If you are shopping for a big-screen HDTV but don't have the budget for a plasma or a 55-inch rear-projection set, the Samsung HL-S4266W is a smart alternative. This 42-inch DLP model is an excellent compromise of size, technology and price.

With its native resolution of 1,280X720, the HL-S4266W displays all content at 720p. This can't match the detail of the 1,080p models now available, but Samsung does include a variety of enhancements such as its Digital Natural Image engine (DNIe) and a larger, faster color wheel. The result is a sharp, bright picture with very few artifacts, and you can adjust each of the HL-S4266W's primary colors (red, blue and green) individually to get the picture exactly how you want it. Film mode activates 3:2 pulldown, which smoothes the uneven motion that can result from the film-to-video conversion process.

Audio options include automatic volume leveling and simulated surround sound. Stereo speakers are located in the base in Samsung's "floating screen" design, and they produce 10 watts of audio per channel. This isn't very powerful for a TV of this size, so you should consider routing the sound via the HL-S4266W's optical digital audio output to a home theater system.

Convenience features include a clock with an on/off timer, favorite-channel memory, parental controls and memory for the audio and video settings for each input. Unique to Samsung TVs, the HL-S4266W's front-panel on/off button glows an inviting blue, and the TV emits a brief melody when it is turned on or off. A notable omission is the lack of PIP features.

For the easy connection of a camcorder or game console, the HL-S4266W has a set of composite video inputs located on the side panel. Next to it is a USB port, so you can connect a digital camera and view your pictures on the big screen. The rear panel is home to an RF input, two composite video/S-video inputs, two component video inputs, two HDMI inputs, a PC input with audio, a monitor (composite video) output and the optical digital audio output.

While it doesn't have the buzzword appeal of plasma or the top-shelf resolution of an oversize projection television, the HL-S4266W provides a detailed high-definition picture for a very reasonable price.

Pros: Crisp and detailed picture, competitive price, good connectivity
Cons: Underpowered audio system, no PIP features

Warranty
1 year parts and labor