Samsung SAMPPS50A558S1F Review

 

The Samsung SAMPPS50A558S1F

The unconventionally named SAMPPS50A558S1F is a 50-incher plasma released in 2008 by Samsung, and is also known in some countries as the PS50A558S. It is the European version of the PN50A550 available in the US and other jurisdictions – both are recent series 5 releases with almost identical specifications.

Design

Like its US cousin, the SAMPPS50A558S1F is a handsome-looking HDTV with full 1080p HD resolution. With a slim profile and an almost-unadorned black glossy finish, this TV looks a tad more elegant than most of the glossy black sets that came out last year. Only the Samsung logo adorns the relatively thick bezel, with the bottom frame concealing the down-firing speakers. The minimalist yet swivelling stand completes the stylish look of this plasma.

The redesigned Samsung remote controller and menu system are largely for the better with just little downsides. The backlit clicker has just the right size buttons placed logically in the medium sized wand with tapered lower end. It’s nicely designed clicker except for the glossy finish, which isn’t at all advisable for a frequently hand-held gadget. The new menu is likewise sleek and well designed, with large and easy-to-read text set against transparent background. The inclusion of context-dependent options is a nice touch, but picture-setting controls are a little bit confusing.

Screen/picture clarity

Two important aspects that the PS50A558S shares with other series 5 Samsungs are the impeccable picture quality and deep blacks that it delivers. The convincing blacks that come with excellent shadow details give even the top-tier plasmas a run for their money. Even better is the impressive colour accuracy from this plasma, which brought hues nearly identical to the reference colours after calibration. The inky blacks and superb colours deliver punchy pictures that are not only vibrant and sharp, but also natural-looking.

The superior video processing engine of the PS50A558S resolves 1080p, deinterlaces 1080i materials, and up-scales lower resolution HD sources without difficulties. Images are cleaner, relatively free from noise thanks to the effective noise reduction and image optimisers of Samsung. Even standard-def sources like DVD and Freeview looks good, with the rendered images just a little on the soft side. Screen uniformity and off-angle viewing are also quite good, though the FilterBright anti-reflective screen seems not able to absorb ambient lighting and thus, shows distracting reflections.

Features

Aside from the native resolution of 1920 X 1080, the PS50A558S also has 100hz. frame rates for better motion handling; integrated digital tuner; picture-in-picture; anti-burn technology; power-saving modes, and an assortment of picture adjustments controls. Connectivity includes three HDMIs, two Scarts, PC input, USB port and a host of component and composite input/output jacks, for most HDTV requirements.

One of the more affordable plasmas in its size class, the SAMPPS50A558S1F also is a great all-around performer that makes it popular with more experienced HDTV users. Though most of these users are budget-conscious, performance still plays the most significant criteria in their selection. Thus, these users opt for the exceptional performance at a wallet-friendly price offered by the PS50A558S.

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