Customer Reviews

Samsung HLT5675S 56-Inch Slim 720p DLP HDTV

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

If you want an HD tv, and want money left over when you buy it, i would recommend you buy this one. I am a poor college student, and i purchased this tv with hard earned money (yes i work, pay for my college, bills, etc).

This tv was a "next generation" tv, and quite affordable. Now i was blu-ray on it and cant imagine it can get any better than this.

ONLY thing i would say is a down fall is the sound. I am by no means saying the TV produces bad sound quality. But for a next generation sound, i would suggest a theater sound system (5.1) to further enhance this television.

I purchased this TV as was very aware of DLP using Lamps and Color Wheels etc. So I purchased the extended warranty to cover those items until it both failed completely or would be replaced if it could not be repaired in the future.

Well.... after a month of owning this TV the lamp light came on and the TV is flickering on/off and not showing a picture. I followed all of the recommended settings and do's/don'ts when dealing with lamp driven RPTV. The TV has now been out for a week and the service rep has not come and Samsung has absolutely the worst, condensing service center that I have ever dealt with. The lamp is a "USER" replaceable part and takes about 5min to replace and requires a Phillips screw driver.

Samsung did the following: Placed trouble ticket call.

Service Rep called the next day (impressive)

Rep stated TV would not be repaired for another week as he has to wait for parts and then dispatch someone to install. Totaling over 7+ days for a lamp that can be replaced by me.

I called Samsung same day:

Requested lamp be sent next day air so I could replace myself.

This is where the story gets really interesting.

Called Samsung - Rep: Very condescending and tells me that the part cannot be sent to me and cannot be sent next day air - after speaking with his "supervisor". I then requested to speak to the supervisor -

Then Rep - Tells me "Why would you waste his time and mine when he is going to tell you exactly the same thing"

Granted I had been very cordial and NONE condescending but at this point I was livid.

I requested a supervisor and did NOT release the line until I spoke with one.

Supervisor - "Apologetic and more professional promised that he could send to me but it would take 7-10days and sooner I would have to pay for full price of item."

I agreed to wait on repair.

The PROS:

TV is absolutely wonderful, nice picture. HDTV is amazing!

CONS:

Silk Screen Effect- mostly noticeable on brights, reduce contrast. THE MAJOR CON is SAMSUNG support and poorly produced parts.

The Sets are inexpensive in the beginning and HIGH maintenance in the long -run. I had started to like Samsung as a company as well as I own a digital camera from them. The service from them is HORRIBLE and WARRANTY repairs are worse.

Note:

All technologies have there PROS/CONS. I personally like DLP better, that's just my choice. The digital television age of flat-screen technology is still relatively new. But.....

If you are going to purchase this brand beware of the following:

Customer Service is horrible.

Parts can be pricey and repairs can be often.

Do your research and buy an extended warranty.

Update: 01/01/08 Service call placed

Update: 01/09/08 Techs arrived barely spoke English, had bare hands ALL over lamp in which I instructed them to wipe off lamp before inserting. Tech tells me this is no problem; they only service my area on Wed's EVEN if they have parts. Samsung dropped the ball in regards to competent technicians trained fluently on products. Samsung uses third party techs for repairs and do not screen them accordingly. Lamp replaced and TV still doesn't work, tech noted BALLAST needed to be replaced. Ordered Ballast and is supposed to arrive next WED.

Samsung called to check on issue. I explained everything to them and they stated this was the ONLY techs in my area (ATLANTA is LARGE) and that they could offer new service, but they would have to diagnose yada yada yada yada. I told them to send techs anyway and I would SCREEN them before they ruined my TV.

Note: Three repairs in 1yr, Warrant replacement TV. I will continue to update this issue as things occur.

NOT HAPPY

Update: 01/14/08 Technician promised on 01/10/08 that parts would be ordered and TV would be repaired on 01/16/08 - now they called and stated that TV would not be repaired until 01/22/08 and didn't offer a reason. The company name is Tech Pro Plus in Norcross,GA 3230 Peachtree Corners CI
Norcross, GA 30092 (770) 446-1700 avoid this company at ALL costs if you are in the Atlanta area. The parts have NOT arrived the company is very unprofessional and doesn't answer the phones.

