There is no denying that a 63-inch screen makes for an impressively large TV, and the Samsung FP-T6374 makes a bold statement indeed, providing excellent picture quality to create the optimal home theater experience. There are larger plasma sets on the market, but the FP-T6374 is practically a bargain for the size.

Nevertheless, it's still expensive, and in return the FP-T6374 delivers a high-quality picture. Image noise is virtually eliminated, and a number of picture enhancement technologies keep things sharp and detailed. Picture quality is further improved by a FilterBright antiglare filter, which increases the overall brightness. However, despite the filter, the FP-T6374 still produces some annoying reflections.

The FP-T6374 sports a power save mode that employs a light sensor to help adjust to one of three brightness levels. The eye sensor can also detect changes in the light and adjust the brightness on the fly. Samsung claims that this feature reduces power consumption by up to 25 percent, which is a significant figure for a power-hungry plasma HDTV.

To achieve deep black levels that are often lacking in plasma sets, the FP-T6374 has a 15,000:1 contrast ratio, short of the more common 30,000:1 plasma specification. While the lower range seems counterintuitive, the FP-T6374 really does outperform many other comparable sets in terms of black levels. Another picture-enhancing feature is Samsung's DNIe technology, which enhances the digital image to produce a crisper picture.

Samsung includes a new technology to protect your investment from image burn-in, using an auto-pixel-shift function that prevents stationary images from burning into the screen. This feature is essential if you plan to play video games on your new plasma HDTV, as status bars and other stationary game elements are notorious for ruining plasma screens.

No matter from where you receive your TV signals, the FP-T6374 is equipped to handle it, with internal ATSC, NTSC and clear QAM tuners providing multiple options to receive content. Inputs are fairly standard on the FP-T6374, including two HDMI inputs, two component video, a single composite video input and a PC input, all located on the back panel. Samsung also adds additional inputs on the side panel, including an HDMI connection.

The FP-T6374 has a pair of 15-watt stereo speakers that are capable of SRS TruSurround XT sound. These internal speakers are fine for casual TV viewing, but if you are a movie buff, only a multichannel speaker system will do.

The price may be high, but if you want a big plasma HDTV with an above-average picture, the Samsung FP-T6374 won't disappoint.


Pros: Rich black levels, pixel-shifting feature reduces burn-in risk, DNIe technology produces richer picture, swivel stand lets you point the TV to different seating areas in a room
Cons: Antiglare technology doesn't reduce all reflections, standard input/output options don't provide for a growing home theater setup

Warranty
1 year, limited