Customer Reviews

Samsung HLP5063W 50-Inch Widescreen HD-Ready DLP Television

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

Here's a feedback which I left for HLP 4663 model TV also. HLNs are older than HLP and the feedback below compares HLP/HLN/HLM. It does not has the nunmber of input/output (composite/component etc) since that can easily be found on the product description page.

This reviews pretty much applies to all the DLP level TVs from Samsung. I researched for around more than couple of months before finally buying this one.

Samsung initially started with HLM/HLN series DLP models which were using HD2 chip from Texas Instruments and the contrast ratio was 1000:1. This performed very well in reviews, quality and black level as compared to Sony LCD rear projection.

The next series is the latest on which is HLP xx63 series where xx is the size in diagonal (HLP 4663, HLP 5063). The improvements in this are 7 segment color wheel instead of 6-segment, which gives better color. This also uses 3rd generation chip HD3 which has contrast ratio of 1500:1. The bulb are also better in this one since there were some problems in the earlier version of the TV. This is a great TV, light weight as compared to some other and plasmas.

The next series which is out only in 2 models is HLP 5085 and HLP5685. These are also 7-segment color wheel but they have HD2+ chip. This is 4th generation chip and is better than HD3. Its contrast ratio is 2500:1 which should mean better black levels. These are the ones with pedestal which looks cool in the picture but is kinda bulky looking in the store. I'm not sure why this model is not out in 46 inches, may be it doesn't make difference in smaller sizes.

Next, 5th generation chip is going to be xHD3 and should give around 4500:1 contrast ratio.

Overall, DLPs are better since they have better contrast than plasmas and weigh less. They also don't have a burn-in issue like plasmas. HLP series is the best one till now and Samsung is the oldest player in this.

Other manufacturers are also catching up, so this should drive the price down further. good for consumers.

Hope this helps and good luck shopping.

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Some more feedback on the picture and input modes after two weeks into the purchase:

The contrast ratio of HLN/HLP series are good provided you are watching the TV at the same height. If you watch from slightly above/below or left/right, then you'll see it slightly less bright. Just like a laptop screen behaves, maye slightly better.

It has following picture modes:
- 4:3 standard definition (SD) cable programming. puts black bars on the side of the picture if you watch it in this mode.
- wide mode (16:9). if you watch SD tv on this mode, it'll stretch the picture
- panorama mode. stretches only the outside portion of the picture making center of the picture in the correct proporting (aspect ratio) but the sides bit distorted
- zoom1/zoom2: they just soom in from the center with different stretching methods.

Component inputs (in SD and HD) aspect ratios only have normal and wide options. Normal being a little pinched, while wide is normal.
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Some more feedback after 5 weeks of purchase.

I started seeing some problems with the lamp. The manual says that when the bulb/lamp needs replacement, all the three lights on the front switch will start blinking. Atleast couple of times a day, the following was happening:
- when I switch on the TV, the lamp will try to bring the picture while the audio was there
- after couple of seconds tv will go to standby mode
- it'll turn on again after couple of seconds and try to bring up the picture
- and go again the loop to standby mode

something this happens 3-4 times and the pictures comes and sometime it just gives up and the tv turns off.

I'm glad that I bought the warranty after couple of weeks from Circuit city itself, otherwise lamps are not covered in one year Sammy warranty.

... to be continued ...

If are thinking of upgrading to HDTV, this will be a real treat. Watching an HD broadcast through a screen this big and bright is like watching something through a window instead of on tv. After watching HD on this tv for a while, you'll think that watching a regular old broadcast is like watching something through a cloud.

I did quite a bit of research on the web and in stores and this tv is what I settled on. I have not regretted that choice for a moment. You won't either. (The runner up was one of the Sony LCD projection tv's, which looks fantastic too. The web research indicated that LCD projection may loose definition over time - not sure whether that is truly the case or not. I'm sure I'd be happy with the Sony too, it actually looked a little bit sharper to me side-by side).

A few caveats: (1) don't even think of buying an HD tv and not spending the money to upgrade your cable or satellite to an HD feed - that's like buying a Ferrari and driving it without any air in the tires; (2) realize that the number of HD channels and shows is still limited now - if you want the most HD content, look into the alternative satellite service - VOOM; (3) you may have read about the "rainbow effect" on DLP tv's like this one - I can definitely see it and I don't have super-human lizard eyes- try looking at the screen in a showroom when there is a combination of something very dark and very light on the screen at the same time and quickly averting your eyes, you'll see it. This doesn't bother me, but I can see it. Make sure it won't bother you. If it does, go with the Sony; (4) make sure you realize that the "HLP" Samsungs are a generation newer and better than the "HLN's". Don't make the mistake of buying an older set at your local store that seems to have that incredible low price without checking to make sure that its the HLP. On the other hand, the Samsung DLP's on the new, funky stands are a generation newer (and better) than the HLP's. If you like the look of the stand, have a place to put all of your associated equipment - cable or satellite box, dvd player, receiver, etc, and don't mind paying the extra money, go for the new one; (5) ignore the bs from the salesman about buying a monster cable for your all digital connections - digital is digital and, besides, by the time you add that new high def satellite receiver (if you do), the progressive-scan or up-converting dvd player, the new stand since your old entertainment center won't hold this thing, and a good power conditioner/surge protector (yeah, they did sell me on that one), you're going to have to either fib or do some fancy footwork to avoid the "too expensive" veto from the wife.