Samsung update: 01/14/08 - I then called Samsung to report what had been told to me, I was hungup on the first call and the second call reached someone. Same attitude, very unprofessional and stated to me "Good Luck" and that it was reasonable that the TV would be repaired by NEXT Tuesday being parts had to be ordered. The rep then tells me that she could NOT reach the tech company as well and that they were doing the best they could. How could she know this? - She didn't speak to anyone.

I then asked her what was Samsung policy toward customer satisfaction and how could my TV be replaced. She stated Samsung is repairing the TV and that is good enough, I told her the TV had been down longer than I watched it. She stated "Good Luck" and then asked me if there was anything else she could help me with. I told her that this was unacceptable I was going to do my homework and find out my rights. She then replied "Good Luck" again and then hung-up.

Update: 01/29/08 - Tech came out replaced several more parts and the TV is now powering on. Then I notices lights ALL OVER the TV screen in dark areas. Called tech to ask if there was something I could do to remedy, he stated he knew the fix and would come back to resolve.

Called Samsung and informed and asked for replacement.

Update: 02/05/08 Tech comes back and then tried to dust bulb, as well as clean lamp. Lights still present, tech then says "I don't know what else to do".

Call Samsung, call escalated to Tier III support. Spoke with yet another "RUDE" person and then she took information and told me that I would not get a repair until around 02/11/08.

Update: 02/06/08 Someone calls from FL to request repair time and to get symptons. I told her that the TV was deemed unrepairable due to Samsung not replacing Light Engines. They just keep repairing until they "GUESS" what the problem is.

Receive another call, Gentleman asked questions and stated parts would arrive next day and a Tech would come and repair. By this time I don't beleive anyone and have a 56" Paper Weight!!!

Update: 02/07/08 Tech calls early morning to advise of appointment time. Parts arrived before tech came. Tech came in, Put in Light engine and TV is working correctly and properly.

*Keeping fingers crossed*

Tech states that Samsung is a BETTER company compared to most "In regards to repairs", I couldn't believe it. He said the industry is just like that.

Here's something funny: THE TECHNICIAN ARRIVED IN AN OFFICIAL SAMSUNG REPAIR TRUCK WITH ALL CORRECT PARTS AND WAS NICE AND FRIENDLY. ~ Samsung dropped the ball using a NON STANDARD vendor to resolve a problem that could have been repaired in minutes by an Authorized Vendor!!!!!

THIS IS AWFUL ~ For a company to cut costs.

BEWARE DO NOT BUY THIS TV. I will NEVER own another Samsung product EVER!!

Great TV for the family room it has the hidden effect of looking just like a flat screen lcd (you wouldn't be able to tell unless you're looking from behind).

The picture quality is a A+ too and just to confirm to everyone as there are some mixed tech specs on this; that this TV is 720p and can output 1080i (not 1080p).

Hooking up a Playstation 3 via HDMI is a must and clearly shows it's HD 1080i qualities. The sound quality is above average for any tv (i think) and most peeps just get 5.1/6.1/7.1 receivers anyway.

For $1,099.98 shipped this 56" WideScreen TV is a Best Buy.

*Only downside is the Samsung remote/osd response time lags (a few mill-sec longer that's all) from other TV's I've had and I'm not sure if it's the remote or the osd as I haven't tested it on a universal remote. However there is a feature to upgrade firmware via USB port maybe one will be available later...

I did my research on HD before I bought this TV and it payed off. If you are looking for HD viewing without breaking the bank then this is a good option. Samsungs' DLP tvs look great in light or dark rooms. The image quality is superb, the HD channels make it hard to get off the couch and walk away. The black levels are fantastic and the colors really pop. It has enough inputs to satisfy almost everyone, and the picture and sound customization options should keep you happy.

For bang for your buck there isn't a better deal out there right now.

As for the difference between this TV and a 1080p.. most of the technology for sources hasn't reached 1080p anyways. (over the air signals, cable and satellites max out at 1080i) unless you are watching HD DVD's or Blu-Ray discs, chances are you won't even be able to tell the difference with your naked eye.

If you are on the fence with this TV, I would say get off of it. I had to wait a year until a week ago when I moved into my new place to pull the trigger, and I have very few negatives to say.

I will start with negatives. If you play older video games like myself (Nintendo, Super Nintendo etc) There is an appreciable lag from pressing the buttons and seeing the action on screen. The game mode does seemingly nothing to reduce this lag. If you are a hardcore gamer, I would stay away from this television. Even an xbox 360 outputting at 720p resolution has a lag, making games like guitar hero or dance dance revolution very difficult. IF you play those, look into a non dlp such as a sony kdf55e2000 (If in the same price bracket). Sound also could be better.

