thing that the TV has that demo feature and that I was able get the info that the TV has that demo feature, so I can check it out at the local bestbuy.

[Joe B]

Go with the HLN models. They have the new Texas Instruments HD-2 "Mustang" DLP chip which is a major improvement over the first generation DLP chip in the HLMs. Picture quality is significantly improved.

Joe

[Friendly Fire]

Originally posted by Joe B
Go with the HLN models. They have the new Texas Instruments HD-2 "Mustang" DLP chip which is a major improvement over the first generation DLP chip in the HLMs. Picture quality is significantly improved.
Actually that's not true. The HLM models do have the HD2 chip as referenced here: http://www.samsungusa.com/pdf/hlm507w.pdf
The early models of DLP (non-Samsung) did have the first generation chip which lacked somewhat in blacks and contrast.

To answer the original poster's question, the differences between the HLM and HLN series are as follows:

HLM437/HLM507
Faroudja 2200 series chip

HLN437/HLN5065/HLN507/HLN617 plus HLM617
Faroudja 2300 series chip
DNIe
A number of internal firmware fixes including:
* ability to adjust video settings by input (HLM sets after early Dec. included this fix)
* Remembering aspect ratio settings per input (instead of deafult to Wide).

A number of late model year HLM sets actually have the HLN internals in them. If you bought your set before that time, Samsung is offering a limited-time upgrade for $200 to HLM owners that swaps boards to give you the HLN features. For info go to www.samsungusa.com/dlpupgrade. The offer is only good through 7/31/03.

[Lowpro]

FYI: (...for those that don't know :-] )

Circuit City is now selling the Samsung HLN437/507/617 series DLP's! Their prices are the same as those at Best Buy, however Best Buy sells the "65" series, not the "7" series. The going price at CC for the HLN617 is $5,000 (US) which is not bad considering most other local retailers are selling this set for $5200 (US). Least this was the case last time I checked. With the better DCDi chip and DCDi logo on the set :-P , and the black bezel around the frame, I'd definately go with a DLP from CC rather than BB.

[Joe B]

My response was based on info gained from a salesman at a high-end dealer. Oh well.

I would still go with recently built HLNs. For instance, I saw an HLN4365 at Sears that was significantly better than the HLM437 at Tweeter in terms of black levels and motion artifacts. Were it not for the DLP I saw at Sears I would have passed on DLP period. Instead, the DLP at Sears looked great and I consequently purchased an HLN507. I have been very pleased with mine. It was built in April 2003.

Regards,
Joe