Samsung HL-T5687S - New Slim Depth DLP HDTV
Written: Mar 20 '08 (Updated Mar 29 '08)
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Pros: Great picture, much better than the 1st generation model
Cons: Lacks native 24fps. 3-D Capabilities may never be realized. Samsung supports Sucks!
The Bottom Line: I love the DLP technology.
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| scapp70's Full Review: Samsung HL-T5687S 56 in. HDTV DLP TV |
This DLP model is of the second generation from Samsung with LED technology installed rather than the color wheel. I had owned the first model HL-S5679W, and I had greatly enjoyed an amazing experience with that model. When the TV started to malfunction, Samsung had replaced that first generation with this new 2007 model.
This TV is a bit slimmer, a smidge lighter in weight and it features a couple of new bells and whistles for us audio/video enthusiasts.
Inputs
The first item we notice is that there is another HDMI input, making three for this model. If I did not have a home theater receiver, these three HDMI inputs would come in very handy indeed. These three HDMI inputs also contain the newest version (HDMI 1.3). What this means is that we can enjoy deeper and truer color while watching our movies and HD programming.
There are also two Component inputs on the monitor. These are the inputs for the three-pronged Red, Blue and Green cables. This kind of input is a step below the HDMI 1.3, but it is sometimes necessary to utilize these inputs. You will need them in the instance of an older DVD model that lacks an HDMI connection. Maybe you're like me and your Wii console makes this connection.
There is also an USB 1.1 connection for a fast and effective connection for your digital memory filled with pictures, music or video. Don't try and hook this up to your computer though, the USB will not recognize it. If there is ever a software update, you can download it to one of these devices and update your TV firmware. There was one firmware update, but by the time I received my monitor, it had already contained it.
There is also 2 S-Video inputs as well as 2 RCA Composite connections. Maybe you still have that old VCR, or perhaps an older video camera that needs to connect. Then you will use these limited video connections.
Video
If you want to maximize the video you receive when using these limited input options such as S-Video or RCA composite, all you need to do is find Film Mode in the SetUp Menu and select ON. This feature automatically maximizes these limited video connections.
Especially when compared with their first generation model, this HL-T5687S has many more picture tweaking options outside of the usual Brightness, Contrast, Sharpness, Color & Tint. Now it includes computer monitor like settings such as Gamma, Dynamic Contrast, White Balance, Black Adjust and detailed Color Control. It feels practically limitless with the amount of tweaking that can be done here, just please remember keep the Sharpness low!
Speaking of the video, this is really among the best that I've seen. Right off the bat I noticed the improvement over the first generation monitor that I owned. It also really depends on what signal you are receiving. I subscribe to Dish Network and my HD picture is stunning with full deep vibrant color. With the SD channels, I nary have seen any broadcasts with the screen door effect. My Blu-Rays make full use of my monitor, using every teensy pixel of the 1080p picture.
Now, my father-in-law owns the larger model, the 61", and I'll tell you the picture he receives from his Time Warner HD cable company is both sad and laughable. You almost want to adjust the rabbit ears or even walk up to the monitor and slap the picture back into a clear video. There is too much noise on the screen even with an HD broadcast. So, if you are looking to make the leap into the HD realm, maybe you should consider more than just a monitor.
This TV handles 480i, 480p, 780p, 1080i and 1080p. Now, your standard definition broadcasts will be in 480i, your DVDs will give you the 480p picture. HD Broadcasts, Xbox 360 games, PS3 games and any leftover HD-DVDs you may have will give you a great 1080i picture. Your Blu-Rays and some PS3 games give you a 1080p picture. Now, when you go to the electronic stores today, the salesmen will try and sell you on something else besides 1080p now also - and that is the 120 MHz bandwidth. There are a few (and more coming) monitors out there such as Sony and Mitsubishi LCD/Plasma monitors with 120 MHz capabilities instead of the 60 MHz. Circuit City even has a cool display of the difference between 60 MHz and 120 MHz, and there is a noticeable difference. Yet on my Samsung DLP, my video never looks as jittery and jagged as the display in Circuit City may have me believe.
