Samsung’s 76 model range (61 inch HLT6176, 56 inch HLT5676 and 50 inch HLT5076) are attractively priced DLP rear projection DLP full HD (1080p) televisions which feature a clean modern style with a thin 0.8 inch bezel and remarkably slim depth suitable for shelf or wall mounting. Other headline features are the inclusion of SRS TruSurround XT virtual surround sound, built-in NTSC/ ATSC/ Clear QAM tuners, Game Mode, PC input, USB (digital photo display), three HDMI connections and single remote control over other digital devices. Contrast ratio is a significant factor contributing toward picture quality and all the models in the 76 series have an excellent 10,000:1 contrast ratio.

3-D DLP

Samsung’s 76 series DLP RPTVs full HD (1080P) resolution is powered by a Texas Instruments’ 1080P DLP chip. The chip used has over 2 million microscopic tilting mirrors for controlling the light to each of the over 2 million pixels required for 1080p high definition.

The TI DLP chip powering the 76 series also makes all the models DLP 3-D Ready. 3-D is set to be one of the next big must haves of large flat panel televisions. There have been several big 3-D cinema releases in the last year or so including Return of Superman, Meet the Robinsons and Monster House.

For 3-D the Digital Micro-Mirror Device (DMD or DLP chip) generates the left and right views required for stereoscopic imaging. This combined with recent technical innovations in shutter glasses allows users to experience high definition 3-D video on their DLP television set. The shutter glasses ensure that the correct left and right views are displayed to the correct eye.

The 76 series models are projection lamp and color wheel based and thus have the rainbow effect susceptibility of single chip (DMD) DLP projection devices. However, Samsung have significantly reduced the possibility of viewers seeing rainbow effects by using a 5 segment color wheel spinning at a higher 14,400 rpm. Susceptibility to seeing rainbow blur varies with individuals so it’s best to conduct a viewing test in-store before purchase.

Notable Features of Samsung 76 Series UltraSlim DLP RPTVs

• Samsung’s Digital Natural Image (DNle) video processing engine combining four image processors and a six-times density enhancer to deliver optimized on-screen images.
• Auto volume leveler to keep volume consistent during channel changing.
• Cinema Smooth light engine for removing visible pixel structure, accurate shading and better low-light detail.
• V-Chip system which allows parents to block TV programs and movies rated as containing objectionable content.
• 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 included simulates the surround sound field of a home theatre for all multi-channel formats up to 6.1 using on the twin 10W speakers.
• Game Mode which amplifies the contrast in dark areas, enriches bass sounds and quickens the response time to game console creating the best environment.
• 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.
• One year parts and labor warranty

If considering one of the Samsung 76S models it is worth considering the LED backlit Slim DLP HDTV 87S models, HL-T6187S, HL-T5687S and HL-T5087S.

User Reviews and Price Comparisons

Check Amazon for prices and customer reviews for these models;

Samsung HLT6176S 61-Inch UltraSlim 1080p DLP HDTV
Samsung HLT5076S 50-inch UltraSlim 1080p DLP HDTV

Specification Samsung 61 inch HL-T6176, 56 inch HL-T5676 and 50 inch HL-T5076 Slim Depth 1080p DLP HDTV