HDTV monitor (compatible with HDTV/SDTV formats -- when connected to a separate HDTV tuner -- and displays all signals at 720p) * widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio * Texas Instruments HD2+ DLP chip (1280 x 720 pixels) * HD Ultra-Fine Pitch Screen *
With its stunning, cutting edge styling and equally stunning high-definition image, Samsung's HL-P5085W is a sight to behold. The DLP projection set offers a broad, 50-inch screen in a 16:9 aspect ratio and a unique pedestal mount whose lightweight design and slim stature lets it fit where other stands won't. But the HL-P5085W offers more than just
quantity of screen: it's also engineered for quality.
The secret to this DLP (Digital Light Processing) projection set's quality is its Emmy-winning technology from Texas Instruments. Samsung has combined its proprietary Cinema Smooth Gen 4 HD light engine and advanced optic enhancements with a single, .8-inch Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) capable of generating high-definition video images with film-like resolution, deep blacks, and robust colors. Samsung's Cinema Smooth light engine enhances brightness while ensuring an astonishing 2,500:1 contrast ratio.
Texas Instruments' DMD panel is immune to the factors that can cause other displays to deteriorate with use, imparting a longer life expectancy than that of cathode ray tube (CRT) sets, plasma display panels, and liquid crystal display systems (LCD, LCoS, HTPS). A host of advanced digital interfaces and video inputs make non-issues of connectivity challenges and future proofing.
The HL-P5085W's automatic digital-format conversion system converts any input (whether DTV, analog TV, or XGA computer sources at 1080i, 720p, 480p, or 480i) to a progressive, 16:9 widescreen image with a 1,280 x 720 pixel count. A 3D Y/C digital comb filter dramatically reduces image-edge artifacts while improving transition detail, and the set's HD ultra-fine-pitch (.155 mm) screen further clarifies images, especially when you're viewing high-resolution sources like DVD and HDTV.
Samsung's Cinema Smooth Film Mode 3:2 Pull Down correction circuitry addresses digital distortion in 480i (interlaced) video signals generated from 24 frames-per-second film. Finally, Samsung DNIe video enhancer (Digital Natural Image engine) works with all analog NTSC and wideband video signals for improvements in contrast, white level, and picture detail, incorporating digital noise reduction to improve lower-quality sources.
The set offers digital-video inputs in 2 formats. A DVI-HDTV interface with HDCP copy protection permits all-digital rendering of video without the losses associated with an analog interface, and an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) jack channels both digital audio and video to simplify connections with newer DTV set-top boxes and DVD players by reducing hookups to just a single cable and plug.
Other inputs include dual HDTV component-video inputs (480i, 480p, 720p, and 1080i) for high-definition satellite receivers, HDTV tuners, and HD cable boxes with component video outputs (Y, Pb, Pr); 3 each composite- and S-video inputs; and 2 RF coaxial inputs for antennas or older VCRs or cable boxes. An audio/video output permits hookup with an external device such as a surround-sound receiver.
A 15-watts-per-channel (x2) audio system with a pair of 2-way speakers comes with built-in SRS TruSurround XT, which simulates compelling surround sound through any stereo playback system, including headphones and the TV's speakers.
Last but far from least, onboard 2-tuner PIP with side-by-side split-screen viewing grants convenient simultaneous viewing of 2 TV programs, while a supplied universal remote control permits control of the TV, a DVD player, a VCR, and a tuner/surround receiver.
What's in the Box
TV, pedestal mount, remote control, remote batteries, a user's manual, and warranty information.
1 My Favorite Retreat
I have this TV in my game room over the garage. I'll tell you it is the most awesome piece of AV equipment I've ever owned. The HD Picture quality is breath-taking (I have the HDNet/ESPNHD packages from TimeWarner, the Discovery documentaries shot in HD are just crystal clear and so realistic, feels like you are right there. Best of all, there is no service adjustments you have to do to make the picture quality improve, it's right out of the box top quality. I did adjust the brightness and tuned down the sharpness to fit my viewing taste. I also configured the 1280x702 resolution for my computer viewing pleasure, which is hooked into the DVI port. I am sitting 10 foot from it and it is like I am viewing it right on my office desk, so clear and sharp.
