Samsung HLP5063W 50

• Reviewed by: Uncle Puppy

  Strengths: Picture quality; Menus are easy to navigate; Plenty of inputs; Light-weight cabinet.

  Weaknesses: I would prefer the cabinet to be completely black.

  Overall: I have had this monitor for just over a year now I and have been satisfied with the quality and performance since the date of purchase. I just recently had HD satalite installed and the picture quality is superb! I use the monitor for everything from DVD viewing to video games to HD television. I'm not real crazy about this new 'silver cabinet' trend for television monitors, but since they all seem to be heading in that direction I can't really complain too much. One of the other reviews I read for this monitor stated a problem with 'screen smudges in colder temperatures'. I just recently noticed it but only because I was looking for it. I think the one thing that Samsung could have included on this monitor to make it perfect would be a memory card reader for photo viewing, but other than that, this is a wonderful monitor and I feel you can't go wrong with a Samsung!

• Reviewed by: ColinDFW

  Strengths: Very light and compact for such a big screen. Picture is incredible. Less costly than the comparable Sony LCD unit and any similar plasmas.

  Weaknesses: Makes funny Atari 2400 like noises when turned off and on.

  Overall: The TV looks outstanding on and off. The matching TR-63 stand is very roomy for AV components. Picture is very vivid in color and contrast. I have not noticed the rainbow effect like some people have mentioned. Lamp does need to warm up and cool down but the time required is really trivial. The picture brightness fades if your viewing position moves from eye level to higher to lower positions. Does not fade from left to right however which was a major problem with the older CRT rear projections. XBox and PS2 look awesome using component cables and there is no worry of burn in. Very happy with my decision to go with the Samsung. This is my first and probably not Samsung product to purchase.

• Reviewed by: surlypenguin

  Strengths: The PQ (picture quality) is stunning. Tweaks and programming easy to perform via pull down menus through the remote.

  Weaknesses: Major audio sync issues, only one HDMI input, lose of PQ at the slightest up/down angle

  Overall: I bought this television to watch DVD's in a movie like setting, and was shocked at the audio sync problem. After reading several post on some hi-def forums, I realized this is a widespread problem. I think I have fixed it by buying a DVD player which up-converts the signal to 720p (the TV's native resolution), but as this is a third generation set, I really feel this problem should have been addressed by Samsung. Apparently this problem was even worse in earlier versions. As I have no high def connection at the time, I can only hope this problem doesn't carry over when I make the switch. Also, I have heard about complaints some people have had with smudges on the screen when the TV is in colder temps, although I have not experienced this myself. If you're on the fence about which direction to go concerning an HDTV, I'd check out some hi-def forums. I feel that although DLP has a superior PQ, it also has some problems which, when you're spending $2000 for a television, should have been solved by now.

• Reviewed by: rpbvanwa

  Strengths: Great picture for the price, easy to set up.

  Weaknesses: None found thus far.

  Overall: I've researched for 4 months for a wide screen TV. Cost was a factor, but not the decisive factor. Plasma is gorgeous, but size/price comparison leaves it lacking as well as the thought of throwing it away when the gasses are used up knocked it out of the race. LCD's cost to size was equally as bad so that left DLP. Samsung isn't an unfamiliar name in electronics and although Panasonic and Mitsubishi are more well known to me the price difference between these three brands was enormous so I decided on the Samsung with an extended warranty. So far I'm very pleased.

• Reviewed by: rmoritz

  Strengths: Absolutely great HD picture (with no adjustments from out of the box).Regular TV is very good when viewed from more than 8 feet away (source: DirectTV sat).

  Weaknesses: Sound is average (clarity of voices).Remote control is average for ease of use.

  Overall: Very pleased with performance overall; just wish DirectTV had more High Def broadcasts (their recent commercials imply they soon will). Clarity of HD is fantastic. I'm in too remote an area to pick up local HD channels without an outdoor antenna, so I do not get local stations in HD (use DirectTV sat for that). We bought a credenza to put the TV on, and it looks great in our family room. Recommend getting good surround sound speakers to enjoy audio.