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DLP vs Plasma/LCD

I was just about ready to plunk down $4k for a Panasonic 42" plasma. I was at my brother's tonight watching the Olympics on his 42" Pioneer plasma (HD transmission,) when he tells me that I should go with a DLP for my bedroom, rather than the plasma. He claims the picture is much better and they cost less. I wasn't even considering a DLP because I didn't think it would fit in my bedroom. (being to deep) He says they make some, now, that are only a few inches deeper/wider than a plasma. Any takers? Is the DLP the way to go? If so, can anyone recommend one with killer picture quality, and relatively thin? thanks in advance. warren
warrenh

Showing 2 responses by dougdeacon

dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Jer,
The estimated bulb life in Sammy DLP's is 8,000 hours, not 1,000 or 5,000. Where did you see those numbers?

$300 every 3-4 years is easier to budget for than risking having to replace an entire plasma due to burn in or steadily diminishing luminance. IMO of course.

The small # of early bulb failures I've heard about were all replaced under warranty. I've followed the Samsung DLP's on avsforum since the beta test days in early 2002, and bought one from the first shipload that arrived after the dock strike that summer. 2,500 hours and going strong.

Now if someone could just make a good universal player with DVI output...
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Jer,
I took the 8,000 hours from my memory of researching/discussing the HLN437W last summer. That's no longer a current model so I can't find a link that shows that now. Take it FWIW I guess.

Samsung's current DLP product brochure states, "The bulb will deliver more than 5,000 hours of operation."

http://www.samsungusa.com/pdf/DLP_Brochure.pdf

Samsungparts.com sells the replacement bulb unit for my set for $199.
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