New TV

May 2, 2004 6:41 PM

I'm going to be getting a new tv soon, and I'm having trouble making a
decision. I can get the last generation Samsung 50" DLP (HLN5065W) for
$3 500 CND (about $2 600 USD) or the new model, the HLP5063W for $5 000
CDN (about $3 465 USD). Do you know anything about these T.V.'s? Which
would you recommend? I'm having a hard time finding reviews for the
newer model, I'm not sure it's out yet. Anyway, any help would be
appreciated.
posted by Evstar to shopping (7 comments total)

All I can say, my friend got this Sony model. And it's the best HDTV I have seen. Looks to be ~$1000 more than you're willing to spend though.
posted by geoff. at 9:05 PM on May 2, 2004

We have the 43" version of the last generation Samsung DLP model (I think the number is 4365?) and let me tell you... this TV is EXCELLENT. Couldn't be happier with it. I don't know if I've seen the Sony geoff is linking to in person, but I can tell you our DLP produces better blacks and is far brighter than any LCD HDTV I've seen. The viewing angle is also amazing - you would never guess that's it's rear projection.

Of course, I guess that doesn't answer your question about whether to get the new one or the old one. I'm sure the new one can only be better. All I can say is that even if you go with the old one, you won't have anything to worry about. This TV is awesome. Get Samsung instead of Sony - you'll save a ton of money.
posted by swank6 at 11:55 PM on May 2, 2004

Get the newer model, and look into having it calibrated in your home. Since I am not a professional, I do not know if this is standard for HDTV, but look into it.
posted by Keyser Soze at 3:35 AM on May 3, 2004

I think most of them have auto-calibration (our Toshiba did). Beyond that, you can get a home theater setup DVD to walk you through fine-tuning the picture.
posted by yerfatma at 4:04 AM on May 3, 2004

How much of a difference would there be between the new and old models? I thought maybe some black level enhancements but probably not much more than that.
posted by Evstar at 4:54 AM on May 3, 2004

There are excellent discussion groups for TVs of all varieties at http://www.avsforum.com.

I'd imagine that the latest version of the set would be better, as they continuously tweak the technology, and DLP is still fairly new.
posted by SteveInMaine at 6:14 AM on May 3, 2004

Article and discussion about this very thing (Samsung DLPs) here.
posted by kokogiak at 7:01 AM on May 3, 2004