The Samsung 54 models, the HP-T5054 and HP-T4254, are excellent value, entry level 720p high definition option for plasma HDTV shoppers. It’s high bestselling status and good user reviews with Amazon point to general agreement. The plasma panel delivers an impressive 15,000:1 contrast ratio and there is a wide range of picture quality enhancement factors. With their Game Mode feature these models have been attractive to gamers.

These latest plasma panels from Samsung have a 60,000 hour rated panel life which is 27 years of life if you are watching for 6 hours every day. An ATSC tuner is integrated for capturing over-the-air digital broadcasts. There is also a good range of connection options including 3x HDMI.

Factors improving the picture quality from previous models are the 18-bit processing capability and Samsung’s FilterBright technology. Greater 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. Deeper blacks bring out more detail in darker scenes.

Samsung’s Silhouette Edition Technology (False Contour Reduction)

False contouring (also referred to as solarization or posterization) is an artefact type which produces splotchy, distinct section 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 curvy surface, like a face. Innovative motion-estimating technology multi-tones the bright and dark parts on each angle of a line.

The higher 18-bit bit depth also naturally reduces the likelihood of false contouring through increasing the number of available colors for rendering images.

Picture Modes

Both the Samsung HP-T5054 and HP-T4254 have a number of modes for picture quality adjustment. Movie Mode adjusts the color temperature to deliver warm, mellow picture, ideal for watching movies. There are also Dynamic and Standard modes and a special Detail mode for fine-tuning a variety of settings to suit personal tastes.

The mode of interest to gamers is Game Mode which enhances dark areas, sharpens the picture, boosts the image processing response and enhances the sounds of games being played.

Other Notable Features

• 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-shifting technology is included with both models to prevent the burn-in that plasma panels have been prone to.
• 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.
• Both models are Energy Star compliant.
• SRS Lab’s TruSurround XT technology is included to simulates the surround sound field of a home theatre using only the two 10W 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

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

Other Samsung Plasma Model Options - HP-T5064 and HP-T4264 Models

If you would like the flexibility to display photos or play mp3s on your Samsung plasma then the next model range up the 64 range (HP-T5064 and HP-T4264) have a USB connection. Otherwise the specification is exactly the same with some minor cosmetic design differences.

Customer Reviews and Pricing Comparisons

Both the Samsung HPT5054 50-inch Plasma HDTV and Samsung HPT4254 42-inch Plasma HDTV have been Best Sellers with Amazon scoring some good ratings in customer reviews.

Samsung’s Extended Service Plan

Extended Service Plan

Check prices at Buy.com for;

Samsung HP-T5054 - 50 Widescreen Plasma HDTV - 15,000:1 Contrast Ratio - 720p - Built-in HDTV Tuner

Samsung HP-T4254 - 42 Widescreen Plasma HDTV - 720p - 15,000:1 Contrast Ratio - Black

Resources

HP-T5054 User Manual

Samsung’s FAQ for plasma TVs web page.

Specification Samsung HP-T5054 and HP-T4254 Plasma 720p HDTV

Screen Size 50 inch / 42 inch
Aspect Ratio 16:9
Resolution 720p / 1365 x 768 pixels
Contrast Ratio 15000:1
Viewing Angle over 175º (H/V)
DNIe Yes
Sound Effect System SRS TruSurround XT
Sound Output(RMS) 10W x 2
Picture-in-Picture Yes (1 Tuner)
Tuners ATSC, NTSC, Clear QAM