Good luck.

I recently moved up from a Toshiba 34HFX direct view to the 'new' DLP technology. I bought the Toshiba three years ago because of the direct-view HD. I wasn't happy with plasma prices or the ED standard that it was limited to.
My Toshiba is still giving one of the best HD views I've ever seen, except now, my nephews are enjoying both HD cable and wicked gaming, and I'm enjoying my 5063.
The 34 cost 2500 three years ago. I paid a shade under 3000 for the 52. And I'm very happy.
Side to side comparisons from both DTV and cable give the edge to the tube. [this may be one of those 'nothing sounds better than a tube-driven amp' arguments ...personal pref for a ray gun?]. Rearranging the furniture comparison goes to the 5063 - although bulky for one person, it weighs in at +-75 pounds.
If you're a computer geek, and you want convergence, you have a super choice. Tie your graphics card to the component inputs (2), the DVI input, the HDMI input, the PC input (rez up to 1920 x 1080i, including 1280 x 720p), and the standard composite and s-video inputs.
The nature of DLP means no 'burn-in'. If you forget to turn off the x-box/ps2/gamecube and you're gone for a couple months, the screen won't have a 'burned-in' image. For you geeks out there, this includes the HTPCs you want to connect for a convergence appliance.
Since I've been using convergence in non-technical terms, I'll visit rear-projection convergence. It does not apply. The halogen lamp image is reflected off the DMDs through a color wheel, which requires no calibration that you would expect with tradition rear-projection sets.
DMD-DLP technology is not 'new.' How the D-D technology is being applied is new, and you should be aware of that. The current gurus of digital display technology see plasma as a dead-end gap-filler (thin, relatively light, big screens) with the real slug fest between DMD/DLP and LCD. Both DMD/DLP and LCD have advantages over the other. In the end, I chose currently available top-of-the-food-chain quality over specifications. You will find no better convergence resolution and size in anything but DMD/DLP today. After viewing the range of products from LG to RCA(?) to Samsung, my eyes chose Samsung. If you promise not to buy a plasma, use the following tips to buy your next display:
-Grap the remote and reset everything to factory presets (do a google on how to do that via the remote, then when you go in the store, do it!)
-Put your favorite video in. What do you see? Better than your current setup? If not, adjust until you find a better picture. If you can't, leave.
-Turn off the sound. Sound evokes emotion. Watch the show. What do you see? Montovani (or RHCP) might emote you into an unqualified decision.
-DO NOT BY PLASMA
In the end, this is not a buying decision left to guys like me on A.com or your local retailer. It's up to you. Buy what your eye likes, and remember that next year is a better model.

I've had one of these for a month and I think the picture is great and the built in sound is very good. You will be very happy with that part if you buy one of these. I've had a couple of problems with it and researching on the internet reveals they are very common problems. Video and audio are sometimes out of sync, especially if you are using component connections from a peripheral device, like a DVD player. Using S-Video and RCA audio connectors can get you around the problem. Sometimes the set turns itself off, especially when cold. I've heard the bulb can burn out very quickly, so it's advisable to get an extended warranty to cover the cost of the bulbs - $300. I'm still giving this four stars because the picture (from satellite HD and off-air HD) is fabulous.

This TV is a superb value. The picture is outstanding. The one bad thing is that there is a video delay that is visible while playing PS2 games. The delay makes some games unplayable.

Not only is this set a great deal for the money, it has a great picture. The HD is very good, however, some of the other tv's will have a more "crystal" picture. The televisions many inputs are a plus and viewing a PC on it is very nice. As to the review mentioning a video game problem, I have played XBOX in true HDTV with no problem. Again, this set is a steal and is very versatile in the fact that it can work in multiple rooms such as a bedroom, living room, or even the main piece of a home theather. DLP is really the best new form of watching out there. There is no burn in because of the DLP and that is always a plus because you will really never have to change the picture tube!

I don't know all the technical stuff about televisions, but I've had one of these for about a year now and I love it. I'm still amazed about how beautiful the picture is. I was watching CITY OF GOD a few days ago and i honestly thought to myself "This t.v. is bad ass." Black & White movies also look great.

Buy one yourself and you won't be disappointed.

I've had mine for three years. It was the product of the year in 2005 when I bought it. The only problem I've had (and I haven't tried to get it fixed) is I can't use the component inputs because they have some kind of short in them. I use the other inputs instead. Maybe I'll get the component inputs fixed some day, who knows. But it hasn't been something I've had to do so I haven't done it. I have been wanting to get a Blu-Ray player but the salesman I spoke to said the 720p output of my TV isn't the ideal output for Blu-Ray and I would be wasting my money. I need a TV that supports 1080p. Well, I'm not ready for a new TV just yet so the Blu-Ray will have to wait I guess..

I bought this TV two years ago to the month and have had no problems with it at all, still has the original bulb. My CC warranty is up in two weeks and i'm wondering whether to renew it or just buy a new bulb online and replace myself. The picture has been great for the past 24 months. I don't have the TV in a entertainment center so it doesn't have a chance to heat up, it just sit out in the open so it cools off nicely.

I have had the Samsung 50" DLP for about 2 weeks now. I was initally worried about reliability and performance after reading many online reviews. No problems so far - I am very happy with the TV - the images are absolutely stunning. Great picture!

To correct an earlier reviewer, the lamp is covered by the one year Samsung warranty (but I still bought the service plan from my retailer).