Samsung HL-S56769W

Tour around the Display

The display itself is nicely sized and all black, with the exception of a “coin” located dead center below the screen. This doubles as the power switch/operations monitor – accompanied by a read or blue glow, depending upon the mode (when turned off, a weak fan spins up for a short time). The black color makes the overall set seem even smaller than it is – the bezel “pushing” the picture out, almost as if it were standing there on its own without any support.

The black is feature laden: two 1080p-compatible HDMI inputs (one with accompanying audio if using a DVI-converted in); two Components and the lesser S-Video and Composite; and analog audio ins and outs (and an optical out) – plus a Cable-CARD slot; two 1394 IEEE for digital devices, such as a D-HVS recorder; as well as an RS-232 port for custom installation-type control; a PC input (VGA type); and  an audio input. Even a “Wiselink” is included, which will play JPEG photos and MP3 music – why companies reinvent names instead of just calling it a USB port remains a mystery – but its rear placement means you’ll rarely use it unless an extension is added.

A set of basic controls is also found on the side, as well as Composite video and analog audio ins of quick connections to a camcorder or game console, and another “Wiselink” port.

Setup/Ease of Use

It’s worth nothing first that the weight is miniscule enough that one person could probably lift it – provided that a handhold was designed for this (which there wasn’t). But the point is that it’s lighter and has less depth than similarly sized DLP models, and so allows for more placement options.

It’s rare that a manual is understood the first time it’s read, but the book-sized one included is written from a simple and sensible point of view that is easy to follow. Bringing up menus is handled by an interface running along the bottom of the screen, with selections from pictographs bringing up the various functions: These are exactly what you thing they are, as regards setting inputs (naming them if desired) and imaging to personal preferences (color adjustments being possible). Understanding how to access still photos and music is also quickly assimilated. As usual, I set everything to “normal” and turned off digital video enhancements.

The remote is similar to the Samsung Blu-ray player’s: It fits well in the hand and has easy-to-access controls. It’s bigger than most, but the layout is well thought out, even though the dark buttons don’t have backlighting and don’t even glow (yes , the “Source” button lights up each time a control is accessed, but that doesn’t rally improve on things). Used in conjunction with the translucent onscreen menus (featuring text messages and even some animation), it’s easy enough to make changes. TV Guide On Screen is also included and offers no surprises in use – provided you are working with an off-air antenna or Cable-CARD. Otherwise, it’s an added value feature for the future.

Display Displaying

The set comes up very fast, and colors lock in almost immediately. The biggest problem with HD sets in general seems to be that the better the set, the more it highlights the flaws in standard definition. This is also true of the HL-S5679W, as watching satellite-quality SD TV is really a drag – the characteristic problems making you want to stop watching entirely. Colors look very good through, and the set does a great job of trying to work past SD’s problems.

Switching to an HD channel on my DISH satellite receiver makes a world of difference, and it’s here that the Samsung pushes the envelope of quality color representation. This is also evident when playing 480p standard-def DVDs: For example, in The Fifth Element I could see slight yellow highlights in faces that just weren’t noticeable before – proclaiming the set’s abilities to render color gradations in a superior fashion.

Switching to the Toshiba HDA1 and Warner’s HD-DVD of The Adventures of Robin Hood gives Technicolor and high resolution a combined workout. While some film grain is evident (the film’s no spring chicken), moving back about six feet from the set lest the lushness of Technicolor wash over you, and it shows off the set’s color capabilities extremely well. Technicolor flesh tones do seem a bit ruddy compared to what we know and accept today, but the ability of the set to resolve both the resolution and the color palette is evident. Two Warner cartoons in high-def are included as well (Rabbit Hood being a particular favorite), and they look even better – as the purer colors really stand out. Plus, background details show through as subtle but evident.

As to sound, the two stereo speakers are hidden horizontally along the bottom and are okay for casual use. There are audio presets and customization – with a nice feature that keeps the volume constant so that when a commercial comes on, it stays at the same level as the show it’s following.

Final Take

Everyone who was asked to take a look found the view amazingly good – and there aren’t any brightness problems, even in a well-lit room. Contrast is fine as well, even though it is rated quite less than other models of its size – and light fall-out is not an issue as long as you aren’t viewing from an extreme edge or standing above the set, looking down. There are a lot of advantages to losing the light and color wheel, although you do pay a premium for this. But having a vibrant color palette makes for a powerful viewing experience. And don’t let anyone tell you that 1080p doesn’t make a difference! Seeing is believing.

Specifications

HS-S5679W 56” LED Engine Widescreen DLP HDTV 1920 x 1080 16:9 Widescreen 4000:1 Contrast Ratio 10 watts x 2 stereo speakers Dimensions: 52:4” (W) x 37.9” (H) x 15.3”(D) Weight: 90.5 lbs. MSRP: $4,199 Samsung www.samsung.com