1. 50-inch HD-ready DLP projection television with 2 digital-video and 1 PC inputs; 53.6 x 54.7 x 20.5 inches (W x H x D) with supplied pedestal
2. Compatible with 480i, 480p, and full high-definition 720p and 1080i signals; offers 1,280 x 720 native pixel resolution
3. 2 HD component-video inputs, 3 each composite- and S-video inputs, 2 RF inputs; 1 RF and 1 composite-video output
4. No risk of screen aging or burn-in effects; offers all-input upconversion, 3:2 pulldown reversal, and other enhancements
5. 15-watts-per-channel x 2 stereo audio system with SRS TruSurround XT simulated surround sound

Customer Review :

Do not buy Samsung

I purchased a Samsung television about eighteen months ago. Two weeks ago the picture became all distorted. Since my television warranty was through Circuit City I had no choice but to call a television repair person out to look at it. As soon as he walked in the door he knew what the issue was. He told me that the part would cost almost as much as the television and that his recommendation was to throw away the television and purchase another one. After doing some research I discovered that there were quite a few Samsung televisions that were going out and that the parts were on backorder for about a month. Samsung was also not helpful. I trying to discuss this with SamsungTweets on Twitter, but he blocked me when I asked why nobody called me like he said they would. The only other answer I got from Samsung was that I needed to take it to a service center; this is after I told them that a television repair person had looked at it. From what I can tell from looking on television repair forums, Samsung televisions look to be pretty flakey.

Rating :

4 Years old and still going strong...

My HLP-5085 is 4 years old and still going strong. Over 8000 hours on it and still on the original lamp! I do have a spare ready just in case.

Have had zero service issues with it.

There are, however, two design anomolies.

1. With the integral stand, your component (receiver, DVD Player, etc...) storage options are limited to the funky stand made for this TV.

2. Direct-access to the input ports doesn't work. It makes programming a remote, especially the "too smart for their own good" Logitech remotes, extremely difficult. Attempting any sort of programming to directly switch to the HDMI, DVI or other ports simply doesn't work. You have to use the "Cycle" method, and that also fails most of the time. The best thing you can do is put the "Input Next" button and code on the front page of all your device screens so it's handy.

Other than that I have zero complaints about this TV.

The new 61 LED 1080p units are dropping in price like a rock. Less than $1800 for the top of the line 61" set!

I'm going to wait until it hits $1500 then I will bite. I'll probably give this one to my sister as I'm sure it will be still running strong in a year.

Rating :

Never was that impressed

I agree with the guy whose TV quit during the football game. Mine has lasted longer than his before messing up. Luckily I won the TV. I was never impressed with the picture. And it does get HOT and makes a noise. Today I've had it almost 4 years and the bulb must have blown out b/c hubby said it made a loud sound (like his did). I will order a lamp, but if it tears up again, that's prolly gonna be it for me. My neighbor has a Panasonic plasma and the picture is unreal. So much better than mine.

Rating :

LOVE IT

I GOT THIS TV AT A STEAL FROM A CIRUIT CITY DISCOUNT OUTLET FOR JUST 890 DOLLARS IT WAS STILL NEW AND IN THE BOX.
I HAVE HAD IT FOR A YEAR NOW AND STILL CAN SAY IT LOOKS AND WORKS BETTER THAN THE NEW SETS IN THE STORES FOR 2500 DOLLARS OR MORE.
I HAVE MY COMPUTR HOOKED UP TO IT AND THAT IS SO AWESOME I STILL DROOL ON IT WHEN I USE IT THAT WAY MY COMPUTER HAS BLU RAY SO I WATCH BLUE RAY ON IT AND IT IS AWESOME. I HAVE A SAMSUNG HOME THEATER HOOKED UP TO IT AS WELL AND THE ANY NET SYSTEM MAKES THEM WORK AS ONE UNIT THRU THE TV'S REMOTE. WHEN PEOPLE SEE THIS SETUP THEY ALWAYS LOOK DUMBFOUNDED WITH ITS SLICK OPERATION.
IF YOU CAN STILL FIND ONE BUY IT
YOU WONT BE SORRY.


Rating :

The worst money I've EVER spent!

I bought this set 11/04 for $3,539.97 from Circuit City. I did EXTENSIVE research before plunking all that $$ down on a TV. The pundits were very clear: for a big high-def TV DLP was the way to go and Samsung was the best at DLP.

