Audio Video News

Widescreen Digital Light Processing displays are dropping in price, thanks in no small way to companies like Samsung Electronics. On May 31, Samsung announced two new high-definition rear-projection DLP screens that should get the attention of movie fans everywhere.

Not exactly flatscreens, the 43" and 50" (measured diagonally) models are 15" and 18" deep respectively. Neither are they lightweights, tipping the scales at 75 and 84 lbs. respectively. Both tabletop models---the HLM437W and the HLM507W---incorporate Texas Instruments' next-generation DLP technology and the new DVI (digital video interface) HDTV interface for what Samsung calls "stunning picture quality that rivals any display technology on the market today."

Having made their official debut at Home Entertainment 2002 at the New York Hilton, both new models are "true digital displays, incorporating the new DVI interface that enables an all-digital rendering without the image loss associated with an analog interface," according to Samsung. The technology used in the sets will be "compatible with future terrestrial receivers of all types, including Samsung's new generation of HDTV set top boxes and satellite receivers," advance publicity states.

Samsung's DLP televisions include multiple widescreen format inputs, DVD progressive scan input, 15 pin D-sub computer input, and "3/2 pull down," a correction technique that yields more natural images from film-originated sources. The sets feature dual tuners for picture-in-picture convenience, with user-controllable sizing and positioning options for the second screen including side-by-side twin picture mode.

"Viewers get the best of all possible worlds: the theatre-like experience of a projection TV in a manageable size, the defined picture of a direct-view TV, and the large screen sizes of a plasma display at less than half the cost," said Steve G. Panosian, senior marketing manager for Samsung's Visual Display Group. "We are delighted to be working with Texas Instruments and are extremely impressed by the ability of DLP technology to deliver not only clear, sharp images but also the affordability the market demands."

The HLM437W and HLM507W operate at true 720 x 1280-pixel high definition resolution. An advanced format converter changes all incoming signals to this high-resolution format before display. The result is sharper, clearer pictures from any analog source, and total high definition clarity when HD signals are applied to the wideband component (Y, Pb, Pr) inputs or the DVI HDTV interface. Audio features include inboard 30-watt stereo systems. Digital image enhancement techniques such as a 3D Y/C digital comb filter, compensate for different video formats by digitally expanding the picture to fill the screen when necessary. Operating menu appears as an advanced translucent onscreen display. A universal remote control is standard with each unit.

Available later this summer, the 43" HLM437W will carry a suggested list price of $3,999.99; the 50" HLM507W will sell for $4,499.99.