1080P vs PIP dilemma

edcokpareke · 07-17-2006, 03:58 PM

I own a Samsung HLR5667W 720P dlp. My TV has an unfixable glitch, and Samsung wishes to swap it out. They've offered me an upgrade; a 1080P HLS5687W for an extra $250. The 1080P doesn't have PIP or a Cablecard slot. Problem is; my current TV has PIP and a Cablecard slot...two features I use fairly often. I have my computer connected to my current model and I use PIP to surf the web while watching TV.

So here's my dilemma: Theres my current model with 2 features I'd like to have...especially PIP. Then theres the 1080P sans the features for an extra $250. Keep in mind; I can live with the glitch on my current TV. It's annoying, but not crippling.

Which would you guys choose? Your expert recommendations would be seriously considered. Thanks.

Clyde · 07-17-2006, 10:47 PM

Make them give you the 5688 it has PIP plus TV guide.

Conshy04 · 07-18-2006, 07:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edcokpareke

I own a Samsung HLR5667W 720P dlp. My TV has an unfixable glitch, and Samsung wishes to swap it out. They've offered me an upgrade; a 1080P HLS5687W for an extra $250. .

Wow did you get lucky!!!!

Mickey · 07-18-2006, 08:09 AM

Are you sure the replacement offered won't do what you want? Traditionaly PIP required 2 tuners in the set but some of todays HDTV's do have the ability to display 2 separate pictures but requires that one of them be from an outside source as they only have a single tunner. Toshiba calls this POP.

If the set being offered has this ability, it would address your desire and could help with making the decision.

edcokpareke · 07-18-2006, 09:11 AM

Nah, it doesn't. I've looked through the manual for the 5687 but there's no mention of PIP, SNAP, CRACKLE, or POP. Thanks for the 5688 suggestion. I didnt know about it. Apparently neither did Samsung support cuz I asked them to list all 06 models WITH PIP, and they said there are none except the new L.E.D. based $10,000 ones.

I asked them to check for availability of the 5688 (Bestbuy & CC don't carry it) and they say they'll call me back.

edcokpareke · 07-18-2006, 02:25 PM

Clyde, Samsung says they don't stock the 5688; that it won't be out till next month. Do you actually have this model, or did you see it online somewhere?

brian_tva · 07-18-2006, 03:32 PM

The '88 will be Samsung specialty line on therefore most likely not be available at BB or CC. It will be kept for the higher end stores. We are currently the '88 models to be in within the next couple of weeks.

The will '88 models will definetly have PiP aswell as the Cablecard slot. The LED model will be out soon aswell but it won't be $10,000 not even half of that.

MR.B · 07-19-2006, 12:11 PM

You Lucky Dog !

edcokpareke · 07-19-2006, 06:10 PM

Not exactly. In Feb, I payed top dollar for my current set, and I'm still paying more for this upgrade. I'm not really saving anything by upgrading. Maybe only $200 or so.

edcokpareke · 08-05-2006, 05:39 PM

Thanks to Clyde's advice, I requested the HLS5688W. It was delivered today, and....I have mixed feelings.

First of all, it's 1080P, so I'm feeling all warm & fuzzy. The added resolution gives an improved picture most notably at the PC input. It looks pretty much the same for regular HD broadcasts. I think SD stuff looks a little worse; not that much though.

I'm however disappointed with the PIP feature. While having PIP is good, it only gives the option of having a cable TV or Antenna input in the PIP window. There's no option to have PC or Component inputs displayed. This is crazy, cuz I wanted PIP specifically for PC use.

I've had the TV for only 2 hours now, so maybe I'll feel better later. For now, not so much.

**rbinck** · 08-05-2006, 06:06 PM

When you think about it the PIP window would not be very good for PC use. Since the window would be smaller, maybe 640x480 if you're lucky, that would be the resolution the PC would need to be set at. You can't scale a computer display and be able to read it. I use a laptop with a LAN connected to my HTPC. That way if I want to surf the net while watching TV, I use the laptop screen, but yet I can still control my HTPC via UltraVNC from the laptop also.

edcokpareke · 08-07-2006, 06:17 AM

The TV does PIP by splitting the screen into 2 equal 4:3 halves, so the aspect ratio is preserved. You're right, it's hard to read small fonts, but there are keyboard commands that increase text-size. Plus, I use the PC for a lot of media center type stuff...photos, music, etc. It all works out.

Feralhog · 08-07-2006, 10:44 AM

I didn't see any Split Screen option on my 5088. The only choices I had (or found) were Position (left-bottom, right-bottom, left-top, right-top), and inputs (Air or Cable). Perhaps the 5088 has less capabilities. More likely I just haven't found them yet........