Pros:
1. No service adjustments.
2. Low Fan noise, not noticable at all. Not much heat.
3. Picture quality is amazing.
Cons:
1. Heavy stand, 80 pounds by itself.
2. Not easy to put AV components around.
3. The little shadows sometimes noticable on screen, because the screen hasn't completely heated up yet.
2 Best TV I ever had!
I have it for 2 weeks now, and love it from the day one. The picture is very good right out of the box the HD is simply incredible (I have dish HD package + locals...) For the standard definition you will need a little tweaking to make it look good (just look around on the avsforum.com) For the absolutely best picture you will probably need professional to do the final tuning on each input. The pedestal is OK for me, I still find a place behind TV for a small AV rack. The only slight disappointments for me are the shiny speaker panels on each side, they sometimes reflect to much light in a not so dark room. Overall I think it's one the finest TVs around, and probably is the best for the price
3 Awesome picture...
The picture right out of the box is incredible. I have Dish network HD package. When I powered on the TV and watched the HD channnel, the picture is stunning. The colors are bright and the black levels are excellent. I researched for the TV so long and ended up with this beautiful piece. Just buy it and enjoy. It is stylish. I recommend it.
4 Absolutely THE BEST!
I feel as though most people make a purchase, and then justify it by raving about it's performance, even if in their heart of hearts they know it is junk.
Just recently, an acquaintance of mine purchased an LCD television that, while asthetically pleasing, has one of the worst pictures I have seen. Trail, ghosting, poor colors, etc... DLP projection is simply the best picture you can buy if dollars spent VS. quality of picture is your goal. If you MUST hang a TV on a wall, KNOW that you MUST ALSO spend at least $7000 for a picture that begins to match the quality of a $2500 DLP. The cheaper flat screens are cheaper for a reason. You do the math.
This Samsung model is just gorgeous. HDTV is simply stunning. Colors are crisp, black levels are INCREDIBLE, and the picture is 95% perfect right out of the box! I had an engineer look at this set and say "it is perfect when you plug it in". So many sets need "tweaking" for days before they look right, so this is an added benefit on this model.
Also, the set has PIP, which can be used for watching TV while also using your computer! Simply run video out from your computer and you have a 50 inch HD Monitor!! Awsome!
This set has HDMI, which no one really uses yet, but it is nice to have for the future. For those who do not know, HDMI is ONE cable that carries HD PICTURE AND SURROUND SOUND. It also has DVI input for the BEST HDTV picture available.
The look (pedestal) is love it or leave it, but if you are here, you obviously find it pleasing.
I can not comment on the sound as I have never used it (I have a home theater system), and this brings me to a slightly offpoint comment, but one that is important. if you DO get a surround system, please do this television justice and do not buy some junky home theater in a box! Sound is actually MORE impotant than picture in terms of a visceral experience, and you do yourself no service to buy this set, and then use garbage sound. Also, BOSE, while nice, is overpriced and simply silly. DO RESEARCH, and find that no respected audio/videophile respects BOSE, when they know better can be had for less.
Sorry...back to my review. This set is wonderful. You can use a nice open-air AV rack to complement it visually, and as far as gaming goes, XBOX in HD is fabulous!!!
ONE NOTE ON DVD's. this television has a native resolution of 720P DVD's only have a maximum of 480P, and as a technology, DVD's are not that great, which is why HD DVD's will be out this year (DVD's that do 480p,720p,1080i,1080p ie. High Definition DVD's) Do not be disappointed if DVD's look a bit fuzzy, pixelated, whatever... they look that way on ALL HDTV's. It is the DVD, not the TV. Still, they look nice.
Well, that's all. You may want to wait until 1080 native resolution sets are available later this year, but mind you they come with a hefty price tag! For now, this is THE set; and I say that not because I own it, but because it is true. Enjoy!
TOP NOTES:
PROS:
Good Clarity
GREAT BLACK LEVELS
Nice Contrast
BEST COLOR ON THE MARKET
It is light...about 100lbs for a 50 Inch TV!!!!!
CONS:
Can't hang it on a wall (it IS only 11 inches deep)
Pedestal not for everyone
5 Captain Kirk model hits the mark
I have a 32"WegaXBR...awesome TV, but then won a 42"Phillips Plasma in a contest....was given the chance to take a gift certificate instead.....SHOPPED hard for a few weeks and nearly got the Mitsi 50" DLP until I saw this newest version of the Samsung 50"DLP.
Was pleased by the next few comparisons I saw and made the purchase. Excellent HD pictures on my Comcast HD channels. The SD channels are not nearly what my XBR had, but the Sammy allows for an auto 4:3 setup for NON HD channels...which helps a bit.
