The HP-T5054 is the entry-level 50-inch plasma HDTV in Samsung's new 2007 line-up. While it features some design differences from the next model up the ladder, the HP-T5054 includes some welcome improvements in picture quality compared to previous Samsung plasma HDTVs. If you want to view JPEG images from a digital camera without a computer connection, we suggest taking a look at the HP-T5064, which adds a USB port. Otherwise, the HP-T5054 has much to recommend.

The HP-T5054 displays all incoming signals at its native resolution of 1,366x768. This unit's 720p HD display can't match the resolution of high-end 1,080p plasma HDTVs, but for casual viewing, the differences are negligible. The HP-T5054's 18-bit processing ensures that blacks are deep and whites pop off the screen. Samsung's FilterBright anti-reflection technology maintains the excellent contrast whether you are watching in the dark or in a room with substantial ambient light, and the Digital Natural Image engine (DNIe) improves color performance and ensures small details are visible even in shadowy areas of an image.

The HP-T5054 is proving especially popular with gamers, and with good cause. Game Mode enhances the dark areas, speeds up image processing response times and enhances the sounds of video games. Samsung's auto-pixel-shift technology is an effective counter to picture burn-in, even during long gaming sessions.

While the overall picture quality of the HP-T5054 is impressive, the integrated audio system is somewhat disappointing. The built-in stereo speakers deliver 20 total watts of output, but the sound comes across as tinny and thin compared to other plasma TVs of this size. We highly recommend connecting the HP-T5054 to a surround sound system. Another complaint is the included tabletop stand, which feels cheaply constructed and flimsy, so we would favor wall-mounting this plasma HDTV.

The included remote is logically designed and can easily be programmed to control your other brand-name components. The HP-T5054 is also a breeze to set up, and programming and navigating the menu system is quick and intuitive. The TV features an integrated ATSC tuner, so you can watch over-the-air and cable HD content without the need for an external HD receiver, and the QAM tuner and CableCARD slot make the HP-T5054 fully digital cable-ready. There is a PIP function, but since the HP-T5054 has only a single tuner, you need to connect a second video source to enable this feature.

The HP-T5054 offers plenty of connectivity options, including three HDMI inputs, three S-video inputs, two component video inputs and two RF inputs. There is also a PC input for viewing content from your home computer.

Despite some quibbles, the Samsung HP-T5054 is a well-equipped plasma HDTV with a bright display and a reasonable price tag.


Pros: Multiple enhancement functions for improved picture quality, PC input, excellent gaming features, digital cable-ready
Cons: Single-tuner PIP, weak audio, flimsy pedestal stand

Warranty
2 years, parts and labor