Samsung HLN617W 61-Inch Widescreen Projection HDTV with DLP Technology
Samsung HLN617W 61" HDTV with DLP Review
My wife and I purchased our Samsung HLN617W HDTV one month ago and we are very pleased with it!  We researched a lot of products and technology before buying our big screen TV and surround sound system.  We divided the large screen products into four categories, Projection High Definition TV (HDTV), Projection HDTV with DLP, Flat Panel Plasma display and overhead projectors.  The overhead projector is a viable option only if you have a dedicated room with controlled lighting.  The Flat Panel Plasma displays are still way too expensive for the size screen that we wanted.  The HDTV with DLP has a brighter picture and wider viewing angle than HDTV without DLP.  Plus the HDTV with DLP units are lighter and more compact than HDTV models (our Samsung 61\\" HLN617W is only 18\\" deep and weighs less than 100 pounds). <br />After deciding on a HDTV with DLP we researched reviews on the Internet and looked at lots of makes and models in stores (Circuit City, Costco, Sam's Club, etc.). One thing that I noticed looking at the TVs is that when the screen is dark, some models have a clear and distracting reflection in the background.  You can see a mirror reflection of people and lights behind you.  Other makes and models have a much more muted, diffused and subtle reflection that is less distracting.  In a totally darkened room this might not be a big deal, but most people have some background light in their home theater family or living rooms.  I HIGHLY recommend that you choose an HDTV-DLP model that has a subdued background reflection (like the Samsung HLN617W)! <br />I also recommend that you buy an extended warranty with any HDTV-DLP.  The projection lamp for the Samsung HLN617W is rated for approximately 6000 hours or about 3 years and costs around $250.00.   <br />Recommend you get a DVD player (or surround sound DVD system) with \\"progressive scan\\" video output for which you need special red-green-blue high quality video cables.  You should also use digital audio cables whenever possible.  If you have cable or satellite TV, you will want to subscribe to the new High Definition (HDTV) channels.  I declined the more expensive option for the home theater setup-wiring-configuration because I am a technology buff, but I spent more than a few hours getting our home theater setup and integrated with a few of our other entertainment units.  For those who are purchasing surround sound systems, the extra bucks for home theater setup, wiring & configuration might be worth it. <br />On a final note, do a Google search for \\"Samsung HLN617W reviews\\" and read some of the other fine reviews and prices before you spend big $$$ for your HDTV with DLP. <br />