Video Asylum

Posted by drseid (A) on February 20, 2005 at 03:12:38

In Reply to: looking for dlp or plasma selection help posted by default on February 14, 2005 at 20:56:37:

Yes, the rainbow effects are *very* real... *IF* you see them (like I do). I purchased a relatively new model Samsung 50 inch pedestal DLP set (AKA "The Kirk"), and I found out the hard way that I see the rainbows (and even moreso than most who do). Watching the set when light objects/flashes or motion were on dark backrounds was almost unbearable, and gave me terrible headaches and eye strain.

This unfortunately is not just specific to Samsung... It is pretty much *all* DLP RPTVs. Any that use one DLP chip and a color wheel have the problem (there are some super high-end front DLP projectors that use 3 chips with no issues at all). The good news is less than 10% of the population see them. I advise you to look at dark films that have lights popping up in them before buying... and bring others with you that will be watching the set regularly (as they may see them and you don't). Star Trek Insurrection was the worst movie offender for me... After watching that one on my Sammy, I went directly to Circuit City to arrange for a trade-in. I ended up with a Sony 50 inch LCD RPTV that I like, but wish I could have kept the Sammy (I really loved the look of that set)... :-(

---Dave