GamePro Labs: HDTV

What would gaming be without the necessary high-def widescreen TV to take full advantage of that 1080p? GamePro labs has tried out two different HDTVs and is here to help you decide what should be at the heart of your entertainment center.

Samsung HL-S5087 50" DLP TV

What is it?

This Samsung 50" DLP uses a rear-projector with digital light processing technology to deliver a clear and crisp native 1080p picture. It features a bevy of inputs, including dual-HDMI and dual component in.

PROS:

  • Native 1080p support ensures a bright, vibrant picture that's suited to a wide variety of uses. However, you definitely need to have HD-enabled devices to take full advantage of it. Connecting a VCR to this television is like putting worn out tires on a brand new Ferrari.
  • Dual-HDMI and component inputs offer you a lot of flexibility; it also means less time spent digging around behind the unit.
    • The unit's exterior is sleek and stylish.
  • It's also relatively light, so it's easy to move around.

CONS:
  • The biggest disappointment lies in the unit's weak built-in speakers, which are anemic and underpowered.
  • Some older games won't look very nice when you blow it up on the huge screen. That's not the display's fault but it's obvious that this unit was meant to be paired with the latest and the greatest.
  • We experienced some wonkiness with the HDMI ports which had trouble auto-sensing our PS3s. There were also times when it would lose the signal completely.
  • We also experienced some lag on the 360 version of Guitar Hero 2, a common issue with some HDTV sets. Using the in-game calibration tool helped but it didn't completely alleviate the problem.

FINAL VERDICT:
The Samsung 50" DLP is an impressive HDTV with just a few minor issues that, while annoying, can't fully detract from the fun. Gamers who have been waiting patiently to upgrade from their ancient CRTs are spoiled for choices but they should definitely put the Samsung on their potential to-buy list. We were impressed by the number of inputs and the clear picture that the DLP technology offers. Not so impressive was the system's speakers, but when paired with a good 5.1 setup, the Samsung can be the perfect centerpiece to a home theatre system; in fact, it's currently acting as the reference television in the GamePro Labs.

Fun Factor: 4.5 (Editor's Choice)
www.samsung.com
MSRP: $2099

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