Liars!!

The second year I owned it I had all my friends over watching NFL Kickoff Sunday. Just as the kickoff was about to happen on the second round of games --KABOOM! It sounded like a shotgun going off! What it was was the bulb had blown up -- that took $300.00 and 5 days to get rectified. OK, I was warned about the bulb issue. I got over it.

After I had the set for 3 years and 1 month suddenly these black pinstripes (10 sets of 8 pinstripes) appeared over the whole screen, just like that. Samsung was as interested in helping me as a US Marine wants to get Osama bin Laden a cold glass of water and a pillow.

So I call a local TV repairman and he came out to have a look. A VERY nice man and quite intelligent as well. He told me that the DMD board went bad and Samsung charges $750.00 for a replacement board, plus $200.00 labor to install. He warned me that in DLP's the color wheel tends to go bad as well and they are equally as expensive to replace.

I asked him why a 3000+ dollar TV doesn't last for at least 10 years, like my old trusty Toshiba tube TV? He said that the new technology TV's - DLP, plasma, LCD - have an average user life of 2-4 years. That's right, you read correctly -- 2-4 years!!!

I figured quickly that buying a new set that is current would cost me ~ $1300.00 and fixing the Samsung would be throwing good money after bad.


I went ahead and bought a cheap Sanyo 46" LCD -- looks EVERY BIT as good as the Samsung did in it's prime. Plus, it was hella easier to set up and such.

Buyer beware -- Samsung is really bad.

If you do buy a new HDTV, be sure to put out the extra bucks to get at least 3 years insurance on it, regardless the brand. It's a little extra money but will be well worth it if your set is a lemon.

It will be interesting to see if the glowing reports on this set are still "glowing" after a couple years passes.



Rating :

More reviews...

1. 43-inch DLP-based high-definition widescreen projection television; 40.5 x 29.7 x 15.7 inches (W x H x D)
2. 13 video inputs, including DVI-HDTV, PC, and DVD (480i/p)
3. 1,280 x 720 resolution for a clear, detailed picture
4. 2-tuner PIP with side-by-side split screen
5. 15 watts per channel x 2; Virtual Dolby surround simulates theater sound through any two speakers

Customer Review :

Expensive and supposedly bad customer service

I just got the tv yesterday from Sears; actually a floor model and hence the price was less than usual. Definitely an improvement from the behemoth Toshiba that I had. I did do some research prior to purchasing and this is what I found.

Overall everyone seems to like the pic quality. Sony is the closest competitor; if you manage to set the pic correctly there should not be any difference. Switching to satellite from cable supposedly improves pic quality. Since I bought it just yesterday, I cannot say a lot about my experience - the pic is truly great.

However, some also complained about the bad Samsung customer service. Moreover, the bulb needs to be changed every 8000-10000 viewing hours and one can probably do it (according to the manual) without calling the service personnel. The bulb costs around $250. Some customers had a bad experience with the bulb within the first few months of its operation.

Overall, I tend to have no regrets about the purchase and really looking forward to the experience. If something goes awry, I will let you folks know.

Rating :

Poorly designed

If you want a trouble free set stay away from Samsung. These units have a color wheel, 3 fans and a 250 dollar lamp that need to be replaced periodically.

Rating :

Hay dudes go for this one and stop wasting your time

I just purchased this product and had some concern because of a couple of the ratings given. After a couple of days rerunning wires from my DVD, VCR, Audio System and of course the most important thing of all my HD cable box, I was in a New World of TV enjoyment. The key is that everything from TV is not HD compatible yet, but there are channels out there to get you through the night. This product provides you with great bravado. I'm not going to go through a lot of tech stuff to justify what I see, but if you want what you see and hear about in adds about really feeling like you are looking through a window, this is the way to go. Hay dudes go for this one and stop wasting your time looking.

PS
Yes I did research which included a number of testimonials.

Rating :

Was Great the 1st year and a half

Was Great the 1st year and a half, then started getting flashing lights across the screen, they say we need a new light engine at --wait for it--$1500.00

No leeway from Samsung cause this is not supposed to happen, no I didn't get the extended warranty.

