Samsung's HL-S5679W LED DLP gets real

For those patiently awaiting the release of the first LED backlit HDTVs, your time draws near, friends. Step aside, NuVision -- Samsung's officially posted their HL-S5679W LED-backlit 1080p DLP HDTV, which should result in a 20,000 hour lifespan with faster startups and even better color using the already infamous colormongering DLP system. You'll also get such features as dual HDMI inputs, a 4,000:1 contrast ratio picture, and Samsung's DNIe Digital Natural Image Engine. Perhaps most surprisingly, however, is the 56-incher can be found listed online for less than $4,000, even if it is still in "coming soon" status.

[Via HD Beat]

[language police @ May 5th 2006 10:50AM]

Better color through infamous DLP? This doesnt quite add up.....

[Paul @ May 5th 2006 10:55AM]

Beast.

Does that mean Sony should be releasing one soon aswell?

As I thought all Sony and Samsung television production is in a joint venture?

Not sure, so someone tell me :P

[mendcorp @ Jul 16th 2007 8:50AM]

Sony and Samsung are not partners, in the other hand, fierced competitors. Look for a sony LED based TV late 2008.

[Chris Lemon @ May 5th 2006 11:03AM]

I'm guessing it's an LED-array lamp, and not an actual backlight in the sense that we're used to on LCD displays, yes? I wonder what it will cost to replace when it dies...I'm kinda-sorta-semi in the market for an HDTV (though I don't need a 56-incher by any stretch...the MOST I want would be 50, and 42 would be just fine) but I've been scared off by the DLP lamp replacement expense, and this seems like the really optimal solution...

[V @ May 5th 2006 11:07AM]

The Samsung/Sony venture was for LCD production.

With LED Power, energy consumption would be pretty impressive (low)!

[Dave @ May 5th 2006 11:08AM]

The contrast ratio is 4000:1 as opposed to the 10000:1 contrast ratio on their standard bulb-based sets.

[Jeff @ May 5th 2006 11:22AM]

"The contrast ratio is 4000:1 as opposed to the 10000:1 contrast ratio on their standard bulb-based sets."

Yeah, which probably just means it's not as bright - which is no surprise with LED's.

Contrast ratios are really meaningless stats taken out of context. It's black level that matters, not peak white level (brightness), so you really need to know these other two stats to make sense of the contrast ratio. An LED-backlit set should have a better black level than a cathode tube-backlit set.

[AH @ May 5th 2006 11:27AM]

All that really matters (in terms of marketing) is that they have one that you can still see clearly in a well-lit room. Most people won't care about the contrast ratio, HDMI, or even (to a certain extent) lifespan as long as it "look good"

[Dave @ May 5th 2006 11:30AM]

If the lower contrast ratio is tied to lower brightness does that mean the set would be more difficult to view in a well-lit room? I only ask because I've had my eye on the Samsung DLPs for some time and had planned on making a purchase within the next few weeks. The introduction of this new technology complicates my decision.

[EdwardA @ May 5th 2006 12:46PM]

I just threw some quick numbers comparing this set with a comprable bulb based set(HL-S5687W), and figured that the cost of the set over its 13 year life(assuming that the set is viewed 4 hours a day and the LED array is not replaceable) to be approximately $2000 less than the bulb set(assuming $300 bulbs and 2000 hour life). This is based on the listed price, given likely price drops, I would expect the difference to be greater. Given the durability of LEDs versus bulbs I bet the manufacturing costs go down too.

[DacmonJ @ May 5th 2006 2:50PM]

Can anyone explain why someone would want to get this over the 60" Sony LCOS XRD set at the same price point?

[Yale R @ May 5th 2006 3:35PM]

This sounds like a pretty awesome set. IIRC, black levels on a DLP are consistently better than black levels on an LCD so you shouldn't worry about the contrast ratio being weighted toward one end of the scale. 1080p is what I love. If I had the need and the means this is what I'd get.

[Assbestos @ May 5th 2006 3:39PM]

That ratio is an indication of gradient possible from white through grey. That has nothing to do with brightness. Nothing, NOTHING achieves 10000:1. They may say that, but actual levels, much like ansi lumens, are often quite a bit less in reality. DLP isn't like LCD where light is reflected off non active panels all the same. No light (black) in DLP, means the pixel deflects the light to a diffuser material that absorbs it. That is why LCDs have a harder time achieveing excellent contrast. The big deal here for DLP is that this uses no color wheel, hence fewer moving parts, less heat, and finally no rainbows. I am really curious to see what Mitsubishi finally ends up with with their tri-laser DLP config.

[Jason @ May 5th 2006 4:52PM]

oooh, i like the all black case, too. why oh why are so many manufacturers going with the 'silver is the new black' mantra? that's crap! black is the new black!!

