Firmware update for the Samsung PN50A650

In early August 2008, Samsung released a firmware update for the company's PN50A650 flat-panel plasma TV. The update is designed to address the fact that the TV couldn't pass the test for proper 1080i deinterlacing. After the update, according to our testing of both the previous firmware and the new version, the TV can pass the test with the new firmware. To download and install the update on your PN50A650, check out the full instructions on Samsung's Web site.

According to the company, the new firmware will be present in models that should hit stores in late August. PN50A650 models bought or stocked before then will likely have the old firmware. To check the firmware version on your TV, follow these instructions:

1. Hit "Menu" on the remote
2. Select the "Setup" menu
3. Highlight the "SW Upgrade" option
4. Press the "Info" key on the remote

Information will appear in the gray stripe at the bottom on the page. Here's what showed up on the PN50A650 sample we reviewed prior to the update:

MODULE: T-TPZAUSC-"1001.2", DATE:PANEL:50, MICOM: T-AMBAUSM-1000 RFS:T-TPZAUSC-20080416, 2008-04-17

The firmware version appears in quotes. Models with the above firmware version will not pass the test for deinterlacing, while models that have the updated firmware, version 1004.1, will pass.