Samsung forum: Info needed on rear projection HL50(56)A650

Wlreiter,

1. I can't speak to the future production of rear projection televisions. I honestly don't know for sure what we have planned for next year and I just can't speak to what I do know. I will say that the market for RPTVs are declining, as that's not a company secret, but an industry known measurable variable. However, we're still introducting new technology in the units we make, and the price point for those units are very popular, and the picture is solid. We will be continuing support for the units, as well as parts, to the best of my knowledge if we were to stop producing those units.

That said, DLP is the fastest technology available today, offers a potential limitless gaming experience with 3-D ability, and is the only technology that suffers 0% possibility of burn-in or screen retention. Samsung was the first to market with DLP, and we've been consistently a leader in DLP Technology.

2. The main difference is that the A650 Series has a mercury-based lamp engine, and the A750 has an LED based lamp engine. The A650 series lamps are easily replacable by you, and will last about 6000 hours before half-life (3-5 years, very high usage to low usage). The A750 will last about 30,000 hours half-life (half-life means half of the brightness from day 1), but requires a service call to replace the LED lamp engine. I'll list out the two spec sheets here for your review, and if you have any questions, I'll be happy to answer them.

A650: http://www.samsung.com/us/system/consumer/product/2008/03/26/hl50a650c1fxza/hl50a650_spec.pdf

A750: http://www.samsung.com/us/system/consumer/product/2008/03/26/hl61a750a1fxza/hl61a750_spec.pdf


3. The picture quality is comparable, but from two different technologies. The best determination is what you think looks better.

4. The cost of lamps:

50A650: $149.99
http://www.samsungparts.com/search/search.asp?searchflag=byonemodel&searchkey=HL50A650&modelid=520190

56A650: $149.99
http://www.samsungparts.com/search/search.asp?searchflag=byonemodel&searchkey=HL56A650&modelid=520191

61A750: Not listed, as it is a service-only part.
http://www.samsungparts.com/search/search.asp?searchflag=byonemodel&searchkey=HL56A650&modelid=520191

You're welcome!

--HDTech

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Okay, here are a few answers to your questions.

1. There is a 61 and a 67" available today. Here is a link to our current lineup:
http://www.samsung.com/us/consumer/subtype/subtype.do?group=televisions&type=televisions&subtype=dlptv

2. I don't believe we have discontinued production of the HL50A650. Of course, that is subject to change, but at this time, I'm not aware of such a development.

3. I can't speak to new models. I don't know. Even if we introduce them, retailers have to purchase them before you can purchase them. That goes for any product.

4. Extended warranties - I don't believe that there is an extended warranty program directly through Samsung, though I will check on that over the weekend. I can't comment on specific warranties, however, I will say that insuring this, or any investment, is always a good idea. We cover parts and labor for a year on most products, and extend that 3 months if you register the product online. There are some limitations in those warranties, but generally, people who have purchased the warranties are covered for a longer period of time, and they can absorb an expensive repair.

5. Most major retailers are Authorized Samsung dealers. If you want to shop online, there is an Authorized Samsung Dealer Logo to look for. If nothing else, you can ask a manager, and while they may be a dealer, you can ask directly if they are an Authorized Samsung Dealer.

Here is our online list of Authorized Dealers and a picture of the online logo:
http://www.samsung.com/us/peaceofmind/

Hope this helps.

--HDTech

Online Brand Ambassador

- Click here to visit the Samsung forum
- Click here to visit the Samsung store on CNET