I have posted a few messages on this board in the past and have not gotten the response I would have liked but hopefully I will this time.

I have been doing TONS of research and many many visits to several different stores. I was pretty much ready to purchase my Samsung HLR 5064W but second guessed it. I subscrib to consumer reports and after reading two different copies on TVs Samsung actually rated very badly. That and reading this forum and some others also didn't help. The picture in the store on these TVs look great. But all the problems I hear and read has honestly scared me away. I thought about extra warranty on it and most people say no its a rip off. But buy the sound of it if I did buy this TV I would be using the warranty on a regular basis. Perhaps its just the technology and I should sit and wait a few years till they get better. May I should just buy one of those big bulky 50", I can get a Hitachi for under $1500 bucks. Or look a Panasonic, they seem to always get great reviews.

All opions and experiences WELLCOMED WITH OPEN ARMS

I have posted a few messages on this board in the past and have not gotten the response I would have liked but hopefully I will this time.





I have been doing TONS of research and many many visits to several different stores. I was pretty much ready to purchase my Samsung HLR 5064W but second guessed it. I subscrib to consumer reports and after reading two different copies on TVs Samsung actually rated very badly. That and reading this forum and some others also didn't help. The picture in the store on these TVs look great. But all the problems I hear and read has honestly scared me away. I thought about extra warranty on it and most people say no its a rip off. But buy the sound of it if I did buy this TV I would be using the warranty on a regular basis. Perhaps its just the technology and I should sit and wait a few years till they get better. May I should just buy one of those big bulky 50", I can get a Hitachi for under $1500 bucks. Or look a Panasonic, they seem to always get great reviews.

All opions and experiences WELLCOMED WITH OPEN ARMSNicker, I feel your frustration. I've been researching DLP for over a year now and there is so much info. The one thing I know is that I would not go with the 64 series Samsung personally.

My understanding is it uses the HD3 chip which some have said is a step back from the HD2+ chip which is older. I know a very well informed London Drugs AV manager who liked the 5063 and when they got the 5064 in says he thinks the PC is not as good as the older model.

I also read a review of the 64 when it was first launched that said it was basically the 63 series with a new cabinet design.

If you want DLP and are looking 50" and are fine with 720P then look at the Toshiba 52hmx85 (with new HD4 chip), or the Panasonic PT 50DL54 if you can find the panasonic.

If you want Samsung and 50 " it looks like the only other alternative is the 5078 which is 1080P. If you want Samsung and can handle larger then 6168 is the model to look at.

I personally find the 50" too small and am either thinking of Toshiba 62hmx85 to save a few $$ and go with 720P version, or then going 1080P and looking at Samsung 6168 or either the Toshiba 56hm195 or 62mx195.

Again if you arent married to DLP, there are tons of LCD options like Sony, Hitachi, JVC, etc.

I would personnaly go with the Toshiba.

I had a samsung DLP for a while and was not realy impressed. PQ was good but there was some annoying stuff like Video Lag while gaming or watching tv !

This problem is still not fixed in the HLR's. I exchanged my samsung for a toshiba DLP and am very happy with it.

I would personnaly go with the Toshiba.

I had a samsung DLP for a while and was not realy impressed. PQ was good but there was some annoying stuff like Video Lag while gaming or watching tv !

This problem is still not fixed in the HLR's. I exchanged my samsung for a toshiba DLP and am very happy with it.

Grub, how far are you away from the set?? I'm thinking 10-15 ft myself and find 52" too small for my liking.

AL58 I was under the impression that the 5064 has the generation 5 DLP chip. Now I know in the US they have a 6 generation. I did notice they are coming out with a 1080p but the price is basically double the price of the 5064. I personnally think that 720p is fine. And there really is nothing broadcasting 1080p anyway.

I will be sitting back about 10 to 12 ft. I think the 50" will be good for me, I can be closer and I also can be a little further back if I like.

I am starting to look at Panasonic and Toshiba. I personnaly was drawn to the DLP but I may go with LCD. I was looking at a sony LCD (not sure of the model). The picture was pretty nice. But then so is the Samsung. I just don't like all the problems people are having. Warranty or not I would like a reliable TV that is not in the shop all the time.

I will look a little more closely at the models you recommened. What are your guys thoughts on LCD vs DLP. OH and I will be in the basement so light isn't an issue.

