If you've ruled out rear-projection HDTVs because of the hassle of replacing the lamp, you'll want to take a look at one new model that's "seen the light"--the 61-inch Samsung HL-T6187S DLP HDTV.

One ongoing concern about digital light producing (DLP) HDTVs is that even though they're the next generation of rear-projection TVs, they're still rear-projection TVs -- and rely on inefficient lamps that need to be replaced every few years. The Samsung HL-T6187S DLP TV utilizes a much more efficient illumination technology: light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

Unlike traditional lamps, which are pricey to replace and suck up a considerable amount of electricity to run, the HL-T6187S's LEDs are long-lasting (they usually keep going for a decade or more). They can also save upwards of hundreds of dollars a year in energy costs. And they deliver more realistic color than many of their lamp-based cousins. Most rear-projection TVs use a color wheel, and the quality of color is directionally proportional to its efficiency, and particularly how quickly it spins. The Samsung HL-T6187S dumps the wheel and instead uses three separate super-sharp LEDs (green, red and blue), which fire sequentially and produce nicely realistic color. Plus, the LEDs take almost no time to warm up, so the picture pops on almost instantaneously.

The picture on this model is notably sharp and clear, and is a good example of how DLP HDTVs can deliver a truly exceptional picture for a relatively low price (in this case, around $2,800). DLP technology uses millions of microscopic hinge-mounted mirrors to reflect an image onto the screen. The LEDs on this model appear to crisp up the image even more than lamp-based DLP units. (It's not too artificially razor sharp, though. Samsung's Cinema Smooth Light engine rounds out the picture by smoothing out the pixelization, resulting in a realistic look.) The blacks and whites on the Samsung HL-T6187S DLP HDTV aren't quite as high-contrast as some others we've reviewed, but they're still much better defined than non-DLP sets.

With a depth of 15.4 inches, this LED-driven model takes up more space than some of its lamp-based DLP counterparts (and is certainly deeper than LCD and plasma TVs), but it's still got a fairly compact profile, especially when you compare it to traditional rear-projection TVs. The two speakers are virtually hidden in the sleek frame, and deliver surprisingly solid surround sound-quality audio. This model has an audio limiter to keep the volume consistent as you flip channels so you're not smacked with a loud burst of static between channels.

The Samsung HL-T6187S DLP HDTV comes with three HDMI inputs on the side of the TV. That's much more convenient than having them on the back of the set, but we'd like to see at least one input on the front to make it easier to hook up components you might not use all the time, like video-game systems. Speaking of gaming, this model also has a game mode that's designed to deliver lifelike action. We didn't test this function, but Samsung claims it provides faster response time and enhanced graphics.

It's not the highest-end DLP TV on the market, but the Samsung HL-T6187S DLP HDTV provides plenty of quality--and value--for the price.

Pros: Uses long-lasting, energy-efficient LEDs; price
Cons: Moderate contrast; deeper footprint than LCD or plasma

Warranty
1 year, limited