Anyone looking to educate themsleves, I'd strongly suggest visiting www.highdefforum.com. Since buying I'm on there all the time. Just bought the stand for this TV from circuit city and LOVE the contemporary look and hidden wires....next up...might need a DVR.
Good luck to all who give this a shot...you won't be dissappointed.
DJ
6 Great Contrast, Great Black-Level
The GUY COMPLAINING about "HD-ready" being deceptive IS AN IDIOT... by his argument, he should give every HD-ready TV a bad review. In fact... very few TVs out there are HD-Integrated, and almost all you'd see in the store are only HD-ready. This guy probably complains about a car with an AUTOMATIC transmission not driving by itself.
This TV has a great contrast ratio, and great black levels. MY X-Box looks just plain awesome on it - of course, you need a HD Video Adaptor(component video) for it ($20 for the Microsoft adaptor - don't waste your money on a Monster Adaptor, even the EB sales reps advise against the Monster component adaptor, but I digress.) No signal delay issues with the X-Box.
The only thing is that there's no where to put stuff, and when you look at the specs of the add-on shelving unit, it's much wider than the TV, ..... but I just got a glass/metal shelf to put next to it to put my cable-box, X-Box, DVD player on.
7 Best Damn Purchase I Have Made on Amazon.com
God I love this TV. This is why terrorism will eventually fail. The masses of this world love good deals that they find on-line and we will outspend them to death.
Back to the Samsung. . .If you can't figure out HD-Ready from HD-Integrated then you need to cut back on the white lines. Picture quality from a clean HD signal is awesome. Garbage in Garbage out. If you hook up a crusty old VCR to this beauty it will like crap.
This is by far the most bang for the buck for a DLP TV. Those crafty engineers on the Korean penninsula are busy crafting these beauties. Let's hope the North figures out that DLP's are better use of their time then making ICBM's. . .peace out, I gotta go buy more stuff.
8 "HDTV-ready" means HDTV-ready
I do not feel sorry for consumers who don't educate themselves before making a major purchase such as this. "HDTV-ready" clearly implies that the television is ready for an HDTV feed. Giving a porr rating to a fine product because you don't like the marketing of the ENTIRE INDUSTRY is just plain silly.
9 Ignorance
You should rate products based on their quality not your ignorance. "HD ready" is a term used in every store which means that it is capable of producing a HD quality picture when provided with a source (i.e. a HD tuner or HD cable box). If it has "integrated HD" then you know it has a built in tuner. Do some research before you bash a product and a company.
This is an outtake from bestbuy's website
What's meant by "HD-Ready"?
Some HDTV sets on the market incorporate HD-capable displays coupled with a built-in HDTV tuner to receive over-the-air HD broadcasts (currently available only in certain markets, these broadcasts are becoming increasingly common as the 2006 digital-broadcast deadline approaches). Often referred to as integrated HDTVs, these models are indicated on the BestBuy.com Web site by the designation "with Built-In HDTV Tuner."
However, the vast majority of HD-capable TVs on the market are what's known as HD-ready TVs (or HDTV monitors) - high-definition displays, often including one or more built-in NTSC TV tuners for reception of conventional analog TV broadcasts, but which must be connected to a separate HD source in order to realize their full potential. Since most current HD content is delivered via satellite or cable systems rather that over-the-air, some consumers (especially those who reside in areas where over-the-air HD content is not yet available) consider an HD-ready set to be the best solution for their current and future needs. But to experience HD broadcasts (where available) right out of the box with no additional investment, a built-in HD tuner is the ticket.
Like HD-ready models, integrated HDTVs generally provide exhaustive connectivity options, so you can always add cable or satellite sources as well to broaden your HD options. Conversely, over-the-air HD tuners are also available in stand-alone set-top boxes, often combined with cable and/or satellite reception capabilities. Obviously, there are lots of ways to achieve your desired HD viewing experience, so we advise you to weigh various factors (including cost, convenience, and content availability) before making your decision.
10 No HDTV tuner
This unit is being sold as a large-screen HDTV-ready television, but has no HDTV tuner. The FCC already requires that at least 50% of all 36"-or-larger TVs sold have HDTV tuners, and by 7/1/05 100% of such TVs sold must have HDTV tuners.
Frankly, I think it's confusing, perhaps even deceptive, to call this a large-screen HDTV-ready TV without making crystal-clear that it has no HDTV tuner. Most other stores make this clear by calling such a unit a *monitor*, not a TV. This unit will be banned from the marketplace on 7/1/05.