You know what I did look at that Toshiba 52HMX85 at Bestbuy. Once I saw it on their web site I remembered because I didn't like the sid speakers. Maybe that is why I like the Samsungs so much they look clean.

Freaking confusing !

I am sitting 12 feet from my 52HM84. For SD, it's perfect. For HD, DVD and gaming, it could be bigger.

4rth or 5th generation does not realy matter to me. The PQ on the new samsung is ok, to my eyes, not better than the toshiba for sure.

What i can't stand about the samsung's is the video lag.

Reliability is a mixed bag.. Some people never have problems, some have alot !
I know a guy who blew 3 bulbs in 6 months, had is color wheel replaced and his screen replaced for smudges.

Reliability seems better on the toshibas, and video lag is only there sometimes on bad 480i games.

So to me, the toshiba is a better choice, but it's only my opinion.

I found an article on dlp vs. lcd (there's quite a few on the net): http://www.dlp-vs-lcd.com/

I was thinking of the LG 44" until I read the Toshiba forum and then leaned towards the 44HM85 or 46HMX85. For 2 out of 3 FS stores, I saw a flicker on the 44" and 52" model, about every 4-5 seconds. Whereas the Hitachi and Sony next to it was clean. Plus seeing the speakers on the side of the 46HMX85 made it the same width at the 52" (about 55" wide cabinet and too wide for my basement).

Now looking at the Samsung HLR4664 but still undecided. It got a poor ranking on FS site and I think when it comes to ranking, it represents a good sample population since most of us that are researching TVs and then buying one will add a rank or review (+ve or -ve).

I also picked up the lates brochure on the Samsungs and it states HD5 technology!

Would like to hear feedback on the sammy models.

thanks,

I found an article on dlp vs. lcd (there's quite a few on the net): http://www.dlp-vs-lcd.com/

I was thinking of the LG 44" until I read the Toshiba forum and then leaned towards the 44HM85 or 46HMX85. For 2 out of 3 FS stores, I saw a flicker on the 44" and 52" model, about every 4-5 seconds. Whereas the Hitachi and Sony next to it was clean. Plus seeing the speakers on the side of the 46HMX85 made it the same width at the 52" (about 55" wide cabinet and too wide for my basement).

Now looking at the Samsung HLR4664 but still undecided. It got a poor ranking on FS site and I think when it comes to ranking, it represents a good sample population since most of us that are researching TVs and then buying one will add a rank or review (+ve or -ve).

I also picked up the lates brochure on the Samsungs and it states HD5 technology!

Would like to hear feedback on the sammy models.

thanks,

The 44HM85 is made by LG, the only thing Toshiba on it is the nameplate. That was told to me by a AV store manager and somebody else on this site said the same.

The Samsung Canadian website specs on the 5064 under "Panel" says 0.55" DMD, code HD3...so I am lead to believe that is the chip or DMD(Digital Micromirror Device) I could be wrong but here it is. http://www.samsung.com/ca/products/tv/dlptv/hlr5064wxxac.asp?page=Specifications


Of the Samsung offerings I am a fan of the 6168, but am concerned that 61" might be too large for my 10-15' viewing area and am now really considering 55" size. Of the 52" sets I like the Toshiba personally.

Of the Samsung offerings I am a fan of the 6168, but am concerned that 61" might be too large for my 10-15' viewing area and am now really considering 55" size. Of the 52" sets I like the Toshiba personally.

I've had my 6168 for a week now and my viewing distance is about 12 ft. The picture is wicked ( positive ). In fact, if I had the extra cash, I would have upgraded to the next size up.

As for the 5064, if your going to get a non 1080p, I'd go for the 52" Toshiba. I saw both tv's side be side and I thought the 52HM85 had a better picture. Plus, you get an extra 2".

I've had my 6168 for a week now and my viewing distance is about 12 ft. The picture is wicked ( positive ). In fact, if I had the extra cash, I would have upgraded to the next size up.

Thanks, are you watching SD or HD?? I found that when I was in store watching one that my eyes got tired from what I think is lateral movement trying to follow a DVD of "Behind Enemy Lines". Could have been it was in SD, or could be just my 35 year old eyes.

Of the Samsung offerings I am a fan of the 6168, but am concerned that 61" might be too large for my 10-15' viewing area .A good rule of thumb for viewing distance is 2X screen size. See the Digital Home FAQ "How large an HDTV to buy".

