Test of the Samsung PS50C490 3D plasma TV

Advantages: One of the most inexpensive 3D TVs with a diagonal of 50 inches.

Disadvantages: not a very high resolution among the tested models.

Plasma TV with 3D support, with a diagonal of 50 inches

SOCKETS

HDMI jack, CI slot, SD, composite input pointed sideways, antenna jack, SCART, component, 2 HDMI jacks, D-Sub pointed backwards.

DESIGN FEATURES

In the face of fierce competition, when 3D technology began to march around the world, including America, Samsung also introduced new Full HD TVs with 3D support to the American market. But the peculiarity of this model is that, unlike the vast majority of 3D capable devices on the market, it has HD Ready resolution, not Full HD, which allowed the company to significantly reduce the price compared to analogues and to present the market at the moment, probably the most affordable 3D capable TV.

To view Samsung PS50C490 in the 3D mode you need to buy additional Samsung 3D Active Glasses SSG-2100AB, SSG-2200AR or SSG-2200KR children’s glasses . TV has the ability to swivel on a stand to allow for easy viewing from different points in the room.

Now a little talk about the technical content and the capabilities of the device. It is known that on the plasma screen motion is often a bit choppy. To combat this effect, Samsung has developed advanced technologies, such as 600Hz Subfield Motion technology. It is designed to provide a clear contours of objects in the display of motion, without noticeable digital artifacts.

Often the image on the screen suffers from blurring. That’s why we developed the Clear Image Panel technology for our new plasma TVs. Instead of the usual glass a film filter is used that eliminates image layering and provides higher image clarity and accuracy for virtually any viewing angle. Additionally there is a noise reduction option to make the picture clearer.

Via USB 2 interface.0 you can play multimedia files from an external device.

PICTURE QUALITY

The Samsung PS50C490 showed a big stock of colors and average stock of brightness. The TV viewer can use the following preset picture modes if he/she wishes: “Standard”, “Dynamic”, “Cinema”.

With a 1080p signal from the component input the resolution is about 600 TV lines. Colors are soft, the details of bright and dark scenes are at an average level. Black is deep enough. Almost no digital motion artifacts like combing you can even them out by adjusting the sharpness . The color palette is quite natural.

When inputting a 1080p signal to the HDMI input, the resolution is 660-670 TV lines. When displaying the motion slightly noticeable comb on oblique lines. Flesh colors are quite natural, maybe a little oversaturated. Additional color adjustments are available for tweaking, including a flesh tone adjustment. They allow you to make the color rendition quite natural.

Stock picture in brightness is average, the detail of dark scenes is also on average this parameter can be improved by adjusting gamma .

White objects on a white background are rendered with good detail.

AUDIO QUALITY

To experience the full range of sensations, manufacturers have equipped the Samsung PS50C490 system SRS Theater Sound. It is designed to provide a realistic acoustic environment with rich surround sound. Hidden speakers should make you feel even more like you’re in a real movie theater.

Preset SRS Theater Sound modes are available: Standard, Music, Movie, Clear Voice, Gain. You can take advantage of additional options: True Surround, True Dialog.

A 5-band equalizer is provided for detailed tone adjustment.

Subjectively, the sound of the built-in speaker system is quite powerful, without noticeable distortion, however, the bass is somewhat formal.

When adjusting the volume the corresponding adjustment bar is displayed in the lower left-hand corner in the form of a ring.

SERVICE CAPABILITIES

Large size remote control. Just below its middle are the navigation buttons. The main menu with volumetric icons is displayed on a transparent background on the left side of the screen, but takes up most of the screen.

Features PIP “Picture in Picture” with the ability to set the size, position of the internal picture on the screen, as well as a choice of sound – from large or small picture. With its help, you can watch simultaneously a television signal and a signal from an external source.

An Anynet+ function allows you to use one remote control for all compatible Samsung audio and video devices connected via HDMI.