Audio
Hopefully, since you are buying this HD monitor you would want to get the most out of it by investing in a great home theater receiver. This is really completing the picture, so to speak. Yet, if you're not ready to go that far, or your wallet needs to fatten up a bit first - don't worry because the HL-T5678S will hold you over until then. This model is equipped with SRS TruSurround XT, a feature that sounds pretty decent, even with those multi-channel broadcasts and DVDs. The TV houses two 10 watt speakers and they deliver a decent audio, with deep rich tones when its called for.
Plus, as with the video - the audio contains ample tweaking room in the easy on-screen menus. This includes balance, an EQ, five different modes, and Automatic Volume Control. It seems like Samsung had thought of it all and covered all the bases. Yet, it still does not compare to a home theater receiver with six or more speakers connected.
Features
Unlike the older DLP technology (and some of the monitors on the market still today), this monitor does NOT contain a color wheel. The color wheel technology is archaic when compared to the LED light source which is contained in this particular model, as well as the rest of Samsung's DLP monitors. The LED Engine Technology totally eliminates the rainbow effect that is congruent with all DLP monitors that still house the color wheel technology. Samsung named this technology Cinema Smooth. The LED powered light is also much more cost efficient and energy saving. It had even earned it's own EnergyStar sticker seal of approval. It will cost you less than $50 per year to run this monitor.
Also, when you combine the LED light source with the next generation DLP Texas Instruments chip you get a more life-like picture with deep, rich color and fine detail. One more benefit of the LED technology, is that the bulb life lasts almost seven times the length of those monitors which still house the color wheel. That's 20,000 hours vs. 3,000 hours.
This monitor does not support the native 24 frames per second, which some Blu-Ray machines are capable of. Yet the technology accepts the 24fps signal and converts it to 60fps so that the picture stays smooth and sharp with no jagged edges to the pixels.
Sometime last year in 2007, there was some talk about a Blu-Ray player coming out with 3-D capabilities for the home. It sounds kind of exciting, although I seriously cannot fathom it. This model claims to be 3-D Ready, although I do not have the means to test it out. Since CES 2008 has come and gone and there was no mention of any 3-D capability Blu-Ray players, this is something that will probably never be realized. There are a couple of gadgets that you can buy to experience the 3-D, but it's too costly right now, and the technology available is said to be not too advanced.
Overall
Despite the apparent decline of support that the DLP technology is getting from electronic companies, I still prefer it at this point. It’s price keeps getting better, but so does the technology. You would be hard-pressed to experience a better picture than what this DLP model can offer. In my experience, one of the main reasons that the DLP doesn’t catch on as much as the Plasma and LCD models is probably because it can’t hang on your wall like a painting. DLP technology is still rear-projection, but these models just keep getting more and more slim. This model is just a little bit over a foot thick, and it weighs less than some LCDs and Plasma Screens of the same size. Another downside is that because the DLP is getting less attention than the other two big HD technologies, so is the support from Samsung. Samsung support sucks anyway, but don’t expect any future software firmware updates anytime soon. But it keeps coming back to the money and the performance – LCD and Plasma just can’t touch it. I hope that DLP makes a comeback sometime down the line.
Video
Screen Size 56"
Aspect Ratio 16:9
Resolution 1,920 x 1,080
Contrast Ratio 10,000:1
DNIe™ Yes
Digital Noise Reduction Yes
Native Resolution 1080P
AUDIO
Sound Effect System TruSurround XT
Sound Output(RMS) 10W x 2
Input & Output(Side)
HDMI 3
Composite (AV) 2
S-Video 2
Headphone No
Input & Output (Back)
HDMI No
Composite (AV) No
S-Video No
PC input (D-sub) No
Component(Y/Pb/Pr) No
Input & Output(Wireless)
Bluetooth No
802.11 No
Feature
Picture-in-Picture No
System
Tuners NTSC / ATSC / Clear QAM
Price $2.299,99
Dimension Set size(WXHXD) 50.4" x 34.9" x 14.0" (inch)
Package size(WXHXD) 55.1" x 39.9" x 18.5" (inch)
Weight Set weight 69.0 Lbs.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 0.00
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scapp70
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Member: Michael Scapp
Location: NYC
Reviews written: 429
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"Everyone has a plan until they are hit." - Evander Holyfield
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