When did we start calling 50-inch TVs "small"? Truth be told, in the world of digital light producing (DLP) HDTVs, the Samsung HL-T5075S DLP TV--Samsung's tiniest--is fairly wee. But that doesn't mean it's any less impressive than some of its much larger siblings.

Where it does fall short is in its resolution. This model is 720p, which means it doesn't display a "true" HD picture (1080p). But don't make a decision about this model without checking out the picture quality in the store, because it can be very difficult to see an appreciable difference between this and other, more expensive units.

The Samsung HL-T5075S DLP HDTV does a pretty swell job with the picture quality, particularly for the bargain-basement price. DLP HDTVs use millions of microscopic mirrors, each one-fifth the width of a human hair, to reflect an image onto a screen. The mirrors are mounted on tiny hinges, which allows them to either tilt toward or away from the light source, creating either a light or dark pixel in the process. As a result, DLP TVs --this model included--create a highly detailed grayscale image. The HL-T5075S has a 2,500-to-one contrast ratio, which isn't nearly as impressive as some of Samsung's newer, more advanced models, which boast a 10,000-to-one ratio.

Not that the HL-T5075's contrast is terrible. All DLP HDTVs tend to deliver nicely dark blacks and bright whites, just by the nature of their technology, and this model is no exception. It's just a little more washed out than some higher-end models. The picture is impressive, due in part to the combination of Samsung's Cinema Smooth light engine and its Digital Natural Image engine, which combine to sharpen the image while smoothing out the pixelization.

The color on this model pops like you hope an HDTV would, and the fast-moving color wheel cuts down on image blur. Even though the screen isn't huge, it's a good unit for sports fans. We checked out both baseball and football games, and the HL-T5075 DLP TV delivered smooth, streak-free action and crisp detail on the tight shots.

The audio performance is above average for internal speakers. Samsung's SRS TruSurround XT really does sound similar to a traditional surround sound system, while using just two speakers. And an audio volume limiter reduces the loud crackling that can happen when you change channels. The Samsung HL-T5075S DLP HDTV comes with only two HDMI inputs, but at least they're mounted on the side rather than the back for easier access. The set is only 13.4 inches deep, which is fairly compact for a DLP TV.

This unit may not have the best-looking picture or biggest screen, but overall, the 50-inch Samsung HL-T5075S DLP HDTV is a moderately priced, entry-level DLP model.

Pros: Price; smooth, detailed images
Cons: Small screen; 780p resolution; moderate contrast

Warranty
1 year, limited