Samsung HL-S5087W 50-Inch 1080p DLP HDTV
Result of 5 months of careful research
First, let me say that I am not in a place in life where I feel the need to justify a purchase and subsequent expenditure to the world at large via a review. If I felt I have made a mistake of sorts, I would warn other technical soujourners to heed my call and avoid the jagged rocks that ended my High-Def exploration. That being said, this Samsung will blow you away.  I spent at least 5 months going between technologies..Plasma-vs.LCD-vs. LCD projection-vs.DLP.  When I saw this set in the 60\\" at Best Buy I was impressed..but not over Plasma.  But using a HD Tv for movies and Xbox primarily...I went with DLP for the 'no-fear' factor of burn-in issues, color and longevity. Looking at Plasma sets change pictures...I could see 'ghost' images left over from the second before..and LCD screen-door effects are noticable to me. I don't get it...I have always been hyper-alert to details and just KNEW I would be the type that would 'see' things that others can live with...but will drive me slowly insane over time..leaving me rocking and mumbling alone on the florr with my medications in years to come. Anyway...I liked the fact the the only thing that will decay on a DLP is the bulb...and once replaced, the set is a good as new year after year..as opposed to LCD and Plasma reality that things will dim over time...maybe a lot of time..but they will. Okay..High-def decisions made. Sweaty hands clutch the charge card and press in the numbers on line. Done. (PS..I compared prices between 30 storres across the USA. Amazon beat them all with no tax/no shipping. Many chains will SAY no shipping cost....but then just ask about getting a call to alert you your order is coming..and you have to upgrade your shipping...for another $200. Amazon offers TRUE no-cost shipping with white-glove service whichin means a courtesy call so you can meet the delivery at your home)<br /><br />Set arrived and it was lighter in weightthan expected. Unpacked and the finish is incredible...the look is very clean. Read the manual...and understand the picture modes...movie-dynamic-std-custom. With the unit on..the bulb takes about 45 seconds to achieve full brightness. The picture was bright but harsh...the reason was it came on dynamic setting and with a test-DVD movie in..it seemed very high in contrast. I read and dicovered that there are several quick-chioces for room light..and that standard or movie would be best...switched and it was incredible. I also bought a Sony HDMI upconvert DVD player from Amazon...and a HDMI cable from another vendor on the internet. PS...listen to previous posts about cable costs. In the 'old' world of analog..Monster cables are great...and gold connectors, cable braiding, etc makes some difference in the qualnity of electrons getting from point a to point b. But this is digital. Digital o's and 1's either 'get' to their destination or they do not. If there is a connection...it is either 'on' or 'off'. So any cable will work...a $15 dollar HDMI cable will transfer digial info as well as a $125 cable. That is reality.<br /><br />Okay, so now that I discovered the quick buttons for screen brightness and also picture size...I was on the move...learning more. The menu is VERY easy and fun to use. Xbox 360 is scary beautiful....movies are stunning and you cannot believe the color and crisp picture. IT is mesmerizing and hypnotic. I bouth a HD antenna ($38) at Best Buy becaue I am not ready to get a cable package yet. The search function scans and finds all local channels..thenyou can go back an erase all you don't want. PBS is brodcast in HD here and the picture even with a cheap antenna over the air is GORGEOUS! Fox sports also brodcasts in widescreen...720i and its beautiful. Amazing.<br /><br />The USB port on the side finds a jump drive quickly on the 'wiselink' setting and you can show groups your pictures in a slide show faship or one-by-one...its so awesome. The PC connection works well and you now have a 50\\" PC monitor in HD.<br /><br/>I am so jazzed about this Samsung and the new DLP technology. I have friends over who say the color is so bright...so vivid..they were thinking Plasma, but will get this set now. Side-fade is not and issue..you can see the picture in even brighter room light from many angles. And Xbox 360 people...you will passout at the color. Once you go into your game console, set up the High Def setting on Xbox, and on the Samsung set the 'game mode' on. These settings will now be remembered when you turn the game on and select 'Game console' setting on the Samsung's input options. Game detail, color and clarity will take your breath away. Promise. And no burn in worry.....ever.<br /><br />I simly have a 3-way system for sound right now. Twin satellite speaker cubes and a sub-woofer. The Samsungs speakers are 'ok'....but you will want great sound. I simply have a stereo setup for now until I eventually get a surround sound something. (sigh....more research)<br /><br />This Samsung will be the best decision you could make in a technology catagory and you will not be dissapointed. You will need to read the guide (easy to follow) to understand screen brightness quick choice options and other features so you can maximize this amazing devices abilites....but thats only 30 minutes out of your life. Well worth it!  This set will simply blow you away...ever if you are a detail-freak like me who has come to be less-than-impressed with most promises in life...this Samsung truely exceeds everything you thought possible.about this Samsung and the new DLP technology. I have friends over who say the color is so bright...so vivid..they were thinking Plasma, but will get this set now. Side-fade is not and issue..you can see the picture in even brighter room light from many angles. And Xbox 360 people...you will passout at the color. Once you go into your game console, set up the High Def setting on Xbox, and on the Samsung set the 'game mode' on. These settings will now be remembered when you turn the game on and select 'Game console' setting on the Samsung's input options. Game detail, color and clarity will take your breath away. Promise. And no burn in worry.....ever. <br />I simly have a 3-way system for sound right now. Twin satellite speaker cubes and a sub-woofer. The Samsungs speakers are 'ok'....but you will want great sound. I simply have a stereo setup for now until I eventually get a surround sound something. (sigh....more research) <br /> <br />This Samsung will be the best decision you could make in a technology catagory and you will not be dissapointed. You will need to read the guide (easy to follow) to understand screen brightness quick choice options and other features so you can maximize this amazing devices abilites....but thats only 30 minutes out of your life. Well worth it!  This set will simply blow you away...ever if you are a detail-freak like me who has come to be less-than-impressed with most promises in life...this Samsung truely exceeds everything you thought possible.