The picture on this tv is very bright and engaging. We all know that standard TV is terrible in relation to HD, but I was surprised how good this was. It is very watchable, and from my viewing distance of 11 feet you have to strain to see pixelation or outlining.

I do have a Blue Ray player, and have watched the same programming on 1080p vs this 720. Spending another 700 dollars (which puts the tv in another warranty price bracket) is nowhere near worth it. If you are spending the money on 1080p, I would go with another less "cheap" technology than dlp.

I am a college student who saved a lot for this TV, and my friends, neighbors and whoever else stops by are quite impressed. Also, if you are up in the air about the 50inch vs the 56, go for the bigger. The picture is pretty much the same. There isn't some magical point where picture quality degrades.

Ultimately, I am glad I went with this TV. For under 1000 SHIPPED in about a week is a hell of a deal. That also keeps it in Amazon's warrant Price bracket for TV's $500-$990.99.

The TV is light, stylish, has tons of inputs, but does have lag if dealing with time critical video games. Even though I play those video games, I'm still very satisfied, so that must tell you something!

This tv is a piece of junk. Is the same sad story "if I knew then what I know now" I'd never of bought this. All these problems are well documented and Samsing is aware are of them but they do nothing to correct it. Customer service is very very poor and supposed tech reprenentives do not no more than the man from Shinola. TV keeps shutting of by itself. When on half the time there is no pictures or sound. Overheats as the cooliong fan is worth about a nickel and makes loud funny noises. Save your moeny and get a Toshiba.

This is a great size TV for the money. Though it's only 720p, most people can't tell the difference between 720p and 1080p anyway. Large selection of inputs means I can hook up a large array of devices without having any trouble.

I've owned the TV for about 2 years now, and did have to replace the lamp in this time. Found online for about $120. Be aware that there is sort of a hidden cost in these DLP TVs when you have to replace the lamp every couple of years. Still, even after 10 years of replacing bulbs it'll be cheaper than a comparably sized plasma or LCD TV would have been.

I haven't had any other trouble with the TV other than the lamp going out.

*Update Jan 10 2010*
I did have another problem with this TV a few months ago. Shortly after having the bulb replaced by a "professional", the TV started shutting itself off a few minutes after being turned on. I'd then turn it back on and it would do it again. I had to go through this process 3 - 5 times before the TV would finally stay on for long periods of time. I researched this a lot but never really found an answer. I finally got a hint from someone online related to a different problem and I took of the panel where you install the bulb and put it back in. Apparently there is a sensor on this door that will shut off the TV if it is opened while the TV is on, and the person that installed it hadn't seated it properly so the sensor kept getting flipped. After I put it back on correctly, it hasn't shut off since and has been running great.

It's very bright after it warms up (takes a minute or two), and works great for movies or video games. I have also hooked it up to my Mac Mini and use it as a media center with a DVI to HDMI adapter, and it works well.

The screen does definitely get dim when you sit off to the side of it, but it's usually just my wife and I watching so we can sit right in front of it. If you have a larger living room and regularly have people sitting off to the side of the TV to watch, you may want to consider another type of TV as DLP definitely reduces in quality as you move out of the prime viewing angles.

Overall I'm very happy with the TV and would buy it again considering the great prices you can find it for these days.

I bought this TV (my first HDTV)a few months ago and have been nothing but pleased. It was about 40% cheaper than what I would have paid for it in the store, it arrived swiftly from Amazon and in perfect condition. I was easily able to set up Sony surround sound and my xbox 360. The picture quality is amazing in HD, not as great when viewing regular cable, but that's to be expected. Have yet to have any problems. A great deal!

I received this TV about 1 month ago before the price went up from $999. It is still a great buy. The same TV at Best Buy was $1800. The picture quality is superb for a DLP and the SLim box takes up minimal depth. Eagle shipping was no problem in our area even though some prior reviewers had some problems. They carried the box up to my second floor and helped my wife unpack it and set it up. I did buy the added protection for $55 which I think is worth it for the expense of the TV. If you are looking for a 56" TV with dimensions similar to a plasma but do not want to spend the extra money I think that this TV is an excellent alternative.

I am very happy with my purchase. HD is great on this TV. I would rather stay home and watch the game on my new TV then go the game.