If you are going to buy Samsung you better get the extended warranty

I am off to find another brand and forget that Samsung exists

Rating :

Do not buy Samsung

I purchased a Samsung television about eighteen months ago. Two weeks ago the picture became all distorted. Since my television warranty was through Circuit City I had no choice but to call a television repair person out to look at it. As soon as he walked in the door he knew what the issue was. He told me that the part would cost almost as much as the television and that his recommendation was to throw away the television and purchase another one. After doing some research I discovered that there were quite a few Samsung televisions that were going out and that the parts were on backorder for about a month. Samsung was also not helpful. I trying to discuss this with SamsungTweets on Twitter, but he blocked me when I asked why nobody called me like he said they would. The only other answer I got from Samsung was that I needed to take it to a service center; this is after I told them that a television repair person had looked at it. From what I can tell from looking on television repair forums, Samsung televisions look to be pretty flakey.

Rating :

More reviews...

1. 46-inch widescreen projection HDTV with Digital Micromirror Device; 40.6 x 30 x 16.1 inches (W x H x D)
2. DVI-HDTV accepts digital feeds from DTV receiver or PC
3. Faroudja film mode 3:2 pulldown enhancement corrects video distortion with film-based content
4. 2-tuner PIP with side-by-side split screen lets you watch 2 shows simultaneously
5. 15-watts-per-channel stereo audio system; Virtual Dolby surround sound (simulated surround from 2 channels)

Customer Review :

Do not buy Samsung

I purchased a Samsung television about eighteen months ago. Two weeks ago the picture became all distorted. Since my television warranty was through Circuit City I had no choice but to call a television repair person out to look at it. As soon as he walked in the door he knew what the issue was. He told me that the part would cost almost as much as the television and that his recommendation was to throw away the television and purchase another one. After doing some research I discovered that there were quite a few Samsung televisions that were going out and that the parts were on backorder for about a month. Samsung was also not helpful. I trying to discuss this with SamsungTweets on Twitter, but he blocked me when I asked why nobody called me like he said they would. The only other answer I got from Samsung was that I needed to take it to a service center; this is after I told them that a television repair person had looked at it. From what I can tell from looking on television repair forums, Samsung televisions look to be pretty flakey.

Rating :

Very Nice TV!

I bought this through my wife's employee discount (She worked at Samsung until last week). I am very impressed with the picture quality though I am only getting over the air signals. Hooked up DVD via component video and the picture quality is impressive. You have many connection options (currently I do not even have that many components). I will try hooking up my PC. Did a lot of research (Extreme Tech and PCNet). I read that some people were disapointed w/ picture quality of regular cable or digital signals. I am not sure what they were expecting. As this is HD ready TV, it truely shines when watching HD broadcasts (according to all reviewers). Personally, I will wait until quality is improved on HD receivers before I go out and buy one- read many complaints of various devices on HD Net.

No complaints. No noticeable annoying fan noise as some had mentioned. Excellent design, slim and light, and outstanding picture quality. Very happy w. our choice.

Rating :

1. 56-inch HD-ready DLP projection television with 2 digital-video and 1 PC input; 49.9 x 36.3 x 18.2 inches (W x H x D)
2. Compatible with 480i, 480p, and full high-definition 720p and 1080i signals; offers 1,280 x 720 native pixel resolution
3. 2 HD component-video inputs, 3 each composite- and S-video inputs, 2 RF inputs; 1 RF and 1 composite-video output
4. No risk of screen aging or burn-in effects; offers all-input upconversion, 3:2 pulldown reversal, and other enhancements
5. 15-watts-per-channel x 2 stereo audio system with SRS TruSurround XT simulated surround sound

Customer Review :

A Fantastic choice

I am not a very knowledgeable electronic buff - but have been fantasizing about buying a HDTV for a couple of years now.

Since the choices are so many, it was a fun job trying to find out about them - at the same time very confusing. Finally, I did decide on Samsung DLP - the only question was which model I should be going for :-)

The HLP 56" is just about right for my family room -- has a very good viewing angle, has no real issue with room brightness. The quality of standard TV via Satellite depends on the different channels. (I use component cable for Satellite and DVI cable for DVD) Some channels appear better than others. HD programs are fantastic. The default color settings were a bit to greenish for my liking. The TV is lighter compared to my standard 29" TV. The PIP feature is cool. The TV was almost "plug-and-play" - didnt need too much tinkering to get the basic features working (for normal non-electronic buffs who wonder if a HDTV has to be always set-up and tuned by a professional).

I also bought a Samsung Progressive Scan HD 841 DVD player -- a good combo with this TV. (And the good thing is that this comes with the DVI cable in the package)

Some Cons I noticed:
# The remote lacks a backlight feature - since I like watching my DVDs by darkening the room - its frustrating to grope around the buttons.