[wakeboredb @ May 5th 2006 5:56PM]

Contrast, which is also called Picture, sets the amount of White level and determines the amount of brightness of white in the screen. A low level setting of the Contrast produces a dim picture. A high amount of the same setting actually reduces detail and distorts the image.

The Brightness or Black level is used to set the amount of black. As confusing as this labeling may be, this is how things got started at the age of television so we are nonetheless stuck with it.

[Filch @ May 6th 2006 11:27AM]

1080p is the biggest marketing gimmick of all the features. My curiosity lies in Toshiba/Canon's SED TV's

[lancia @ May 11th 2006 2:59PM]

I called the Samsung Electronics and asked them about the contrast ratio and the person told me it is a mistake and the contrast ratio is actually 10000:1 on the new HL-S5679W model. I'm not sure whether to believe it or not but I have a feeling it's actually 4000:1. Does this really matter?

[Cary Scheck @ May 17th 2006 10:15PM]

First, 1080p is really line-doubled 1080i since no set on the consumer market can accept a 1080p input signal. You're getting 1 1/2 upconverting of a 720p signal or doubled 1080i signals instead of 1:1 720p or 1 1/2 upconverting of a 540p (1080i) signal.

Second, your eye can distinguish maybe 100:1 contrast so the black level and brightness are really the only important numbers and the rest is hype.

Third, once the first replacement bulb cost is included, why not just spring for a 50" plasma and be done with it?

Ain't marketing grand?

[Aloke @ May 18th 2006 12:16AM]

My concern with the Plasma is its power consumption, which, I believe, is considerably greater than that of a DLP.
Does anyone know what the power consumption of the LED DLP will be? How will it compare with the older models?
Thanks

[Tracy @ May 24th 2006 1:22PM]

Question

Will DLP sets allow upgrade by new chipset module. Can the picture be upgraded and the color wheel be eliminated as the price of the modules go down. The manufacturers ( Samsung etc) could make more margin by not trying to sell a new big item to ship, with all it's costs including damage.

[Aaron @ Sep 19th 2006 10:06AM]

I assume that the SONY LCOS HDTV's will eventually "see the light" regarding the stupidity of high pressure/high cost halogen bulbs and replace them with LED or Laser light sources. This insane bulb rip off ruse is one of the main design flaws keeping projection technology from really taking off within the middle income bracket, i.e. most people.

Again, the smart play is to wait a few years for the technology and the price to equilibrate before plunking down two grand on a big screen projection HDTV system. Go with the Samsung 30" CRT HDTV in the meantime for 750 bucks.

[Jim @ Oct 9th 2006 7:50PM]

When I called Samsung about the HLS5679W and asked them what the power consumtion they couldn't find it in any of the documentation. However I foud out in my furhter looking around in the PDF Samsung manual Page 159 that the Power Consumption is listed at 230 watts. I find this technology fascinating and I want to hear more about it and what it really has to offer the consumer. I would like to eventually get one. But I know that I will be saving for quite a while at that price. I did read on Cnet's review that the picture quality isn't better than the previous line of TV the HLS5687W. I always hear people complain that the viewing angle isn't very on the LED TV (HLS5679W) or current generation bulb (HLS5687W). I just agree with these assessments. Does anyone have any comments they would like to share about this. In one of the other comments someone asked how much power consumption does the plasma actually consume. In short it varies between models. But the ones that I had looked at ranged from 500-575 watts. That's just insane when you can get a rear projection at 230 watt range.

[benjamman @ Mar 13th 2007 4:11AM]

Wow, no comments since October. This may be going into outer space, but here goes anyway.

I just test drove this TV next to the comperable (1080p) bulb type set, as well as the sony lcos sets. Watching the exact same programming this LED based set was right up there. I thought the picture was sharper and more vibrant than the traditional DLP sammy. The upconversion was a bit better too with lower rez signals, and with a signal from HD DVD it was phenomenal. I actually thought this set was very comperable to the Sony too.

The price point at my local electronics superstore is already (just) below $2K. I'm watching the pricess for a few more months, but it'll be either this one or the JVC lcos set ($1700 at costco right now) for me.

[mendcorp @ Jul 16th 2007 8:51AM]

These TV's are not using a generic LED per say or an array. They have installed a unique "never die" high power LED set (one red, one blue, one gree)capable of producing 3000 lumens each color.

[Robert Josephs @ Aug 15th 2007 5:31PM]

I need some advice. I'm your average consumer with relatively little technology experience. I am creating a "home theater" that's in my family room - i.e. a large and open room for sitting, talking, playing cards, and gathering to watch movies and sports. The room is north facing with a wall of windows on one side. I need a TV that's 50" more or less. The person I've hired to wire the house (it's a new home) has suggested that I buy the new NuVision 52" LED DLP (now available for about $2,500). After much consternation, I'd decided on an LCD (as opposed to a Plasma) because the room is relatively bright. Now, he's thrown this LED DLP into the mix.

What do you recommend, and why?
Thanks.