A Chance To Buy A New TV
Well, it was time to sell my 65″ SONY rear screen projection set. While it gave me 3 years, it had no HDMI connectors. Since, I had an opportunity to sell both my Sony TV and my old Yamaha receiver, I felt it was the time to make a change.
With my newly acquired wealth, I got the Samsung HL67A750 TV. In earlier days, if you wanted an HDTV with a 60″ or larger screen, yout got a rear screen projector. They were MUCH cheaper than a flat panel. Today, the same situation is still true! A SONY 73″ flat screen costs over $10,000! A similar-sized micro display, or rear screen costs about $2,000. The difference is LCD or Plasma. The micro-display reflects a video source on to a screen using some type of mirror configuration.
Doing the research.
Really, there are only two major players in the micro-display market, Samsung and Mitsubishi. Keep in mind, I am a home theater consultant for a local retailer in the Northeast. I have seen fewer returns on the Samsung than the Mitsubishi’s. Unfortunately, we don’t have a track record on the Mitsubishi LaserVue, yet. These are the new sets powered by lasers.
The Pros and Cons.
After narrowing my choices with a lot of internet and dealer research, I decided on the Samsung. Let me explain why.
One, is the previously mentioned reliability factor. Another is that Samsung does not use a bulb for illuminating the screen. It uses LED’s as a built-in backlight. This means no bulbs to replace. Plus, these LED lights are smooth, bright, with the power to provide whatever brightness you want.
This set has a 67″ diagonal screen, which is more than adequate for most home use. Sure, the 70-73″ projection set was available, but it meant having to replace bulbs eventually. Using a bulb as a light source has its pros and cons. While it gives a nice bright light, it dims over time. Once you replace the bulb (at a cost from from $100-$300), it restores the original brightness, which is nice. However, the money for bulbs adds up, if you require numerous replacements.
Without bulbs, this Samsung was a great advantage to me over other TVs. I can get bulbs at cost, so that should tell you something.
The screen has a nice piano black bezel frame, a red/green power light on the lower right, with a large round blue circle showing the set is on. Samsung sets play a little “tune” when they are turned on.
Dust adheres to the screen and the bezel. You will need a special “dust cloth” that cleans dust from a solid surface. Remember, do not put your finger on the screen! The oil from your finger can damage the display.
By the numbers.
Here are some specs…
VIDEO:
Screen Size 67”
Aspect Ratio 16 : 9
Resolution 1920 x 1080
Contrast Ratio 10,000:1
DNIe™ Yes
Digital Noise Reduction Yes
AUDIO:
Sound Effect System TruSurround XT
Sound Output(RMS) 10 W x 2
Input & Output(Side)
HDMI 3
composite (AV) 2
S-Video 1
Input & Output(Back)
HDMI No
composite (AV) No
S-Video No
PC input (D-sub) No
Component(Y/Pb/Pr) No
FEATURES:
Picture-in-Picture Yes
Price $2,399.99
System
Tuners NTSC / ATSC, Clear QAM
Accessory
Dimension
Set size(WXHXD) with stand 60.8″ x 41.5″ x 16.6″
Set size(WXHXD) without stand 60.8″ x 41.5″ x 15.5″
Package size(WXHXD) 60.8″ x 41.5″ x 15.5″
What Impressed Me.
The real advantage is the video/picture is beautiful. It is a true 1080P picture! There are no artifacts, judder, or negative video qualities. The audio is passable. It is probably expected that an audio receiver will be used or a good speaker system. For those without external speaker systems, the sound is fine. It is without any real distortion or muddiness. This includes higher output levels.
The menu has plenty of options to customize the set the way you want. Without giong into all the menu settings, let me just say there are enough options to calibrate the picture the way you want. By switching from STORE MODE to HOME MODE, and using the THX setting, the picture is great! This was minor tweaking, compared to having to redo the entire settings page. Some sets require you to do this. Not this Samsung!
The Bottom Line.
Let me finish by saying if you want a great 67″ set and no need for a bulb, this is it. It is a little too thick to hang on a wall, but works great on a TV stand. Off-axis viewing only becomes a problem outside 160 degrees from the axis. That is is fine for my family room.
The set has a nice design, great picture and adequate sound. Samsung has discontinued this set, so if you are thinking about it, get it!
A side note.
One last thing is the remote. It comes with all the normal “bells & whistles” with one “extra”. When you press the LIGHT button, the backlight displays, which makes it perfect to use in dimly lit or dark rooms!
I think you’ll enjoy the Samsung HL-67A750 67″.
6 months later.
There is a very nice feature I forgot to add. The Samsung has a LINK set-up. To activate it, use MENU and the remote. This ties any HDMI components together through a receiver. When you turn on the TV, the receiver comes on automatically! It does this for my new Blu Ray player, too! Plus, it switches the receiver to the correct input! This is one good use of HDMI connections, despite their troubles.
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