As one of the top manufacturers in the category, Samsung is a solid choice for a plasma HDTV, and the HP-T5064 is no exception. This 50-inch set boasts a sleek look that will dress up any room. The screen blends into the mirrored black bezel as if it was one piece, and the tapered edges add a unique design element that is very pleasing.

Samsung includes a number of proprietary technologies to produce a better picture. DNIe (Digital Natural Image engine) enhances the picture to generate crystal-clear images that capture minute detail. The FilterBright antiglare screen enhances contrast for clearer images, although it unfortunately still allows some annoying glares even from limited ambient light. Even with the glare, however, the HP-T5064's 15,000:1 contrast ratio turns out much deeper and richer blacks, correcting a common shortcoming with flat panel TVs. Not only do you get deeper blacks with the HP-T5064, but the shadow detail is also better than average.

While you probably agree that two speakers do not a home theater make, the HP-T5064's SRS TruSurround XT does a good job if you don't want to fire up all of your home theater components. Whether you choose to use the internal speakers or connect to a multichannel surround system, the speakers don't detract from the HP-T5064's overall design. The speakers are packed into a narrow groove along the bottom of the bezel and appear more as a design element than a working part of the TV.

Thankfully, Samsung includes three HDMI inputs on the HP-T5064. One is located on the side panel for easy access, along with a composite video input, an S-video input and a headphone jack. For your permanent components like a cable box, DVD player and game console, the rear of the HP-T5064 has two HDMI inputs, an S-video input, a PC input and two component video inputs, among others. There are also built-in tuners for ATSC, NTSC and clear QAM signals.

Whatever the signal, the HP-T5064 is the perfect set if you like to tweak the brightness, contrast and other picture settings. There's an easy menu for adjusting the picture that makes sure all the settings are right for the room's lighting.

Samsung offers televisions in all sizes and price ranges, and even its middle-of-the-line models deliver enough extras to make them worth considering. The HP-T5064 is proof that you can get a lot of plasma HDTV for a relatively affordable price.


Pros: Rich black levels, plenty of picture setting options, sleek design looks impressive in any room
Cons: Antiglare technology doesn't reduce all reflections

Warranty
1 year, limited