Pros: Excellent display quality, perfect for most HD sources
Cons: Voice sync problem on non-HD digital cable broadcasts
The Bottom Line: While the 5063W excels at DVD playback, satellite and HDTV broadcasts, digital cable TV subscribers should evaluate other alternatives before purchasing this unit.
bc0203's Full Review: Samsung HL-P5063W 50 in. HDTV DLP TV
The search for a new TV started when I moved into a new apartment with limited space for a conventional projection TV. After examining various options, it appeared that the best placement for a projection TV was literally in front of the fireplace (which gave almost everyone in the living room the same 10-11' viewing distance), with the center of the screen about 40" off the floor. The fireplace had a 15" deep ledge, making a 50" DLP set a logical choice.
While doing research, I found that one of the best sources of up-to-date information on DLP TVs was the HDTV forums on ecoustics.com; their input proved very helpful in the decision making process.
My HLP5063W was purchased from onecall.com; with a four year extended warranty and free shipping, it worked out within a few dollars of what I would have paid at the local Circuit City for a unit with the standard warranty. Having researched this set thoroughly, I was confident enough to buy it without worrying about One Call's return policy (basically, once it comes off the delivery truck, you own it), but I'm not sure that most people would stomach that just to get an extended warranty.
This having been said, I've been using the 5063W for about three months now, and can report that while it occasionally exhibits some of the inherent flaws with DLP technology, it's still a very impressive unit.
LIKES:
Once calibrated, the 5063's color saturation and accuracy are superb, with better contrast than previous generation DLP sets. (For those spending this much on a TV who don't get it professionally calibrated, at least consider using a resource such as the Avia test disc. The difference in display quality between what ships with most TVs and what a properly calibrated unit looks like are night and day.)
As with most DLP TVs, brightness is more than sufficient for a multi-use room (i.e. the image is bright enough you can use it during the day).
Six sets of inputs can handle up to three high definition sources (unfortunately, only one can be DVI/HDMI). The unit also hooks up to non-HD sources with ease (including PC and X-box). The ability to save settings by input ensures the best possible quality from each picture source. For those complaining about the prices of connector cables - the HDTV Philips cables available at almost any Wal-Mart are less than $20 each and of high enough quality that all but the most avid videophile wouldn't notice the difference.
The fan on this unit is whisper-quiet, well below any material you're likely to be viewing. (I did experience a hum similar to that which one of the other reviewers described, but it was because I had routed the wires incorrectly, and it went away when I re-routed things properly.)
NEUTRAL:
The DNIe (digital noise reduction) is a great technology with broadcast high-definition signals, making them noticeably sharper, but can actually detract from the quality of non-HD signals.
The ability to switch viewing modes (4:3, wide, panorama, "zoom 1" and "zoom 2") is great, but I wish the set would be smart enough to switch between them automatically based on input signal.
The built-in speakers are good for regular viewing, but digital cable subscribers will long for something a bit more robust, as these will end up being be the primary speakers for non-HD broadcasts (see below).
DISLIKES:
Based on what I've read, there's a definite issue with DLP chip sets when viewing non-HD digital cable broadcasts when using a home theater system, and the HLP5063W is no exception. When you use the outboard surround sound equipment with non-HD source material, voices can get out of sync like a bad Chinese movie. While one might be able to overcome this with "On Demand" broadcasts (I haven't tried), it definitely makes viewing regular broadcasts something that you'd only want to do with the built in speakers. The only reason that this isn't a "showstopper" issue in my case is that a) 95% of the material that I use with my home theater setup is high-definition, and b) I'll be switching to satellite TV when I move and view this as a short-term problem. Still, if you're stuck with digital cable where you live, think twice before buying ANY DLP set for this reason.
Finally, I've definitely experienced the "rainbow effect," (i.e. pixelization of dark portions of the image that move rapidly against a bright background) with this set. While not frequent enough to be annoying, it's frequent enough to merit a mention in this review.
CONCLUSION:
To cut to the chase, this TV is an excellent choice if you're a satellite TV subscriber who watches lots of HDTV broadcasts and sit about 10' from the TV. If you're a digital cable subscriber who wants to use their home theater system to watch non-HD material, seriously consider another technology, such as LCOS or LCD panels - or switch to satellite TV.
Epinions.com periodically updates pricing and product information from third-party sources, so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it.
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