Samsung HL-P5063W review

Samsung's HL-P5063W is a 50-inch DLP-based rear-projection HDTV. It uses a new Texas Instruments DLP chip, dubbed the HD3. The HL-P5063W is currently available for a relatively low list price of $3,500.

Upside: The HL-P5063W has a high native resolution of 1,280x720, which means it should be able to display every pixel of 720p HDTV material. The connectivity suite is ample, with an HDMI port, a DVI port, a VGA input, and two component-video inputs. Unlike some LCD-based rear-projection TVs, the HL-P5063W is also designed to accept computer signals.

Downside: Unlike more-expensive sets, the HL-P5063W lacks both an HDTV tuner and a CableCard slot, so you'll need a set-top box if you want to watch HDTV or digital cable. Its HD3 DLP chip is physically smaller than the HD2+ chip found in other DLPs, which could result in lower contrast ratio and a slightly softer image. And as with all DLP TVs, you should be aware that some people may notice rainbow effects.

Outlook: With its relatively low price, the HL-P5063W is among the most attractive of the DLP-based microdisplay HDTVs out there.