Samsung has established itself as a leader in the DLP space, and this year saw the introduction of several lines of DLP sets from the Korean giant. The 89 series is the company's step up models of sets including HL-T5089S. While the price has fallen since the introduction of this 50-inch set, the MSRP is still a tad high and actually comparable with similar sized 1080p flat panel plasma and LCD sets.

But this still doesn't mean that DLP is on the way out. While rear projection HDTVs of all technologies are feeling the pinch from the falling price of flat panel sets, the DLP technology still offers many benefits. At a foot deep, these sets may not be wall-mountable, but most consumers aren't exactly wall-mounting those plasma sets, either.

The biggest benefit of the HL-T5089S is that it could be a set that you'll be enjoying for a very long time. The entire 89 series features the latest in LED technology, and this is a major leap forward. This new light engine replaces the traditional arc lamp and color wheel that has been used for years with DLP sets. This lamp gives off far less heat, and thus the set doesn't need a fan so the power consumption will be considerably less. OK, so you might not notice a major reduction in your electric bill, but with rising energy prices every penny counts.

More importantly (and most impressively) the LED engine should last the life of the set, and this means no bulb replacement. While actual results may vary, the set should be good for 60,000 or more hours--meaning that you could be enjoying the 2016 Olympic games on this set, along with every World Series and Super Bowl from now until then. And while you'll get to see the various national flags and colorful sports team uniforms in the decade to come, one thing you won't see are any rainbows--a common problem with other DLP technologies--unless you're watching a film about Leprechauns.

This is because the new LED technology has successfully resolved the issue of "rainbowing" which had plagued some DLP set owners, who often saw a slight rainbow effect on the edges of the set. With no color wheel spinning around, there is no rainbow. Instead you can get a great picture with very good black levels and lifelike colors.

The HL-T5089S features a native resolution of 1,920x1,080 this set can display every pixel of content for 1080p and 1080i, and scale 720p source material. The result is an excellent picture regardless of the HD source, whether it is from broadcast, cable or dish, or even from the latest optical formats including Blu-ray and HD-DVD. This 50-inch model also features Samsung's Cinema Smooth engine with a 10,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio to provide a picture with high contrast and brightness, while the Digital Natural Image engine further provides a sharp, clear picture.

The 89 series offers multiple mode settings that ensure the best possible pictures, whether you're watching live sports, movies or even playing a video game. The HL-T5089S offers a special game mode, which actually enhances the dark areas and sharpens the picture, plus speeds up the response time to meet the demands of today's cutting edge gaming technology, and this set can display games in 3D using compatible glasses and video card from a PC.

Movie buffs will be pleased with how the 3:2 pull down handles film content from a variety of sources, and while the HDTV source material looked simply stunning, we liked how the HL-T5089S was able to display standard definition 480i content. Whatever source you want, Connectivity-wise this step up model isn't short on options.

The HL-T5089S features NTSC/ATSC tuners built in, and this model features three HDMI inputs along with DVI audio in, dual S-Video input and dual composite video inputs. There are two RF inputs, along with one RCA video output. There are stereo RCA audio output and optical audio outputs as well. This set features a single USB input for viewing digital photos from a thumb drive, plus a single PC input.

The HL-T5089S includes two built-in 10-watt speakers, which are SRS TruSurround XT compatible, and do a reasonable job of simulating the 5.1 multi-channel experience. We liked that this set features an auto volume leveler, which keeps the sound level consistent during channel changing.

With all these advance features about the only major complaint with this set might not seem like much of a bargain with falling prices for plasma and LCD. While we like the slim bezel, piano black cabinet this series doesn't have the lowest of profiles or sleekest footprints. But if you want a set that should last a very long time and offers a great picture the HT-L5089S delivers, even if it is by an extra foot.

Pros: Three HDMI inputs, 3D game compatible
Cons: Not the thinnest DLP on the block, heavy

Warranty
1 year, limited, parts and labor (in-home service)