If you yearn for 1,080p performance from a big-screen HDTV sized in the mid-50s, but you can't stomach the astronomical price tags of the available plasma and LCD models, consider the 56-inch Samsung HL-S5687W DLP set. This HDTV upscales 1,080i high-definition programming to display in the progressive format (1,080p), and compared to flat-panel sets that can cost twice as much (or more!), the HL-S5687W is a steal. It looks even better when you realize that many vendors offer it for considerably less than the $2,400 suggested retail price.

As with other 1,080p DLP sets, the HL-S5687W achieves its native resolution thanks to a pixel-sharing technique called wobulation. Unlike flat-panel sets and some microdisplay technologies that have "true" 1,920X1,080 resolutions, the HL-S5687W's DLP chip has a resolution of 960X1,080, and wobulation doubles the horizontal pixel count. However, unless you are an extremely discerning viewer, you won't notice the difference. Indeed, thanks to Samsung's Digital Natural Image engine (DNIe) and Cinema Smooth processing, the HL-S5687W produces a very bright picture with excellent black levels for a DLP set. Some of DLP's inherent rainbow effects are visible, but most people don't ever notice this color interference.

While the HL-S5687W has an ATSC tuner to display HD content without an external receiver, this set doesn't have a CableCARD slot for digital cable readiness. Another notable omission is the lack of PIP features. On the other hand, the HL-S5687W offers a variety of adjustment options, including a six-element color management system, five color temperature presets, four picture presets and multiple picture format options for standard and high-definition content, as well as a game mode that adjusts the audio and video for optimal gaming.

Samsung packs the HL-S5687W into an elegantly compact cabinet that measures less than 17 inches in depth. The bezel surrounding the screen is only 9/10-inch thick, so all you see is the screen. The HL-S5687W uses a "hidden speaker" design that conceals the speakers without degrading audio quality, although at 10 watts of output per channel, the speakers are somewhat underpowered considering the screen size. A universal remote control is included, and while it is not illuminated, it does make it easy to navigate the HL-S5687W's excellently designed menu system.

Connectivity is a strong point of the HL-S5687W. On the side panel, this DLP HDTV sports a composite video input and a USB input for viewing digital photos. The back of the HL-S5687W sports two HDMI inputs that are compatible with 1,080p sources like Blu-ray and second-generation HD DVD players, two component video inputs, two more composite video inputs, two S-video inputs, an RF input, an optical digital audio output and a PC input for surfing and gaming on the big screen.

Its feature list isn't extensive and it relies on wobulation to achieve 1,080p display, but the Samsung HL-S5687W delivers strong performance and a stylish look in an affordable DLP HDTV.


Pros:  Bright and sharp picture, compact cabinet, USB and 1,080p-compatible HDMI inputs
Cons:  No PIP options, no CableCARD slot, uses wobulation to achieve 1,080p display

Warranty
1 year parts and labor, in-home service