Hi guys,
I've been very heavily researching the new 75 series Samsung DLP HDTVs.
HL-P5674W [56" set]:
http://www.samsungusa.com/cgi-bin/na...LP5674WX%2fXAA
HL-P4674W [46" set]:
http://www.samsungusa.com/cgi-bin/na...LP4674WX%2fXAA
People have been offering insightful comparisons between the 63, 74, and 85 series, but, to my knowledge, have missed a very important point.
The shape / form factor of the 63 and 84 are NOT the same. Of course, we know that the 85 is a very different for factor, but the 64 and 74 series are different.
Specfically, the 74 series appears to have a center channel "shelf" on top. For me, this is HUGE! I'm that guy with a big B&W center channel with no clue where to put it except in from of the TV on the floor (blocking the receiver etc. - not good) or on top of the TV. With the 63 and 85, I couldnt' really do this without fabricating a special mount.
However, the both the 46" and 56" 74 series sets have a special, fairly large shelf for this purpose. Both can accomodate by 10" x 20" (or so) base-area B&W HTM7 center channel.
Check out the Technical Drawings for these sets:
56" Tech Drawings:
http://www.samsungusa.com/pdf/hlp5674_drawing.pdf
46" Tech Drawings:http://www.samsungusa.com/pdf/hlp4674_drawing.pdf
So, this set solves a major problem for me--where to put my center channel. Plus, I can re-use my current stand for my 27" CRT (a nice, wide black stand).
Thought I would share--this may be an important consideration for some when looking at the 63 vs 75 vs 85 series Sammy sets.
By the way, people have been looking for the 74 series. Vanns has them (
www.vanns.com, no affiliation). 56", in stock, $3800; 46", out of stock, $3,000; no tax, no shipping. These are pretty reasonable introductory price points. I would expect BB and CC to be a bit higher (and then there's tax to deal with). I also expect these prices to come down a bit. Finally, unless Samsung uprates some of the specs (color wheel etc.) vs the 63 series, I might expect to see the prices come down significantly as people fail to see a huge difference in the 74 vs 63 series, at least by the numbers. And if you know the computer biz, plenty of people shop on numbers and specs (how many megs/gigs/ports/inches/etc.).
Great forum, guys! Looking forward to reading and contributing more.
--Mike in Albuquerque