# There seems to be some humming noice - like a fan rotating when the TV is on mute (or volume very low) - not too noticeable - but present all the same.

# The feature wherein you can change the source or the TV display size make you cycle though ALL the possible choices instead of poviding a "drop-down" ike UI to choose the one you are looking for directly - this becomes fustrating if you are the type who constantly change you TV display and source (between Satellite, Antenna, DVD etc.)

# Very little to no documentation on fine tuning the system available .. what exists is definelty enough to get a nice viewing experience - but if u want more fine grained control - dont bother reading the documentation to find out how.

But all-in-all its a great TV and I hope to enjoy it for a long time !!

Rating :

Do not buy Samsung

I purchased a Samsung television about eighteen months ago. Two weeks ago the picture became all distorted. Since my television warranty was through Circuit City I had no choice but to call a television repair person out to look at it. As soon as he walked in the door he knew what the issue was. He told me that the part would cost almost as much as the television and that his recommendation was to throw away the television and purchase another one. After doing some research I discovered that there were quite a few Samsung televisions that were going out and that the parts were on backorder for about a month. Samsung was also not helpful. I trying to discuss this with SamsungTweets on Twitter, but he blocked me when I asked why nobody called me like he said they would. The only other answer I got from Samsung was that I needed to take it to a service center; this is after I told them that a television repair person had looked at it. From what I can tell from looking on television repair forums, Samsung televisions look to be pretty flakey.

Rating :

1. Ultralight, slim-profile 56-inch HD-ready DLP projection television with 2 digital-video inputs; 52.4 x 37.9 x 15.6 inches (W x H x D)
2. Compatible with 480i, 480p, and full high-definition 720p and 1080i signals; offers 1,280 x 720 native pixel resolution
3. 2 HD component-video inputs, 3 each composite- and S-video inputs, 2 RF inputs; 1 RF and 1 composite-video output
4. No risk of screen aging or burn-in effects; offers all-input upconversion, 3:2 pulldown reversal, and other enhancements
5. 15-watts-per-channel x 2 stereo audio system with SRS TruSurround XT simulated surround sound

Customer Review :

Do not buy Samsung

I purchased a Samsung television about eighteen months ago. Two weeks ago the picture became all distorted. Since my television warranty was through Circuit City I had no choice but to call a television repair person out to look at it. As soon as he walked in the door he knew what the issue was. He told me that the part would cost almost as much as the television and that his recommendation was to throw away the television and purchase another one. After doing some research I discovered that there were quite a few Samsung televisions that were going out and that the parts were on backorder for about a month. Samsung was also not helpful. I trying to discuss this with SamsungTweets on Twitter, but he blocked me when I asked why nobody called me like he said they would. The only other answer I got from Samsung was that I needed to take it to a service center; this is after I told them that a television repair person had looked at it. From what I can tell from looking on television repair forums, Samsung televisions look to be pretty flakey.

Rating :

Great DLP

After buying an Olevia 32" LCD TV, I purchased this Samsung HLP5663W for the study for cinema-style home theatre viewing. This unit does the job quite well. Both of the aforementioned are great products. Color, brightness, contrast are very good, although an LCD or plasma screen would deliver better brightness. Out of the box the Samsung performed admirably; I haven't even needed to fiddle with any of the color/tone settings. I'll need one of the DVD color-testing kits to do that, but so far my eyes tell me everything is fine. I got the extended warranty for a marginal cost just in case the color-wheel optics or lamp fails. This unit provides HDMI/DVI and 2 component ports for just about any HDTV/DVD connections. Maximum resolution is 1080i, not 1080p, which Samsung will deliver in new models coming out in June, but at $500-$1000 more. Can't wait to get the Cablevision digital box to receive HDTV through the DVI port. ExtremeTech rated this TV an 8! I matched this TV with an LG DVT418 600 watt tower DVD/home theatre system providing great surround sound. I also bought the matching TR63 stand from Amazon, which has the lowest price with $10 shipping, amazing.

Rating :

Best DLP in market

I think I have the earlier model of this one. But I think it's the best damn TV out there. It's light, picture is insane good, and the inputs are quite numerous. I think this one is the 2nd version of the DLP technology so it can only get better. Way cheaper than plasma and cheaper than LCD, with all the same, if not better picture.

Rating :