07-17-2006, 03:58 PM	#1
edcokpareke High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 63	1080P vs PIP dilemma I own a Samsung HLR5667W 720P dlp. My TV has an unfixable glitch, and Samsung wishes to swap it out. They've offered me an upgrade; a 1080P HLS5687W for an extra $250. The 1080P doesn't have PIP or a Cablecard slot. Problem is; my current TV has PIP and a Cablecard slot...two features I use fairly often. I have my computer connected to my current model and I use PIP to surf the web while watching TV. So here's my dilemma: Theres my current model with 2 features I'd like to have...especially PIP. Then theres the 1080P sans the features for an extra $250. Keep in mind; I can live with the glitch on my current TV. It's annoying, but not crippling. Which would you guys choose? Your expert recommendations would be seriously considered. Thanks.

07-18-2006, 08:09 AM	#4
Mickey ole gezzer in training Join Date: May 2005 Location: PNW Oregon Posts: 213	Are you sure the replacement offered won't do what you want? Traditionaly PIP required 2 tuners in the set but some of todays HDTV's do have the ability to display 2 separate pictures but requires that one of them be from an outside source as they only have a single tunner. Toshiba calls this POP. If the set being offered has this ability, it would address your desire and could help with making the decision. __________________ Toshiba 56MX195 Dish Vip 211 Yamaha HTR 5860

07-18-2006, 09:11 AM	#5
edcokpareke High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 63	Nah, it doesn't. I've looked through the manual for the 5687 but there's no mention of PIP, SNAP, CRACKLE, or POP. Thanks for the 5688 suggestion. I didnt know about it. Apparently neither did Samsung support cuz I asked them to list all 06 models WITH PIP, and they said there are none except the new L.E.D. based $10,000 ones. I asked them to check for availability of the 5688 (Bestbuy & CC don't carry it) and they say they'll call me back. Last edited by edcokpareke; 07-18-2006 at 09:15 AM.

07-19-2006, 12:11 PM	#8
MR.B WHO ME ? Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: PHOENIX, AZ Posts: 52	You Lucky Dog ! __________________ WHO ME ?

08-05-2006, 05:39 PM	#10
edcokpareke High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 63	Finally received the upgrade. Thanks to Clyde's advice, I requested the HLS5688W. It was delivered today, and....I have mixed feelings. First of all, it's 1080P, so I'm feeling all warm & fuzzy. The added resolution gives an improved picture most notably at the PC input. It looks pretty much the same for regular HD broadcasts. I think SD stuff looks a little worse; not that much though. I'm however disappointed with the PIP feature. While having PIP is good, it only gives the option of having a cable TV or Antenna input in the PIP window. There's no option to have PC or Component inputs displayed. This is crazy, cuz I wanted PIP specifically for PC use. I've had the TV for only 2 hours now, so maybe I'll feel better later. For now, not so much.

07-17-2006, 10:47 PM	#2
Clyde How can anyone watch standard def? Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Denver, Co. Posts: 27	Make them give you the 5688 it has PIP plus TV guide.

07-18-2006, 02:25 PM	#6
edcokpareke High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 63	Clyde, Samsung says they don't stock the 5688; that it won't be out till next month. Do you actually have this model, or did you see it online somewhere?

07-18-2006, 03:32 PM	#7
brian_tva High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 30	The '88 will be Samsung specialty line on therefore most likely not be available at BB or CC. It will be kept for the higher end stores. We are currently the '88 models to be in within the next couple of weeks. The will '88 models will definetly have PiP aswell as the Cablecard slot. The LED model will be out soon aswell but it won't be $10,000 not even half of that.

07-19-2006, 06:10 PM	#9
edcokpareke High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 63	Not exactly. In Feb, I payed top dollar for my current set, and I'm still paying more for this upgrade. I'm not really saving anything by upgrading. Maybe only $200 or so.

08-05-2006, 06:06 PM	#11
rbinck Administrator Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Katy, Texas Posts: 12,993	When you think about it the PIP window would not be very good for PC use. Since the window would be smaller, maybe 640x480 if you're lucky, that would be the resolution the PC would need to be set at. You can't scale a computer display and be able to read it. I use a laptop with a LAN connected to my HTPC. That way if I want to surf the net while watching TV, I use the laptop screen, but yet I can still control my HTPC via UltraVNC from the laptop also. __________________ www.highdefinitionblog.com www.BlogOfHawaii.com

08-07-2006, 06:17 AM	#12
edcokpareke High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 63	The TV does PIP by splitting the screen into 2 equal 4:3 halves, so the aspect ratio is preserved. You're right, it's hard to read small fonts, but there are keyboard commands that increase text-size. Plus, I use the PC for a lot of media center type stuff...photos, music, etc. It all works out.

08-07-2006, 10:44 AM	#13
Feralhog Hell I know what HD is... Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: New Hamsphire, USA Age: 52 Posts: 73	I didn't see any Split Screen option on my 5088. The only choices I had (or found) were Position (left-bottom, right-bottom, left-top, right-top), and inputs (Air or Cable). Perhaps the 5088 has less capabilities. More likely I just haven't found them yet........ __________________ Feralhog _________________________ Samsung HL-S5688W Samsung LNS2352W Samsung LN-T3253H RCA DTC100/H20-600 LG DN191H Denon AVR-1706 Harmony 880 Samsung Blu-Ray BD-P1000