Samsung 50 inch FP-T5084 and 58 inch FP-T5884 Full HD 1080p Plasma HDTV

Samsung’s 84 models (FP-T5884 and FP-T5084) are Samsung’s 1080p plasma Full HD models. They have a top 10 bestselling status and good user reviews with Amazon. Contrast ratio is one of the primary factors for good picture quality and these plasma televisions deliver an impressive 15,000:1. To further enhance picture quality Samsung have provided a wide range of picture quality enhancement functions. Gamers will especially appreciate their Game Mode.

Samsung 58 inch FPT5884 plasma HDTV

Picture quality has improved from previous models through the adoption of 18-bit processing and Samsung’s latest FilterBright technology. The larger bit rate processing capability means that a greater range of colors can be reproduced making more natural of true-to-life images possible. The FilterBright anti-reflection technology light absorbing panel delivers good contrast and deep black images - even when there is considerable ambient light. The deeper blacks bring out more detail in darker scenes.

Silhouette Editing Technology (False Contour Reduction)

False contouring (posterization) is typified by splotchy, distinct sections in what should be gradual gradation of color or shadows. Samsung’s exclusive silhouette-editing technology reduces the false contour effect to deliver clear, sharp images - even on a curved surface, like a face. Motion-estimating technology is used to multi-tone bright and dark parts on each angle of a line.

The higher 18-bit bit depth increases the available colors for rendering and consequently also reduces the likelihood of false contouring.

Picture Modes

Picture adjustment modes available with the Samsung FP-T5884 and FP-T5084 include Color Temperature (for a warm, mellow picture), Dynamic, Standard and a Detail mode for fine-tuning a variety of settings to suit personal tastes.

The mode of interest to gamers is Game Mode which amplifies the contrast in dark areas, enriches bass sounds and quickens the response time to game console creating the best environment.

Plasma Panel Life

The latest plasma panels from Samsung such as the FP-T5884 and FP-T5084 have a 60,000 hour rated panel life (half life) which works out at 27 years if you are watching for 6 hours every day. It pays to remember that the 60,000 hours is determined by a mathematical calculation of phosphor depletion and doesn’t take into account any other components. Most plasma manufacturers are claiming 60,000 hours life. Given how quickly HDTV technology is improving a 60,000 seems a fairly long time.

Other Notable Features

Samsung’s Digital Natural Image (DNle) engine combining four image processors and a six-times density enhancer to deliver optimized on-screen images.
An ATSC tuner is integrated for capturing over-the-air digital broadcasts.
Each model has the V-Chip system which allows parents to block TV programs and movies rated as containing objectionable content.
Samsung’s Auto pixel shift prevents image retention. The image makes unnoticeable shifts automatically, so you won’t have to worry about picture burn-in.
Picture in Picture functionality is present but, only allows you to watch a TV channel in one window and video from a computer or DVD in the other.
Samsung is advertising both models are Energy Star compliant using 25% less electricity. To gain an energy star for new models they will have to achieve a 30% reduction to meet the latest EPA specification for TVs (Nov 2007). Energy usage of your HDTV is worth considering as it typically consumes 10% of a households energy. ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy promoting energy efficiency.
SRS Lab’s TruSurround XT technology is included to simulates the surround sound field of a home theatre using on the twin15W speakers.
Samsung have implemented CEC (Consumer Electronics Control or HDMI-CEC) to make it possible to activate other AV equipment such as a DVD player or game console from the one remote control.
Two year parts and labor warranty

Connections

Both models have an excellent range of connection options.

HDMI connections: 3 (1 side 2 rear)
Component Video A/V Input: 2 (rear)
PC (RGB) input: 1 (rear)
S-Video Inputs: 3 (1 side 2 rear) Composite video input: 1 (side)
RF input: 2 (rear)
Headphone Jack: 1 (side)

Other Samsung Plasma Models to Consider

If you have compared 1080p and 720p displays and would prefer a lower resolution 720p or a 42 inch display size Samsung plasma HDTV then you could consider the Samsung 64 range (HP-T5064 and HP-T4264) which have an identical specification apart from the lower resolution and 10W speakers rather than 15W.

If you also don’t require the ability to display photos or play mp3s on your Samsung plasma then the 54 range (HP-T5054 and HP-T4254) have the same specification as the 84 models apart from the 720p, 10W speakers and no USB connection. There are some minor cosmetic design differences.

Customer Reviews and Price Comparisons

Amazon

Samsung FPT5084 50-inch 1080p Plasma HDTV
Samsung FPT5884 58-inch 1080p Plasma HDTV

Newegg.com

SAMSUNG 50″ 1080P Plasma HDTV FP-T5084
SAMSUNG 58″ 1080p Plasma HDTV FP-T5884

Buy.com

Samsung FP-T5084 - 50 Widescreen 1080p Plasma HDTV w/ ATSC/NTSC Tuner - 15000:1 Contrast Ratio
Samsung FPT5884 58 Widescreen 1080p Plasma HDTV - 15,000:1 Contrast Ratio - Black

Resources

Samsung’s FAQ for FP-T5084
FP-T5084 User Manual (ver 1.0)

FP-T5884 User Manual
FAQ page for FP-T5884

Specification Samsung HP-T5884 and HP-T5084 Plasma 1080p Full HDTV

Screen Size 58 inch / 50 inch
Aspect Ratio 16:9
Resolution 1080p / 1920 x 1080 pixels
Contrast Ratio 15000:1
Viewing Angle over 175º (H/V)
DNIe Yes
Sound Effect System SRS TruSurround XT
Sound Output(RMS) 15W x 2
Picture-in-Picture Yes (1 Tuner)
Tuners ATSC, NTSC, Clear QAM