Younger people tend to prefer closer, while older people tend to prefer farther, especially for SD. I sit 11-12' from my 61". I'm in my 50's.

A good rule of thumb for viewing distance is 2X screen size. See the Digital Home FAQ "How large an HDTV to buy".

Younger people tend to prefer closer, while older people tend to prefer farther, especially for SD. I sit 11-12' from my 61". I'm in my 50's.

Thanks Phitty-seven. I went to the homepage and looked for FAQ, then looked under HDTV tab for more FAQ but was unable to find the article. Could you please send me the link to the article?

Thanks,

Thanks, are you watching SD or HD?? I found that when I was in store watching one that my eyes got tired from what I think is lateral movement trying to follow a DVD of "Behind Enemy Lines". Could have been it was in SD, or could be just my 35 year old eyes.

I was watching the Band Of Brothers on DVD on a decent DVD player. It's not quite HD but way better than SD. I was really impressed with the details like when debris was being blown into the air from artillery. I also watched Family Guy on DVD. Couldn't believe how sharp the PQ was even when I was about 9 ft from the screen. If it's this good at non HD, can't wait to see what true HD @ 1080p will be like. (assuming the iScan HD scaler does a good job)

As for SD, analog cable was actually pretty decent but my SD satellite was poor ( Using one of those Free to Air Receivers ).

I found that PQ while watching the TV in a store can be a little misleading especially if it's at Best B-y. They had the brightness level and other settings way off. I bought the 6168 based on all the positive reviews I read. Moreover, your viewing angle should be slighly below the TV (ie slightly looking up at the centre of the screen). Otherwise the pic looks really dull.

My HLP 5063 is over a year old and it gets lots of use. The only problem has been a power cycle issue (2 times) that required it to be unplugged from the electrical circuit and plugged back in (no big deal). I sit 8' away and have no viewing problems with digital SD broadcasts, although I tend to watch mostly HD programs or DVD. There is the occasional clay face colour with some low lit broadcasts.

In summary, no regrets or quality concern issues here.

I have the 5085, or the Capt. Kirk as some call it. I believe it has the 2+ chip, and I think it's an awesome set. No hesitation to highly recommend.

I originally planned buying a HLR4664 since both of my coworkers have them but after going to FS and seeing the samsungs side by side against the Sony A10 (KDFE models) my choice was much easier. I just liked the Sony better.

It's all pretty subjective really, if you go to several stores and consistenly feel that the Samsung looks better than the other models then it's the best choice for you.

I was dead set on the Sony 42KDFEA10 also until I noticed a yellow light smudge about 3-4 inches wide running vertically through the middle of the screen. I checked out the 50inch and that also had this yellow light warp thingy happening. It's more noticeable in really dark scenes but nevertheless I don't think I can live with this type of annoyance. The salesman told that this is very common on rear projection LCD tv's. It's not a Sony problem. Back to DLP !

I to read all the threads and was paranoid but took the jump and bought the Samsung 5064. Bought the Tv and did buy the extended warranty which is 4 years same as manufacturers warranty ,including lamp for $ 249.99 at Leons.Yes it includes the lamp and have the warranty certificate which states it extends the manufacturers 1 year warranty by 3 years.I even had the manager verify this warranty would cover the lamp.Couldnt pass it up . I am not hooked up to Hd yet but even regular cable is not bad. From what I was reading I thought it would be unwatchable. Best viewing distance so far seems to be between 10 and 13 ft. NO fan noise whatsoever, had to go to the back of the T.V and put my ear there to hear it.Setup was very easy , I lowered the contrast and brighteness settings for break in period as was recommended on this forum , and picture seems fine. Cant wait for HD next week , cant imagine PQ if thats how good it is with cable. I honestly cant find one issue so far but will respond after I get HD.SO FAR SO GOOD.

Also bought the 5064 this week as FS beat BB's price. Got the TV fr $2100 + tax and the stand for $210 + tax. Bought the 5 yr plan along with cables nad power bar. I saw SD in the store and also thought that it was pretty good considering this was a 50". I get delivery before New Year's (since my basement isn't ready yet).

I'll drop a note once I get it hooked up along with the Rogers HD box.

Does someone know where I can see the best settings for the TV (i.e. brightness, contrast, etc.)?

Shom