Sony KF-42WE610 LCD RPTV Vs. Samsung HLN-437W DLP RPTV

I know the topic of LCD Vs. DLP has been discussed on this forum before. That being said I am trying to help my father decide on which TV to purchase. The following are the parameters for choosing between the two sets. If someone has a different set that meets these specs feel free to add it to the list of options.

1. Size - The space for the TV is limited. A CRT direct view (more than 27") or a CRT RPTV (any size) will not fit. Also anything with a width of more than 46 inches.
2. Sports Viewing Quality - My father is not a videofile and will not be watching many movies. His primary desire is to have it to watch sports, specifically, Hockey, Football and Baseball. Living in the Philly area having access to Comcast Sportsnet and ESPN-HD will provide a good amount of programming including all Phillies, Flyers and Sixers home games in HD.
3. No Burn In - My mother does not like seeing a stretched 4:3 image. She is more than happy to watch with black bars on the side.

If anyone out there has either or both of these sets please let me know what you would recommend in regards to the above criteria. He knows that the native scan rate is 720P for both sets and ESPN, ABC and eventually Fox broadcast in 720P and that Comcast broadcasts in 1080i.

thanks

Hey Josh!

You have probably done this but you may want to check on the specs for the 42 inch Sony Grand Wega -- I think it is a bit over 46 inches wide. This is because the Sony has the speakers on the sides while the Samsung does not. Re: burn-in, you may want to read the strings on that issue as I'm not sure whether it applies to DLP or LCD projection Tvs -- my general impression is that it does not. Other than that, I don't think there is a clear winner between the two with respect to sports programming.

The max width above should be 49".

I have the Samsung, and think it's great. I've seen the Sony, and the picture is excellent, and the viewing angle is better on the LCD than on the DLP. The only thing you should check into is the burn in on an LCD. I know there is zero chance of it on a DLP. With your mom, like my wife, watching 4:3 content quite a bit of the time, it should be a big part of the decision.

For sports I would definitely go with DLP...that being said, you may want to wait till the 4th quarter of this year...Many companys are coming out with DLPs that are less than 6" in depth that you can even hang on the wall...the units will also offer deeper black levels (so he can enjoy movies more if he so desires).

Neither DLP or LCD burn-in.

Richard F. Fisher
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